In order to carry out, in principle, a simple procedure and understand how to update Android on your tablet, you first need to understand what exactly you have to do. But for this you need to take into account a few simple things.
Android tablet needs to be updated periodically
Re-flashing is the installation of new (most often just alternative) software of a tablet, phone or other device to replace the old one that was deleted. Among those, there are a number of very popular devices for different models. These are CyanogenMod, MIUI, Lewa, Oppo, AOKP, etc. By installing such firmware, you will certainly get rid of Google supervision and, in addition, you yourself will control your tablet, and not it will control you.
IMPORTANT. Before proceeding with the flashing, it is recommended to save the current version of the system using the ROM Manager program, and after the flashing operation, reset the settings to the factory settings.
However, there are potential risks when flashing a tablet.
Installing the firmware
The very process of installing "custom" programs is described in detail in the instructions that are attached on the same sites where you found it. But not always everything is written clearly enough and with one's own inexperience it is possible to turn the tablet into a dear but useless piece of metal.
Discharge
The process of discharging the battery when working with a flashing can be much more "fun" than when working with the official Android.
The tablet discharges faster after flashing
Inconsistency of the firmware with the capabilities of the device
Flashing Android may not fully support the capabilities of individual blocks of your tablet. Perhaps, for example, slowdown of GPS or deterioration in the quality of photographs, the occurrence of all kinds of errors or failures, freezes.
Guarantee
If you use firmware that is not provided by the manufacturer, you will lose your warranty.
IMPORTANT. Do not forget that there are specialists who you can trust to update Android on your tablet.
Good luck with a successful Android update!
All users of the Android system sooner or later think about updating the system. This is not surprising, because software developers do not hesitate to release the next new version. New updates tend to open the door to new opportunities for you, so users are often looking for a software update solution. In this article, we will offer you two options for solving this problem.
1) Software update via phone settings
This method is one of the simplest and most accessible for all users. You don't need to put in any special effort, just follow the instructions. Screenshots are taken on Android 4.4 - KitKat.
Step 1
Backup. As a rule, updating the software through the phone settings is a practically harmless process, but in order to avoid unwanted problems, you need to make a backup.
Step 3
Once you've opened Settings, slide down the settings panel to System. Click on the "About device" item. As a rule, depending on your device, the names of this item may look like "About Tablet PC" or "About Phone"
Step 4
Click on the "System Update" option.
Step 5
Then press the button "Download" or "Check now". After this action, you will receive a message about available updates for your system. It is worth noting that updating the system may take you a little time. Also a prerequisite is the connection of the device to Wi-Fi. After all the steps, restart the devices.
That, perhaps, is all. If after updating the device you have problems with operation, errors or freezes, then you need to reboot the device again.
2) Software update via computer
You can also use special programs to install the latest updates. The most famous such programs are Kies, as well as New PC Studio.
Step 1
Download the program to your computer. Install it.
Step 2
We connect the phone via a USB cable to the computer. If you have installed the Kies program you need to open it and click the "Tools" tab.
Step 3
Next, select the "Firmware update and initialization" item. As a rule, after completing this procedure, the program will automatically determine if there are available updates for your device. After all the steps, you need to restart your phone. Also, do not forget that even if you update the software through a computer, you still need the Internet.
Attention!
Whichever software update option you choose, remember that the slightest mistake or failure can lead to the fact that your phone will lose important data or simply turn into a "brick". So be careful when installing updates. Don't forget to make backups. Good luck!
There are two main ways to update Android through a computer: saving user data and completely replacing the operating system version with a new one. The second option is more versatile and therefore suitable for devices that are no longer supported by the developer.
You can update both with the help of proprietary programs that are suitable only for a certain brand of phone, and with the help of all-encompassing applications that work with any device on the Android OS. The software for updating the firmware version can be used as ADB and Fastboot (universal method), and Kies, Odin (for Samsung devices) or KDZ Updater (LG phones), as well as Sony PC Companion (Sony).
