Samsung tablets update through Settings, and the process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the update size and your internet speed
To update your Samsung tablet, open Settings, tap About tablet (or About device), then tap Software update. If an update is available, you'll see a button to read and install it. Your tablet will restart during installation—this is normal and necessary. Keep your tablet plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi throughout the entire process.
The exact menu names vary slightly between Samsung tablet models and Android versions, but the path is always Settings → About → Software update. Some tablets also show a notification at the top of the screen when an update is ready, and you can tap that notification to jump straight to the update screen.
Key Takeaways
- Updates happen in Settings under About tablet or About device, then Software update—no app store needed.
- Your tablet must stay plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi for the entire update, which can take 15 to 45 minutes.
- The tablet will restart one or more times during installation; do not unplug it or force it off.
- If no update appears, your tablet may already be on the latest version, or Samsung may not have released one for your model yet.
Step-by-step: finding and installing the update
Swipe down from the top of your screen to open Quick Settings, then tap the gear icon to open the full Settings app. Scroll to the bottom of the Settings menu and tap About tablet (some models say About device). Look for an option called Software update or System update—tap it.
The tablet will check Samsung's servers for available updates. If one exists, you'll see a button labeled read and install or Update. Tap it. The tablet will read the update file, which can be 500 MB to 2 GB depending on what's included. Once the read finishes, the tablet will ask you to confirm the installation. Tap Install or OK. Your tablet will restart automatically and complete the installation in the background—you'll see a progress bar or Samsung logo on the screen. Do not turn off the tablet or unplug it during this time.
What to do if no update appears
If you tap Software update and see a message like "Your device is up to date," your tablet is already running the latest version available for your model. Samsung releases updates on different schedules for different tablet models, and some older models stop receiving updates after a certain point.
If you believe your tablet should have an update but none appears, try restarting the tablet and checking again. Sometimes the update check takes a few minutes to complete. You can also check Samsung's website for your specific tablet model number to see what the current software version should be—your model number is listed in Settings under About tablet.
Why your tablet needs Wi-Fi and power during updates
Updates are large files, and Wi-Fi is much faster and more reliable than mobile data for downloading them. If your connection drops halfway through, the read will fail and you'll have to start over. Plugging in your tablet ensures the battery won't die during installation—if the power cuts out mid-update, your tablet can become stuck or fail to boot.
Use a wall outlet rather than a computer USB port, because computer ports often don't supply enough power. If you're using a charger, make sure it's the one that came with your tablet or a certified Samsung charger rated for your model.
What happens after the update installs
Once the installation finishes, your tablet will restart and show the lock screen. Unlock it as normal. The first restart after a major update can take a few extra minutes—the system is optimizing apps and settings. You may notice a brief slowdown the first time you open certain apps, but this is temporary and normal.
Check that your apps still work and your files are still there. Updates almost never delete your data, but it's good to verify. If an app stops working after an update, try restarting the tablet first. If the problem continues, check the Google Play Store to see if the app has its own update available.
Automatic updates on Samsung tablets
Some Samsung tablets can be set to read and install updates automatically, usually overnight when plugged in. To turn this on, go to Settings → About tablet → Software update, then look for an option like Auto read over Wi-Fi or Automatic system updates. Not all models offer this feature, so you may not see it in your Settings.
If your tablet supports automatic updates and you enable them, you'll still need to approve the installation when prompted. The tablet won't install a major update without your permission, but it will read it in advance so the installation is faster when you do approve it.
Troubleshooting: update won't read or install
If the read fails or gets stuck, restart your tablet and try again. Make sure you're connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal—move closer to your router if needed. If the problem persists, try forgetting the Wi-Fi network and reconnecting: go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi, tap the network name, tap Forget, then reconnect and enter the password again.
If the installation fails and your tablet won't restart normally, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a restart. The tablet should complete the update on the next boot. If you see an error message with a code, write down the code and search for it on Samsung's support website along with your tablet model number—Samsung's support pages often have solutions for specific error codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my tablet while it's updating?
No. Once you tap Install, the tablet will restart and you won't be able to use it until the update finishes. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes. Plan ahead and update when you don't need the tablet for a while.
Will the update delete my photos, files, or apps?
No. Updates install on top of your existing system and don't erase your data. Your photos, documents, apps, and settings will all be there after the update finishes. If you're worried, you can back up your tablet to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive before updating, but it's not necessary.
What if my tablet is too old to update?
Samsung stops releasing updates for tablets after about three to four years. If your tablet is older than that and no update appears, it's likely reached the end of its support cycle. You can still use the tablet, but it won't receive new security patches or features.
Do I need to pay for updates?
No. All Samsung tablet updates are free. If a website or app claims to charge you for a Samsung update, it's a scam—ignore it and update through Settings instead.
Why is my tablet so slow after updating?
After a major update, your tablet optimizes apps and settings in the background, which can make it feel sluggish for a few hours. Restart the tablet and wait a day before deciding something is wrong. If it's still slow after that, try clearing the cache: go to Settings → Apps, tap the three-dot menu, tap Show system apps, tap System cache, then tap Storage and Clear cache.