Update Android on your tablet yourself

Reasons for installing updates

The primary reason for updates is the installation of new software. It will always be more functional and faster.

Unfortunately, not all manufacturers provide long-term support for their products, and some Chinese companies do not update their devices at all. It is impossible to know with certainty whether it is possible to update the Android system on a tablet, because manufacturers do not indicate the exact date of termination of support.

But when you buy a branded tablet, you can get some kind of guarantee of receiving updates for at least six months.

It is much easier to determine which devices will not be updated. We can say with almost one hundred percent certainty that it is impossible to update Android devices 2-3 generations older than the current one. For example, if Android 7 is current, devices on versions 4-5 will not be updated, no matter what manufacturer they are from.

In such cases, you can resort to custom firmware. With their help, you can upgrade your tablet to Android 2.2 or even an earlier version. Such firmware is a little more difficult to install, but carries more useful functions.

Why do you need to update Android?

Even if you purchased the latest model tablet six months ago, during this time the manufacturer has probably improved the operating system shell, making some changes or additions.
This is usually done to expand functionality, make the system more stable, or correct errors not noticed in the previous version. The update is not mandatory for everyone, but if you want to use your gadget to the full potential of its declared functions, then Android improvements will definitely not hurt you. If the system does not work correctly on a particular device or after several starts it refuses to function at all, then this procedure simply cannot be avoided.

How to update the system on a tablet

There are two official options; another one does not provide a guarantee of support from the manufacturer. We will dwell in detail only on the first two, since they are much simpler and completely safe.

Over-the-air update

To check if there are available updates for your tablet, go to the menu, and then:

1. Open settings.
2. Scroll to the bottom, select the “About tablet” section.
3. Click on the System Update icon.

If updates are available, their download or installation will begin; if not, you will see a corresponding message about this.

This way you can update the Android OS version on an Asus, Lenovo, Bravis or any other tablet. Absolutely any Android device has this ability to update.

But whether the developer has the resources, capabilities or a sufficient number of specialists to do this is another matter. Don't think that all unpopular brands forget about their devices. For example, for quite a long time after the release date, the Android OS was updated on the Irbis tablet and even moved to the fifth version, until support for the model ceased.

Updating using proprietary software

This method is designed for a much smaller number of devices, because not even all popular manufacturers make proprietary programs for updating and configuring devices, let alone the rest. But this method is very popular, it is reliable and easy to implement.

To update the firmware on your tablet via a computer, you will need to download a proprietary program for your device, run it and follow the instructions.

Such utilities always provide detailed instructions on what to click and when. Before starting the process, you need to make sure the quality of the cable through which you will connect the device. You should check the battery charge, which should be at least 50-60%.

This way you can update the software on your Samsung tablet using the Odin program. You should not try to use it for devices of other brands and models of tablets. At best, nothing will happen to you, and at worst, you risk damaging the firmware.

Upgrading the firmware of an old tablet to a new version via a computer

How to update Android on a Samsung phone

Most devices become obsolete within six months to a year. However, the manufacturer includes support for up to two update cycles. That is, for example, if Android 7.0 is installed on the tablet, then it can be updated to version 9 as much as possible. How to install a new Android on an old tablet or, speaking in technical language, reflash it, is described below.

Manually

After creating a backup copy, charging the tablet and connecting to a reliable source of Internet signal, you need to:

1. Connect the gadget to the PC via USB.
2. In the tablet settings, find the “OS Version” item and quickly tap on it several times. Change the mode to the developer's office. This will allow you to make changes to the OS settings.
3. Enable USB debugging mode (in the developer profile).
4. Then right-click on the icon of the connected device on the PC in “My Computer” and select “Update Driver”.
5. First you need to download the file with the latest updates to your computer.
6. Next you need to select “Search for drivers on this PC”.
7. Click on the desired file and wait for the installation to complete.

After this, you need to turn off the tablet, disconnect it from USB and turn it on. The new version of Android should already be in place.

In new versions of Android, the section for superusers is presented as “For Developers”

Using special programs

Each program works with a specific processor. Therefore, you first need to look at the technical documentation, find out the model of your processor, then make a request in a search engine, like “program for Android firmware, processor “name”.

The installation process is almost the same as what is done manually, you just don’t have to search for the appropriate updates. The program will do this itself, plus all the functionality will be packaged in a clear interface.

Important! When connecting to a PC, you will still have to activate the developer profile.

Backup

To protect yourself from possible failures, it is recommended to make a backup of the firmware. For this:

1. Go to settings.
2. Select "Backup & Reset".
3. Select the backup type.

By performing this simple action, you will create a restore point to which you can return the tablet after an unsuccessful system update.

If you flash your device with custom firmware, it is better to make a backup copy through recovery. This way you can restore the device even if you damage the firmware and it stops loading.

General recommendations

Always monitor your battery level while updating or installing firmware. If it sits down directly in the process, there is a high probability that the system will be damaged. Your device may no longer turn on, and this cannot always be fixed by repair.

A new version of the system almost always means more stable operation. But if your tablet is several years old and has never been updated, do not rush to install it. A new operating system on a relatively old device may be slow or unstable due to mismatched system requirements.

If you are not sure that you can handle the update yourself, contact a specialist so as not to risk damaging the firmware.

Updates for Chinese tablets

At first, it makes no difference which country is the manufacturer of the device. And for updating, developer support is important; it will definitely be available in the first months of use, especially if you have a new model.

But if the device is completely budget, most likely there will be no updates for it, and no third-party firmware either. So be careful when choosing Chinese solutions, be sure to check the development company for reliability.

