Check for Updates in Settings

Android tablets receive updates through the Settings app, not through the Google Play Store. Open Settings, scroll down to find About tablet (sometimes labeled About device), and look for a button that says System update, Check for updates, or Software update. The exact wording depends on your tablet's manufacturer and Android version.

Tap that button and your tablet will connect to the internet to check whether a newer version is available. If an update exists, you will see a prompt asking whether you want to read and install it. The tablet will tell you the file size and what version you are updating to — write down the version number so you know what you started with.

If no update is available, the screen will say something like "Your system is up to date" or "No updates available." This does not mean your tablet is broken; it means the manufacturer has not released a newer version yet, or your tablet is already running the latest one.

Key Takeaways

  • Updates are found in Settings > About tablet > System update, not in the Google Play Store.
  • Your tablet must be connected to Wi-Fi and have at least 50 percent battery before you start the update process.
  • The update will restart your tablet one or more times, and you should not turn it off or unplug it during this process.
  • Updates usually take 15 to 45 minutes from start to finish, depending on file size and your internet speed.

Prepare Your Tablet Before Updating

Before you tap the install button, make sure your tablet is plugged into power or has at least 50 percent battery remaining. Updates can take 15 to 45 minutes, and if your battery dies partway through, the update can fail and leave your tablet in an unusable state. Plug it in and let it charge to 80 percent or higher if you have time.

Connect to Wi-Fi as well. Updates are large files — usually between 500 megabytes and 2 gigabytes — and downloading over mobile data will be slow and may use up your data plan. Make sure you are on a Wi-Fi network you trust, not a public one at a coffee shop.

Close any apps you have open. You do not need to uninstall anything or clear your storage, but having fewer apps running in the background makes the update faster and reduces the chance of something going wrong.

What Happens During the Update

Once you tap install, your tablet will read the update file. You will see a progress bar showing how much has downloaded. This step usually takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on your internet speed. Do not close Settings or put your tablet to sleep — let it finish downloading.

After the read is complete, your tablet will ask you to confirm that you want to install. Tap yes, and the tablet will restart. You will see a screen with a progress bar and the Android logo, sometimes with text saying "Installing system update" or "Optimizing apps." This can take 10 to 30 minutes. Your tablet may restart several times — this is normal and expected.

Once the installation is done, your tablet will restart one final time and show the lock screen. Unlock it and you will be running the new version. Go back to Settings > About tablet to confirm the version number has changed.

Troubleshooting Update Problems

If the update fails and your tablet shows an error message, the most common cause is a weak Wi-Fi connection or the battery dying during installation. Plug your tablet in, wait for it to charge fully, and try again from the beginning. If the same error appears twice, restart your tablet by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then try once more.

If your tablet gets stuck on the Android logo screen for more than an hour, it may be frozen. Hold the power button for 30 seconds to force it to shut down, then turn it back on. If it still does not respond, you may need to contact the tablet manufacturer's support line — they can walk you through a factory reset if necessary, though this will erase everything on the device.

Some tablets have a setting that prevents automatic updates. If you never see an update notification and manual checks always say "up to date," go to Settings > Apps > Google Play System Update and make sure it is not disabled. On some Samsung tablets, look for Settings > Apps > Samsung > Galaxy Store and check that it is enabled.

Automatic Updates vs. Manual Updates

Many Android tablets can be set to read and install updates automatically, usually overnight when you are not using the device. This happens only if your tablet is plugged in, connected to Wi-Fi, and the automatic update setting is turned on. To enable this, go to Settings > System > System update (or Settings > About tablet > System update) and look for a toggle or checkbox labeled Automatic system updates or read updates automatically.

If automatic updates are on, your tablet will read new versions in the background and notify you when they are ready to install. You can still choose when to restart and complete the installation — the tablet will not force you to update in the middle of the day. If you prefer to control when updates happen, you can turn this setting off and check manually whenever you want.

Why Updates Matter and What Changes

Android updates fix security problems, add new features, and improve how your tablet runs. Security updates are the most important — they patch holes that hackers could use to steal your information. Even if the update does not add visible new features, installing it protects your personal data and keeps your tablet safer.

Some updates add new features you will notice right away, like changes to the home screen, new settings options, or improvements to the camera app. Others are mostly behind-the-scenes fixes that make apps run faster or use less battery. After you update, take a few minutes to explore Settings and see if anything looks different.

Updates can occasionally change how familiar features work or move them to a different location in Settings. If you cannot find something after an update, try searching for it using the search box at the top of Settings, or restart your tablet to make sure all the changes have fully taken effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do Android tablets get updates?

It depends on the manufacturer and how old your tablet is. Most tablets receive major updates once or twice a year, and security updates monthly or every few months. Older tablets may stop receiving updates after three to five years. Check your tablet's manufacturer website to see how long yours will be supported.

Will updating erase my photos and files?

No. Updates install on top of your existing system and do not touch your photos, videos, documents, or personal files. Your apps and their data stay in place too. The only exception is if something goes very wrong and you have to do a factory reset, which does erase everything — but this is rare.

Can I use my tablet while it is updating?

No. Once the installation begins, your tablet will restart and be locked on the update screen. You cannot use it for anything else until the update is complete. This is why it is important to plug it in and make sure you have time — do not start an update right before you need to leave the house.

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

Older tablets eventually stop receiving updates because the manufacturer moves on to newer models. If your tablet says "up to date" and you know it has not been updated in years, it may have reached the end of its support life. You can still use it, but it will not receive new security patches. Consider updating to a newer tablet if security is a concern.

Do I need to do anything after the update finishes?

No. Your tablet will restart and work normally. You do not need to restart apps or change any settings. If you want to confirm the update worked, go back to Settings > About tablet and check that the version number has changed. Everything else happens automatically.