This article is devoted to the problem in which your Android phone or tablet does not want to be updated "over the air", i.e. via WiFi. We will look at the main reasons and what to do in this case.
This article is suitable for phones and tablets of all manufacturers of Android devices: Samsung, LG, Sony, Huawei, Xiaomi, HTC, ZTE, Fly, Alcatel and others. We are not responsible for your actions.
Quite often there is a situation when Android is updated "over the air". But not all users prefer such an OTA upgrade, as it can be expensive and not secure when using mobile traffic. During the update, failures may occur (the update did not download successfully, the battery is discharged).
Let's look at how you can enable and disable Android updates over the air with or without root rights. We will also study the question of why the Android firmware is not being updated by OTA.
First you need to do:
- Before the process of updating the operating system, you should 100% charge the gadget's battery.
- Before starting the update, you need to save contacts, programs, information, etc. in a separate place. Often, after an update, all this can simply be lost.
There are the following ways to update Android to the latest version:
- Auto.
- Semi-automatic.
- Using a computer.
Why are there no updates for Android?
The most common reason for not updating Android is the end of support by the device manufacturer and the obsolescence of the gadget. Android developers are forced to work on compatibility issues with a large number of devices by creating additional drivers. Because of this update, it is often only available for the latest models of devices, flagships of the series.
Other reasons for the lack of over-the-air updates include:
- Google services crash.
- Out of memory on the device. The update just has nowhere to install. In this case, a corresponding message appears.
- Hardware faults leading to the failure of individual components.
- The use of unofficial software. Installing applications from dubious sources, installing custom recovery and firmware.
It is also important to understand that the new firmware is distributed among users gradually, starting from the region where the product is bound. Even if a friend's Android update has already happened, this is not a reason for troubleshooting, you need to wait a little longer.
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Only Nexus models in the line of different brands are timely and regularly updated. Owners of other devices need to wait for information about whether the new version will support their gadgets, and when updates will be published - in a week or several months.
Automatic and manual Android update
Often, a notification about the availability of updates appears when you connect to the Internet. They can be downloaded and installed via mobile traffic or Wi-Fi. If other users have already installed the new firmware, but nothing works for you, you can request the update again:
- Open the settings.
- Go to the "About device" menu.
- We select "System update".
- Click "Check for updates".
If there are updates for the device, then click "Download". It is much preferable to use a Wi-Fi internet connection. So that when the gadget is reinstalled it is not discharged, when the battery is low, we connect the charger to it.
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If the update does not come, but your device model supports the new version, you need to force the receipt of the update:
- Open the settings.
- Go to the "Applications" menu
- In the "All" section, open the "Google Service Framework".
- There you should erase the data and clear the cache.
- Check again for updates.
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If a proprietary control program is supplied by the manufacturer along with the device, then it can be used to get Android updates. The screenshot below shows the Samsung Kies program. Other brands have their own software.
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When the gadget is connected to Android, the program window will display a list with available updates that can be downloaded.
Using the Recovery Menu to Install Firmware Updates
If all else fails, you can manually install the update by downloading the file from the gadget manufacturer's website:
- Downloading the new official firmware to your computer. The firmware can be found on the manufacturer's website page in the tablet / phone model support menu.
- We move the file with updates to the internal memory of the device or to a memory card.
- Turn on the device and go to the Recovery Menu. Often, to enter Recovery, the combination "Power button" - "Volume up" is used. If this combination did not work, you need to see the combination for a specific model and manufacturer.
In the Recovery menu, navigation is carried out using the power button and volume keys. To install the firmware, follow the steps:
- We select "Apply Update".
- Press "... internal storage" or "Choose from sdcard" depending on the location where the update file was downloaded.
- Select the firmware file to start the installation process.
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The gadget will restart. Make sure there is enough charge to complete the installation. Otherwise, the system will not install correctly and will need to be reinstalled again.
Prohibiting Android updates "over the air"
The first method assumes that there are no root rights. The instruction is suitable for Android 5.X and higher:
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The second method is relevant if there is a root right:
Allowing Android updates "over the air"
In the first method, it is assumed that the root is not right. Instructions for Android 5.X and higher.
