Where to find the update check on your Android phone

Open Settings, then scroll down and tap About phone (or About device on some phones). At the bottom of that screen, you will see System update or Software update. Tap it, and Android will check whether a newer version is waiting for your device.

The exact names and locations shift slightly between manufacturers. Samsung calls it Software update under Settings > About phone. Google Pixel phones label it System update in the same place. OnePlus, Motorola, and others follow similar patterns — always under About phone or About device, always near the bottom of that menu.

If an update is available, the screen will show you the version number, file size, and what changed. You can start the read and installation from that same screen. If nothing is available, Android will tell you your device is up to date.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings, scroll to About phone, and tap System update or Software update to check for new versions.
  • Android checks for updates automatically in the background, but manually checking ensures you know when ready when one arrives.
  • Updates usually install overnight if you plug in your phone and leave it unlocked, though you can start installation manually.
  • Your phone model and manufacturer determine the exact menu names, but the update check is always in the About phone section.
  • If an update is pending, Android will remind you repeatedly until you install it, but you can delay installation for up to a week.

What happens after you tap the update button

Once you start the check, Android connects to Google's servers (or your manufacturer's servers) and compares your current version to what is available for your specific phone model. This takes a few seconds to a minute depending on your internet connection. If a newer version exists, Android downloads it — usually between 500 MB and 2 GB depending on how much has changed.

During the read, you can use your phone normally. The update happens in the background. Once the read finishes, Android asks whether you want to install now or later. If you choose later, the phone will remind you at regular intervals, and installation will happen automatically overnight if your phone is plugged in and unlocked.

Why Android checks automatically even when you do not

Your phone checks for updates on its own schedule, usually once a day, without you doing anything. This happens in the background when your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in — typically at night. You will see a notification when an update is ready, but you do not have to act on it when ready.

Manually checking the update screen is useful if you want to know right away whether something new is available, or if you want to control when the installation happens. Some people prefer to install updates on a weekend rather than during the work week, or to avoid installation during a time when they need their phone for something important.

How to install an update once it is downloaded

If the update has already downloaded and is waiting, go back to Settings > About phone > System update and you will see a button to install now. Tap it. Your phone will restart, install the update (which takes 5 to 15 minutes), and restart again. During this time, your phone is not usable.

If you see a notification about a pending update, you can also tap that notification to jump straight to the installation screen. Either way, plug your phone in before you start — the installation uses significant battery, and losing power in the middle can damage your system.

What to do if an update will not read or install

If the read stalls or fails, the most common fix is to switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or vice versa. Some networks block large downloads, or your Wi-Fi connection may be dropping. Go back to the update screen and try again.

If the installation fails after the read completes, restart your phone and try installing again. Make sure your battery is above 50 percent and that you are not running other apps. If it fails a second time, you can wait a few days and try again — sometimes the issue is temporary.

If an update is stuck in a loop or your phone will not start after a failed installation, you may need to factory reset the device using recovery mode. This is rare, but if it happens, contact your phone manufacturer's support line or visit a carrier store — they can walk you through the recovery process or replace the phone if it is still under warranty.

Understanding version numbers and what changed

Android version numbers look like 13, 14, or 15 — these are major releases that happen roughly once a year. Within each major version, you also get smaller updates called security patches or maintenance releases, labeled with dates like "December 2024" or numbers like "13.0.1".

The update screen shows you which version you have now and which version is available. It also lists what changed — usually security fixes, bug corrections, and sometimes new features. Security patches are important because they close vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Feature updates are less urgent but often improve performance or add useful tools.

You do not need to understand every detail of what changed. The key is that security patches should be installed as soon as they arrive, while feature updates can wait if you prefer to delay them.

Delaying an update if you need to

If an update arrives at a bad time, you can postpone it. When the notification appears, tap Later instead of Install. Android will ask again in a few hours or the next day. You can delay for up to a week on most phones, though the reminders will become more frequent as the important date approaches.

After a week, Android will install the update automatically, usually overnight. If you need more time, you can restart the delay countdown by tapping Later again when the notification reappears. However, security updates are designed to be installed quickly — delaying them for weeks leaves your phone vulnerable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will checking for updates use a lot of data?

Checking for updates uses almost no data — just a few kilobytes to compare version numbers. Downloading the update itself uses significant data, usually 500 MB to 2 GB, so do it on Wi-Fi if possible. If you are on a limited mobile plan, wait until you are on Wi-Fi before tapping the read button.

Can I use my phone while an update is installing?

No. During installation, your phone restarts and is completely unusable for 5 to 15 minutes. Plan to install updates when you do not need your phone — overnight is ideal. Do not unplug the phone or force a restart during installation, as this can corrupt the system.

What if my phone is too old to get new updates?

Older phones stop receiving updates after a certain point — usually three to five years depending on the manufacturer. If the update screen says your device is up to date but you know a newer Android version exists, your phone has reached the end of its update cycle. You can still use it, but you will not receive new security patches.

Do I have to install every update?

Security updates should be installed as soon as they arrive. Feature updates and maintenance releases are less critical and can be delayed if needed. However, delaying updates for months leaves your phone vulnerable and can cause compatibility problems with apps.

Why does my phone keep asking me to update?

If you keep tapping Later, Android will remind you repeatedly until you install. The reminders get more frequent as time passes. To stop the notifications, either install the update or restart the delay countdown by tapping Later again when it appears.