Android 4.4 KitKat- This is the latest version of the Google OS, creating which the developer pursued the goal of making it available for all gadgets. Taking care of its users, Google has developed a special application that allows you to check how the new version will work on a specific device. Newer models this year will have the latest OS, everyone else can upgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat.
Traditionally, the new version will provide a performance boost, but the most visible updates have been to the interface. The developer also changed the color of the design, inviting users to make their own choice. Another change concerns the use of the display. In addition, the updated version has several additional profiles for Bluetooth. In addition, KitKat allows you to wirelessly print various documents, and has also received a new graphics editor. Along with the release of the next update, qualitatively new ones appeared, presented in all existing genres.

How to update Android to 4.4 on a tablet or phone?

The easiest way is to download Android 4.4 on the developer's website, and then follow the instructions to download and install the OC update.
You can also install files manually using a home PC with fastboot and adb installed and a USB cable to connect these devices to each other. After that, you need to do the following:

1. After connecting the tablet to the PC, boot it in bootloader mode.
2. On the command line, write fastboot flash recovery specifying the file name.
3. Reboot the device into the new recovery by entering the adb reboot recovery command.
4. Download the archive file with the latest version of SuperSU.
5. Flash the unpacked file through TWRP or Clockworkmod.
6. Restart your device and enjoy.

In the event that the tablet has an alternative recovery, you can download and directly install the Android 4.4 KitKat update on the tablet.

1. Download it from the Google site.
2. Download the zip file to the tablet via the adb sideload command without unpacking.
3. Restart your device and enjoy.
When installing an update, do not forget that this does not always end happily. In some cases, the new version of the OS may work worse than the previous one.

Updating the Android operating system is not only a recommended, but also a necessary process for the stable operation of a smartphone. For the owner of the phone, this is primarily an increase in the performance of the device, the emergence of new features, and not just the correction of errors by the manufacturer. Therefore, every user should know how to update Android on a phone.

The process of changing the current version of Android on a device requires the user's attention and the fulfillment of several conditions.

Before proceeding to change the operating system, you need to make sure of the following:

• that the phone is charged (recommended battery level should be at least 50%);
• that the Wi-Fi network is reliable and stable (important only if a computer is not used when downloading the software);
• that the USB cable connecting the phone to the computer is working.

During an update to Android 9.0, 8.0, 7.0, 6.0 or earlier, it is forbidden to remove the battery or turn off the smartphone.

Interrupting the update process for one of these reasons can lead to irreparable consequences (you cannot do without the help of service center specialists).

There are two main ways to change Android yourself:

1. Launching the update on the smartphone itself.
2. Changing the software modification using a computer.

How to install a new Android without connecting to a computer

The easiest option to change the OS version is to run the process on the smartphone itself.

Usually, the system notifies you about the availability of a new version (a notification appears at the top of the gadget screen):

Note: the algorithm for updating to a new versionAndroid always the same: no matter if the operating system is updated to 5.0, 7.0 or 9.0.

Depending on the phone model and the current firmware modification, the text and design of the notification on the screen may differ.

After receiving the notification, click "download", and wait until the software is downloaded to the device.

When Android is downloaded, a message will appear in the notification bar and the user will be prompted to install or postpone the process.

Important: before clicking "install now", it is recommended that you read the information provided above, where the developers warn about the possible loss of personal data, and the need to make a backup.

The system does not always notify the user about the availability of a new version of Android. The reason may be the lack of an Internet connection or refusal to receive notifications (can be set in the “Software Update” section).

In this case, you can download the new Android manually. To do this, follow these steps:

How to update Android OS using a computer

You can change the Android operating system using the application from the manufacturer.

The main purpose of such programs is to create a backup copy of data, transfer photos and videos to a computer and vice versa.

Among such applications are Samsung kies or Smart switch for Samsung smartphones and Xperia Companion for Sony phones.

Before you change android 4.4.2, you need to activate a special setting intended for developers - "USB Debugging". In later versions of the OS, this setting is hidden, and to activate it, you need to do the following:

How to download new Android using Xperia Companion

To download the firmware to your smartphone using the Xperia Companion program, you must:

Attention: it is impossible to return to the previous version of the OS, about which the user will receive a notification before installation.

