How-To

How to Check and Update the OS Version of your Android Phone

By Brian Burgess

Updated May 8, 2024

If you want new features, security updates, and bug fixes or your phone is sluggish, you can update your Android phone using this guide.

Back in the day (2010), Google released Android Froyo, and updating your phone was tedious, especially on Samsung Galaxy phones. For example, it required updating the camera firmware and other components separately. However, the mobile OS has come a long way since those days, and you can update all your phone’s components in one fell swoop. You get improved security updates, bug fixes, and new features when you update your Android phone.

If something is going wrong with your phone or you don’t have the new features your friends and colleagues do, it might be time to check for updates.

Usually, your phone will notify you when an update is available, but you can always check for extra peace of mind. So, in this guide, we’ll show you how to update your phone to get the latest updates for your Android phone by checking for them manually.

Note: The Android experience varies between device manufacturers, and the steps will vary. However, we’ll show you how to update a Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy, giving you an idea of what to look for on your phone.

Check Your Android Version

While you don’t need to check the Android or manufacturer OS version before updating, you might want to know if you’re running the latest version or want to know generally.

To Check the Android Version on a Google Pixel

1. Swipe from the top of the screen once or twice and select Settings (gear icon).
2. Scroll down and tap System from the menu.
3. The version will appear under the System update option on the menu.

Check the Android Version on a Samsung Galaxy

Samsung’s proprietary One UI lives on top of Android, and things vary significantly. But you can find the version of Android once you know where to look.

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Settings.
   
2. Scroll down the menu and select About phone.
3. On the About phone screen, tap the Software information option from the menu.
4. At the top of the screen, you will see the version of Samsung’s One UI and the version of Android installed.

How to Update Your Android Phone

If you have a Google Pixel phone, the update process is straightforward using the following steps.

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen once or twice and tap Settings (gear icon).
   
2. Scroll down the screen and tap System from the menu.
3. Swipe down and tap the System update option from the menu.
4. If your phone is up to date, a message on the screen will confirm it. If an update is available, you can also access it from this screen.
5. When an update isn’t immediately found, tap the Check for update button in the lower right corner of the screen.
6. Once an update is discovered, you will see a message telling you it won’t be installed until your phone is not being used.
7. If you want to continue the update, tap the Resume button in the lower right corner.
8. The update will download to your phone. Tap the Restart now button to continue with the update process. A Google animation will appear on your screen while it’s being updated.

Once the restart is complete, the sign-in screen will appear. Log in to your phone and start using it like you usually would.

How to Update a Samsung Galaxy Phone

As we noted earlier, Samsung does Android in its own way. But the steps to update your phone are straightforward once you know where to look.

1. Launch Settings on your Samsung Galaxy.
2. Swipe down the screen and select Software update from the menu.
3. Scroll down and tap the Software Update option.
4. If a new update is discovered, you will see some information about it, like what it fixes, security updates, and new features. Tap the Install now button at the bottom of the screen.
5. Your phone will restart while the update is downloaded and installed on your phone. A message will appear on your screen showing the progress of the update.
6. Once the update is complete, you will receive a notification letting you know it’s up to date – tap OK.
7. Start using your phone like you usually would, see if it’s working well, and see if any issues you were experiencing are resolved.

Updating Your Android Phone

While apps update automatically in the background, your phone’s core OS needs more attention. So, if you want the latest features or notice your phone is acting sluggishly, an update may be what you need to get your phone rolling again.

In addition to getting features and bug fixes, it’s essential to keep your phone updated for security reasons. Your phone is always by your side and includes a lot of personal data, so you want to ensure it’s always secure.