Regularly updating your Android smartphone or tablet is essential. Updates fix security vulnerabilities used by cybercriminals to steal your personal data. They also allow you to take advantage of the latest features and improvements made by Google. Problem, you don't know how to install the latest version of Android. In this guide, you will find out how to update an Android phone in just a few clicks..
How to know if an update is available for my phone
Android smartphones like any electronic device are vulnerable to computer attacks. Not a month goes by without an expert or a security company discovering a new security flaw affecting Google's mobile OS.
The risks for users are very significant: theft of information, remote control of the device, modification of certain data, blocking of the telephone. Faced with these threats, manufacturers and software publishers like Google regularly offer patches to close these flaws..
These security patches are made available to users free of charge. Problem, the general public is most often unaware of the existence of these updates. And yet, it only takes a few clicks to install them on his phone.
Important detail, updates do not just correct any security flaws, they also allow you to take advantage of new features (new themes, more fluid interface, dark mode, etc.)..
Manually update your smartphone
The vast majority of phones sold on the market update automatically without human intervention as soon as a new Android version is available. On some models and depending on the options selected, users will receive a notification to notify them of the arrival of a new patch.
Obviously nothing prevents you from manually searching for and installing updates for your smartphone. This operation can be performed very easily and without any computer knowledge.
- Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi (downloading updates requires a reliable and fast internet connection)
- Open your phone's Android settings
- Click on the System section
- Then press the Advanced Preferences link
- Select the System Update option located at the very bottom of the window
Your smartphone or tablet will search for all available software updates for your device (security patch, system update). If it detects a new file, it will offer to download it. All you have to do is follow the instructions displayed on the screen to complete the installation of the Android update.
Please note that some updates may cause bugs or slow down your device. This is why it is recommended to regularly make a full backup of your smartphone.
Going back to an old version is technically possible but very complicated to implement. This complex procedure is reserved for people with a solid technical background. Don't take unnecessary risks if you don't feel up to it.
How to update your Samsung Galaxy
The steps to update a mobile phone vary slightly depending on the device you are using. The Korean manufacturer Samsung stands out from its competitors with its One UI user interface. Here is the procedure for installing the various updates offered by the manufacturer.
- Click the gear icon to open your Galaxy Settings
- Select the Software Update section
- Press the Download and Install button
Your Samsung Galaxy will search for available software updates. You will then see appear on the screen of your smartphone, the different files to download as well as their weights. All you have to do is click on the download button to start the update installation process.
How often are Android phones updated?
Recent Android smartphones have software support ranging from 2 to 5 years. Each manufacturer has its own software monitoring policy. But in general, higher-end devices usually enjoy longer support.
All too often, low-end models find themselves completely abandoned by manufacturers just a few years after their launch. Do not hesitate to contact the customer service of your phone or tablet manufacturer to find out how long and how often they release updates.
You should know that Android smartphones benefit from two different types of updates. Depending on your phone model, you will not necessarily have automatic access to one or the other of these two categories.
Security patches are generally deployed monthly. They bring no visible novelty. They just fix security holes and protect your phone from malware and other viruses.
System updates (more rare) are launched when Google presents the latest version of its mobile operating system. In addition to offering a new visual, these updates add some additional features to your device.