How to update Android in smartphones and tablets

To get the best performance and the latest features on an Android smartphone or tablet, you need to make sure that the latest version of Android is running.

Not only in terms of installed applications, but also in the operating system. It is always advisable to update your device, because the new versions bring features that you did not have before, but above all improve security and privacy.

But not everyone knows how to update Android on smartphones or tablets. This is why we have prepared a proposed guide in the simplest way possible, to meet this need. You’ll see that after updating Android, the device will work much better. If you also need to update Android on a Samsung, LG, Sony or Chinese smartphone, read on and see the different methods on how to update an Android smartphone.

Android, just because it is an open system, allows you to update the firmware in different ways. It is possible to update it via OTA (Over The Air), that is, directly from the smartphone or tablet through the manufacturer’s official update system. This is the easiest way to update Android on smartphones and tablets. But the manufacturer does not always provide the latest version of Android for older smartphones, or makes it available immediately after release.

Another way to update Android is to install a modified ROM. This is a more complicated process that requires a minimum of specific knowledge in the processes of Android changes. Obtaining root permissions, installing Custom recovery, flashare ROMs are all procedures that we have talked about abundantly about on Teknologya.

These procedures allow you to install modified versions of the latest Android updates, even on devices no longer updated by manufacturers. These are ROMs that are modified by unofficial developers and made freely available to all users. They are adapted to the different models of smartphones and tablets of different manufacturers.

How to update Android on smartphones and tablets via OTA

If you are not notified of a new update on your Android device, you can force the search for an update from the Device Settings menu, but you should know that, just because a new version of Android has been released, does not mean that it is also available on your device. In this article, I will guide you step by step on how to update Android on smartphones and tablets via OTA.

Check to see if your device has updated Android

Before seeing how to update Android, you need to check which version of the operating system is running. You may already have the most recent version. It’s easy to check, just go to Settings in the “Info on your phone” section and you will find “Android version“.

The latest version released by Google is Android 8 Oreo, which gradually becomes available on more and more devices over the next few months. Going backwards, Naugat is the 7.x version, Marshmallow is the 6.x version, Lollipop is the 5.x and KitKat is the 4.4.x version, while the 4.3, 4.2 and 4.1 are the versions that take the name Jelly Bean.

If you are running a version lower than Jelly Bean, unless you have never upgraded the software, it is very likely that an update to Marshmallow or KitKat is no longer available for this device (the manufacturer no longer supports updates).

Update the software

As a precautionary measure, it is a good idea to first back up your data, such as contacts and photos. The update should not affect the data, but you never know.

Access the Settings menu on your device. On most Android devices, this can be done via the application menu or notification bar. Generally, the Settings application will have a mechanical wheel type logo.

Scroll down in the Settings menu and click on “Phone Info” or “Tablet Info“. If you have a Tabbed Settings menu, then this item will be displayed in the “General” section.

The menu may vary from device to device, but typically you have to click on “Software Update” or a similar button. This menu item can be found in the “Phone Info” section, which also describes the version of Android running on the device.

Search and download Android update

After clicking on “Software Update” or “System Update“, the phone or tablet will search for a possible update available.

If an update is found, you will be asked if you want to install it. If the choice is yes, select Yes, so the downloaded operating system will be installed on the device that will eventually be restarted. It will take a little longer to reboot, and upon completion of the process, you will have the Android update installed on your device.

Note: To search for an update, your device may require a Wi-Fi connection. It is advisable to download the software via Wi-Fi, because the file size may be too large and may consume a lot of data.

How to update Android on smartphones and tablets via computer

Not always the Android update can be downloaded via OTA, on some smartphones or tablets, such as those produced by Samsung, Sony and others, when the update is not available on the device, you can download it and install it via computer.

The procedure involves the installation on the computer of a free application, which in the case of Samsung is called Smart Switch. You can download it from the official Samsung website and in addition to updating the device, it allows you to make a backup, synchronize data and transfer data between different mobile devices. After installing Smart Switch connect your smartphone or tablet to your computer via USB cable and you can easily update your Android device with the latest version of the operating system.

Instead, to update Android on Sony Xperia smartphones you have to download the Xperia Companion application from the official Sony website. Connect the device to the computer with a USB cable and update the device to the latest version of Android. With Xperia Companion you can also backup and restore your device, synchronize, transfer and organize your multimedia content.

Updating Android from official sources does not involve any deletion of data on your device, however, as we said before, you never know, so it is always recommended to make a backup before updating the firmware.

How to update Android on smartphones and tablets with modified ROM

This is the most complex method on how to update Android, which requires a lot of attention to avoid doing damage to the device. The advantage of this procedure is to be able to install the latest version of the firmware, even if this is not provided by the manufacturer.

Installing a custom ROM involves unlocking the phone’s Root by overcoming the limitations imposed by the system. Freeing the device from all the “ligatures”, you can customize your smartphone to your liking, especially installing modified ROMs of the latest version of the operating system. Getting root permissions is also convenient, because it opens up a lot of possibilities for improving the device, modifying the graphics, adding new features and improving the usability of the phone.

There are several ways to get root permissions and the applications that allow it are free and legal, but be careful, because some procedures can invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty. Among the various procedures, some involve the use of computers, others allow you to easily carry out the process to unlock the root directly from the phone with a click.

As already said, the steps to follow are not really simple, because first you must unlock the bootloader on the device. This is the program that, during the boot phase, loads the operating system kernel allowing the system to start up. In particular, by unlocking the bootloader of the device, the phone warranty is invalidated.

The next step is to install a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM. This is a device start-up mode that provides a series of functions useful for restoring system operation as advanced backups and more. Finally, you can finally install the custom ROM which allows not only to have the latest version of the operating system, but also a customization of the icons and many functions of the phone.

How to get Android updated with root permissions

Throw away these terms may seem difficult and difficult to understand for those unfamiliar with mod. If you have updated Android with root permissions it means that you have already chewed these topics, however, if you follow the guides we have prepared on this site to get root permissionsunlock the bootloader on an Android device, install a custom recovery and to install a custom ROM, everything will seem easier.

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