All about updating your phone to android. All about updating your phone to Android How to update Android version to 5.0

From time to time, every device running the Android OS needs to be updated with the current version of the operating system. Of course, even without this, the gadget will remain in working order, but nevertheless, some problems may arise with the old version. Therefore, today we will talk about how to update Android.

Often, launching a new model for sale, some software problems remain outside the field of vision of the manufacturer. A conscientious developer always tries to eliminate the shortcomings of previously released versions identified in the process of using the gadget, and in addition, add new functions that are more convenient for the user.

There are also third-party developers who do not work for one or another company that produces mobile devices, but release their own, unofficial software (custom firmware) for many models of devices, which may be of even better quality than the Android versions directly from the manufacturer.

In addition, devices from little-known manufacturers (usually Chinese), purchased outside the Russian Federation and not having normal localization, also need a firmware update.

How to update the version (firmware) of Android

Standard procedure

Official updates from the manufacturer come out quite regularly. As a rule, this applies to popular models of gadgets or devices produced by well-known companies.

Such updates are absolutely free, do not require any special knowledge from the user, and, as a rule, occur automatically. An Internet connection is required to check the firmware and update it.

We go to the main settings, in the section " System", At the very bottom we find the item" About the phone" (may be " About the device"), Then open a position" System update" (may be " Update ON", On some models you will need to press the button" Check now«):

The display will show the action “ System check“, After which a message will appear about the availability of the latest version or about its use, which means that the system has been updated automatically. If this did not happen, then before flashing to a new version of Android, we will find out information about the firmware installed on a particular device. To do this, go back to the section "About the phone" and at the very bottom we find the necessary information:

Knowing the current firmware version is necessary to obtain information about the availability of more recent software versions for a specific smartphone / tablet model and the possibility of installing them.

Note: if you use a gadget whose software does not support Russian, then you need to find the items " About tablet" or " About phone»And look for the information you need there.

Using third-party programs (ROM Manager)

Sometimes downloading an official update via and-no is impossible, and even custom firmware will not work at all in this way. In this case, one of the best applications used for this purpose perfectly copes with the task -.

With this program, you can easily create system backups and (in our case) manually update the current version of Android, including on Chinese smartphones.

For correct work with the program, it is necessary if your device is not rooted.

After starting, the program will ask you to install ClockWorkMod Recovery (CWM), this is a more advanced mod of the standard Android OS Recovery. We agree, and then we do the following:

Loading on SD card the necessary firmware (zip-archive format) of your device, which can be found on the official website of the developer of our device, run the utility ROM Manager, then select the item " Install ROM from SD card". Using the folder navigation, we indicate the path to the archive on our es-di map. Now we activate the button " Save current ROM"(This is done to be able to rollback to the old version if the new firmware did not like it) and select the position" ":

We agree to reboot and the program will start the process of rebooting the smartphone in the mode CWM and installing new firmware.

Also, the ROM Manager application will help in finding the firmware for a specific device, for this, in the program menu, select the item " Download firmware", And it may well be that there is something more suitable for you.

More about app features ROM Manager watch the video:

Through ClockWorkMod Recovery

It is possible that it was not possible to update Android using the ROM Manager utility, especially this situation is possible on smartphones from Chinese or little-known manufacturers. In this case, you can use the CWM menu.

ClockworkMod Recovery (or CWM Recovery) is an analogue of standard recovery with advanced features. This utility will help you not only perform a full reset of the device or install patches for games, but also make the firmware of your mobile gadget.

CWM supports most Android devices. In fact, every second modern Android smartphone (or tablet) is equipped with Modrecovery CWM. But if your device has only stock (standard) recovery, then install CWM Recovery using the ROM Manager application (see above).

After entering the ClockWorkMod Recovery menu, navigate using the volume key, first select " wipe data / factory reset"(To reset all settings to factory defaults), then" wipe cache"(To clear the cache). Now we find the line “ install zip from sd card"And confirm the action with the hardware button" Home"Or the power button of the device (it plays the role of a button" Yes»):

Note: for some models of devices, operation with the menu can be controlled using the sensor.

Further, getting into the item " choose zip from sd card", We indicate the path to the new firmware in the ZIP-archive, which was saved on the es-di card, confirm the choice by clicking" Yes - Install /sdcard/update.zip»:

After the completed steps, the process of flashing our Android device will be launched. Upon completion, select “ reboot system now»To reboot the device and wait for the device to boot up, which can take quite a long period of time.