How to update using Smart Switch

The Smart Switch and Samsung Kies apps are used to install the new Android on Samsung tablets and smartphones.

To update to 7.0, 8.0 or 9.0 using Smart Switch, you need to:

Note: If you don't see a notification on the screen that you can download the new versionAndroid- this means that the latest updates are installed on the device.

How to Update Android with Samsung Kies

To update, for example, android 4.2.2, using Samsung Kies, you need to do the following:

The new firmware may not meet the user's expectations (the appearance of the menu changes, new applications appear and old applications are deleted, etc.). Therefore, it is important to read during installation what changes will occur and whether it is worth updating.

You would like to update the firmware on your Android smartphone or tablet, but the latest version does not come "over the air". Is there any new firmware for your gadget at all? Where can it be found and how to update android on a phone or tablet? Let's look into the matter together.

It would seem that what could be easier than updating the firmware on Android? Even a person who is completely ignorant of operating systems and devices can press the right button, agreeing to the offer to update the platform. But, as it turned out, this seemingly simple process also has a number of nuances that can puzzle many experienced users and professionals. Anyway, let's go point by point...

How do Android devices get updates?

Novice users are often concerned about the question: how do Android updates arrive, and how often does this happen. There is no single answer to this question. Specific terms depend on the manufacturer of the device, as well as on the general situation with the correct operation of the operating system. It can be unequivocally stated: devices belonging to the model line receive updates as regularly and promptly as possible. Google Nexus.

It is simply impossible to update all other gadgets in the same short time - manufacturers always need a certain amount of time to create their own version of the platform based on the latest version of Android. It also takes some time to test the so-called beta version, to eliminate bugs. Only after the final debugging of the software, the update is sent "over the air" to smartphones and tablets. Approximate times - from one month to six months.

Sometimes users are perplexed: the gadget was running, and then the update comes immediately to. Where are all the other versions? Why didn't they come? The answer is simple: having a large range of models (sometimes three or more than a dozen devices are produced at the same time), the manufacturing company simply does not have time to work on each new version for all models. Therefore, updates are developed as far as possible and "rolled out" as soon as they are ready for a particular smartphone or tablet.

How long will the manufacturer send (develop) Android updates for a particular device? Will he lose interest? From this point of view, of course, it is more profitable to purchase popular models. A whole army of users becomes their owners, and it is important for manufacturers to maintain the software of such a device at the proper level for as long as possible, so that the owners can always update the version of Android and not be disappointed in the brand and remain faithful to it with the next purchase.

How to find out about the release of an Android update for your gadget? There are a lot of options here: communication on specialized forums and groups of social networks, reading news on resources dedicated to the Android OS. But the surest way is to regularly view the official website of the manufacturer. The new platform image for manually updating Android on your device will definitely appear there first. One way or another, the corresponding notification will definitely come to your device.

How to update android over the air?

It happens that some time passes between the announcement of the latest version of the platform and the receipt of updates. Sometimes someone familiar with the same model as yours has already managed to update Android, and you are still waiting for the cherished notification. There is nothing critical in this - manufacturers simply send updates to users of their gadgets, gradually covering the entire audience, and not all at once. It may take from several hours to two or three weeks before receiving a notification, and you will know about the possibility of updating the system the next time you connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi. However, you can periodically go to "Settings" and check the item " System update" in the "About device" section (located at the bottom of the settings menu).

If, when checking the "System Update" item, you saw the "Download" button, then it's time to install the latest version of the platform.

1. Click the "Download" button and wait for the download to finish;

2. To initiate the process of installing the updated system, click the "Restart and install" button;
3. The device will then reboot on its own. After rebooting the device, it will work with the updated version of Android.

How to speed up receiving Android updates over the air?
You can speed up the receipt of OTA updates as follows:
1. Go to "Settings" -> "Applications" -> "All";

2. Open "Google Services Framework";
3. Select the function "Erase data";
4. Check for updates: "Settings" -> "About device" -> "System update".
Sometimes you need to repeat these steps several times, and in some cases it is enough to wait a few minutes and recheck for updates (they may not appear immediately).

How to update Android manually?

