How to update your Android phone to the latest version

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In order for our phone to perform at 100% and we can make the most of it, we must know how to update Android when it is due.

By installing the latest version of the operating system we will make our phone work better, in the same way that updating apps protects us against vulnerabilities.

But do you already know how to do it? If the answer is negative, do not miss this post.

Why update Android?

When we decide to update the Android version that comes standard on the mobile, we help our device to improve in different aspects:

Faster operation.

More efficient performance.

New functionalities and features.

Increased device security.

Improved bugs from the previous version.

In addition, it is a process that is not only easy to carry out , but is also completely free and very fast – although the latter will depend on how we do it, how old our terminal is and the speed of the Internet connection that we have. let’s use.

How to update Android on smartphone or tablet: prerequisites

Just as before updating Android Auto or other operating systems, there are several common points to take into account when updating Android, whether on a smartphone or tablet, and regardless of the brand of our device. These are:

  • We will need to be connected to the network , preferably WiFi, during the entire update process.
  • While it is updating to the new version we will not be able to use the device .
  • Remember that some phones are so old that they no longer support the new version. If this happens to you, you can take a look at the best value for money phones .
  • Before starting the process, remember to make a backup of your mobile . In principle, an operating system update should not erase them, but there can always be some mishap along the way.
  • Take a look at the internal storage space you have left. The new operating system will occupy something more secure, so it doesn’t hurt to clean Android mobile .

To find out if you need a new Android update or if you have the latest version installed, you should look at Settings> About phone> Software information. This route may vary slightly depending on your mobile brand.

How to update Android via OTA

As we already explained to you in our post about what OTA is , its acronym means “over the air” in English. What does this mean? That the process is done through WiFi.

It is the easiest method .

It does not require any type of knowledge or (almost) intervention) on our part.

It is the developer who creates the new update for your mobile, places it on an OTA server and makes it available to us. Our smartphone or tablet establishes a connection to this server and checks that it is up to date. If it is not, a window will appear notifying us of the available update package so that we can give it the OK.

Once we accept, it is downloaded and informs us of the modifications or changes compared to the previous version. You reboot the device and the new ROM will now work completely. If we do not have it automatically, we must follow these steps:

1. Settings> Telephone Information> System updates (more or less, as it will depend on each terminal).
2. Check for Updates.
3. If the option to install a new one appears, click on “Install” or “Restart and install”.

The phone or tablet reboots itself after the process. If the mobile is updated, you will get a warning message informing about it.

How to update your Android even if there is no official update?

Mobile phones have an update cycle for their operating system of about two years. The time may vary depending on the brand and range of the device . In any case, the reality is the same: the device can no longer update Android to its latest version officially.

Given this scenario, there are certain alternatives that can be used. Each one with its respective risks since, for the most part, they are not official updates and could cause problems if they are executed badly. Therefore, it is at your own risk if you decide to try these methods.

Install a firmware from another region to update your Android online

Imagine that you have a mobile like the Redmi 8. It is likely that, in Europe, users with this model have already been able to download the latest Android update that corresponded to them. However, it may happen that in America or other regions, said update has not been deployed yet or simply does not exist.

This happens because manufacturers release new versions of their software by region. In such a scenario, if the mobile still has some pending updates, you can force the installation of the firmware from another region . The process may vary depending on the brand and model, but in general terms it follows the following structure:

  • Download firmware from the Internet.
  • Install the firmware manually.

Of course, the easiest step is to download the firmware. What you should keep in mind is that, even if it is from another region, it must be the same model as yours. These files tend to be several GB in size and their availability varies depending on the brand of the device.

Sometimes the same manufacturers offer online spaces to download beta versions or official patches . However, in most cases it is necessary to resort to third-party repositories. Here are some options:

There are many other options for specific brands, such as XiaomiFirmwareUpdater , Sammobile , XperiaFirmware or GetDroidTips . It will depend on what you need, the brand of your phone and its availability.

Once the firmware is downloaded, the next step is to perform the manual installation. This process is quite complex. In addition, the instructions are extremely different from one brand to another. Therefore, it is best to review specialized forums to find the correct procedure for your device.

Install a custom ROM

In the event that your mobile device no longer has updates in your region or in any other, you only have two alternatives to try: change your phone or install a custom ROM . The latter are firmwares developed by third parties and include notable modifications. It is a complex process, but with great potential.

Custom ROMs require a lot of patience, as installing them is not as easy as it seems. In many cases, the procedure varies from brand to brand, although the steps to follow are similar.

In essence, installing a custom ROM on a mobile or tablet implies rigorously following the following instructions:

  • Have access to the root of your device: this step may vary from one mobile to another. So you should advise yourself with specialists in the area or leave it in the hands of an expert. Here we explain how to root Android step by step .
  • Unlock the bootloader : the bootloader is a section designed so that users cannot intervene in the mobile system. It is important to unlock it in order to install a custom ROM.
  • Install a Recovery Mode: The purpose of the recovery mode is to install the custom ROM on the computer. You can use the native mode offered by Android or download some third-party menu like CWM Recovery or TWRP, both of which have additional features.
  • Download the ROM and copy the file to your mobile device : it is important to check specialized forums to find quality custom ROMs. Once you have it, unzip the file and paste it on the mobile.
  • Use Recovery Mode to install the custom ROM: if you have valuable data on your mobile, we recommend making a backup. ROM installation will wipe your device data along with the system partition to replace them with the new one.
  • Reboot the device : Once the installation is complete, reboot the mobile to enjoy the installed ROM. It may occur that the reboot lasts longer than usual. If everything went well, the mobile should be working correctly.

Of course, given its complexity, it is essential that you have knowledge about it because a wrong move could permanently damage your mobile . Therefore, we remind you again that if you decide to do so, you do so at your own risk.

How to update my Android if it won’t let me?

It may be the case that, for various reasons, your device cannot update Android even though it has an update available in your region. Many times, this is due to slight technical inconveniences and whose solution can be quick . Next, we tell you the most common situations.

Unstable internet connection

If your Android does not let you update, it may be that the WiFi connection to which it is connected is not stable enough. Therefore, the update may take much longer than it should, or it may not install correctly. If so, please pause the installation and try again when the internet is better . You can also try connecting to a different network.

The battery charge is not enough

It is likely that the charge level is not enough to cope with downloading and installing the latest version of Android. It is recommended that you have a charge greater than 75% or, failing that, leave the mobile connected to the charger while the update is installed. If you’re in a hurry, here we explain how to charge your mobile fast .

The device does not support the update

If you have a somewhat old mobile, there is always the possibility that the latest version of Android is not compatible with said hardware. Smartphones have an update cycle of up to two years . Therefore, once that time has elapsed, the device stops receiving updates. If so, you have a few options to resort to:

  • Update Android via OTA.
  • Install a firmware from another region.
  • Download and install a custom ROM.
  • Buy a new mobile with a better update history.

Storage space is limited

Android updates are saved in the internal storage of the mobile. Therefore, if this space is full, the update will not take place. It is recommended to have twice the size of the file to be installed so that the process is as safe as possible. This is because the update creates and deletes temporary files throughout the procedure.

To solve this problem, create a security backup with all your information. Then, delete any files and apps you don’t need to make enough space to download the Android update. To make the task easier, you can use an Android cleaner .

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