Check for Updates in Settings

Samsung tablets receive software updates through the Settings app on your device. Open Settings, scroll down to find About tablet (sometimes labeled About device), and look for an option called Software update or System update. Tap it, and your tablet will check whether a newer version is available.

The tablet connects to Samsung's servers to look for updates — this takes a few seconds. If an update is ready, you'll see a button labeled read and install or Update. If your tablet is already on the latest version, the screen will say so.

Some Samsung tablets also show a notification at the top of the screen when an update is ready. You can tap that notification to jump straight to the update screen without opening Settings manually.

Key Takeaways

  • Updates are found in Settings > About tablet > Software update, and your tablet checks Samsung's servers automatically when you tap the button.
  • Plug your tablet into power and connect to Wi-Fi before starting an update, because the process can take 15 to 45 minutes and uses a lot of battery.
  • Do not turn off your tablet, close the app, or disconnect from Wi-Fi while an update is installing — interrupting it can cause serious problems.
  • After the update finishes, your tablet will restart on its own, and you may see a loading screen for several minutes while it sets up the new software.

Prepare Your Tablet Before Updating

Before you start the update, make sure your tablet is plugged into a charger. Updates use a lot of battery power, and if your tablet runs out of power during the process, the software can become corrupted and the tablet may not start properly afterward. Leave the charger connected for the entire update, even after the tablet restarts.

Connect to a Wi-Fi network as well. Updates are large files — often 500 megabytes to several gigabytes — and downloading over mobile data can be slow and expensive. Make sure you're on a network you trust and that has a strong signal. If your Wi-Fi keeps dropping, move closer to the router or wait until you have a more stable connection.

Close any apps you have open. The update process works best when your tablet is not running other programs in the background. You don't need to clear your storage or delete files — the update will not erase your photos, documents, or settings.

What Happens During the Update

Once you tap the read and install button, your tablet will read the update file. This can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your Wi-Fi speed and the size of the update. You'll see a progress bar showing how much has downloaded.

After the read finishes, the tablet will ask you to confirm that you want to install the update. Tap Install or OK. The tablet will then restart automatically — you'll see the Samsung logo and a loading screen. This restart phase can take 10 to 30 minutes. During this time, do not turn off the tablet, press any buttons, or disconnect the charger. The screen may go black or show a progress bar; this is normal.

When the update is complete, your tablet will restart again and show the lock screen. Unlock it as you normally would. You may see a setup screen or notification about the update — you can dismiss these by tapping OK or Done. Your tablet is now running the new software version.

Troubleshooting Update Problems

If the update fails to read, the most common cause is a weak Wi-Fi connection. Move closer to your router, restart your Wi-Fi, or try again later. If the read keeps stopping, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network if one is available.

If your tablet gets stuck on a loading screen or the update seems to be taking much longer than an hour, do not force it off. Wait at least 30 minutes more — some updates genuinely take that long. If it's still stuck after that, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force the tablet to shut down, then turn it back on. It will usually resume the update or complete the installation on restart.

If you see an error message, write down the exact text and search for it on Samsung's support website or in the tablet's user manual. Different error codes point to different problems — some mean your storage is too full, others mean the update file was corrupted during read. The solution depends on which error you see.

Automatic Updates and Update Schedules

Many Samsung tablets can be set to read updates automatically, but they will not install without your permission. Go to Settings > About tablet > Software update and look for an option like Auto read over Wi-Fi or Automatic updates. Turning this on means the tablet will grab new updates in the background when you're on Wi-Fi, so you won't have to wait for the read when you're ready to install.

You can still choose when to actually install the update. Even with automatic downloads turned on, you'll see a notification asking you to confirm before the installation begins. This gives you control over when your tablet restarts and becomes temporarily unavailable.

Samsung does not announce specific update dates in advance. Updates roll out gradually to different regions and models over weeks or months. Your tablet may receive an update weeks after another Samsung tablet of the same model, and that is normal.

What Changes After an Update

After your tablet updates, you may notice small changes to the look of the Settings app, the home screen, or built-in apps like the camera or email. Samsung sometimes adds new features, improves battery life, or fixes security issues with each update. Your personal files, photos, and installed apps will remain exactly as they were.

If an app stops working after an update, the app itself may need an update too. Open the Google Play Store, search for the app, and see if an update is available. If the app still doesn't work, try uninstalling and reinstalling it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my tablet while it's updating?

No. Once the installation begins, your tablet will restart and be unavailable until the update finishes. The entire process, including read and installation, usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Plan to leave your tablet alone during this time.

Will the update delete my photos and files?

No. Updates install new software on top of your existing files and settings. Your photos, documents, apps, and personal data will stay on your tablet. If something does go wrong during the update, your files are still safe.

What if my tablet is out of storage space?

Updates need some free space to read and install. If you're very low on storage, delete some large files or videos first, then try the update again. You don't need to delete much — usually a few hundred megabytes is enough.

Do I have to update my tablet?

Updates are not required, but they include security fixes that protect your tablet from hackers and malware. Samsung recommends installing updates when they become available. You can delay an update, but eventually you may see more frequent reminders.

Why is my tablet asking for a password after the update?

Some updates require you to re-enter your Samsung account password or Google account password for security reasons. This is normal. Use the same password you set up when you first got the tablet.