How to check for software updates on your Android device

How to check for software updates on your Android device 2

Editorial Note: Talk Android may contain affiliate links on some articles. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

 

How to check for software updates on your Android device 3

Everybody likes software updates, whether you're dealing with a big, new version of Android, or just a monthly security patch. Many phones are getting regular updates these days, with at least a few every year to keep your phone on the latest security bulletins from Google, but with Android 10 right around the corner we're anticipating more updates than usual rolling out at the end of the year.

If you're not sure if you're caught up on updates, or if there's one pending for your phone, we'll help you out. Just follow this guide and we'll show you how to check for updates on your phone.

This process could vary by phone; most phones are pretty similar, but you might have to adjust things for your specific device if this guide isn't 100% accurate for you.

    1. To get started, you need to get in your Settings menu. You can tap the gear icon in your notification shade, or hit the Settings app in your app drawer.
      How to check for software updates on your Android device 4


    2. Scroll through your Settings menu and see if there's an entry specifically for Software Updates. That's what we're looking for, but if your phone doesn't have this in its list, you might need to find About Phone first, then find System Updates under that sub-menu.How to check for software updates on your Android device 5

    3. This screen will show you all of your System Update options. Tapping “Check for updates” will start the process of downloading the latest available software for your phone, but you can also change a few other things, like turning automatic updates on and off and checking the last time you received an update. The options here will differ depending on your phone maker.How to check for software updates on your Android device 6

    4. Once you've tapped the button to check for updates, you'll be prompted to download the files, and the update will automatically install. It might take a few minutes to download everything, and your phone will reboot during the process, but once it's done you're all set! Your phone should be updated to the latest version available based on your phone, region, and carrier. Be sure to do this regularly to make sure you stay updated.How to check for software updates on your Android device 7

That's pretty much the entire process. This works on all Android phones, and generally works for tablets and other Android devices as well. If you're having problems with your phone, or you're just itching for some new features, this is usually going to be the first place to start. Those updates can fix bugs that exist in your current software, and they keep your phone protected from potential malicious attacks, too.

Total
0
Shares
239 comments
  1. I have an S9+ that I just bought and its on OS 6 but I can’t update it. Its saying that my device is up to date. Please help!

  2. Last night I got a notice that the update from Marshmallow (6.0.1) to Nougat (7.xx) was available for my Samsung J5 (2016). After “successfully” updating to the new software I see in the About Phone settings that version 6.0.1 is still the latest software version on my phone and I don’t see any difference in the way my phone’s interface looks or behaves. What’s up with that?

  3. WHAT. THE. FUCK.

    middle of the night, getting ready for bed when my android phone decides to do a huge major OS upgrade.

    taking an hour so far and worst of all, i need my phone for my alarm so I cant go to sleep yet because it probably won’t be on after the update finishes….

  4. I just received “system update” for my Sprint LG G4, after following promps and it was finished I wanted to check what exactly update was for. I followed totorial, system>about phone >I don’t have selection for system updates just “update center” is that the same thing?

  5. There is a last updated date in PlayStore, what kind of update does it refer to?
    If there is an update to fixed content/words of the application would it changed the date?

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a5de2fac879bb6b7ca47c0c50e277e2191c505a044b9ece5a7cf03b104173c85.png

    Thanks!

  6. i want upgrade micro max a62 bolt andriod 2.3.5 now upgrade 4.0.4 how can upgrade give details of upgrade and also software.which software want and how load and upgrade mobile.

  7. I tried to check for updates on my phone its a huawei prono and it says authentication failed how do i fix that

  8. Hey guys I attempted to use the over the air update with wifi and I’m told I don’t have a connection even after it went through the process and why can’t this just be simplified better instead of having so many ways why can’t there be just one. I should not have to worry about whether l’m allowing myself for a hack. I’m on a ZTE mobile Android. I don’t even use WiFi but I just want to be done with this damn update. I need help ASAP and tired of loosing data.

  9. I have android 4.4.2but when ihabe gone onto my phone therte is no where to update is there anything else I can do

  10. I have SPH-L720 Samsung s4 mobile , which is unlocked and using in India. .can I upgrade software to 5.0?

  11. This option not to be selected on my phone please say me to how to my hsl h8+ phone update KitKat to lollipop…… Please sent reply me fast

  12. my anroid version is 4.4.2 but my apps are now crashing after some google updates .. who can fix this? .. the phone provider or google system? ..

