How to quickly and efficiently update the firmware on an Android device? How to update the Android version on your phone

All Android users sooner or later think about updating the system. This is not surprising, because the developers software don't hesitate to release another one new version. New updates usually open the door to new features, so users are often looking for a software update solution. In this article, we will offer you two options to solve this problem.

1) Software update via phone settings

This method is one of the simplest and most accessible for all users. You don't need to put in much effort, just follow the instructions. Screenshots were taken on Android 4.4 - KitKat.

Step 1

Backup. Typically, updating software through your phone settings is a virtually harmless process, but to avoid unwanted problems, you need to make a backup.

Step 3

Once you've opened Settings, scroll down the settings panel to System. Click on the "About device" item. Typically, depending on your device, this item may be titled "About Tablet" or "About Phone"

Step 4

Click on the "System Update" option.

Step 5

Next, click the “Download” or “Check Now” button. After this action, you will receive a message indicating that there are available updates for your system. It is worth noting that updating the system may take you a little time. Also a necessary condition is connecting the device to Wi-Fi. After all the steps, reboot your devices.

That's probably all. If you experience any performance issues, errors or freezes after updating your device, then you need to reboot your device again.

2) Software update via computer

For installation latest updates you can also use special programs. The most famous such programs are Kies, as well as New PC Studio.

Step 1

Download the program to your computer. Install it.

Step 2

We connect the phone via a USB cable to the computer. If you have installed the Kies program, you need to open it and click the "Tools" tab.

Step 3

Next, select “Firmware update and initialization”. As a rule, after completing this procedure, the program itself will determine if there are available updates for your device. After all the steps, you need to restart the phone. Also, do not forget that even if you update the software via a computer, you still need the Internet.

Attention!

Whatever software update option you choose, remember that the slightest error or glitch can lead to your phone losing important data or simply turning into a brick. So be careful when installing updates. Don't forget to make backups. Good luck!

Many users ask this interest Ask— they say, I have a smartphone, I want to update the Android version. This is especially true in cases where the device has Android 4.4 installed, and some gadgets use version 7.0.

The urge to upgrade is understandable, but first we need to explain this to you: While Google may release a new version of Android, that doesn't mean your device has an updated operating system. Moreover, many manufacturers do not support firmware updates for older smartphone models. You can understand them - this is savings, and in addition, some incentive for the user to change his device to a more modern one.

There are other situations. For example, the smartphone uses firmware 4.4, although Google released version 6.0. Some manufacturers improve firmware within the same version of Android, that is, they can update the firmware, but the version operating system does not change - still the same 4.4. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to update the OS version on your smartphone. However, if you know for sure that your gadget has a new version of Android firmware, we will show you what you need to do to update.

We'll take a smartphone as an example. Samsung Galaxy. The device model does not matter, so the essence does not change.

So, the first thing you should do is charge your device to at least 80% - no less, but better yet, 100%.

The next point is connecting to the Internet. We strongly recommend using Wi-Fi. Why? Yes, because the size of the firmware can be measured in gigabytes. If you download it using mobile internet, don't be surprised by the huge bill later. However, if you have an unlimited mobile Internet package connected, there should be no problems.

Internet is connected.

Now we are looking for an application with settings. Here it is in our case:

We go into the settings and see many sections. We are interested in the one called “About smartphone” or “About device”. This is usually the very last section of the menu.

In the new window, you will see various menu options including Android version, model number, firmware version, etc. At the top of the window there is a “System Update” or “Software Update” option. Click on it.

Click Yes.

Since there is an update for your operating system, the software download will begin immediately.

The update has been downloaded, click on the “Install” button, after which the device will be turned off. In some cases, you don’t need to press anything; the device will turn off itself after downloading the software.

After turning off, the smartphone will turn on again and you will see a green robot, as well as the inscription “Installing a system update” or Installing system update or nothing at all except the robot and a loading bar that reflects the progress of the update. The update may take some time, do not restart the device, turn it off, or remove the battery.

After the update, the smartphone will turn on. Your firmware has been updated.