Important ! Before updating the Android version (firmware), you need to fully charge the device, because the whole process will take about half an hour. During the firmware, the smartphone will need a lot of energy to correctly complete the task. In addition, the display backlight will be at maximum brightness during the update procedure, and the update process interrupted due to a lack of power can lead to disastrous consequences.

Therefore, before proceeding with updating your device, assess the degree of risk and try to approach the question of how to update the version of Android responsibly. Good luck!

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 only the correction of errors by the manufacturer. Therefore, every user should know how to update Android on their phone.

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

Before moving on to changing the operating system, you need to make sure the following:

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

During the update to 9.0, 8.0, 7.0, 6.0 or earlier version of Android, 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 the service center specialists).

There are two main ways to change Android yourself:

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

How to install a new Android without connecting to a computer

The easiest way to change the OS version is to start the process on the smartphone itself.

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

Note: the algorithm for updating to a new versionAndroid always the same: it doesn't matter if the operating system is updated to 5.0, 7.0 or 9.0.

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

After receiving the notification, you should 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 familiarize yourself with 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 (you can set it in the "Software update" section).

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

How to update Android OS using a computer

You can change the Android operating system using an 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 can 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 Boot New Android Using Xperia Companion

To download the firmware to your smartphone using the Xperia Companion software, you need to:

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

How to update using Smart Switch

To install the new Android on Samsung tablets and smartphones, Smart Switch and Samsung Kies applications are used.

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

Note: if the screen does not display a notification about the opportunity to download the new versionAndroid- this means that the device has the latest updates.

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 during installation to read 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? Where can you find it, and how to update android on your phone or tablet? Let's figure it out together.

It would seem, what could be easier than updating the firmware on Android? Even a person who is completely not versed in operating systems and devices can press the right button, agreeing to the offer with the platform update. But, as it turned out, this seemingly simple process also has a number of nuances that can puzzle many experienced users and professionals. And yet, let's point by point ...

How do Android devices get updates?

Novice users are often worried about how Android updates arrive, and how often they do it. 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 correctness of the operating system. It can be stated unambiguously: 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 still takes some time to test the so-called beta version and fix bugs. Only after the final debugging of the software is the update sent "over the air" to smartphones and tablets. Approximate terms - from one month to six months.

Sometimes users are perplexed: the gadget was running, and then an update comes immediately to. Where are all the other versions? Why didn't they come? The answer is simple: having a large model range (sometimes three or more 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" when ready for a particular smartphone or tablet.

How long will the manufacturer send (develop) Android updates for a specific device? Will he lose interest in him? 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 as long as possible, so that the owners can always update the Android version and not be disappointed in the brand and remain faithful to it with the next purchase.

How do I know when an Android update is available for my gadget? There are a lot of options here: communication on specialized forums and social networking groups, 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 so 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 - the manufacturers simply send the update to the users of their gadgets, gradually reaching the entire audience, and not all at once. It may take from several hours to two to three weeks before receiving the notification, and you will learn about the possibility of updating the system the next time you connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi. However, you can periodically go to the "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 see 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 installation process of the updated system, click the "Restart and Install" button;
3. Then the device will reboot itself. After rebooting the device, it will work with the updated version of Android.

How can I get Android updates over the air faster?
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 then double-check for updates (they may not appear immediately).

How do I update Android manually?

We have already said that the latest firmware version can be found on the official website of the manufacturer. If you don't want to wait for OTA updates, you can update the Android version manually using the platform mirror provided by the manufacturers of your smartphone or tablet computer. The first thing to do for this 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 certain key combination - find it on the Internet for your smartphone or tablet model (even better if you use the instructions "How to enter the Recovery Menu" 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, selection - by the power / lock button (in case the menu navigation is not touch-sensitive).
3. After entering the Recovery menu, select the "Apply update" item.
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, you need to 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 the " 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 today among the owners of various gadgets - phones, tablets and others. That is why manufacturers are trying to follow the process of updating the Android version and implement their support in their models, at least the flagships. Therefore, you need to know how to update Android on your phone yourself.

The developers of any system strive to improve their product. Android is no exception. Updating the system leads to an increase in the performance of the gadget, the elimination of errors and imperfections of previous versions. All this leads to an improvement in smartphone performance in general. Updating Android is often noticeable even visually, when the interface changes and some new configurations appear.