How to update Android using ADB and Fastboot
This software allows you to work directly with the phone system by sending commands via a USB cable. This method opens up a large number of functions and possibilities when working with any device. But how do you update the Android OS on your phone using ADB and Fastboot programs via a computer?
The update process takes place in several steps:
- Install the driver for your phone model and then confirm cable debugging in the "For Developers" section.
- Turn on ADB and type the request "ADB Devices". After that, the program will display the connected devices on the Android OS. If the field remains empty, then you should reinstall the drivers on the phone.
- Next step - Type the command "ADB reboot bootloader". If everything is done correctly, the device will reboot in the appropriate mode.
- A new version of Android that is compatible with your device must be downloaded on your computer in advance. The program works with firmware with the ".zip" extension.
- Switch to stock recovery mode on your phone (usually you need to hold down the volume change and shutdown buttons at the same time to do this). Find the "Apply update from ADB" section and tap on it.
- The last step is to send the firmware to the device. This is achieved with the command "ADB sideload" your file name ".zip". The version update will start automatically.
- The device will reboot with an already updated version of Android.
All files on the internal memory immediately after installation will be erased. To avoid data loss, save it to an external storage device and then transfer it to your device.
The Kies utility is available only for Samsung phone owners. The following describes how you can update the Android system on your phone using this application via your computer.
The process consists of several stages:
- Connect your phone to your computer via a USB cable, and then launch the program. Next, an automatic check for updates for your device will occur.
- If there is an update for your model, you will see the corresponding dialog box. Agree to install.
- After reading all the information, check the box next to the agreement, and also select "Start update". The program will start downloading the latest OS for your phone model.
- After downloading, an automatic Android update will start. In some versions of the program, additional confirmation is required for installation.
- This completes the update process. Reboot your phone and enjoy the new software features.
The application is designed to work with LG phones. Before starting the update, install the USB driver on your Android device, and also download the new OS version with the KDZ extension. Then follow the instructions:
After that, the process of installing the new OS version will begin directly, which will take about 10-15 minutes.
Update via Sony PC Companion
If you are the owner of a Sony phone, then you will hardly find an application better than the branded Sony PC Companion. The program supports virtually all automatic updates, while allowing you to download and install a new firmware version directly from the developer's official website.
We decided to devote today's material to answering the urgent question of many users of Android smartphones: where to download and how to update Android? The operating system, which is being developed by the giant Google, appeared recently (some 10 years ago), but is rapidly developing. Now Android is among the market leaders in terms of prevalence, receives updates with enviable regularity and has a lot of advantages that attract users.
How to find out which version of Android on your smartphone
Before you start looking for the latest updates, you should find out which version of Android you are using.
The version is indicated by the manufacturer in a separate item of the device settings - "About phone". Here you need to find "Android version", where you will see the version used. Also in this menu you can find out which shell is preinstalled by the manufacturer and the date of the last security update.
How to update Android
There are two ways to update the system:
- through OTA updates (over the air updates) provided by the device manufacturer;
- using custom firmware developed by ordinary users.
The first method of updating Android is preferable, as it provides ease of installation and stability of the device on a new version of the system, which cannot be said about custom firmware. However, OTA updates, as a rule, are relevant for flagship smartphones, the manufacturers of which take care of the release of uptends for a long time after the release. But the budget class often has to be content with a couple of updates, after which the manufacturer simply forgets about the device. The custom is ready to help out in this case.
Do not neglect backing up before starting the operating system upgrade. Even in the case of an over-the-air update, errors are possible that will lead to the loss of photos, contacts and other information. Therefore, we recommend making backups of important data manually or using third-party software, which is abundantly presented in Google Play (as an example: CM Backup - Safe Cloud, App Backup Restore Transfer, G Cloud Backup).
Update Android Over The Air (OTA Update)
The easiest way to update your Android phone or tablet, which requires a minimum of skills and knowledge from the user.
As already noted, official updates are more often released to popular devices. In addition, some smartphones (usually ordered from China) can be flashed with custom firmware by the seller, which does not provide for over-the-air updates.