Here is the procedure. There is another option - updating the firmware in manual mode. However, you will have to download and install the firmware yourself, and this is no longer as easy as updating over the air. For a description of the process of updating the firmware for your smartphone manually, look for the 4pda.ru forum (it varies for different smartphones).

Do I need to make a backup before updating the system?

In general, usually all data is saved during an update. However, if an error occurs during the update, you will probably have to, and in this case all data will be deleted. Therefore, before installing the firmware, we still strongly recommend making a backup of important data, for example, photos. Phone numbers can be saved by syncing with a Google account.

Many experienced Android owners are often forced or intentionally updating the firmware to fix bugs or get new features. You will learn how to update the firmware on Android from this article.

Why update firmware on Android

Here is a partial list of reasons:

1. Get new and/or previously unavailable features/features.
2. Fix identified errors and problems in the firmware.
3. Close vulnerabilities and security holes.
4. Improve device performance or speed up an outdated device.
5. Download some games and applications that do not work on outdated versions of the system.

Types, differences and features of updates

Standard firmware

There are 2 types of updates:

1. Intermediate.
2. Complete.

The interim update contains fixes and improvements within the current OS version. For example, if Android is 5.0, then updates are applicable only to this version. Typically, builds of this type contain only fixes and rarely seen innovations. Interim updates also contain security fixes that close possible holes for hacking the device.

The full version includes more changes than the intermediate version. The package contains all the necessary files for a clean installation. Suitable for restoring a device after unsuccessful firmware or for updating to a new version of Android, for example from 7.1 to 8.0.

MIUI firmware

The system is presented primarily on devices Xiaomi company. The firmware is also often installed on models from other manufacturers in the form of a custom modification. As is the case with most others standard firmware, the system is also available as an intermediate and full package.

At the same time, MIUI uses a distinctive approach in the development and distribution of firmware, in comparison with other manufacturers. Two types of firmware are available:

Chinese. The firmware is intended for users/developers/testers from the Middle Kingdom, since it contains only English and Chinese localization. Release order: Alpha build - Beta, for developers - Stable version.

Global. The system is designed for users of other countries, as it contains an expanded language package. Release order: Beta, for developers - Stable version.

Distinctive features of the firmware

Alpha version. The firmware contains the latest innovations and is updated more often. The system is only available to some Chinese testers/developers.

Beta version. Test build, where previously found errors are fixed. The firmware is available to everyone, and new build Published weekly on Friday, excluding major Chinese holidays.

Stable version. Usually comes out every 3-6 months where most of the bugs are fixed. The system is better debugged compared to weekly builds and is more suitable for constant use.

Third party firmware

There are also many different firmwares on the network, developed by companies, experienced developers or a group of enthusiasts. Builds are also classified into alpha, bata and final. Last most the best option containing less mistakes. The quality of implementation and support of the system is influenced by the experience and interest of the developers.

Firmware update methods

An Android owner has 4 ways to update the firmware:

1. Built-in FOTA option.
2. Through factory recovery.
3. Using a computer.
4. Using third party recovery.

Firmware update via FOTA

Abbreviation FOTA (OTA), translated from English Firmware Over The Air - firmware over the air. The standard method for obtaining and updating firmware for most Android devices.

The principle of operation is to download the firmware from the manufacturer’s server and then install it. The process is automated and does not require the participation of the owner. All you need to do is check for updates, download the file if available, and allow installation. To do this, open the settings section, select “updates” and click on the check for updates button.

For Xiaomi devices with MIUI, in addition to OTA, a second update method is available. If you have the firmware, just download the file to your phone, and then go through the standard update menu, where you can select and install the firmware.

The advantages of the method are complete automation. The owner does not need to delve into the process of installing the firmware and does not have to worry about losing the warranty.

The disadvantage is the lack of long-term support from most manufacturers. Some models do not receive the update at all. Often, in fact, there is an update, but it is not possible to get the file from the server.

Firmware update via factory recovery

Android devices are equipped with a recovery mode. The section is used primarily for resetting settings when the system does not boot, and also for quickly clearing user data. At the same time, the factory recovery mode allows you to install firmware updates, usually only intermediate types. And for Xiaomi smartphones, this method one of the main ones for installing a new firmware version.

