How to update the software on a Galaxy smartphone or tablet

How to update the software on your phone How to update the software on your phone

Operating system updates are released periodically for your device. If you're having difficulty with your device, you should always check for updates as a fix for the problem may have been released.

Software updates fall into two general types: operating system updates and security updates. The type and version of available update will depend on your model. Older devices may not be able to update to the latest Android version due to hardware limitations.

If you’re trying to update your software because of problems with a particular app you can find out more about how to fix apps that crashing or freezing.

Before Android 10, Android software versions were named after sweets and treats. You'll often see operating system updates referred to by their name rather than the version number, however the Android version on your device will be displayed as a number.

Please note: Android 12 is currently being rolled out across Samsung devices, if you do not see the update available yet, you should check back again in a few weeks.

Checking for updates

Android code name    

Version number

12

12.0

11

11.0

10

10.0

Pie

9.0

Oreo

8.0 - 8.1

Nougat

7.0 - 7.1.2

Marshmallow

6.0 - 6.0.1

Lollipop

5.0 - 5.1.1

Kit Kat

4.4 - 4.4.4 and 4.4W - 4.4W.2

Jellybean

4.1 - 4.3.1

Ice Cream Sandwich

4.0 - 4.04

Checking for updates

The steps to check for software updates on your device will differ depending on the device you're using and its current operating system. Follow the steps below that correspond to your current Android version.

Software updates are released at different times depending on your location and mobile carrier. If there are no updates available, then your device is already updated to latest version.

Please note: updates may take some time to install and can be large to download. It's recommended to download the update using a Wi-Fi connection to avoid using your mobile data allowance

To make sure that your device is always up to date, it's recommended to switch on Auto update (Lollipop/KitKat devices) or Download updates automatically (Marshmallow devices and above)

The images below demonstrate steps on a mobile phone, the steps on a tablet should be the same.

1 Open the Settings app
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
2 Tap About phone or About device

If you tapped About device, skip step 3.

How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
3 Tap Software information
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?

You will be shown all the software information for your device including the Android version you are using.

How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
1 Swipe up on the home screen to access your apps
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
2 Tap Settings
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
3 Tap Software update
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
4 Tap Download and install
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?

Please note: to automatically download software updates in the future, tap the Auto download over Wi-Fi switch

1 Swipe up to access your apps
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
2 Tap Settings
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
3 Tap Software update
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
4 Tap Download updates manually
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?

Please note: to automatically download software updates in the future, tap the Download updates automatically switch

1 Tap Apps
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
2 Tap Settings
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
3 Tap About device
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
4 Tap Download updates manually
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?

Please note: to automatically download software updates in the future, tap the Download updates automatically checkbox 

1 Tap Apps
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
2 Tap Settings
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
3 Tap More
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
4 Tap Software update
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?
5 Tap Update
How do I check for operating system updates on my Samsung Galaxy device?

Please note: to automatically download software updates in the future, tap the Auto update checkbox

If you're experiencing unusual behaviour on Samsung mobiles, tablets or wearables, you can send us an error report or ask us a question in the Samsung Members app.

This allows us to take a closer look at what is happening. The data is anonymised and only held for the duration of the investigation. Find out more about sending an error report through the Samsung Members app.

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