Articles and Life Hacks
Periodic updates have long been an integral part of any operating system. Adding new features, patching security holes, maintaining fresh hardware components - no modern computer can do without it.
But mobile devices on the base have their own specifics.
A few years ago, the system was updated mainly by connecting to a PC. It is clear that such a solution does not correspond to modern realities, so updates called OTA were introduced.
What it is
The abbreviation OTA comes from the English "Firmware Over The Air", which literally means "proprietary software over the air."That is, in fact, this is a system for distributing updates from the developer to users' devices through any Internet access channel supported by this gadget.
It can be Wi-Fi, 3G, LTE, theoretically even GPRS, if such a fantasy occurs to someone.
It performs a number of functions:
- Timely informing the user about the availability of available updates.
- Ensuring that the necessary data is downloaded to the device.
- Checking the possibility of installing a patch on a given OS version and a smartphone or tablet model.
- Performs the installation process and, if necessary, preserves the rollback option.
What does all this mean for the user
The developers made sure that the number of required actions was kept to a minimum. Therefore, the procedure is not too different from what is usual, for example, when installing software updates for Windows.
In the settings menu of any gadget, there must be an item "About phone" or "About tablet". In addition to a variety of useful (or not so) information, there is a section "System Update", in which you can find a button to check for patches.
If they are available, it will be enough to click "Update" - the system will do the rest by itself.
When over-the-air upgrade is not possible
When performing some actions with his device, the user should understand that this may cause OTA updates to be unavailable.Otherwise, he will be unpleasantly surprised. The fact is that when installing patches, the integrity of the system files, the authenticity of the OS version, and the presence / absence of some "holes" in the security of the device are checked.
OTA updates will not be installed if:
- A custom or developer version of the firmware is installed.
- The device has been rooted - superuser rights have been obtained.
- The bootloader has been unlocked.
- Any system files of the installed OS have been changed.
Is it worth installing them?
Myths-horror stories, roaming the network, unanimously assure: it can be dangerous, the gadget may not boot at all after installing the update! Better not to risk it!
In practice, things are not so gloomy at all. Yes, no one is safe from problems during updates, even the wonderful iOS operating system.
But in the slightest degree, the consequences are in the nature of an exception, and not installing patches is as "wise" and "prudent" as giving up flights just because planes, you see, sometimes crash. More problems can be got from open "holes".
It should also be remembered that a one-time total installation of updates by manufacturers is rarely practiced. Initially, after testing is complete, the patch is applied to a small number of randomly selected users - about 1%.
If no complaints are received, a message about the availability of an update is sent to another 25%, then - 50%, and in the end - to all owners of devices of the corresponding models.
Yes, there is a chance to get into the same 1% of "lucky ones" who received a faulty archive, but in any case, the manufacturer will fix the identified problem as soon as possible.
Finally
Updating the system is not only possible, but also necessary, and therefore, if there is an appropriate message, you should devote a little time to this issue.You should definitely take care of having a stable Internet connection, because archives can be very weighty.
And those who, for some reason, lost the ability to install an OTA update, can only wish that they know what they are doing and what consequences it can lead to.
Firmware updates play an important role in making your smartphone work better. Many power users tend to put the latest software versions on their gadgets as soon as they become available. However, not all “craftsmen” are aware that the device can be updated not only through a computer, but also “over the air”.
What is OTA
Translated from English Over The Air or OTA means "by air". In other words, the software is installed on Xiaomi via the Internet (3G, EDGE, Wi-Fi). It does not imply the use of an additional device and synchronization with it. But besides access to the network, there must be a mi-account. Through it, not only the system will be improved, but also the notification of newly released OS-related products. The method allows you to save all the owner's data and takes much less time. Moreover, it is very easy to use, which any layman can handle.
Now the most up-to-date firmware from the manufacturer Xiaomi is MIUI 9, so the description of the "update over the air" will be based on its example. It is worth mentioning that not all gadgets will "pull" a modern OS due to a weak processor.