  13. I have just received a FIT BIT Surge for a birthday gift and already have the Fit BIt app as i had “The One” fit bit but I am now adding another device. When trying to download and syn my Surge it says firmware needs to be updated however my system update on my phone says its all up to date. Help want to use my new gift

  14. My android is pass its update but have yet to recieve any notice. I click the deal and it just says no firmware. i just transferred this Samsung Galaxy S from T-Mobile to Metro PCS

  15. Please can you tell me why I can’t install or update certain apps on my phone I have a note 3 system is all updated bit no joy with the apps please help

  16. hello pleas who can Help me I,need to install new os android for smartphone mobile type is huawei c8815 ibuy from china its orignal mobile

  17. I downloaded the lollipop on my s5… it was on here for 2 days. I had to hard rest my phone to get it off. .. horrible!

  18. I have cm security on my android phone. And my phone is stolen. I try locating my phone threw the app. And it keep bring up a date from a month ago. how do I update my app? or how can I find the customer service phone number?

  19. Just had an update on my phone and what have they done? ! I keep dropping my wifi connection. It’s driving me nuts. I also have Vodafone sure signal. … Please help! Tried restarting and signing off and on to router. …..nothing doing!

  20. I’m running Android 4.4.2 Kit Kat, in the About Phone screen under System Update it says “Check System Update on Server” – WHAT DOES THIS MEAN ? is there anything I need to do ? please help

  21. How should I deactivate update from my Android Galaxy S4 the old version was better than updated one.

  22. I have version 2.2.1, build #FRG83, software LG-P500h-V10v Followed yr instruction for checking android updates, however no ‘system updates’ option found. Checked the P500 manual– no mention of this feature. Guess I am out of luck with Skype recently announcing no longer available to 2.2 versions and under; I could not access it as of today.

    1. Try finding a upgrade assistant program because it’s old it doesn’t have an ota updates option ota started in android 3 or 4 I think.

  23. What are the newest versions and setting on Samsung Galaxy S5?
    Mine so the G900A please need to know where to get the last update

    1. Go to settingo scroll to bottom click about and then system updates, my has system updates as the last option and I don’t have to click about every phone is different

  24. Im using a LG-P690f, and i go to check for a software update, but it says ‘Connection failed caused by authentication error.? i’ve tried to search for it on the internet but i can only find authentication error on internet issues, my internet is fine, the only thing i cannot do is search for a software update… please help

  25. hi i have an unlocked at&t galaxy s2 in jamaica. when i want to update the software it tells me I have to be near a tower. is there another way I can update it?

  26. Hello. my daughter has a lg motion phone from metro pcs and her play store will not open up. Can someone please help? Thanks in advance

    1. download google play and install it on her cell
      it will start working if it supports any android version
      n plzz try to improve your english

  27. Hi.I have Toshiba AT.300 tablet software of Google.Can’t play any video on face book ,how can it start showing videos and playing music.

  28. but if i tap the ‘system update’ column, he say there is no internet connection and the place that i sit have a connected wifi

    1. restore your cell to factory settings and try again
      if there is a update available it will notify you when you are connected to wifi

  29. Recently bought Galaxy Nexus from Google with ICS 4.0 – there is no “System Updates” option in the About Phone menu. Can you please help on how to update the software to latest version and how to get the System Updates option?

  30. i got check for updates in my phone, but when i check it, it doesnt seem to show if theres any update for the software. can someone help me??

  31. i have LG P500 itis v2.3.3 , how can be it will be updated.after updating it will take some memory so possibilty of getting slow of system????is it true???

  32. I have android phone (MyPhone a848Duo) running android 4.0.4
    You can help me to update this at android 4.1?

  33. it says no updates when i no it needs an update. i ahve got th lowest android and need it updated! please HELP!!!

  34. Easy go to www.samsung.us/support
    Then go to the searc engine in the page (black rectangular box) put phone code and see if its there (color of does not matter. Once done click “read” more on phone version and follow steps.

