So if your device is running slow, you might need an update. How to update Android phone, you might ask. Here’s how. But first… Why should you get an update? Aside from making your device work a little faster, updating your device also lets you enjoy the features available in the latest Android firmware. So: If you have heard of the latest Android firmware update and you’re wondering whether the update is available for your Android device, read on. If you want to use the features available in the latest Android firmware updates but you just cannot figure out how you can update your Android device, we prepared a guide for you. Before we walk you through the methods and steps on how to update Android phone, here’s an overview of what you can expect from this article. In this guide: We’ll show you the universal method of updating your Android device. We’ve also included some methods for updating the Android OS for specific manufacturers through your PC. Whether an OTA update is available or your device requires a PC utility for the update, you can use the methods below in various different instances. Must Read: Android Phones – Every Android Users Must Know About
Method 1: OTA Update
OTA (Over The Air) updates have been around from the start. Used by millions of Android users, they are possibly the most used method for updating Android devices. The great thing about OTA is that you can update your device in a couple of minutes without requiring access to your PC. For most smaller and manufacturer, specific updates are available over the air. This means that for a particular Android version, using the OTA update method should be the quickest. That being said, some manufacturers do rely on updating through a PC utility only, especially for major updates and changes in Android versions. If an OTA update is available, then there is no better option than using the universal OTA update method on Android. This method should work on all Android devices as this comes pre-loaded with the Android OS. Due to firmware differences, however, you might find slightly different options on different Android devices. Nevertheless, the overall method should be the same.
1. Backup Important Data
The first and important thing to do is to backup all the important data on your Android device including pictures, documents, music, and videos. This is because usually a major firmware update will erase most of your device’s memory and it’s recommended that you create a full backup of your device. You can use your device’s built-in backup utility or a third-party app from the Google Play Store. My Backup is possibly one of the best full backup utilities available for Android and you can download it through the Google Play button below.
2. Go to About Phone
Open your app drawer, go to the Settings app and tap on About phone.
3. Software Update
Tap on the Update or Software update option.
4. Software Update Check
Tap on Software update check to find if there are any updates available for your device. If you want your device to check for future updates automatically, then make sure that the Automatic check option is ticked.
5. Update Restart Install
If an update is available, you’ll be taken to the software update screen. Tap on Restart & install or Install now, depending on the device you’re using.
6. Software Update
Wait for the download and installation process to complete and this might take a while, especially if the update is large. Tap on the Hide button to continue the process in the background. That’s it! You have successfully updated your Android device. Your device will now restart and it might take a while during the initial start-up.
Method 2: Samsung Kies
While OTA updates are possibly the quickest and easiest way to install updates on your Android device, some updates will have to be installed through your PC. Several manufacturers have their own PC software for helping users manage and update their Android devices. It is likely that the major firmware updates or changes in Android versions will be available through the PC software only. Also, if the OTA update is available but you don’t want to download the update through your Android device because it’s large, then using a PC software is your next best option. Kies is Samsung’s PC manager for their Android devices that lets you do various functions on your Android device through your PC. Not only is this an excellent utility for updating your Android device, but you can also sync data between different Samsung devices.
1. Install Kies
Download and install the Kies software on your PC. You can download the app through Samsung’s official website.
2. Connect Kies on Your Android Device
Open the Kies app on your PC and connect your Android device to your PC using a micro USB cable. Make sure that you allow any driver installation if you get a popup message.
3. Kies Update
Wait for Kies to recognize your device and once it is recognized, you’ll get a Firmware upgrade popup if an update is available. Click on the Update button.
4. Accept Terms
Make sure you read and accept the terms by ticking on the “I have read…” checkbox and click on the Start upgrade button.
5. Wait for Kies to Download Update and Install
Make sure that you are connected to the internet and wait for Kies to download the update. This might take a while depending on your internet connection and the size of the update. After downloading, Kies will start installing the update and you’ll get a Downloading screen on your Android device. Make sure you don’t disconnect your device during the process.
6. Kies Upgrade Complete
Wait for the Firmware upgrade complete popup and click on the OK button. That’s it! You have successfully updated your Samsung device and you can now unplug it from your PC.
Method 3: Sony PC Companion
Like Samsung Kies, Sony has its own PC software for managing their Xperia Android devices. Aside from the update feature, the app lets you transfer files between your Android device and PC, manage your calendar, edit contacts and offer a fully-featured backup utility. While Sony devices usually have their own OTA updates for built-in stock apps, their system updates are available mostly through the PC Companion. Sony Update Service is another PC software from the company and it is specifically designed for updating Sony devices, but the PC Companion is currently the fastest and most effective way to update Xperia devices.
1. Download PC Companion
Download and install PC Companion on your PC. You can get the software through Sony’s official website.
2. Connect Your Android Device
Open the app and connect your Android device to your PC using a micro USB cable.
3. Phone Software Update
Select Support Zone and click on Start below Phone Software Update.
4. Click on the Next button
On the lower right of the screen, you’ll see a “Next” button. Click on it to proceed.
5. Select Data
You’ll be automatically taken to the backup utility for backing up your device. Select the content that you want to backup by ticking the checkbox next to each option and click on Next.
6. Complete Backup
Enter a Backup name and click on Next. After the backup is complete, tap on the Next button. You’ll now be taken back to the update screen.
7. Tick the checkbox
Tick the “I understand” checkbox in the Personal data will be lost popup and click on Next.
8. Update complete
Wait for the app to download and install the update. You’ll now get a Phone updated message. Unplug your Android device and switch it on. That’s it! You have successfully updated your Sony device.
Method 4: LG Phone Support
Phone Support is LG’s PC software for keeping your Android device in sync with your PC. The app lets you install updates and device-specific drivers. Using the app is quite easy and you’ll be able to install large updates on your LG device through LG’s Phone Support.
1. Download the app
Download and install LG Phone Support on your PC.
2. Connect Your Android Device
Open the app and connect your Android device to your PC using a micro USB cable.
3. Start Updating
If an update is available for your device, you’ll get a Start Updating Pink bar at the bottom. Click on Click Me to start the update process.
4. Upgrade Complete
Wait for the app to download and install the update on your LG device. Once the update is complete, you’ll get an Upgrade Complete message and you can now unplug your Android device. That’s it! You have successfully updated your LG device.
What People Ask
Conclusion
In a lot of ways, updating your Android phone is essential. A system update is the better fix if your device is running slow or facing bugs. However, a system update goes beyond improving your phone’s speed. An update also lets you enjoy the latest features. Newer Android firmware brings in a lot of changes including additional stock apps and a different user interface. Additionally, you may also want to update your apps. For most system updates, you can use Method 1 as most updates will be available over the air. Not only can you install the update without using your PC, but OTA updates are extremely fast. Unfortunately, there are several major updates that can only be downloaded and installed through PC software. In such cases, you can use your manufacturer’s own PC app to update your Android device. You can also choose these methods if you don’t want to waste your device’s battery by downloading large OTA updates or you cannot use the internet on your device. Ultimately, what’s important is that: Whichever method you choose, make sure that you follow all the instructions on how to update Android phones. What do you think of this article? We hope we’ve helped you update your Android phone. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to drop your comments below. Featured Image