How to update
As mentioned above, updating Xiaomi via OTA is simple and fits into two steps.
1. Charge the battery as much as possible. For work, you can get by with a 30% level (for a number of models 60%), but it is better not to risk it. If the smartphone is discharged during operation, the firmware will not be installed correctly.
2. Go through the path "Menu" - "Settings" - "About phone" - "System updates" - "Check now". The system will see the program file. You should agree with the installation proposal, complete it and reboot.
There are limits to improvement for each Xiaomi phone model, both in terms of processor power and availability. Now it is useless to search on sites on the Internet for official new software for Xiaomi devices and models Redmi 3 Pro, Redmi Note 2, Redmi 3S. The user can only find Chinese ones. Anyone who wants to improve the device, you just need to wait and regularly check the profile sites. These actions will be clearly better than the Chinese interface.
It is possible to install new software manually. It is supposed to enter the device into Recovery and Fastboot mode. The method is more complicated and requires certain skills and basic knowledge in the stuffing of mobile devices. This option also requires newer OS files. Therefore, if there are none, then the problem of the impossibility of improving Xiaomi due to the lack of software, the manual analogue will not solve.
You would like to update the firmware on your Android smartphone or tablet, but the latest version does not come over the air. Is there any new firmware for your gadget? Where can you find it, and how to update android on your phone or tablet? Let's figure it out together.
It would seem, what could be easier than updating the firmware on Android? Even a person who is completely not versed in operating systems and devices can press the right button, agreeing to the offer with the platform update. But, as it turned out, this seemingly simple process also has a number of nuances that can puzzle many experienced users and professionals. And yet, let's point by point ...
How do Android devices get updates?
Novice users are often worried about how Android updates arrive, and how often they do it. There is no single answer to this question. Specific terms depend on the manufacturer of the device, as well as on the general situation with the correctness of the operating system. It can be stated unambiguously: devices belonging to the model line receive updates as regularly and promptly as possible. Google nexus.
It is simply impossible to update all other gadgets in the same short time - manufacturers always need a certain amount of time to create their own version of the platform based on the latest version of Android. It still takes some time to test the so-called beta version and fix bugs. Only after the final debugging of the software is the update sent "over the air" to smartphones and tablets. Approximate terms - from one month to six months.
Sometimes users are perplexed: the gadget was running, and then an update comes immediately to. Where are all the other versions? Why didn't they come? The answer is simple: having a large model range (sometimes three or more dozen devices are produced at the same time), the manufacturing company simply does not have time to work on each new version for all models. Therefore, updates are developed as far as possible and "rolled out" when ready for a particular smartphone or tablet.
How long will the manufacturer send (develop) Android updates for a specific device? Will he lose interest in him? From this point of view, of course, it is more profitable to purchase popular models. A whole army of users becomes their owners, and it is important for manufacturers to maintain the software of such a device at the proper level as long as possible, so that the owners can always update the Android version and not be disappointed in the brand and remain faithful to it with the next purchase.
How do I know when an Android update is available for my gadget? There are a lot of options here: communication on specialized forums and social networking groups, reading news on resources dedicated to the Android OS. But the surest way is to regularly view the official website of the manufacturer. The new platform image for manually updating Android on your device will definitely appear there first. One way or another, the corresponding notification will definitely come to your device.
How to update Android over the air?
It so happens that some time passes between the announcement of the latest version of the platform and the receipt of updates. Sometimes someone familiar with the same model as yours has already managed to update Android, and you are still waiting for the cherished notification. There is nothing critical in this - the manufacturers simply send the update to the users of their gadgets, gradually reaching the entire audience, and not all at once. It may take from several hours to two to three weeks before receiving the notification, and you will learn about the possibility of updating the system the next time you connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi. However, you can periodically go to the "Settings" and check the item " System update"in the About device section (located at the bottom of the settings menu).If, when checking the "System Update" item, you see the "Download" button, then it's time to install the latest version of the platform.
