How to update Android

Owners of a Samsung, Huawei or Xiaomi smartphone - to mention the three most popular companies in Italy - are required to update Android when a new version of the mobile operating system made by Google is available or in the presence of the new monthly security patches. By contract, Android updates are guaranteed for the first two years of the phone’s life. During this time, the user should be able to receive the release of two new versions of the operating system of their device. However, this does not always happen, especially if you take into consideration the medium-low range devices.

There are various methods to update Android. The simplest is the update via OTA (acronym for over the air), available on all smartphones and for which no particular skills are required by the user. Then there is the update with PC, which sometimes involves the use of proprietary software, including Samsung’s Smart Switch and Huawei’s HiSuite. On the other hand, those who are sure not to receive the update from the manufacturer can rely on update with root using modified ROMs. This is the most complex operation, since the root of the phone is required, a procedure not within everyone’s reach.

Below we will explain how to update Android taking into consideration all the methods available to users. We will first illustrate the easiest method, namely via OTA. We will then dedicate the central part of the PC update guide, indicating the steps to follow with Smart Switch (Samsung) and HiSuite (Huawei). Finally, we will see broadly how to root the smartphone and install a "cooked" ROM, an operation that - we remind you - involves both the loss of the official guarantee and the data saved in the internal memory.

How to update Android

- * How to update Android manually
- * How to update Android with PC
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- * How to update rooted Android
- * How to update individual apps

How to update Android manually

When a new version of the operating system is ready, the manufacturer starts the official distribution of the update via OTA (over the air). The release phase can last several days, in fact, the owners of the same phone almost never receive the update on the same day. To check if there are new updates available, open the settings (gear icon), tap on the System section and select the System updates item. At this point the phone will start a search (Check for updates): if the result is unsuccessful, the window will appear with the warning Device is updated (or, alternatively, "no updates available "Or similar formulas) and a summary of both the version in use and the latest security patch; if there is an update to download, here’s what to do.

First you need to tap the Download / Download Wi-Fi button. If you choose to update Android without Wi-Fi (option Download) we recommend checking any MB / GB available with your phone offer, as you run the risk of paying if you exceed the threshold monthly Internet traffic. Once the download has started, wait for the operation to complete (it can take up to 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the package to be downloaded). Once the procedure is completed, simply tap the Restart and install button, in order to install the new version of the operating system.

Important: Command names may vary from phone to phone, so be sure to follow the steps correctly by selecting the items that best match those listed here. For example, those who have a smartphone from the Google Pixel series must follow this procedure:

- * access the "Settings" of the smartphone;
- * select "System";
- * tap on "Updates";
- * tap on the "Check for updates" option.

We also point out that in some cases the update via OTA occurs automatically: in fact, you receive a notification on the device of the available update, on which it is sufficient to tap and then start the download and subsequent installation.

In particular, it must be borne in mind that with the latest versions of Android (from 11 onwards) automatic updates are downloaded in the background and installed when the device is connected to a Wi-Fi network. To complete the procedure, all users need to do is update the device.

How to update Android with PC

As an alternative to the system via OTA, it is possible to update Android with the PC. The main smartphone manufacturers have created specific programs to facilitate the updating of the operating system by connecting the smartphone to the computer via the USB cable. In this regard, the most famous suites are Smart Switch from Samsung and HiSuite from Huawei, two of the leading smartphone manufacturers globally.

Here are the main steps to follow in case you need to perform the Android update on Samsung or on Huawei respectively with Smart Switch and HiSuite.

** Smart Switch (Samsung)

Smart Switch is the program developed by Samsung that allows owners of a Samsung Galaxy smartphone to perform the Android update from a computer (Windows and macOS). The suite of the South Korean company also allows you to backup, synchronize and restore files saved in the phone’s internal memory.

To update Android on Samsung from PC you must first connect to the official website of Smart Switch. When you are on the home page you need to scroll down and click on the Download for Windows key, so as to start the download of the executable file. Once the operation is complete, the SmartSwitchPC_setup.exe file is opened, then the administrator password is typed and waits for the software installation wizard to begin.