  35. Hi I am having mobile Dell XCD 35 / i think its same as ZTE blade, it has Android version 2.2 and I want to undate version 2.3 Please help my email id ygupta1@gmail.com

  36. i already upgrade my tablet 7.0 plus to android ice cream sandwich but the android version still not change…any body can answers me…TQ

  37. Everybody’s Android is updating to Android 4.0 (Ice cream sandwhich) But my droid incredible is still on version 2.3.4

    It keeps saying I’m currently updated

  38. ALL I asked, r, wanted 2 know is how lng dis install takes. Mins r hrs? Does anybody knw? I cant even google up an answr! It sends u roun da mulberry bush 2! Why cant goggle evr answr any questzn r nquiry I hav? Why doesnt dis so-cald android smrtph advse u wen prompd r nquiryn permiszn 2 nstal da system updte? SOMEBDY PLS… (as Tina Turner sings) tel me wuzs on dis thng MINE!!!

  39. the exact way to boot is first of all pres on button with press home button and then press cal key. your boot menu will open

  40. Can’t download on my lg lw690 any more.download starts but status bar never changes. Used to work fine now it just says downloading untitled til l it finally fails.

  41. I have an HTC Wildfire S which i got just a few days ago. I think I accidentally refused the update, because it says I am running on version 2.3.3, and whenever i click on update software nothing pops up telling me there is a new android version available, but I am trying to get 2.3.5. Can anyone help? Greatly appreciated!

  42. How can i upgrade Micromax A75 ?

    is it possible to install Adobe Flash Player 11?

    i need to install Flash Player in Micromax A75. Can u give me any suggestions ?

  43. i have alcatel one touch whit android system 2.2.3 pls tell me how to update it cant whit options i need update because i am limited whith apps from market helllpppp

  44. i have alcatel one touch whit android system 2.2.3 pls tell me how to update it cant whit options i need update because i am limited whith apps from market helllpppp

  45. i have htc desire hd, i had rooted it to 2.3.5 and htc sense 3.0 . i read that it has already recieved the ICS version, i made the same steps that were mentioned here but it didnt work because i dont have “System update” option …. Somebody HELP me please………. :'(

  46. Everytime I update, it gets stuck at the Rebooting part and never fully installs for some reason. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

    1. i too have a karbonn a1 mobile!
      i managed to root it
      i went and checked the cyanogen website for updates but as expected found none
      i want to upgrade my android os from 2.2 to 2.3
      what do i do???
      everytime i check for updates it says that my phone is up to date

  47. Hey, I have a huawei ideos and i know that android have released a new version but I can’t seem to download it! Can you help?

  48. Hai i have galaxy mini GT-s5570 & their is no softeware update option in”about phone” option what will i do to update my android os?

    1. i think u can just google or go to the website of your phone for update you can look for any updates for your phone, dowload it to your PC then transfer file to the sdcard, run to recovery mode on your android phone and from their you can install updates,, dont waste time searching for that “software update” button,,

  49. I have a galaxy s (vibrant) 2.2 from t-mobile and when I go to update my phone it says “no firmware”. what is that?

  50. My phone doesn’t even have a system updates option (MyTouch 4G)

    Yet, My mothers phone got a software update to 2.3.4 or something like that…

  51. i have SGS2 and i can update my phone becouse i pay for it almost 500 euros and its not locked by some carier…try that… ;)

  52. “One of the strongest features of the Android mobile phone operating
    system platform is found in its ability to receive updates as they
    become available.”
    …lol, are you kidding? As soon as the official update from Google leaks through all the customizations, which means NEVER more often than not…
    Thanks for AnyCut, though!

  53. One of the strongest features of the Android mobile phone operating
    system platform is found in its ability to receive updates as they
    become available.

    1. same here, how do we update the phone then. I am looking out for some apps in the market. Can you help me if you are facing the same problem ?

  54. Is there any upgrade for google nexus s to go in android 4.0  cz whenever i open (about phone) it shows that “your phone is up to date ” so i m very confused that has the upgrade come or not…..

