4 Ways to Update Android Phone to Latest Version [2022]

If you own an Android device, then you know that Android regularly releases updates to its operating system similar to iOS. Updating Android OS not only enhances functions of your device, but it also brings many new features and fixes any bugs on the device.

Because Android devices come from different manufacturers like Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc., how you update your device will vary. But there are some things that you need to do to prepare the Android device before updating it. These include the following;

• Back up all the data on your Android phone. This will prevent data loss if something goes wrong.
• Ensure that your battery is at least at 50%.
• Connect your Android device to a power source.
• Make sure that your device has adequate storage space.
• If you don’t have an unlimited data plan, connect the device to a reliable Wi-Fi network.

What is the Latest Version of Android?

The latest version of Android is 12.0. It was initially released on October 19, 2021, on Google’s Pixel Devices and came to Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Xiaomi, Tecno, Vivo, and other devices later that year.

Unlike other versions of Android that are named after desserts, this one is just known by its version number – Android 12. Like Android 11, Android 12 brings a lot of new features including redesigned widgets, a new design language, a Privacy dashboard, and much more.

Can’t wait to update your Android phone/tablet to the latest Android 12? This write-up aims to show you how to check the version of Android OS your device is running, as well as how to update Android version. Read on and check out.

How to Check Your Current Android Version

Before updating your device to the latest version of Android, you may want to check the current version of Android, running on your device. Doing this is very simple, just follow these steps;

Step 1: Pull down the notification shade on your Android device and tap on the gear icon. This will open the Settings app.

Step 2: Scroll down to the bottom and tap on “About Phone.” On some devices, this may be “About Device.” If you don’t see this option, then your device may be running Oreo, in which case, look for “System.”

Step 3: You should see the version under “Android Version.” If you are running Oreo, this may be under the “System Update” section.

How to Update Android OS [4 Ways]

Way 1: How to Update Android via System Update

Usually, you will get notifications when updates are available for your Android device via OTA (over-the-air). From here, you can choose the action to update Android to the latest version.

If you do not receive the prompt for whatever reason, you can manually update Android version using the device’s System Update or Software Update function. Follow the steps below:

1. Connect your Android device to a Wi-Fi network and go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and select “About Phone” or the equivalent for your device.
3. Tap on “System Update” or similar and then choose “Download and Install”, your device will start checking for updates.
4. If any update is available, you will find the Download update option. Tap on it and your device will begin downloading the update.

Way 2: How to Update Android via Computer

You can also go to the device manufacturer’s website and update your Android device to the latest version using a computer. Here’s the step-by-step guide to show you how;

Step 1: Open any browser on your computer and visit the device manufacturer’s website. If you don’t know the exact web address, you can type in the device model’s name into Google to find it.

Step 2: On the website, look for the Customer Support option and click on it. Here you should find a variety of options for your device including the software. Check if an update is available.

Step 3: If it is, download the device management software to your computer. The device management software will vary from one manufacturer to another.

Step 4: Once it is downloaded, open the folder and it should have the update commands.

Step 5: Now connect the Android device to the computer and find the update command in the Device Management software. It is often available on a separate tab or drop-down menu.

Step 6: The connected device will start updating as soon as you click on the command. Just follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

Once the process is complete, disconnect the device from the computer and reboot it. Your device will now be running the latest version of Android.

Way 3: How to Update Android via Upgrade Package

If you can not locate the System Update option under the Settings on your device, you can also update Android version via upgrade package from manufacturer’s official website.

Usually, you can find the latest system upgrade package in the Downloads section of the manufacture’s support page.

1. Navigate to your Android manufacturer’s website and download the available upgrade package to your phone’s storage.
2. Open the Settings app and head to “About Phone”.
3. Click on “System Update” or “Software Update”, your phone should display the available package you downloaded to your phone storage.
4. Click on “Continue” to install the update. Then reboot your phone to complete the Android system update.

Way 4: How to Update Android via Rooting

To get the latest Android OS, you can also choose to root your Android phone. Rooting gives you absolute control over your phone and enables you to access updates whenever you want them.

You need first download an Android rooting software to root your device. Then follow the steps below to update Android phone:

1. Download and install an Android rooting software on your computer.
2. Launch the program and connect your Android phone with a USB cable.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to root your device.
4. Restart your device to access the latest Android system version and update it.

How to Have Android OS Update Automatically

Android updates are sent to your device automatically in most times. But you need to enable this function in the device “Settings” to get automatic updates. Here’s how to enable automatic updates on your Android device;

1. Tap on the gear icon to open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and select “Software Update.”
3. Depending on your device, you should see the “Auto download over Wi-Fi” option. Turn on the switch next to it to enable automatic updates.

Once this is done, Android will automatically update your device as long as you are within range of a Wi-Fi network.

More FAQs about Android Update

1. Why can’t I update my Android version?

There are several reasons why you are un able to update your Android device. These can include insufficient battery power, inadequate storage space or your device is incompatible with the new update.

If you find that you are unable to update your Android device using one of the methods above, you should try to delete some apps or transfer some media files to computer to free up storage space. You can also do a Google search to find out if your device is compatible with the latest version of Android OS.

2. When will I get the latest Android version?

You should get a notification on your phone when a new version of Android becomes available. If you own a Pixel device, you will receive a notification as soon as an update becomes available, usually within a few days of release.

If you own any other kind of Android device, you will get a notification when your carrier starts providing the updates.

Generally, older devices tend to wait longer to get the updates and sometimes may not even get the update at all. Lower-end devices may also miss out on some updates or get them later than most other devices. You should check your device manufacturer’s website to check their update policy.

Bonus Tip: Make Backup before Updating to Android 12

Before we get into the process of Android system update, it is always a good idea to back up your Android phone/tablet in case something goes wrong with the update. You cam simply connect your Android device to a computer and save important photos, videos or music files.

For backing up contacts and text messages, we recommend you try Fucosoft Android Data Recovery. This third-party tool also comes with the backup feature, which lets you to selectively back up contacts, messages, call logs, photos, videos, audios and documents. Download it and have a try.

Conclusion

Updating an Android phone is really simple and straightforward, you can done it by follow the steps above. The instructions in this article can be applied to all Android phone, including Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, OnePlus, etc.

If unfortunately, you lost important data during the upgrade, you can also rely on Fucosoft Android Data Recovery to get your lost data back. This tool can help you recover deleted photos & videos on Android, as well as contacts, text messages, WhatsApp, and more data.