This wikiHow teaches you how to update the operating system on an Android tablet.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Updating Your Tablet Over WiFi
Step 1. Connect the tablet to a WiFi network
To connect the tablet, swipe down from the top of the screen and touch the WiFi button.
- If the tablet does not automatically connect, select a WiFi network and enter the network password if necessary.
- Android update via WiFi is the easiest and most recommended way.
Step 2. Enter the tablet settings menu (“Settings”)
This menu is usually indicated by a gear icon (⚙️), but sometimes also by a slider bar icon.
Step 3. Touch General
This tab is at the top of the screen.
Step 4. Swipe the screen and touch About Device
It's at the bottom of the menu.
Step 5. Touch Updates
It's near the top of the menu and is labeled "Software Update" or "System Firmware Update", depending on the version of Android you're running.
Step 6. Touch Check for Updates
After that, the tablet will search for available system updates.
Many versions of Android are specifically designed for specific devices. This means that the update you are looking for is an update that is compatible with tablets only
Step 7. Touch the Update button
If an update is available, this button will appear at the top of the menu.
Step 8. Touch Install
This button may be labeled "Reboot and Install" or "Install System Software". After that, the process of downloading and installing the update will begin.
Once the installation is complete, the tablet will restart with the new update
Method 2 of 3: Updating Tablet Via Desktop Computer
Step 1. Visit the tablet manufacturer's official website via a desktop browser
After logging in to the site, follow the link to the support page and download the update.
You may need to enter certain information or register your tablet in order to access software updates
Step 2. Download and install the device manager program
The name and function of the program will differ depending on the tablet manufacturer.
For example, Samsung's device manager program is known as "Kies", Motoral's device manager program is "MDM", and others
Step 3. Go back to the tablet manufacturer's official website
After that, go back to the support page and download it.
Step 4. Look for available updates
Updates are usually available in the form of files that can be downloaded and installed on your device through a device manager program.
Step 5. Connect the tablet to the computer
Use the cable provided in the device purchase package. Usually, you need to use a USB – micro USB adapter cable.
Step 6. Open the device manager program
Step 7. Look for the update command
Usually, commands are displayed in tabs or drop-down menus at the top of the window.
In Kies, for example, the command is in the "Tools" drop-down menu
Step 8. Click the update command
After that, the update process will start. Follow the prompts shown on the screen to complete the process.
Method 3 of 3: Rooting the Tablet
Step 1. Create a backup file of the device
You need to do this if at any time you need to restore the rooting process.
- The rooting process allows you to install a version of Android that is not designed for the device.
- Android versions released by device manufacturers/factories usually have limitations. Therefore, you cannot install programs that are not compatible with certain models or tablets. If the Android version you are using is not compatible with your device, the backup file created will allow you to revert to the device's original settings (factory settings).
Step 2. Look for a rooting program on the internet
Use your desktop browser to find a rooting program designed for the tablet model you are using.
Step 3. Download a rooting program
Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the program to your desktop computer.
Step 4. Connect the tablet to the computer
Use the cable that came with the device purchase package. Usually, you need to use a USB – micro USB adapter cable.
Step 5. Open the rooting program
Step 6. Start the rooting process
Follow the prompts displayed in the rooting program to complete the process.
If the program doesn't show any instructions, look online for rooting tutorials for your tablet or device
Step 7. Restart the tablet
Now, the tablet can run the version of Android you installed.
Tips
- Operating system updates through the rooting process are similar to the standard tablet update process, in that you connect your device to your computer and use the specific program and version of Android you want to install.
- Always create and upload backup files from your tablet to your Google account or computer before you update your Android device.
Warning
- The rooting process may void the device manufacturer's warranty.
- Because tablet hardware cannot be updated or upgraded, you may not be able to update your tablet beyond a certain version of Android.
- The rooting process allows you to update the operating system to any version of Android. However, updates that are not designed for your model/tablet may slow down performance or damage the device.
