Why is my Samsung phone not updating software and how can I fix it

Last Update date : Apr 27. 2026

Software update issues on Samsung phones are usually caused by low storage or app conflicts. Freeing space and updating in Safe mode can help complete the update.

Delete apps you don't use

Deleting an app that you don’t use is a simple way to free up storage space on your device. Press and hold the app icon and select Uninstall. You can also follow the steps below.

Select Apps Select Apps

Step 1. Go to Settings and select Apps.

Choose app to delete from the list Choose app to delete from the list

Step 2. Choose an app you would like to delete from the list.

Uninstall app Uninstall app

Step 3. Select Uninstall.

Tap OK to delete app Tap OK to delete app

Step 4. Tap OK to delete the app.

Notes:
Removing unused apps helps free up storage for updates.

Select Apps Select Apps

Step 1. Go to Settings and select Apps.

Choose app to clear cache of Choose app to clear cache of

Step 2. Choose an app you want to clear the cache of.

Select Storage Select Storage

Step 3. Select Storage.

Tap Clear cache Tap Clear cache

Step 4. Tap Clear cache.

You can also clear the entire cache at once by optimizing your device. Follow the steps below.

 

Battery and device care Battery and device care

Step 1. Go to Settings and select Battery and device care.

Tap Optimize now Tap Optimize now

Step 2. Tap Optimize now.

Tap Done to finish optimization Tap Done to finish optimization

Step 3. Once optimized, tap Done to finish.

Note:

  • Be careful not to select Clear data. This will delete all data associated with the app.

By uploading your data to the cloud, you can manage your files without worrying about insufficient storage space on your device. If you cannot update your software due to the lack of storage space, try using Samsung Cloud. You can continue to back up your data with the same method.

Select Samsung account Select Samsung account

Step 1. Go to Settings, and select Samsung account.

Select Samsung Cloud Select Samsung Cloud

Step 2. Select Samsung Cloud.

Samsung Cloud Back up data Samsung Cloud Back up data

Step 3. Select Back up data.

Select type of data to upload to Samsung Cloud Select type of data to upload to Samsung Cloud

Step 4. Select the type of data to upload to the cloud.

Select Back up now Select Back up now

Step 5. Select Back up now.

Note:

  • You need to be logged into a Samsung account to access Samsung Cloud.
  • If you enable Auto back up while roaming in Step 4, your device will automatically back up your selected data when connected to the Internet.

If you have enough storage space on your device but cannot update the software, you can try updating in Safe mode.

Press and hold Volume down and Side key Press and hold Volume down and Side key

Step 1. Press and hold the Volume down key and the Side key.

Power off device Power off device

Step 2. Select Power off.

Press and hold Volume down and Side key Press and hold Volume down and Side key

Step 3. After the screen turns off, press and hold the Volume down key and the Side key at the same time.

Release Side key while holding Volume down key Release Side key while holding Volume down key

Step 4. Once the Samsung logo appears on screen, release the Side key, while holding the Volume down key.

Try updating in Safe mode Try updating in Safe mode

Step 5. When Safe mode appears on the lower left corner of the screen, release the key. Try updating in Safe mode.

You can switch from Safe mode to normal mode by following the steps below.

Step 1. Press and hold the Volume down key and the Side key

Step 2. Select Restart

Switch from Safe mode to normal mode

Note:

  • Volume and Side key locations may vary depending on the device model.

Note: Device screenshots and menus may vary depending on the device model and software version.

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If you are experiencing difficulties with your Samsung mobile, tablet, or wearables, you can send us a question in the Samsung Members app. Find out more about sending an error report.

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