Check Your Current Operating System First

Before you update, you need to know whether your tablet runs iPadOS (Apple), Android (Samsung, Google Pixel, Amazon Fire, and most others), or Windows (Microsoft Surface). The update process is completely different for each one, and using the wrong steps will waste your time.

On an Apple iPad, go to Settings > General > About. Look for the line that says "Software Version" — that is your current iPadOS number. On an Android tablet, go to Settings > About tablet (or About device) and scroll down to find "Android version". On a Windows tablet, go to Settings > System > About and look for "Edition" and "OS Build".

Key Takeaways

  • iPad updates come through Settings > General > Software Update, and you should plug in power and connect to Wi-Fi before starting.
  • Android tablets update through Settings > System > System Update (or Settings > About Device > Software Update, depending on the brand), and the exact path varies by manufacturer.
  • Windows tablets update through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and the process can take 30 minutes to over an hour.
  • Always charge your tablet to at least 50 percent before updating, and do not turn it off or unplug it during the process.
  • If an update fails or your tablet freezes, force restart it by holding the power button for 10 to 15 seconds, then try the update again.

How to Update an iPad

Plug your iPad into power and connect it to Wi-Fi. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, you will see a button that says "read and Install" or "Install Now". Tap it. Your iPad will read the update — this can take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the file size and your internet speed.

Once the read finishes, tap Install Now. Your iPad will restart and show a progress bar. Do not turn it off, unplug it, or close the lid. The installation usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. When it finishes, your iPad will restart again and you will see your home screen. Go back to Settings > General > About to confirm the new software version number.

If you see a message that says "Unable to Install Update" or "Cannot Update", try restarting your iPad by holding the top button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on and try the update again.

How to Update an Android Tablet

The exact path depends on your tablet's brand and Android version, but the general route is Settings > System > System Update (or Settings > About Device > Software Update). Plug your tablet into power and connect to Wi-Fi first. Open Settings and look for the update option — if you cannot find it, search for "system update" in the Settings search bar at the top.

Tap Check for Updates or read Updates. If an update is available, your tablet will read it — this takes 5 to 20 minutes. Once the read finishes, you will see a button to install or restart. Tap it. Your tablet will restart and install the update, which usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. Do not turn it off during this time. When it finishes, your tablet will restart and you will be back at your home screen.

Some Android tablets (particularly Samsung and Google Pixel tablets) also receive updates through the Google Play System Update, which is a smaller, faster update that happens automatically in the background. You can check this by going to Settings > About Device > Android Version and looking for "Google Play System Update". If one is pending, your tablet will install it overnight when plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.

How to Update a Windows Tablet

Plug your Windows tablet into power. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click Check for Updates. Windows will search for available updates — this takes 1 to 5 minutes. If updates are found, click read. Your tablet will read them in the background while you use it normally.

Once the read finishes, you will see a notification asking you to restart. You can click Restart Now or Schedule the Restart to pick a time later. If you choose to restart later, Windows will remind you periodically. When you restart, the installation will begin and your tablet will restart several times. This process can take 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the size of the update. Do not turn off your tablet or unplug it during installation.

After the installation finishes, your tablet will restart and you will see your lock screen. Log in and go back to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to confirm that no more updates are pending. If you see "You're up to date", the update is complete.

Prepare Your Tablet Before Updating

Charge your tablet to at least 50 percent battery, though 80 percent or higher is safer. If your battery dies during an update, your tablet may not restart properly. Connect to Wi-Fi — do not use mobile data, because updates are large files and using data can be slow and expensive. Make sure you have at least 2 to 3 gigabytes of free storage space, because the update needs room to read and install.

Back up your data before you update, especially if your tablet is older or has had problems in the past. On iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. On Android, go to Settings > Google > Manage Your Google Account > Data & Privacy and look for backup options. On Windows, go to Settings > System > About > Advanced System Settings > System Protection and click Create to make a system restore point.

What to Do If an Update Fails or Gets Stuck

If your tablet freezes during an update or shows an error message, force restart it. On iPad, hold the top button and either volume button until you see the power-off slider, then slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds and turn it back on. On Android, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black and you see the boot logo. On Windows, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force shutdown, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

After the force restart, try the update again. Make sure you are still plugged into power and connected to Wi-Fi. If the update fails a second time, try restarting your Wi-Fi router — unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to reconnect. If the problem continues, your tablet may have a hardware issue or corrupted software. Contact the manufacturer's support line or visit an authorized repair center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my tablet while it is updating?

No. Once the installation begins, your tablet will restart and you will not be able to use it until the update finishes. The read phase is different — your tablet can work normally while downloading, but once you tap "Install" or "Restart Now", you must leave it alone.

How often do tablets get updates?

iPad and Android tablets typically receive major updates once a year, usually in fall. Security updates come more often — roughly monthly for iPad and every few months for Android, depending on the manufacturer. Windows tablets receive updates whenever Microsoft releases them, which varies.

What happens if I do not update my tablet?

Your tablet will continue to work, but it will miss security patches that fix vulnerabilities. Over time, older apps may stop working with an outdated operating system. Updates also add new features and improve performance, so your tablet will feel slower and less capable than newer versions.

Do I need to delete apps or photos before updating?

Not usually. Updates do not erase your data. However, if your tablet has less than 2 gigabytes of free space, the update may fail because it needs room to read and install. If you are low on space, delete old photos, videos, or unused apps before trying to update.

Why is my update taking so long?

Large updates can take 30 minutes to over an hour, especially on Windows. Slow Wi-Fi, a full hard drive, or an older tablet will make it slower. If your update has been stuck on the same screen for more than two hours, force restart your tablet and try again.