The method is relevant when there is an update for the phone, but it is not downloaded via FOTA. Then just download the update file called “update” into memory, it will boot into recovery mode, where you select the file and start the update process.

The disadvantages include some difficulties in finding the update file. More steps are required. Also, only official firmware can be installed; modifications cannot be installed. And since the device support cycle rarely exceeds more than a year, 1.5-2 years for flagships, it is not always possible to update the firmware.

Firmware update using a computer

A computer is required to install the full firmware package or some sections. This method is most often used during official updates. And for some models, firmware for semi-custom assemblies is available - partial modifications assembled on the factory firmware.

When using this method, you will need a laptop. Also drivers for the device being flashed, a program for installing the system and the firmware file itself. The process is also not complicated. It is enough to connect the device, launch the program, specify the path to the file location and confirm the action. The rest will take place without user intervention.

The most crucial moment is the correct choice of firmware. Usually defense mechanisms prevent the installation of an incorrect assembly, but sometimes there are exceptions, and the device has to be restored.

The advantages include the ability to install a full firmware package, which is important when the update is not available via OTA. You can also flash an “improved” stock, where the author can remove unnecessary programs and services, and in return install a better version of applications.

The disadvantage is the same - the update is limited by the availability of firmware released by the manufacturer. You also need a computer, a program, drivers and a synchronization cable.

Firmware update using modified recovery

The previous three methods described the update standard system, where the installation depended on the presence of an intermediate or full firmware package. If the manufacturer has stopped supporting, you will not be able to update the system. For such a case or when there is a desire to experience alternative firmware, for example MIUI instead standard Android, custom, modified, firmware available.

The development and support of such systems is carried out by enthusiasts or experienced programmers. The level of firmware debugging cannot be compared with large electronics manufacturers. But it allows you to install the latest version of the OS on old device and take advantage of new features.

You will first need to install a modified version of recovery, which requires unlocking the bootloader. The unlocking method is different for each model - hacking through a vulnerability, paid remote unlocking or free unlocking through the manufacturer.

The advantages lie in installing new versions of the system, which is important when the manufacturer has stopped supporting the device. Also installing “kernels” and other modifications, creating a backup copy of the system and restoring the system at any time.

The disadvantages are the need for third-party recovery and an unlocked bootloader. Also some time and knowledge on the part of the owner.

The Android operating system is very popular and the reason for this is its many advantages. Many modern smartphones and tablets run on this operating system, which indicates its reliability, otherwise famous manufacturers Android gadgets were not used. In general, this OS has enough advantages, but the purpose of this article is not to describe the advantages and disadvantages of Android. This rather voluminous manual is intended for users who want to know how to update Android.

Periodically, every holder of a smartphone, tablet or other device running on Android platform, there is a need to update the operating system version. Of course, updating is not mandatory and if this is not done, any device will continue to function normally. Nevertheless, old version The OS often becomes a problem. For example, it may be difficult to install new programs or games whose developers did not take care of later versions of Android. In addition, developers regularly release new versions of the Android OS for a reason. First of all, this is done to eliminate all shortcomings previous versions and add new user-friendly features.

So, we figured out the need to update Android, now let's find out how to update Android on different devices. In this article we will look at using the official and non-official firmware versions. You will be presented with step-by-step instruction, based on which you can update Android on your phone and tablet. We will also tell you how to update Android via a computer. So let's get down to business.

Before you update Android, you need to choose the most suitable method for yourself, and there may be several options here. Perhaps the most convenient is automatic software updates directly through the phone. That is, this method does not require the use of a computer or pre-downloading a new firmware version, since all necessary actions will be performed in the smartphone settings. This OS update method is suitable for all devices with Android version no later than 4.0. The software update procedure is extremely simple and will take very little time.

It should be noted that the Android update process may vary slightly depending on your specific smartphone model. We have prepared step-by-step instructions using the most common software as an example, but you can easily figure it out if your device has a slightly different interface. So, to update Android on your phone, follow these steps:

1. Go to the “Settings” of your smartphone. This is usually done through the main menu of the phone or using a special button on the phone. It all depends on the model of the gadget. In any case, there will be no problems with this.