1. Click the "Download" button and wait for the download to finish;
2. To initiate the installation process of the updated system, click the "Restart and Install" button;
3. Then the device will reboot itself. After rebooting the device, it will work with the updated version of Android.
How can I get Android updates over the air faster?
You can speed up the receipt of OTA updates as follows:
1.
Go to "Settings" -> "Applications" -> "All";
2. Open "Google Services Framework";
3. Select the function "Erase data";
4. Check for updates: "Settings" -> "About device" -> "System update".
Sometimes you need to repeat these steps several times, and in some cases it is enough to wait a few minutes and then double-check for updates (they may not appear immediately).
How do I update Android manually?
We have already said that the latest firmware version can be found on the official website of the manufacturer. If you don't want to wait for OTA updates, you can update the Android version manually using the platform mirror provided by the manufacturers of your smartphone or tablet computer. The first thing to do for this is to go to the site and download the ZIP archive with the firmware to your gadget, placing it in the device's memory in any place convenient for you. Then follow the step-by-step instructions below:1. Turn off the device.
2. Turn it on again using a certain key combination - find it on the Internet for your smartphone or tablet model (even better if you use the instructions "How to enter the Recovery Menu" for your device). The most common keyboard shortcuts are:
Power button / "Volume +";
Power button / "Volume -";
"Volume +/-" + power button + Home;
"Volume +" + "Volume -" + power button.
Navigation through the Recovery menu is carried out using the "Volume +" and "Volume -" keys, selection - by the power / lock button (in case the menu navigation is not touch-sensitive).
3. After entering the Recovery menu, select the "Apply update" item.
4. If the ZIP-archive with the firmware is located on the memory card, then select "Choose from sdcard". If the archive is located in the device's own memory, you need to select "Choose from internal storage".
5. Next, find the folder where you saved the firmware and select it - the update installation process will start automatically.
Upon completion of the update installation process, you will need to return to the main Recovery menu, where select the " Reboot system now"- the gadget will reboot with the latest firmware version.
Now you know how to update Android over the air and manually. If you have any questions, you can ask them in the comments to the article - we will be happy to help.
Most owners of Android OS devices know about the so-called OTA updates, but few know what it is and how it works. In fact, this type of upgrade files is very easy to use and useful. We'll take a closer look at the definition of the concept in question, as well as how to use it. Let's start with the first one.
Definition
OTA is an abbreviation for FOTA, which stands for “ Firmware Over The Air". It can be translated as “ Software over the air". From this name, it follows that software files reach a device, be it a smartphone or tablet, over the air, and not through a cable or computer.
Rice. 1. Software upgrade
In this case, we are talking about firmware files, that is, about operating system updates. The fact is that from time to time any OS needs an upgrade. It can change the interface, improve the functionality, and so on. So, in order to change and improve, the system must be updated. Everything is very simple. And the most convenient way is to get the necessary files by air.
What does "by air" mean?
This is worth considering in more detail.
File distribution paths
This type of software update can occur through the following distribution paths:
- Wi-Fi;
- EDGE or any other kind of mobile internet.
If we are talking about the first, then everything is very simple - the user connects to a Wi-Fi source, for example, his home router, and receives all the necessary files. The same goes for the rest of the pathways. But it is best to use Wi-Fi, as this method is the most reliable.
In addition, it will be trite faster. If the source of the 3G signal can be interrupted by something (that is, there will be some interference in the signal path), then with Wi-Fi everything is easier. On the other hand, if this is some kind of public Wi-Fi, for example, in a park or cafe, then the Internet can also be very unstable.
Either way, it is imperative for you to find a good signal source if you want to upgrade. If 3G already works well in your area, you can use it. Unfortunately, in our area (within the countries of the former USSR) there is far from everywhere good 3G, despite the loud statements of the operators. Therefore, it is better to still use a regular home router.
So now you know what OTAs are and how they are spread. Now it's worth talking about the structure of the update files themselves.
What's in the updates
Most often, the archives of new firmware versions contain the following files:
1. At the topmost level, everything is divided into sections, such as META-INF, patch and system... The latter stores everything that has undergone a large number of changes or has been modified entirely. This is installed first. The patch directory contains everything that has undergone minor changes and that can, in geeky terms, be patched. But META-INF contains what is needed to complete the update.
