Keep your Android tablet's operating system up to date It's essential to enjoy greater security, improved performance, and new features. Although many tablets receive automatic notifications to update, the process isn't always the same for all devices. Each manufacturer and model may have differences in the frequency, duration, and compatibility of updates. Therefore, it's key to know the steps to follow and the available options to keep your device running at its best.
This detailed tutorial will help you to update Android on your tablet, whether through official, manual, or even external methods, and will explain what to do if your manufacturer has discontinued support or if your device has hardware limitations. Learn how to identify if you have an older version of Android, how to analyze your tablet's status before starting the update, and what methods exist even for tablets that no longer receive official support.
Why is it important to update your Android tablet?
Updating your Android tablet's operating system offers multiple advantages:
- security improvement: Each update typically includes security patches that protect you against the latest threats, vulnerabilities, and malware.
- New functions: Updates may bring new customization options, tools, interface improvements, and support for new applications.
- Performance optimization: Many updates fix bugs and optimize resource usage, making your tablet faster and more stable.
- Greater compatibility: Keeping Android up to date lets you enjoy the latest versions of Google apps and services.
On low-end tablets or tablets from lesser-known brands, the manufacturer may not offer frequent support or even stop updating the system, which represents a security risk or a limited experience. However, there are alternative methods to force the update or upgrade your tablet to a newer version of Android. If you want to learn more about how to update Android on your tablet, we recommend checking out this guide. article with useful tips.
How to check Android version and update status
Before updating, it is advisable Check the Android version of your tablet and if there are any pending updates. This process is quick and easy:
- Accede to Settings from the main menu of your tablet.
- Search and click on Device Information o Tablet information.
- Locate the section Android version, where you will see both the installed version and the security patch level and build number of the system.
With this information, you'll know if your tablet is up to date with the latest improvements offered by the manufacturer or if you need an update, either to the system itself or to security patches. For more details, you can consult this expert guide on updating software.
Automatic and manual Android system update
Android tablets may receive updates automatically or require manual checks. If you receive an update notification, open it and follow the on-screen steps. However, if you don't receive any notifications, you can manually check for new Android versions for your device by following these universal steps:
- Go to Settings and select System (on other tablets it may appear as About device o Tablet information).
- Accede to Software update o System updates.
- Press on Search for updatesThe device will check for new available versions and, if found, will guide you through downloading them.
- Before installing, make sure your battery is charged (ideally over 80%) and your Wi-Fi is stable. Then confirm the installation and wait for your device to reboot.
Once the process is complete, it may take a few minutes for the tablet to optimize apps and complete the installation. After this, the system should display a message indicating that the software is up to date. For video tutorials on how to update Android on your tablet, you can check out this video. specific video tutorial.
Sometimes the update section may appear under sections such as Security and privacy o System and updates. If you have a Pixel tablet, the option may be called Software updates o Upgrade system. For more details on how to update on different devices, check this full article.
What happens if the manufacturer doesn't offer new updates?
The low-end tablets or those from lesser-known manufacturers They often stop receiving official updates a few years after release. This may be due to hardware limitations, low sales volume, or lack of support from the manufacturer. In these cases:
- The device may be exposed to vulnerabilities if security patches are not updated.
- You won't be able to access new Android features or install recent apps that require higher versions of the operating system.
- Performance may degrade and compatibility with certain applications will decrease over time.
Some people choose to install a Custom ROM or pure Android to extend the lifespan of your tablet, although this involves risks and requires technical knowledge. You can also check out this Article with tips for updating without errors.
Update Android on Samsung and other manufacturers' tablets
Some manufacturers, such as Samsung, offer specific software to make updating their devices easier from a computer. An example is Samsung Kies, which allows you to manage and update your tablet by connecting it to your PC using the original USB cable. For a step-by-step guide, check out this full video tutorialThis procedure also applies to other manufacturers that offer PC management suites, such as Huawei HiSuite or Xiaomi's Mi PC Suite, although the options may vary.
Update the tablet with root access
If your tablet does not receive official updates, another alternative is root the deviceBeing rooted gives you advanced permissions to modify the system, and if you're an experienced user, you'll be able to install newer versions of Android, custom ROMs, or features that weren't originally available. For a complete tutorial, check out this one. article about root and updates. Warning: Rooting can void your warranty, render your device unusable (bricked) if not done correctly, or expose it to security risks. Always perform a rooting procedure first. Backup of your data using Google Drive, which offers 15 GB free per account, or specialized backup applications.
General steps to root your tablet and test the update:
- Download a reliable rooting app, such as Framaroot (always look for official sources like XDA Developers).
- Enable installation of apps from unknown sources in Settings.
- Install the app and select the option Install superuser.
- Reboot the tablet to complete the root process.
- Once you're rooted, go back to Settings and check if you can access new software updates or install a custom ROM.
You can also flash a ROM using tools like TWRP Recovery and custom firmware files, although this process requires advanced steps and may vary depending on the tablet model.
Troubleshooting common issues during the update
- Lack of space on the tabletIf you can't download an update due to lack of space, delete data, apps, or files you don't use. Check your downloads, photos, and videos folders.
- Update interruptedIf the download or installation process is canceled, restart your tablet and try again. In many cases, the system will automatically retry.
- The update does not appearIf you can't find an update available and your tablet is older, there may not be a newer official version. Consider installing a custom ROM or consult the manufacturer's technical support.
- Battery problems after updating: It's normal for power consumption to temporarily increase after an update. Wait a few charge cycles for the system to stabilize.
Remember that update scheduling depends on the manufacturer and, in some cases, the mobile operator.
Download security and Google Play updates
Apart from the full versions of Android, Google distributes system patches and updates through Google Play. To check if you have any pending:
- Go to Settings of the tablet.
- Sign in Security and privacy o System and updates.
- Press on Security update y Google Play system update.
- Follow the on-screen steps to download and install the patches.
If no updates appear but you're experiencing performance issues, restart your tablet and repeat the process later. In some cases, Google rolls out patches in stages, and it can take days for them to reach all devices.
Other alternatives to keep your tablet updated
- Consult official forums and communities: Spaces such as the XDA Developers forums or the Google support page can offer guides and update files tailored to each model.
- Install light versions of appsIf your tablet can't update to a recent version of Android, install "lite" apps to ensure compatibility and lower resource consumption.
- Keep applications up to dateEven if your Android version is older, updating all apps from Google Play helps maintain security and new features.
For advanced users, there are projects like LineageOS or Paranoid Android that develop ROMs for numerous tablet models, allowing users to enjoy newer and more secure versions of Android even if the manufacturer has discontinued support.