In the new screen that opens you have to accept the terms of use by adding the check mark next to I accept the terms of the License Agreement, and then click on the Next button. This process, which includes installing the drivers, can take a few minutes. When finished, press the Finish key, leaving the check mark next to Run Smart Switch.

After a few seconds the program will start automatically. At this point you need to connect the Samsung Galaxy to the computer via USB cable. The system will then ask you to download the Smart Switch app on your smartphone, an operation that can be performed automatically by clicking on the Download Smart Switch key. Once installation is complete, the program on the PC will automatically recognize the device in use, showing Update among the available options if there is an update available. Otherwise, the visible options will be Backup, Restore and Outlook Sync. If you click on the Update key, the program will automatically install the new version of the operating system on the phone connected to the PC.

At the end of the operation, you can disconnect the smartphone from the PC and restart it. We remind you that this procedure is compatible only and exclusively with Samsung Galaxy smartphones. It can be done using either a PC with a Windows operating system or a Mac.

Important: Some users reported that the program did not recognize their smartphone. In this case, make sure that the phone is set up to receive files via USB cable: from the home screen, scroll down, select Touch for other USB options from the notification area, then add the check next to the entry Transfer File.

** HiSuite (Huawei)

The HiSuite software allows you to update Android on Huawei from PC. Operation is similar to what is seen with Samsung’s Smart Switch. Other options available include backing up and restoring files. The suite of the Chinese company also allows you to reinstall the operating system.

The first step is to connect to this link and click on the Windows Download key (HiSuite is also available for macOS) to start the download. Since it is a .zip file, make sure you have software available to easily extract the content inside (WinRAR will be fine). When the download is complete, open the HiSuite-x-x-x-x.zip file, double-click the HiSuite-x-x-x-x folder and extract the HiSuite-x-x-x-x_OVE.exe file with a double click. Now you need to type in the administrator password, click on the Yes key and quickly select the following buttons: Next, Allow, Start.

After a few seconds the HiSuite main screen will open. At this point you need to connect the Huwaei smartphone to the PC via USB cable and wait for the software to recognize it. To perform the update, simply select the Update system command. The device will automatically start searching for a new version of the operating system: if so, follow the instructions on the HiSuite main screen (it will ask you to select the Update key) and wait for the download and installation of the update on your phone.

How to update Android with root

In addition to via OTA and from a PC, it is possible to update Android with root. As mentioned in the introduction, it is a complicated procedure which also invalidates the warranty of the phone. Here we will deal with the subject only in outline, referring you to a more complete guide that we will go to make separately.

Before rooting it is essential to perform the backup of your data, since the procedure involves the loss of all the data saved on the smartphone. In this regard, we recommend reading the guide on how to make Android backups.

After the backup, you need unlock bootloader, which is the program that allows you to start the Android operating system when you turn on the device. Unblocking the bootloader requires in most cases the use of the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) software, which allows PCs and mobile phones to communicate via command lines (a bit like the Command Prompt of Windows). The owners of a Samsung smartphone instead have the opportunity to use a specific program called Odin.

At this point you need to install a custom recovery on your mobile device, a program that allows you to install and load a cooked ROM (modified version of the Android operating system) with root permissions unlocked. The best known is TWRP, while the alternative is called ClockworkMod.

Now all that remains is to download the modified ROM you want with the latest version of Android on board and install it via the custom recovery, so as to update the operating system with root. The best cooked ROMs can be found in the forum of the XDA Developers Android site, by entering the section of your smartphone.

How to update individual apps

In addition to the operating system, it’s also important to update individual apps to make sure they continue to run smoothly. Doing so is very simple: just go to the Play Store, go to the "Manage app and device" section and tap "available updates". At this point, a screen opens containing a summary of all the applications for which an update is available. The user can choose whether to update only those he is most interested in or rely on the convenient "Update all" option (highlighted in green at the top of the screen).

The PlayStore settings also allow you to customize the execution of automatic updates when the smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi or the data network.