2. After entering your phone settings, find the “About phone” item (in some cases, this section may be called “About tablet” or “About smartphone”). Here you will find the build number and android version. After clicking on the “About phone” item, the following window will appear in front of you:

3. Next you need to find and go to the “System Update” section. (in some cases, this section may be called “Software Update” or simply “Update”). Now you need to click on the “Update” button (in some cases this button may be called “Check for updates” or “Check now”). If an update is available for your device, your smartphone will automatically download and install it. In some cases automatic download is not provided and you will need to confirm the software update. If there is no update for your smartphone, you will see a message indicating that you have the latest version of Android OS installed.

Note: before installing Android, you should make sure that your phone is connected to the Internet and that you have enough traffic to download the new firmware.

It should be said that some devices require certain features of updating the Android operating system. For example, some Samsung smartphones suggest you need to enable your Samasung account before updating your Android. Please note that we are not talking about a Google account, but about account Samasung. If you have not yet created a Samsung account, then follow these steps:

• In your phone settings, find the “Account and synchronization” item and go to it.
• Now click on “Add account” and in the window that opens, select the “Samasung Account” section.
• Now follow the prompts on your smartphone screen. After activating your account, you can start updating your Android, following the previously given instructions.

Also watch the Android update video on your smartphone.

You already know how to update Android via your phone. Now let's find out how to update Android on your tablet. It should be said that the process of updating software on a tablet computer does not imply significant differences from updating a smartphone, however, there are still some differences, so we decided to prepare separate instructions.

Quite often, tablets are almost constantly connected to the Internet. In this case, the Android update procedure is greatly simplified. The fact is that while in constant network access mode, the device can itself find a new version of the operating system and notify you about it. All you have to do is accept or reject the new software. If a similar offer has already been received, but at that time you decided to refuse it, then there is nothing wrong with that. Just go to the “About Tablet PC” section and select “Update Software”.

If automatic updating does not occur, this procedure can be performed manually. Again, the process of updating Android on a tablet may involve minor differences depending on the specific device model, but the meaning is the same and you will not encounter any difficulties. To update Android on your tablet computer, you need to follow these steps:

• Go to “Settings”.
• Find "About your tablet." Go to this tab and click on “System Update”.
• After this, the tablet will begin searching for the latest software version.
• If the device has the latest version of Android installed, the device will tell you that no updates were found. If a new version of Android OS is detected, you will be prompted to install. install. Once the installation is complete, your tablet may restart.

Note: to eliminate problems with the device, before updating Android on your tablet, you need to make sure that the battery charge is tablet computer was more than 50% of the permissible capacity. It is advisable to connect the tablet to a charger when updating the software. This rule is also relevant when updating the OS on your phone.

You can update Android not only directly from the device itself, but also from your computer. For this you will need special program and the disk that comes with the device. You can also download the Android version from the Internet, for example, if there is no corresponding disk or you want to install a specific version.

Today there are several programs for updating Android, but we use as an example special application Kies. You can download the program on the Internet, just use the Yandex or Google search. To update Android via your computer, you need to follow these steps:

1. Connect your smartphone or tablet to your computer and launch the Kies application. The program will automatically check if there is a software update available for your device and the result will be notified to you in the appropriate window.

2. If there is a new version of the operating system for your device, then the “Update” button will appear in front of you. Click on it and a new warning window will appear. Carefully study the information provided and only then proceed to the next step.

3. If you agree with everything, check the box next to “I have read all the above information” and click on the “Start update” button. After this, the latest version of the operating system will begin downloading, fully matching your smartphone or tablet model.

4. Once the Android OS files are downloaded, the software update will start automatically. If the automatic update has not started, a corresponding button should appear, clicking on which you will confirm the start of the software installation.

5. That's all. You have updated Android to the latest version. Now you can evaluate the benefits of the new software.

Android is updated in the same way through Sony PC Companion and other programs.
Also watch the video on how to update Android via Kies.