We have already said that you can find the latest firmware version on the official website of the manufacturer. If you don’t want to wait for OTA updates, you can manually update the Android version using the platform mirror provided by the manufacturers of your smartphone or tablet. The first thing to do is to go to the site and download the ZIP archive with the firmware to your gadget, placing it in the device's memory in any place convenient for you. Then follow the step by step instructions below:
1. Turn off the device.
2. Turn it on again using a specific keyboard shortcut - find it on the Internet for your smartphone or tablet model (even better if you use the "How to enter the Recovery Menu" instruction for your device). The most common keyboard shortcuts are:
Power button / "Volume +";
Power button / "Volume -";
"Volume +/-" + power button + Home;
"Volume +" + "Volume -" + power button.
Navigation through the Recovery menu is carried out using the "Volume +" and "Volume -" keys, the choice is made with the power / lock button (in case the navigation through the menu is not touch-sensitive).
3. After entering the Recovery menu, select "Apply update".
4. If the ZIP archive with the firmware is located on the memory card, then select "Choose from sdcard". If the archive is located in the device's own memory, select "Choose from internal storage".
5. Next, find the folder where you saved the firmware and select it - the update installation process will start automatically.

Upon completion of the update installation process, you will need to return to the main Recovery menu, where select " Reboot system now"- the gadget will reboot with the latest firmware version.

Now you know how to update Android over the air and manually. If you have any questions, you can ask them in the comments to the article - we will be happy to help.

The Android operating system is very popular and the reason for this is its many advantages. Many modern smartphones and tablets run on this operating system, which indicates its reliability, otherwise well-known gadget manufacturers would not use Android. In general, this OS has enough advantages, but the purpose of this article is not to describe the advantages and disadvantages of Android. This rather voluminous manual is intended for users who want to know how to update android.

Periodically, each holder of a smartphone, tablet or other device running on the Android platform needs to update the version of the operating system. Of course, updating is not mandatory, and if this is not done, any device will continue to function normally. However, the old version of the OS often becomes a problem. For example, it may be difficult to install new programs or games whose developers did not take care of later versions of android. In addition, developers regularly release new versions of the Android OS for a reason. First of all, this is done in order to eliminate all the shortcomings of previous versions and add new, user-friendly features.

So, we figured out the need to update Android, now let's find out how to update Android on different devices. In this article, we will consider the use of official and non-official firmware versions. Your attention will be presented with step-by-step instructions, on the basis of which you can update Android on your phone and tablet. We will also tell you how to update android through a computer. So, let's get down to business.

Before you update Android, you need to choose the method that suits you best, and there may be several options. Perhaps the most convenient is automatic software updates directly through the phone. That is, this method does not require the use of a computer and pre-loading a new firmware version, since all the necessary actions will be performed in the smartphone settings. This method of updating the OS is suitable for all devices with a version of Android no later than 4.0. The software update procedure is extremely simple and will take very little time.

It should be noted that the Android update process may vary slightly depending on the specific smartphone model. We have prepared step-by-step instructions using the most common software as an example, but you can easily figure it out if your device has a slightly different interface. So, to update Android on your phone, follow these steps:

1. Go to the "Settings" of your smartphone. This is usually done through the main menu of the phone or using a special button on the phone. It all depends on the model of the gadget. In any case, there will be no problems with this.

2. After entering the phone settings, find the "About phone" item (in some cases, this section may be called "About the tablet" or "About the smartphone"). Here you will find the build number and version of android. After clicking on the “About phone” item, the following window will appear in front of you:

3. Next, you need to find and go to the "System Update" section. (In some cases, this section may be called “Software Update” or simply “Update”). Now you need to click on the "Update" button (in some cases, this button may be called "Check for updates" or "Check now"). If an update is available for your device, your smartphone will automatically download and install it. In some cases, automatic download is not provided and you will need to confirm the software update. If there is no update for your smartphone, then you will see a message stating that you have the latest version of the Android OS installed.

Note: before installing Android, you should make sure that your phone is connected to the Internet and that you have enough data to download the new firmware.

It should be said that some devices require certain features of updating the Android operating system. For example, some Samsung smartphones require you to enable your Samasung account before updating Android. Note that this is not a Google account, but a Samasung account. If you have not yet created a Samsung account, then follow these steps:

• In the phone settings, find the "Account and sync" item and go to it.
• Now click on "Add account" and in the window that opens, select the "Samasung account" section.
• Now follow the prompts on the smartphone screen. After activating your account, you can proceed to update the android, following the previously given instructions.