Distinguish between micro and macro updates. Small ones usually weigh no more than 70-100 MB, but macro can weigh an average of 500 MB. To update the Android version, it is desirable to have a Wi-Fi connection or unlimited Internet. Although the latter can significantly delay the whole process.
If the auto-update function is enabled in the phone settings, the user will simply be notified at the end that the operating system has been updated. Self-installation is relevant in such cases:

there is no auto-update, there is information about the new version;
in the current version there is no support for existing or new applications on the phone;
there was a need to roll back the system.

For example, my LG L90 smartphone has Android 4.4 as its native version. But after the first inclusion, it was immediately updated to the latest version, or rather, to 5.0.2.
We will consider those cases when you need to manually update the software.

Update Methods

Via phone

How to update the Android version with only a phone?

This method, in my opinion, is the simplest. To update with it, you need:

select the "General" tab in the phone settings;
tap "About phone";
select "General" again (I have duos, so it may differ);
you can view all information about the software version or go directly to the "Update Center";
here you can update applications that require it, or immediately the system;
selecting the second item, we will see that you can check Android for updates, as well as enable / disable the ability to auto-update;
after choosing a checkpoint, the phone warns that to carry out this operation, the device must have access to any network except 2G (everything was turned off for me);
after connecting to the network, the search for updates is carried out, after which either a message pops up about the relevance of the version, or the update starts.

The main condition for this method is a high level of battery charging so that the update process does not end with a force majeure event. You can even update Android 2.3 to 4.0 in this way.

Manual flashing

Micro and macro updates to Android appear almost every day. Manufacturers do not always have time, or may not strive, to work them out for all models. Sometimes it takes a very long time, and the update may not come at all. How do you ensure that you don't miss out on improvements for your phone?

In such a situation, you can independently change the firmware of your smartphone via Recovery. For this you need:

From the official website of the manufacturer of our device, we download the zip archive with the firmware we need (we check the version number and build date before that) and place it on the phone's memory card.
Turn off your smartphone and go to Recovery. All phones may have a different login combination. For example, on LG L90 it is “Power + Vol (up or down)”, on Motorola and Lenovo phones it is “Power + Vol up + Vol down”.
We select the item "Apply update".
Now the item "Choose from sdcard" ("Choose from internal storage" if the archive was saved in the internal memory).
Go to the desired folder, find the installed firmware file and run it.
After the installation process has been completed, you need to return to the main menu and from there restart the device "Reboot system now"

Using a computer

How to update the operating system if there is no access to Recovery?

In this case, you need to have a cord for connecting the smartphone to a PC, as well as a disk with drivers for the official service program for a particular brand of phones. The latter may not be available, but this program can be downloaded.

Let's consider this method using LG phones as an example. For them, you can download the KDZ Updater application. The prerequisites are:

download the Android system update (archive KDZ_Update.zip);
mobile phone charge level is 50% and higher;
LG drivers are installed;
availability of a firmware file for a specific model of the KDZ format;
the absence of any other program for LG (not counting the driver).

The procedure for updating software for Android through this program is as follows:

Unzip KDZ_Update.zip and transfer it to the system disk of your computer. Move the firmware file there too. Run the msxml.msi file from the archive.
Enable USB debugging on LG through phone settings. In my case, the fifth Android did not immediately provide such an opportunity. This does not mean that there is no way to turn it on. First, in the information about the phone, you need to find the build number and click on it from 5 to 10 times in a row. A notification "You are now a developer" will pop up. Now in the general settings there will be an item "Developer options". There the item "USB Debugging" is located.
Then turn off the device and remove the battery (some models of LG phones need this for flashing).
Press and hold the "Vol down" button, connect the smartphone to the computer. S / W Upgrade should appear. If it is not there, you should repeat everything, but with the battery inserted. Further, the battery must be in the phone in any case.
Go to Device Manager on your computer. Disable LGE Mobile USB Modem.
In KDZ Updater, in the type field from the drop-down list, select 3GQCT, and in phonemode - DIAG.
In the KDZ file field, write the path to the firmware file or simply select it via the open files button.
If everything was done correctly, the user will see that the system is being updated.

You should use the same method and, if necessary, roll back the version to Android to any of the previous ones. Do not forget that the software made by the software will lead to the fact that all files, contacts and SMS stored in the internal memory of the phone may be lost.

Before 5.0, think carefully. There may be two reasons why the update did not arrive automatically. Either this is an error (when sending, when receiving, etc.), or the manufacturer did not plan to update the software for your device. And if in the first case the defect is easy to fix, then the second option makes you think. Of course, it's not that the manufacturer doesn't care about your device or that he forgot about you. Everything is much more prosaic.