Many modern gadgets, for example, Nexus, HTC, Samsung, etc. have the opportunity to get Android 5 Lollipop. Meanwhile, often for unknown reasons, many users cannot install this software, since the long-awaited update simply does not arrive. That is, the corresponding section reports that there are no updates available for the device. If you are sure that your smartphone or tablet supports this version of the operating system, but automatic updating does not occur, then you can try updating another simple and in a safe way, which, moreover, does not require .

It's about about a forced update, and there will be no need to manually install the image and use non-official firmware. Since we did not find a device that does not already have Android 5 Lollipop installed, the screenshots presented in the instructions will already be with this version of the software, but there is no significant difference and the contents of the menu are no different, so you will cope with the task without any problems.

So, go to “Settings” and select “Applications”.

Open the list of all applications. Now you need to find an application called Google Services Framework. Click on it and select the “Erase data” option.

After this, turn off the smartphone and immediately after turning it on, check for software updates again; to do this, follow the following path: “Settings” → “About device” → “System update”.

Note: In some cases, there may be a delay in receiving the update. As a rule, after 10-15 minutes you can start updating.

If your device does not support Android 5 Lollipop, and the previously specified file is deleted, nothing bad will happen. True, for further correct work Google Play You may have to log in again, that is, you just need to enter your login information Google account, and not re-register in the system.

You can also watch the video to see how the firmware is updated to Android 5 lolipop.

How to update Android using unofficial firmware

This is where we will end this article. We hope this rather lengthy manual helped you and now you know how to update Android. If you have any problems with the update, ask questions in the comments.

You may also be interested

Before agreeing to automatic updating of the operating system, it is recommended to ensure a sufficient speed of the Internet connection (mobile Internet is not suitable). Automatic software updates occur at least once every six months, and the phone itself asks you for permission to update the software. If this does not happen, then you can check and set the update settings yourself. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to update the Android OS manually.

Why doesn't Android update automatically on my phone?

Android OS has a large number of variations depending on the type of device (phones, tablets, smartphones), but the principle of placing the settings is the same. Software updates do not occur automatically in two cases:

• The "automatic software update" option is not enabled.
• Or you have an old phone model that no longer receives Android OS updates.

Old phone model – from one to three years. In this case, you can update the OS by downloading it manually on the official Android website (you will need to enter your mobile phone model).

How to set the Android OS update settings on your phone manually?

The first thing you need to set the necessary settings is a good Internet connection. We connect the telephone device to the Wi-fi router:

• Go to the main menu and select the “Settings” option.

• Next, click “Wi-fi”.

• We connect the phone to an available network.

Instructions for updating Android OS on your phone

• Now let’s move on to setting up automatic software updates - go again to the “Settings” menu.

• We find the menu item “About the device” - depending on the phone model, this item may have a different name, similar in meaning: “About the system”, or “About the tablet/smartphone”.

• Next, select the “Software Update” option (check for updates).

• On the phone screen, the “software update” command is executed, connection to the server - connection to the Internet. IN this moment There are no latest Android OS updates for the phone model in question, which is what the system reported.

The OS update for your phone can also be found on the official Android website http://androidmir.org/faq/update/, after downloading it in accordance with your phone manufacturer.

We looked at the easiest way to update the Android operating system on your phone manually. In some phone models, you just need to check the box next to “Automatic software updates”, and immediately after that the phone itself finds updates and asks for permission to restart and install new software. We remind you that for successful installation of new software, a fast Internet connection is very important.

When each new version of the Android operating system is released, many users immediately begin to look for information on how to update Android on their phone. The fact is that very rarely, immediately after the release of a new version of the OS, it becomes available for download and installation.

At first it comes only to a limited number of people, and then to everyone else, but, again, not immediately, but gradually. Some people do not receive a notification about the new version at all. Then you have to resort to independent manual installation new version of the operating system. Let's look at several of the most effective and, accordingly, popular methods for performing this process.

Automatic update

As we know, the system can be updated automatically. At least, when a new version is released, the user will see a notification about this and the opportunity to install it. All this is done, by the way, for free.

So, to enable this feature, you need to do the following:

• Connect Wi-Fi so that later the update will not be downloaded using the mobile Internet, and the operator will not charge extra money for this.
• Go to settings and find the item “About smartphone” (or “About tablet”).
• Find the “System Update” item there.