If you end up with a gadget that doesn’t receive updates over the air and doesn’t have proprietary software, you’ll have to resort to third-party firmware.

To update Android on a Chinese tablet, you need to search forums, groups on social networks, or simply search engines for custom firmware. If they are found, you are lucky and you can update your gadget.

But here you should be careful, because such firmware is most often taken from similar models, and not written for a specific one, so there may be poor compatibility.

Possible problems with the update and their solutions

It is not without reason that almost every section mentions the need to back up data, since failures and errors are periodically observed when installing updates or flashing the system.

Frequent problems:

• Update is only via 3G, although the Wi-Fi sensor is active. In this case, in the tablet settings you need to enable the “Scan via Wi-Fi only” option;
• apps don't want to update. Most likely they either don’t exist, or Root rights are activated on the device. The latter need to be deleted (in the Play Market settings);
• the update takes several hours. Most likely the battery will run out of power and the system will not be able to continue installation. It’s worth connecting the tablet to the network;
• updates are not installed. You need to check if a non-standard Recovery is installed. If yes, then you need to find updates specifically for a specific version.

Note! From time to time a bug occurs when all applications disappear after an update. In this case, you should not panic, but go to the settings in the “Applications” tab and see if the loss is in stock. Often they are simply deactivated.

Updates are necessary for the device to function correctly. In order not to download anything and keep track of the release of new versions, the user just needs to enable the auto-update function. If you are interested in installing custom firmware, you cannot do without connecting to a PC or using Recovery mode.

Using third party programs

In addition to the methods described above, there is another one - using third-party programs. Let's look at how to do this using the AnyCut application as an example.

We start by downloading the program to your device. The easiest way is to find and download it through the Play Market.

• After installation, launch it, go to the “System Information” section, and then check for new updates.
• AnyCut will run a scan and as soon as it detects the presence of new software not yet installed on the tablet, it will offer to download it.
• We agree and wait. In just a few minutes the device will turn on with completely updated firmware.

Preparing for the update

Before updating Android, you need to download the necessary data package from the official supplier. It is worth keeping in mind that during the installation of the update, most device functions will be unavailable for at least 30 minutes. The application that installs the software warns about this. Also, before installation, you can read the model of the device for which the package is made and make sure that it is really suitable for the user.

Sometimes new firmware is already available for download, but the notification does not arrive on the device. In this case, you can download the new version to your computer and copy it to your device.

Enable automatic Android updates

The following steps are required: 10

• Open the settings tab and click “Phone information”;
• Then “Software Update”;
• Touch the line “Update”;
• Wait for the download process to complete;
• Click “Install”;
• Wait until the installation process is completed and the gadget restarts;
• Ready.

Important: You should make sure that the device has access to the Internet. It is recommended to use a Wi-Fi connection, as the volume of downloaded data may exceed the daily mobile traffic provided by the mobile operator.

Update Android manually

Unfortunately, the firmware is not always updated using the method described above. And naturally in this case the question arises: what to do? You can install a new OS version manually. There are several ways to do this.

Platform mirror

The latest firmware version can be downloaded from the official website of the gadget manufacturer. To do this, you need to log on to the website, find the OS version for your smartphone/tablet model and download it to your device.

When downloading, make sure you select the version that matches your operating system. In general settings, in the “About smartphone” section, select “Device information”. The “Build number” line indicates the phone model and the region of the installed software version (before the “_” sign). The downloaded software must match the parameter data. Also, you will not be able to install updates to a lower version.

Installation steps:

• Turn off the device
• Log in to the Recovery Menu. For each device there is a specific combination of buttons, which is better to search on the Internet in advance. The most common are: Power button + Volume up/down + Home button, Power button + Volume up + Volume down, Power button + Volume up/down. Navigation through this menu is carried out using the volume and “Power” buttons.
• In the menu that opens, select “Apply updates”
• Depending on where the archive is saved, indicate where installation is required: from the card or from the internal storage.
• Go to the folder where the updates were saved. The installation of the new version will begin automatically.
• Once the process is complete, return to the main menu.
• Reboot your gadget.

Odin app

Odin is very popular among professionals due to its versatility. This program is a simple and reliable way to update the firmware. But you should still be careful, as wrong actions can turn your gadget into a “brick.”

Software update steps

• Download and install the Odin program on your PC or laptop.
• If your smartphone/tablet does not have an archiver, you also need to download it.
• We find the required firmware version and save it in the device’s memory.
• Extract the contents of the directory with the firmware.
• You should have three files: CSC, PIT and PDA.
• We connect the gadget to a laptop or computer.
• It is important that the PC operating system correctly identifies the smartphone/tablet.
• Launch the installed utility. If the connection is successful, the port through which the device is connected to the PC will be highlighted in yellow.
• Turn off your mobile device.
• Launch it in Download Mode, which is entered by simultaneously pressing the “Power” button, volume down and the “Home” button.
• To confirm activation of the mode, hold down the volume up button.
• In the utility window, select the files previously downloaded to your smartphone/tablet in the CSC, PIT and PDA items so that they match those stored on the device.
• Select the Start button and wait for the updates to install.
• If the update is successful, the PASS button will light up in the upper left corner of the program! highlighted in green.

In addition, to update the firmware, you can use special programs from smartphone/tablet manufacturers, for example, for a device from LG it will be the PC Suite utility, for a device from Samsung it will be Kies, etc.). You need to connect the device to the computer, select the “Tools” section (or something similar) in the program window and find the “Firmware/System Update” item. Next, follow the instructions on the monitor to install the new OS version.