  55. Good things to know… But, I Have an Samsung Galaxy Mini GT-S5570 running with Android Gingerberead 2.3.4 and I want to update him to vertions like 2.3.6 or 3.0 or 4.0

  56. news flash!!
    i hate my phone COS ITS ANDROID 1.5
    and that means that it wont let you check for updates and it dosnt let you know if it is checking for updates

  57. I think the reason why we can’t find the “Check for updates” option is because our phones are locked by cell phone company ( they removed the option).

  58. who can tell me that if i update my phone, do my apps will disapear? will the update delete them??? help please… my email is senoripod@hotmail.com, let me know if you know how to do it.

  59. I have the Droid incredible and I used ‘any cut’ every time I check for a system update the program instantly stops and force closes, so that’s not an option. And any time I go to about phone and system updates it shows its up to date and doesn’t give me the ‘check now’ button, which my phone has prompted me twice to upgrade it to 2.3.4 gingerbread..someone help..Iif I went to the Verizon store could they push the system update to my phone again@

    1. I also have a Galaxy S.  Here’s how I did it:

      -On the main screen, tap the menu button (the one on the left of the home button).
      -Choose Settings;
      -The ‘about phone’ is the last one, far bellow – Tap it;
      -Then ‘Update Software’ is fits one – Tap it now;
      -There is the “Check for updates’.

      The options can have a different text, because my GS is in portuguese, but I believe anyone can find a similar text.

      I hope it helps.

      1. I don’t have the “update software” option in my “about phone” heading. The closest thing I have is “software update” but it requires firmware (which I would need to find somewhere.) but I don’t know where to get it…

  60. I have the HTC inspire and I have recently tried updating my phone to the new software and when I go to my settings and click check for updates it scans thwn tells me server unavailable. Why is that? And how else can I finally update my software? Please help!! I’d very much appreciate it.

  61. I am considering changing phone from symbian to android. Does android also erase certain external programs you bought after downloading an update? With symbian after updating you also needed to reinstall some programs which were gone afterwoods…thx

  62. im using generic android, cant find the systems update im on 2.0 and i can download flashplayer ugh sucks cmon please help me thanks

  63. when is 2.3 coming out ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

  64. Hey I have a huawei ascend android phone through metropcs and I have my phone updated I know you have a market store on your android phone and an AppStore as well go into the AppStore look for something that says android software update and download it and update your phone I don’t know about any other phones like HTC but I just know about the android phones ….I hope that helps

  65. Hi,
    I can’t update my android to 2.1 to 2.3 and when i try to open user support everytime it force closes. So pls anyone can give me solution for it?

  66. Hi , i have motorola backflip MB300 indian version. I am stuck with android 1.5 . Will motorola update it or not?
    if not is there any ‘easy’ method to update ? help….thnx.

  67. I have the HTC incredible and am on 2.2. Verizon says they released 2.3 in August and even have a manual to check for the update manually. You go to settings, about phone, system updates,and press the check new button. The problem is, THERE IS NO CHECK NEW BUTTON! I’ve never rooted this phone, it’s the stock release with an ota update to 2.2. Has anyone else had this problem and figured it out? I emailed a Verizon rep who then told me to do the same thing over again! Apparently they didn’t get it when I said the button doesn’t exist.

  68. HI, I recently got a Motorola Android A855 and I heard I can update the firmware version 2.0 to 2.2.
    I did check the system updates but it says that “your system is currently up to date” Is there other way to upgrade my phone??
    Thanks

  69. Hi,
    I have the LGP500H with koodo. when i go to settings and about phone there is nothing to click on that lets you update it over the air. Does the LGP500H do OTA updating or do I have to do it on the computer????

  70. hi.. i am vishnu i taken micromax a60. how i can update my mobile os 2.1 to 2.2 please send information about this os at vishnu.biradar1@gmail.com

  71. Checking for update Step 6……..”Touch the “System updates” option. This causes the phone to look for any new Android updates. If an update is available, the phone will download and install it.”

    My samsung Galaxy S Vibrant Doesnt’t have that option to select. I go to SETTINGS, ABOUT PHONE….but no option for updates is available….?

    What do I do then?