If you are one of the lucky ones, then:
- go to device settings;
- at the very bottom, find the item "About phone";
A number of manufacturers are bringing the tool to update Android to the desktop to make this process even easier for the user.
- in the new window, at the very top, there is the "System Update" button, which is what we need. Click on the button;
- in the menu that opens, click "Check for updates";
On most devices from the factory, automatic updates are installed by default, when the phone or tablet downloads updates in the background (usually when the device is connected to a Wi-Fi network), prompting you to install them afterwards.
- it will take some time (depending on the internet speed) until the available Android updates are found (or not found);
- if there are system updates, you will be prompted to download them, and then install them;
Be sure to fully charge your device before installing updates!
- now all you need to do is follow the instructions of the assistant and wait until the updates are installed and the smartphone reboots.
As a result, you will receive a device with fresh updates, while personal data will be preserved, as well as installed applications.
Updating Android using custom firmware: where to download, how to install
Due to the abundance of phone models in the lines, manufacturers often do not have time to update all devices officially, and therefore enthusiasts who collect firmware based on fresh versions of Android for a particular device take on this business. Custom firmwares are distributed free of charge; installation requires additional software and some skills.
Note! Not every custom firmware is suitable for your device - only those that were developed for it. In exceptional cases, a firmware from a smartphone that is identical in characteristics to yours may be suitable.
So, let's start with a search. You can download the updated version of Android on the forums dedicated to the topic of flashing various devices. The most visited forums are w3bsit3-dns.com, where using the search bar you can easily find a topic dedicated to your smartphone. Here you can select the firmware you like (based on which version, from which developer, with what improvements), as well as learn more about it from the visitors of the topic.
It will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the instructions for installing the firmware, which are in the topic headers and are constantly supplemented by users. The fact is that all smartphones, albeit slightly, but differ from each other, as well as the process of their firmware, so it is worth focusing on the instructions.
When the firmware image is loaded into the phone or computer memory, you can proceed to the installation itself, but here there are some nuances. First of all, you have to choose a method for installing custom firmware:
- through applications that are installed directly on Android;
- using a personal computer, special software and custom recovery.
It is worth warning you here that you install custom firmware at your own risk. In addition to the fact that the firmware may simply not fit your device, other problems are possible: errors in operation, inoperability of some functions, complete failure of the device, etc.
Update Android firmware using the app
An easier way to install firmware on Android, but it does not always guarantee success. To carry out the update, we need:
- (optional, but desirable);
- install the application on the device (recommended: Android Update Manager, ROM Manager);
- download firmware (save to SD card).
When all of the above is ready, proceed to the Android update:
- run the installed application;
- the application will require you to install ClockWorkMod Recovery (custom recovery for installing third-party firmware), agree with the proposal;
- click on "Install ROM from SD-card", then specify the path to the firmware image;
- a new window will open in which you should click "Save current ROM" (in case of unexpected errors) and "Reboot and install";
- all that remains is to wait (about 10-15 minutes) until the smartphone appears before you with an updated interface and functionality.
Updating Android firmware using a computer
This option is somewhat more complicated, but with more flexible options and guarantees of success. It will take a little more time and different software:
- of course, downloaded firmware;
- a client for installing the firmware (it is different for each smartphone model, so look for your device in the corresponding sections of the forum);
- ADB drivers for your device, the download link for which can also be obtained on the forum.
Now, in order regarding the update:
- take the smartphone in hand and go to "Settings", where below we look for the item "For Developers";
It may not exist initially. In order to appear, you need to go to the "About phone" menu and click on the "Android version" item several times.
- in the "For Developers" settings, put a tick in front of "Debugging via USB";
- install ADB drivers on the PC (so that it can recognize your device), and then connect the smartphone via a USB cable;
- we launch the client to download the firmware to the smartphone;
- indicate to the client the location of the firmware and proceed to the update process;
Each client is different from each other, so you should familiarize yourself with its features in advance.
- wait while the client installs updates without disconnecting the wire;
- The client will notify the end of the update, as well as the smartphone, which will start to turn on.
The first start-up process can take quite a long time, don't worry.
