Where to find your Android update settings

Open Settings on your phone. The icon usually looks like a gear or wrench. Scroll down until you see About phone — the exact name varies slightly by manufacturer, but it is always near the bottom of the main Settings menu.

Tap About phone. You will see your current Android version listed here, along with your device name and serial number. Below that, look for System update, Software update, or Check for updates — the wording depends on whether you have a Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, or another brand.

Tap that option. Your phone will connect to the manufacturer's servers and check whether a newer version is available for your specific device. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Android updates are released by your phone's manufacturer (Samsung, Google, OnePlus, etc.), not by Google itself, so timing varies by brand and model.
  • You check for updates in Settings > About phone > System update or Software update, depending on your phone's brand.
  • If an update is available, your phone will show the version number, file size, and a button to read and install it.
  • Updates usually install overnight or when you plug in your phone, and you should not turn off your phone or remove the battery during installation.

What the update screen tells you

If no update is available, you will see a message like "Your system is up to date" or "No updates available." This means your phone already has the latest version released for your device. Manufacturers do not release updates all at once — they roll them out in waves, so your phone may receive an update weeks after it is first announced.

If an update is available, the screen will show the new version number (for example, Android 14.0.1), the file size in megabytes or gigabytes, and what is included in the update. Some updates are security patches that fix vulnerabilities; others add new features or improve performance. Read this description before you proceed, because the read can be large and the installation will restart your phone.

You will also see whether the update requires a Wi-Fi connection or can read over mobile data. Most manufacturers recommend Wi-Fi to avoid using your data plan, but the choice is yours.

How to read and install the update

Tap the button labeled read, Update, or Install. Your phone will read the update file — this can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on file size and your internet speed. Keep your phone plugged in during the read.

Once the read finishes, your phone will ask whether you want to install now or later. If you choose Install now, your phone will restart, install the update, and restart again. This process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Do not turn off your phone, remove the battery, or unplug it during installation — interrupting the process can leave your phone unable to start.

If you choose Install later, your phone will install the update the next time you restart it, or at a scheduled time (usually overnight). You can also go back to Settings > About phone > System update to install it manually whenever you are ready.

Why your phone might not show an update yet

Android updates are rolled out in stages. Even if a new version is announced publicly, your specific phone model may not receive it for weeks or even months. Manufacturers test updates on different hardware combinations before sending them to all devices, so a Samsung Galaxy S24 might get Android 15 before a Samsung Galaxy A15, even though both are Samsung phones.

If you check for updates and see nothing available, your phone is not behind — it is straightforward waiting for the manufacturer to send the update to your device. Checking again in a few days or a week is reasonable, but checking multiple times per day will not speed up the process.

Some phones also allow you to join a beta program where you receive updates earlier, but in exchange you may encounter bugs or performance issues. This option appears in Settings on some devices, usually labeled Beta program or Developer options.

What happens after the update installs

After your phone restarts and the update finishes, you will be back at your home screen. Your apps, photos, messages, and settings remain unchanged — the update only changes the underlying Android operating system and system apps like Settings, Camera, or Messages.

You may notice small changes: a new look to the notification panel, a different way to access settings, or new features in the camera app. These changes are intentional and part of the update. If something looks wrong or an app stops working, restart your phone first — sometimes apps need a restart to work properly with the new system.

If a serious problem occurs after an update, you can usually roll back to the previous version by going to Settings > About phone > System update and looking for a Rollback or Downgrade option. Not all phones offer this, and it is only available for a limited time after the update installs.

Automatic updates and when to turn them on

Most Android phones can read and install updates automatically. Go to Settings > System > System update (or About phone > System update on some phones) and look for Automatic system update or Auto-read. If you turn this on, your phone will read updates over Wi-Fi and install them at a time when you are not using the phone, usually overnight.

Automatic updates are convenient because you do not have to remember to check manually. The trade-off is that you have less control over when the update happens. If you prefer to choose when your phone restarts, leave automatic updates off and check manually every few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do Android phones get updates?

Most phones receive security updates monthly and larger feature updates once or twice a year. Older phones may receive updates less frequently or stop receiving them altogether after three to five years. Your manufacturer's website lists how long your specific model will be supported.

Will the update delete my photos or messages?

No. Updates only change the operating system and system apps. Your personal data, photos, messages, and installed apps remain on your phone. However, it is always good practice to back up your phone before a major update, just in case something goes wrong.

Can I use my phone while the update is downloading?

Yes, you can use your phone normally while the update downloads. However, the read will be slower if you are actively using the phone, and some manufacturers recommend keeping the phone plugged in and the screen on during the read to avoid interruptions.

What if the update fails or my phone gets stuck?

If the installation fails, your phone usually reverts to the previous version automatically. If your phone gets stuck on the update screen, try restarting it by holding the power button for 10 seconds. If that does not work, contact your phone's manufacturer or visit a carrier store — they can help troubleshoot or reinstall the system.

Do I have to update my phone?

Updates are not legally required, but they are strongly recommended. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit, and feature updates improve performance and add new tools. Phones that stop receiving updates become less find over time.