  72. i have the motorola i1 LOL I PAID 350. worst choice ever. but my question is, The motorola i1is the only wt touchscreen phone, so i know theres no other android firmware with wt capabilities, but i dont care about wt, is there a way to update to a newer android firmware with this phone? if not i have to crack the capabilities and manually force an update witch will void my warrenty. its sort of like jailbreaking an idevice just it does things alittle different and doesnt install a key program such as ‘cydia’. it runs android 1.5 btw. yea, bought it brand new a few months ago And its junk.

  73. you need to upgrade to android 2.2 , some carriers will push this to your phone, HTC seems to be the best at providing upGRADES of the OS.. 2.1 does not have auto update feature. just google it. hope this helps any confusion

  74. I’ve got the sam problem. My phone is a ZTE on 2.1 update 1. I’ve tried both of the options above but it simply won’t work. Can somebody help me do an update? plz

  75. Hi i have a ZTE-Racer with adnroid 2.1 update 1. I tried to update, but there is no system update no where in the phone setings. please help me to how to upgrade my zte racer. Thanks

  76. I have a motto qlick and I’m still on android 1.5 I have tried to search for an update but it allways say no update found your phone is up to date any sugestions

  77. I too am stuck in update 2.2 I keep checking for updates but it just keeps telling me there is none at this time. Please help me?! :(

  78. I have a moterola blur and it says my phone is up to date but my android market doesn’t show all available apps like on my friends phone! Please help\/ :/

  79. I have a galaxy s and neither of update options explained work. How can i get onto version 2.2 and beyond?

  80. Alex, I was facing the same problem, with the same phone and SO version. I solved changing the Input mode, switching the input method from Android Keyboard to HTC_IME. Just in case this help you.

  81. Hi, I have a Galaxy S, with 2.1. I followed all the directions but I did not see the System Update option. Can somebody help me?

  82. I have Galaxy S, still with 2.1, phone is slow, and turning off like 20 times a day! Its time to get an update!

  83. ok so ive been looking all night at how to update my htc hero and ive come up with a blank as to why my phone doesnt have the software update option…. can anyone help me?

  84. yea i also have the huawei ascend by metro and it doesnt have the system update option…how do you update this android? help pleassssssse

  85. i have the huawei ascend by metro pcs and i followed all of the directions however my phone doesnt even have the system updates option or check for updates and im still running on v2.1 any other ways to do this?

  86. Whoops. I shouldn’t have double-quoted that thing about HTC. No one working for HTC literally said that, but I read it between the lines of the HTC responses. Their literal response was more along the lines of ‘We’ll collect such comments and perhaps forward them to your carrier.’

  87. Just trying to double-check here. My Android is an HTC Aria, but when I follow the instructions, the option seems to be checking only for system software updates. Does it actually include the apps, too?

    By the way, I know it is working in some way, since one of the apps did recently notify me of an update, and the upgrade seemed easy and painless.

    P.S. Why ask here? Because my carrier, eMobile in Japan, has awful support. Not just a language issue, but the widespread new support policy of lowering the customers’ expectations as close to zero as possible. I did probe HTC, just in case they cared about their reputation, but their support policy is “Ask your carrier and too bad for you if we sell phones through a carrier that doesn’t answer questions.” However, I will say that eMobile has some technical competence and the Aria seems well designed.

  88. I am stuck on 2.1 update 1. Try to look for updates manually but the checking… box is stuck there for 10 minutes. Does not come back with update or no new updates message. It has been like this for a month now. My partners phone is exactly the same model same network and she gets all the updates fine.

    What is different.

    Can’t find any similar problems, please help.

    Ellis

  89. hi
    im trying to update my software to android 2.3.
    i’ve got the HTC Desire. I did the whole About phone, and update checker. But there isnt any updates. So what do i do to get Android 2.3!!
    HELP!!

  90. Downloaded AnyCut and followed directions, but ‘Device Info’ is nowhere to be seen on my Droid X. ‘System Updates’ IS there, but merely sends you back to System Updates already found on Settings Options. The AnyCut shortcut on the phone’s desktop lets you create a shortcut of most anything on the phone. Apps already do this; but perhaps AnyCut will be helpful to some folks. I don’t find it to be an essential app myself & with more useful apps out there, I’ll probably uninstall this one tho it works.

    1. This process could vary by phone; however, it’s relatively the same and only wording on individual devices will differ.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *