How to update my Samsung phone or tablet may or may not be straight forward or easy. If you have a newer Samsung phone or tablet, you will get a notification on your device telling you that a new update is available and the update will proceed automatically. Samsung supports newer Samsung Android devices with updates for up to 7 years.
As your Samsung phone or tablet ages, those notifications will eventually stop. The automatic updates will also stop and then it becomes more difficult (or impossible) to upgrade Android on Samsung devices. This is true for all manufacturers when a phone or tablet get older. However, Samsung does the best for supporting devices as they age.
While other phone manufacturers have links on their website to download new versions of Android, Samsung does not. If you have a phone that is not manufactured by Samsung, here are instructions on how to update Android – How to update Android phones or tablets? .
Here is how to update my Samsung phone:
Check if a new Android version is available
If you have not received a notice that a new Android version is available, you can manually check to see if a newer version can be downloaded using this process:
- Open Settings.
- Be sure your Android phone or tablet is connected to the internet.
- Scroll down and touch Software update or About Phone.
- Scroll to the software updates section and touch on Download and install or Check Now for Updates
- If there is an update available for your device, you will be given the option to install now, or install later, or not install.
- If there isn’t an update available, you will get a message saying your software is up to date, or an update isn’t available..
If there isn’t an update available, then Samsung has not made a new version available for your device model. Or, perhaps your Android phone or tablet is too old and new versions are not being made available any more.
Android Update – Samsung
There are some third party websites that may be able to help you update Android. They are relatively easy to use. You just input your Samsung device model code, and the tool will tell you if there is a new version available for that model. Different devices have different hardware features so an Android version that is working on a Sony Android device will probably not work on a Samsung Android device. Be sure to select an Android version that is compatible with your model.
There are alternative sources for Android OS upgrade downloads. – Upgrade Android: Alternative Sources for Android OS Upgrades
Here are some links you can try:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for how to update my Samsung phone or tablet:
1. When will my Samsung device get the latest Android update?
- Unfortunately, there’s no universal answer. Samsung releases updates at different times for different models. You can check for your specific device:
- Settings > Software update > Download and install.
- Samsung’s official upgrade schedule: https://www.samsung.com/levant/support/mobile-devices/how-to-check-for-and-schedule-software-updates-on-your-samsung-galaxy-smartphone/
2. Is my device eligible for the latest Android update?
- Samsung typically provides updates for the newest devices now for 7 years, other flagship devices for 3-4 years and mid-range/budget devices for 2-3 years. Check the official schedule or contact Samsung support for confirmation.
3. Do I need to back up my data before upgrading?
- Absolutely! Upgrading can potentially lead to data loss, even if it’s rare. Backup your photos, contacts, messages, and other important files to an external storage device, cloud service, or another phone/tablet.
4. Can I upgrade using mobile data?
- It’s not recommended. Mobile data downloads can be slow and expensive. Use a stable WIFI connection for a smooth and reliable upgrade experience.
5. What happens if the upgrade gets stuck?
- Don’t panic! Restart your device and try again. If it persists, contact Samsung support: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/contact/
6. My battery drains faster after the update. What do I do?
- New features and optimizations might initially consume more battery. Give the system a few days to adjust. You can also check:
- Settings > Battery & device care > Optimization > Optimize now.
- Identify and uninstall battery-draining apps.
7. Some of my apps aren’t working after the update. Why?
- Some older apps might not be compatible with the new Android version. Check for updates in the Google Play Store or contact the app developer.
8. I’m experiencing lag and performance issues after the update. How can I fix it?
- Restart your device. Free up storage space by deleting unused files and apps. Consider a factory reset, but remember to back up your data first!
9. Is there any way to downgrade to the previous Android version?
- Downgrading is generally not recommended by Samsung and might involve complex procedures. Contact Samsung support for guidance.
10. Where can I find more information and help?
- Samsung Support: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/contact/
- Samsung Galaxy Forums: https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Samsung-Community/ct-p/us
- Tech websites and blogs: Keep an eye out for news and guides related to your specific Samsung model and the new Android version.
Common problems and solutions for how to update my Samsung phone or tablet:
Before upgrading:
- Check compatibility: Ensure your Samsung model is eligible for the update. Older devices might not be compatible with the latest Android version.
- Backup your data: This is crucial to avoid data loss in case of any issues during the upgrade.
- Charge your device: Keep it plugged in during the entire upgrade process to prevent interruptions.
- Connect to a stable WIFI network: Downloading large update files on mobile data might incur charges and be unreliable.
During upgrading:
- Slow download or installation: This is normal, especially for large updates. Be patient and don’t interrupt the process.
- Update stuck or frozen: Restart your device and try again. If it persists, contact Samsung support.
- Device overheating: This can happen during heavy processing. Remove the case and keep it in a cool place.
After upgrading:
- Battery drain: New features might initially consume more battery. Give the system some time to adjust and optimize battery usage.
- App compatibility issues: Some older apps might not be compatible with the new Android version. Check for updates or try alternatives.
- Performance lag: The system might be indexing data after the update. Give it a few hours to settle down and perform optimally.
General solutions:
- Restart your device: This often fixes minor software glitches.
- Clear cache and data: This can free up space and improve performance.
- Update your apps: Make sure all your apps are up to date to ensure compatibility with the new Android version.
- Factory reset: This is a last resort, but it can fix major software issues. Remember to back up your data before performing this.
Remember, upgrading your Android OS can be a smooth experience if you’re prepared. By following these tips and accessing the resources provided, you can minimize potential problems and enjoy the latest features on your Samsung device.
