The short answer
Open Settings › System › Software update (or System update) and tap Check for update, then follow the steps. Also check Settings › Security & privacy › System & updates for security and Google Play system updates. On Samsung, go to Settings › Software update › Download and install.
Android updates bring new features, bug fixes and security patches that protect your phone from known threats. Your phone usually updates on its own, but it’s worth knowing how to check and install updates yourself.
Update menus differ by manufacturer. Steps follow Google’s Android Help; Samsung differences are noted.
Check your Android version
- Open Settings.
- Tap About phone (or System › About phone).
- Look at Android version and the Android security update date.
Install a system update
- Connect to Wi-Fi and charge your phone.
- Open Settings › System › Software update (on some phones, System update).
- Tap Check for update and follow the steps.
On Samsung: go to Settings › Software update › Download and install.
Your phone restarts to finish installing. Don’t turn it off during the update.
Install security and Google Play system updates
On many phones you’ll find these in Settings › Security & privacy › System & updates:
- Security update: the monthly security patch from your manufacturer.
- Google Play system update: important Android components updated by Google.
Tap each and install any available updates.
Update your apps
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap your profile picture, then Manage apps & device.
- Tap Update all.
To update apps automatically, go to Play Store › Settings › Network preferences › Auto-update apps.
If an update won’t install
- Not enough storage: see how to free up storage on Android.
- Stuck downloading: switch to a different Wi-Fi network and restart your phone.
- Low battery: charge above 50% or keep it plugged in.
- No update available: your phone may already be up to date, or updates may roll out gradually. Check again in a few days.
Before a major update
Back up your phone first. See how to back up your Android phone.
Related guides
Before a big update, back up your Android phone. Not enough space for the update? See how to free up storage on Android.
The bottom line
Check Settings › System › Software update and Security & privacy › System & updates every month or so, keep apps updating automatically, and replace phones that no longer receive security updates.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find which Android version I have?
Open Settings, then tap About phone (or System › About phone) and look for Android version. The same screen often shows the date of your last security update.
What is a Google Play system update?
It updates important parts of Android through Google Play, separately from your phone maker's system updates. You'll usually find it under Security & privacy › System & updates.
My phone doesn't get updates anymore. Is that a problem?
Phones that no longer receive security updates are more exposed to known vulnerabilities. It's safer to replace them for banking, email and other sensitive use.
Why you can trust this guide
- Based on official sources. The steps here are checked against the 2 official sources listed below, such as the help pages of the companies involved.
- Checked and dated. Last checked on November 10, 2026. We update guides when software or advice changes.
- Independent. No company paid for or reviewed this guide. We don't sell products, and ads never influence our advice.
- Open to corrections. Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll fix it. Read how we research.
Sources
- Android Help — Check & update your Android version
- Android Help — Free up storage on your Android device
This guide is general information. Menus and features can change with software updates, and steps may differ on your device or version. Back up important data before making big changes. Read our disclaimer.