Every manufacturer, be it Samsung, Sony, HTC, LG or any other, remembers perfectly about each of its devices. But he also knows in detail all the technical characteristics of each model. Much better than you and me! And no matter how much the OS developers say about increasing the performance of gadgets after updating them, numerous tests and user reviews that have been carried out speak either of a scanty or zero "increase" in the speed of work. But more often than not, users report a deterioration in the performance of the device after the update. The explanation for this is simple: Android 5.0 Lollipop is brighter and more functional than its older brother, and this requires more resources to work. And all manufacturers also know about this, so they do not send an update to your device.

Therefore, let's start with advice: if it seems to you that your device on Android 4.4 Kitkat is working at the limit of its technical capabilities, then most likely it does not seem to you! Of course, you can experiment with deleting photos, videos, games and applications, installing accelerator programs, checking for viruses, and more. But the risk of getting a "brick" after a forced update still remains!

It is worth remembering that there are a few things you need to take care of before starting the installation. You probably know very well about them, but, as they say, "Repetition is the mother of learning!"

First, you need to do a Backup. After installing the update, there will be nothing on your device except the operating system itself and the programs installed by default. Therefore, SMS, applications, games and everything that you downloaded will have to be done on your own. Fortunately, there are a lot of special programs that will help you do this.

Secondly, if you decide to install custom firmware, of which there are an incredible number now, then you have to take care of Root rights. Just like with Backup, you need special software.

Thirdly, before starting to manipulate the system, make sure that the battery is fully charged and that there is a USB cable (preferably original) at hand.

Before proceeding directly to the Android update process, it must be said that there are not so many options to do this, only two: "over the air" (that is, over the Internet) and through a computer.

Option number 1. "By air"

As mentioned above, there can be two situations here. Either the update came automatically, or it needs to be checked and installed forcibly.

If the update came automatically, then there are no problems at all. You will see a notification that a new version of Android 5.0 Lollipop is available. Typically, this same notification prompts you to "Update Now" or "Postpone Update". You know what to choose!

In case the update did not come to your Android automatically, you can check for its availability manually. To do this, open the "Settings" menu, go to the "About device" submenu, then to the "Updates" section. In the window that opens, tap on the "Check for updates" button. If the update is found, install it.

It happens that this method does not work. Then you can go the other way. To do this, you must first erase data from the Google Services Framework application. And you can find this application at "Settings" - "Applications". After the data is erased, restart your phone and check again for updates.

Before proceeding to the next method of updating the OS, I would like to note that the options described above will install the official firmware on your device. Therefore, you do not need to think about any other nuances. But it's better to do Backup all the same!

Option number 2. Via a computer

This method will be interesting for those who want to install custom firmware, as well as for all owners who were not originally "intended" for Android 5.0 Lollipop.

I would like to note right away that for each specific device, be it a smartphone or a tablet, the process of installing the OS through a computer is individual. Before you start installing the update, study the algorithm in detail in theory. Read forums, reviews, ask questions. Firmware assembly is individual for each device separately. Install only the one that is right for yours.

In essence, the update process via a PC boils down to the fact that you need to download the firmware to your computer and use a specific bootloader program to install it on the device. For many gadgets on the network there are detailed installation instructions, and even videos with visual reviews. Especially for the popular models of the tablet-smartphone world.

The update method will depend on the specific device.

We will dwell on the basic steps that will have to be performed, based on the fact that you have already downloaded the firmware, root-, bootloader- and backup-programs, unpacked everything, installed and are ready to start.

Put the device into firmware mode (see the instructions for your device).
Connect to computer.
Launch bootloader, load firmware into it.
, start the installation process and wait a little.
After completion, the device will reboot and turn on with the new version of Android.

This is the structure of the process. In fact, for devices from some manufacturers, this process can be much more tricky. But you can certainly figure it out!

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to say thanks to those programmers who, despite all the manufacturers' restrictions, bypass the prohibitions and adapt the firmware for our phones and tablets. Also, thanks are due to those people who test these updates, find bugs and test again. After all, everyone wants to enjoy the new features and new design, and not just those who bought their gadget today!

Conclusion (alternative)

In the end, after all of the above, I want to philosophize a little. Because there are a number of questions hanging in the air:

Why, by default, device manufacturers only "push" updates to flagship devices?
Why do they make the decision to update for us?