Also watch the Android update video on your smartphone.

You already know how to update an android through a phone. Now let's find out how to update Android on a tablet. It should be said that the process of updating the software on a tablet computer does not imply significant differences from updating a smartphone, however, there are still some differences, so we decided to prepare a separate instruction.

Quite often, tablets are almost constantly connected to the Internet. In this case, the android update procedure is greatly simplified. The fact is that being in the mode of constant access to the network, the device itself can find a new version of the operating system and inform you about it. You will only have to accept or reject the new software. If you have already received such an offer, but at that time you decided to refuse it, then there is nothing to worry about. Just go to the section "About the tablet PC" and select the item "Update software".

If automatic updating does not occur, then this procedure can be performed manually. Again, the process of updating Android on a tablet may involve minor differences depending on the specific device model, but the meaning is the same and you will not have any difficulties. To update android on a tablet computer, you need to follow these steps:

• Go to "Settings".
• Find "About Tablet PC". Click on this tab and click on the "System update" item.
• After that, the tablet will start searching for the latest software version.
• If the device has the latest version of android installed, the device will inform you that no updates were found. If a new Android OS version is found, you will be prompted to install. install. After installation is complete, your tablet may restart.

Note: in order to avoid problems with the device, before updating the android on the tablet, you need to take care in advance that the battery charge of the tablet computer is more than 50% of the allowable capacity. It is advisable to connect the tablet to charging when updating the software. This rule is also relevant when updating the OS on the phone.

You can update Android not only directly from the device itself, but also from a computer. To do this, you will need a special program and a disk that comes with the device. Also, the android version can be downloaded from the Internet, for example, if there is no corresponding disk or you want to install a specific version.

To date, there are several programs for updating Android, but we use the special Kies application as an example. You can download the program on the Internet, just use the Yandex or Google search. To update android through a computer, you need to follow these steps:

1. Connect your smartphone or tablet to your computer and launch the Kies app. The program will automatically check if there is an available software update for your device and the result will be reported to you in the corresponding window.

2. If there is a new version of the operating system for your device, then the "Update" button will appear in front of you. Click on it and a new warning window will appear. Carefully study the information provided and only then proceed to the next step.

3. If you agree with everything, check the box next to "I have read all the above information" and click on the "Start updating" button. After that, the download of the latest version of the operating system will begin, which fully corresponds to your model of smartphone or tablet.

4. Once the Android OS files are downloaded, the software update will start automatically. If the automatic update has not started, a corresponding button should appear, by clicking on which you will confirm the start of the software installation.

5. That's it. You have updated Android to the latest version. Now you can evaluate the benefits of the new software.

Android is updated in the same way through Sony PC Companion programs and others.
Also watch the video on how to update android via kies.

Many modern gadgets, such as Nexus, HTC, Samsung, etc. have the opportunity to get Android 5 Lollipop. Meanwhile, often for unknown reasons, many users cannot install this software, since the long-awaited update simply does not come. That is, the corresponding section reports that there are no updates available for the device. If you are sure that your smartphone or tablet supports this version of the operating system, but automatic updates do not occur, then you can try to update in another simple and safe way, which, moreover, does not require.

We are talking about a forced update, and you will not need to manually install the image and use non-official firmware. Since we did not find a device on which Android 5 Lollipop has not yet been installed, the screenshots presented in the instructions will already be with this version of the software, but there is no significant difference and the contents of the menu are no different, so you can easily cope with the task.

So, go to "Settings" and select "Applications".

Open the list of all applications. Now you need to find an application called Google Services Framework. Click on it and select the "Erase data" option.

After that, turn off the smartphone and immediately after turning it on, check the software updates again, to do this, go to the following path: “Settings” → “About device” → “System update”.

Note: In some cases, there may be a delay in the arrival of the update. As a rule, after 10-15 minutes you can already start the update.

If your device does not support Android 5 Lollipop, and the previously specified file is deleted, nothing bad will happen. True, for further correct operation of Google Play, you may have to re-authorize, that is, you just need to enter your data to log into your Google account, and not re-register in the system.

You can also watch the video on how the firmware is updated to android 5 lolipop.

How to update Android using unofficial firmware

This is where we will end this article. We hope this rather voluminous manual helped you and now you know how to update android. If you have any problems with the update, ask questions in the comments.