Clue: The names of the items may differ depending on the version of the operating system already installed. But based on the meaning, you can still guess which point is responsible for what. IN latest versions OS, by the way, these items are called “About the device” and “Download the update manually”.

• After this, it will check for updates and, if there are any, offer to install them. In the future, when a new version is released, the user will see corresponding notifications on his screen.

The secret of this method is that the system, in forced mode, begins to search for system updates. Even if your phone is not yet included in the list of “favorites” that received a notification, you will add yourself there. All this, as mentioned above, is done absolutely free.

Additional Applications

There are also a number of Android applications that help you check your system for updates and update it if possible. Let's look at the most popular of them.

"Update for Android" from Womboid Systems

A very unusual application that allows you to check the system and update it if necessary. In this case, the user will be able to see information about what hardware is installed on his phone.

To use this application, you must do the following:

1. Download (here is the link) and install the “Android Update” from Womboid Systems.
2. In the main program window, click on the “Check your Hardware” button. After this, the system will be checked, and you will be able to see real data about it (it happens that the real information differs from that indicated by the seller).
3. Further in the “Upgrade to” block it will be shown full list options for operating system versions that are available for updating on your device.
4. Once selected, the update will either start automatically or you will need to enter three more texts shown below. In the second case, after each test the result will be displayed, and if the test is successful, the message will say “You can upgrade”.
5. Next, in the main menu, you need to click on the “View android firmware” button to see the available system updates. There you just have to click on the selected OS version to begin its installation.

It was not possible to find other truly working programs for the phone that could update the system. Therefore, we recommend updating the system using the standard method (described above) or via a computer.

Using a computer

Android Update Manager

As they write on the Internet, this is not a very reliable program, but it works well. Another disadvantage is the fact that Android Update Manager does not support everything. modern models smartphones.

To use Android Update Manager to update the system via your computer, you must do the following:

• Download and open the program. Select the device model from the list. This is done by clicking on the select button and selecting among the proposed options.
• View the list of available firmware for the selected device.

• Click on the desired version. After this, you will be taken to a page with its description. You don't have to read all of this. All that remains is to click on the download button.
• After the download is complete, you need to download the resulting file to your phone and install it like any other program.

Kies

This is a much more proven method. You can download the program here.

After downloading and installing, you need to do the following:

• Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable. After this, you will need to wait a little so that the program can recognize the connected phone. It will also check if an operating system update is available for of this device. If it is available, the user will see the corresponding notification shown in Figure 5. There you need to click on the “Update” button.

• After this the user will see large text with a warning. It is advisable to read it, check the box next to the inscription “I have read…”, as well as next to the inscription “Allow saving”. Then you can click on the “Start update” button at the bottom of the window.

• Next you will have to wait certain time while the program loads necessary files and install them. At the end, a window will appear where you need to click on the “Confirm” button.

This process can be seen clearly in the video below.

Want to know how to update Android on your phone? In this article we will tell you how to update Android and why you need to update the system at all. We will not only talk about updating applications and games, but we will also try to tell you how to update Android itself, that is, the operating system itself.

Android is an excellent operating system and is constantly being improved and updated through its updates. In principle, updating Android as an operating system is possible on most Android gadgets. And of course, first of all from such manufacturers as HTC, Samsung, Sony, LG, Philips, Lenovo, Huawei And Fly. How to update Android version? So, this is what the little green robot can do.

Automatic update

Some Android users want to know how to update Android through a computer. But in fact, you don’t need a computer, just connect the Internet to Android and you can update Android on your tablet or smartphone very quickly. One of the features of applications developed for Android is their ability to receive new versions of the system as they become available. Is it worth updating Android? Of course it’s worth it, because developers release updates for a reason.

This function runs in the background, and is ready to receive data as soon as applications notify the system. But there are many Android phones that do not receive operating system updates on time.

Android phone users have the option to wait until updates become available for their smartphone model. Or you can do simple procedure, which will allow you to manually check for Android updates. This feature is very similar to the feature in Windows. She will download all the innovations made by the developers, first asking your permission.