What to do after updating Android
So we figured out how to install Android, installed a fresh version of the operating system with a bunch of new features (or with a minimum of these features), what should we do next?
If you updated with standard smartphone tools, then you don't have to do anything: you will have all applications, all SMS messages and other data (unless, of course, an error occurred during the update process). That is, you can continue to use your device without the hassle of reinstalling applications.
In cases where the device is flashed, all data disappears. Whether you like it or not, you'll have to re-sign in, install the apps you want, and re-download your favorite music. Therefore, we always recommend doing Backup, which will greatly simplify these tasks.
How to turn off Android updates
Along with the question regarding the installation of new updates, many users are interested in how to disable them. Some people simply do not need them, others are already used to the old version of Android and do not want to change anything in their smartphone. So that the system does not pester with constant offers to get an update, and also does not spend traffic on downloading them, you need:
- go to the "Settings" phone or tablet;
- go to "About phone", then - "System update";
- uncheck the box opposite the "Auto update" item.
Now, only after your request, the system will start searching for new versions to download.
Also, many users, as we noticed, are hindered by automatic updating of applications, which often changes beyond recognition the usual messenger or social network client and consumes gigabytes of traffic. Here, too, everything is turned off in a few simple steps:
- launch Google Play (Play Market);
- making a swipe from the left side of the screen, we get to the side menu, where we find "Settings" at the bottom;
- go to "Auto-update applications";
- select "Never" from the proposed list.
In the future, you can only manually update the required applications.
Conclusion
Updating Android is a very useful thing. Regular updates fix bugs, introduce a lot of innovations into the system, and just make it more pleasant to use. The updated smartphone is much less afraid of virus attacks, "smarter" than their counterparts on older OS versions. In addition, the update process is not as complicated as it might initially seem. Just thirty minutes of work and you have an updated device that can work with all current applications.
Android is the operating system that revolutionized mobile technology. More and more gadgets are being produced on this platform every day due to its flexibility, and mainly because it is open source software. Developers are constantly coming up with new ideas to make Android even better, but there are users who still operate devices with older versions. Because of this, they are unable to use some of the new applications and modern features.
What to do with the old version?
Many in this regard will ask the question: "How to update Android, if possible?" The answer is yes, it's real, and it's pretty easy to go from the old version to the most recent one.
Despite the fact that Android is already widespread in the 4.0.5 distribution, many people still use version 2.3. Even developers of various applications today are making changes to their products that were released to the market in the past to make them compatible with new platform releases. Updating Android 23 to a newer version will improve your device in many ways, adding multitasking and functionality, and most importantly, making it compatible with the new apps offered in the Google Play Store.
So let's see how you can update Android 2.3 to 4.0 or even newer releases using OS settings (OS Updater). Follow the instructions below to perform this operation correctly.
Before you update "Android", be sure to do all the data saved in your smartphone. This is necessary in case you make a mistake and delete all memory contents. Otherwise, all data will be lost forever.
So how up to 40 and up?
You must first download OS Updater for Android. Then save it and run it. Connect your device to your computer and click "Find Android Device" in the menu of the program you just installed.
Once the device is found, go to the next step and click on the "Find Similar OS Platform Ver" button to find updates. Then click the "Upgrade to 4.0" button and start the download process. Speaking about how to update Android, you can install version 4.0.3, and even 4.0.5 in your device in a similar way.
Then reboot your smartphone or tablet and you will have the most recent distribution. As you can see, this process is very simple. This manual works with all kinds of devices.
Is an update to version 4.3 available?
In addition, the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean OS has already been released, presented in the new Nexus devices. However, other gadgets will take time to upgrade to this version. Speaking about how to update Android to version 4.3, it should be noted that the standard procedure may be ineffective (for the above reason). However, if you do not want to wait for the official release of this version, you can update updates directly from Google servers and try to download them using the Sideload command. In other words, it’s better to wait a while and then enjoy the new features of your favorite platform to the fullest. Moreover, all new items become available to the general public rather quickly. As the representatives of the company promise, in the near future it is planned to release about a dozen devices on the new version of the platform.