You may also be interested

Google annually releases major Android OS updates to a new version. Users of the Nexus series devices (and now Pixel) receive the latest firmware releases in a timely and efficient manner, which can be installed without a computer. However, other manufacturers are in no hurry (and often do not have time) to quickly create OS builds adapted for their devices, and updates have to wait for months. Some firms don't worry about releasing new firmware at all; users of their devices become hostages of the old version of the operating system. However, most of these problems are easily solved with a little effort. Our material will tell you how to install a new version of Android.

How to update Android by regular means

The functionality of the Android OS provides the ability to receive updates from the manufacturer's server via the Internet. The item responsible for receiving updates is usually located in the settings menu, next to the information about the phone. Depending on the modification of the system, the appearance of this item may differ, but the functions are the same everywhere. This is how the update menu looks in pure Android 5.1 Lolipop (top item).

And the entrance to the update submenu has such an appearance in the MIUI8 OS from XIaomi (bottom of the screenshot).

After entering the submenu, the system will contact the manufacturer's server and check if a new firmware version has appeared. If it is, the phone will notify you and start downloading it. After that, the installation will take place (it is desirable to charge the battery to 50% or higher) and the device will reboot.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to update Android on a tablet or phone in this way. Even if the new firmware has already been released, manufacturers do not send updates to everyone at once, as their servers may not be able to withstand the heavy load. Sometimes it takes days or even weeks to wait for an update to reach the end user. However, in this case, it is possible to outsmart the developers and avoid waiting.

How to update Android if there are no updates

Before updating Android, if there are no updates, forcibly, you need to make sure that only you do not have updates, and other owners of a smartphone or tablet of this model have already downloaded the firmware. To do this, you can visit the profile forum (XDA, w3bsit3-dns.com, forum of fans of your brand, etc.) and see if there are any messages about the release of updates. If they are, you need to find the update file for your smartphone. Make sure that the version matches: many devices are produced in several modifications, the firmware for which is incompatible! When the firmware file is found, you need to download the Android update and save it to the phone's memory or to a USB flash drive. After that, go to the above system update item and click the ellipsis icon. On stock Android 5.1, the advanced options menu looks like this.

Similarly, the menu interface for selecting update options over the air and on MIUI is implemented.

In the first case, the item "Local updates" allows you to update Android from a USB flash drive, in the second - "Select firmware file". Signatures may vary, depending on the translator, but the general meaning of the name should be about the same. After selecting the firmware file, the system will check its integrity and compatibility with the smartphone, reboot the system and install the update. Again, this should be done with a charged battery, in order to avoid a sudden shutdown of the device.

How to install a new version of Android if there are no official updates at all

If the manufacturer "forgot" about the customers and does not release firmware updates for old devices, there is still a chance to get a fresh OS. There are many enthusiasts involved in the development of alternative builds of Android for many smartphones. The most famous is the CyanogenMod project, the OS assembly of which is installed on more than 15 million devices.

Also, quite often, alternative OS builds are made by small groups of enthusiasts or loners, using firmware from another similar model equipped with a more recent version of the OS as a basis. However, before you update Android on a tablet or smartphone to such an assembly, you need to consider that it may be unstable. The fact is that it is very difficult to assemble a 100% working firmware alone, because such assemblies often have bugs and shortcomings.

To update the version of Android to an unofficial assembly, you need to follow the instructions for flashing a specific smartphone model (for different phones, the flashing procedure is different). The easiest way is to install the update from the Recovery menu. First you need to download the Android update and save it to your memory card. To enter the recovery, you need to turn off the smartphone, hold down the volume up and power buttons at the same time, wait for the menu to enter. Sometimes, in addition to these two, you need to hold the home button under the screen (for Samsung smartphones). To update Android, you need to find an item in the menu containing something like “Install from sdcard” (navigation is done with the volume rocker, the choice is made with a short press of the power button), find the firmware on the USB flash drive and install it.

Sometimes for flashing you first need to install an alternative recovery menu, for example, TWRP, since the native one may not support the installation of unofficial updates. After the Android update is installed, you need to select "Wipe data & cache" and reboot. Before updating in this way, carefully read the instructions so as not to break your phone or tablet.

Another way to install official and unofficial Android firmware updates is through a computer.