How to update your Android phone or tablet

For: Android phone or tablet

Last checked October 14, 2026 against official help from Google. Written for Android 14 and up.

Updates fix security problems and bugs. Most Android phones and tablets install them on their own, but you can check any time.

This page is for you if

  • A notification says an update is ready
  • An app says your Android version is too old

Good to know first

Menus can look a little different on Samsung and other brands. If you can't find a button, open Settings and type update in the search bar at the top.

Do these steps

  1. Step 1: Charge and use Wi-Fi

    Google says to connect to Wi-Fi and charge your device to at least 75% first. Updates can be large.

  2. Step 2: Use the notification if you have one

    If a notification says an update is ready, open it and tap the update button.

  3. Step 3: Or check in Settings

    Open the Settings app. Tap System, then Software updates.

  4. Step 4: Follow the steps on the screen

    If there's an update, follow what the screen says. Your device may restart to finish.

Want to see which version you have?

  1. Step 1: Open About

    Open Settings. Tap About phone or About tablet.

  2. Step 2: Look at Android version

    Tap Android version. You'll see your version number and the date of your last security update.

Good to know

  • If an update starts and doesn't finish, your device tries again by itself over the next few days.
  • Older phones and tablets can't always get the newest Android version. When updates stop, your phone maker or carrier can tell you more.

Check it with the source

We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.

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