2. System files that are responsible for checking the existing firmware version. It is checked whether the "native" firmware is installed on the device. This means that if the user installed some kind of custom OS, OTA will not. We will return to this later. It also checks if the version is supported by Google and the device manufacturer.
3. Files that check that an available update has already been installed. You may need to change only a little.
4. Instructions that delete old system files - only those that need to be removed, not everything. Before that, it is checked what in the OS concerns the upgrade and what does not (if a part of the system does not touch, it will not be touched).
5. Instructions for patching the kernel and memory, modem or radio, other hardware and rebooting after the end of the whole process.
6. Instructions for granting access rights and removing unnecessary garbage.
If you "disassemble" any update archive, that is, see the code of all its parts, you will be able to see all of the above elements.
Some manufacturers distribute their OTAs in an interesting way.Features of the distribution of upgrades for some firms
Certain firms choose to provide these upgrades only to some of their users. This approach allows the company's specialists to see what problems users face when using the new firmware, and fix them before widespread distribution. This is how Nexus, for example, operates. It works like this:
- First, a new version of the firmware is tested by specially trained people, then by participants in the testing program. The difference is that the participants in the program are ordinary people, not testers. They take part of their own free will.
- After that, the update is sent to 1% of users. They are chosen randomly, and not according to any specific algorithm. People simply receive a notification on their phone or tablet that there is already an upgrade and can be installed. They do not suspect that they have become almost the first OS testers after testers.
- If users do not complain, and there are no problems with using the firmware, it is sent to another 25% of users. At this stage, people can complain to the manufacturer about some glitches, flaws, and so on. The manufacturer will fix it all. Then everything is the same - if there are no problems, we go further, and if there are, we fix it.
- In the same way 50% and then 100% of users are sent out by OTA.
It is important that at any stage the distribution can be suspended or canceled altogether. But this happens extremely rarely and on a few projects.
Rice. 3. Diagrams of the distribution of the new firmware version
This approach allows you to protect the manufacturer from the possibility of a large number of simultaneous complaints from users. However, some companies decide to send updates to all users together. The management of each company decides for itself what to do.
Where can OTA be installed
As mentioned above, over-the-air upgrades are not installed on every modern gadget. Your device must meet the following requirements:
1. The firmware must be official and not changed in any way, not supplemented or altered. Also, it should not be hacked in any way.
2. The operating system should not have super-user rights, they are also root-rights (root).
3. The bootloader must be locked. If you do not know what it is and how it is blocked, then everything is correct - you have not changed anything.
4. System files must not be altered in any way.
That is, the OS must be clean, "native". It is also important that the device can connect to the Internet, be it a mobile network or Wi-Fi. However, today it is already quite problematic to find a phone or tablet without such an opportunity, so there should be no problems with this.
Rice. 4. On the modified OS, upgrades over the air will not
Now you know everything about what OTA updates are and why they are needed. Now let's take a look at the most important thing - how they are installed. It should be said right away that everything is much simpler than you thought.
Installing OTA
First, charge your phone to 100%. If you do not have such an opportunity, then 80% is quite enough, in some cases even 60% or 30%, but it is best that the battery charge is full. After that, follow these steps:
- Go to the settings on your device. Depending on the OS version, they can be on the desktop or in the top menu, which opens by swiping from top to bottom (gear in the upper right corner).
- At the bottom there is always the item " About the phone" or " About tablet". Open it up.
- Next, find the section " System update". On the open page there will be a button “ Check now" or " Check for updates»If you are using English.
- If updates are available, a description of them and a button “ Refresh"Or, respectively," Update».
Rice. 5. Process for checking upgrades
If you become a happy user who entered 1%, 25%, 50% of those who check the new firmware first, you will receive a simple notification on your device that there is an update. You just have to agree with its installation. The same applies to the time of the widespread distribution of the update, that is, when the firmware is sent to 100% of users. Only in the first case it will be possible to see it before the others.
