Check Your Current Software Version and Available Updates
Before you update, find out what version your tablet is running and whether an update is waiting. On most tablets, this takes less than a minute. Go to Settings, then look for a section called About Tablet, System, or Device Information — the exact name depends on your tablet's brand and operating system.
Once you find that section, you will see your current software version listed. Write it down or take a screenshot so you know what you started with. Then go back to Settings and look for System Update, Software Update, or Check for Updates. Tap it. Your tablet will connect to the manufacturer's servers and tell you whether a newer version is available. If one is, the screen will show the version number and file size.
Do not start the update yet. Read the next section first, because updates work best when your tablet is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, and you have time to wait.
Key Takeaways
- Updates are found in Settings under System, About, or Device Information, and you should check whether one is available before you begin.
- Plug your tablet into power and connect to Wi-Fi before you start an update, because the process can take 15 minutes to an hour and will fail if the battery dies.
- Do not use your tablet while the update is running — close all apps and let the update finish without interruption.
- If an update fails partway through, restart your tablet and try again from the same Settings menu where you started.
- Updates usually happen automatically after you tap the button, but some tablets ask you to choose a time or restart manually when the read is done.
Prepare Your Tablet Before You Update
Updates can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on the file size and your internet speed. If your battery dies during an update, your tablet may not start up again, or it may get stuck in a broken state that requires a factory reset. Plug your tablet into a charger before you do anything else.
Connect to Wi-Fi instead of mobile data. Updates are large files — often 500 megabytes to several gigabytes — and downloading over cellular can be slow, expensive, and risky if the connection drops. Make sure you are on a Wi-Fi network you trust and that has a strong signal. If you are at home, move closer to your router.
Close all open apps. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on most tablets) or tap the back button repeatedly until you are on the home screen. Do not open anything else while the update runs. If you have a lot of apps open, your tablet may slow down or the update may fail.
Start the Update and Let It Run
Go back to Settings and find the update option again. Tap Update Now, Install, or read and Install — the exact wording varies. Your tablet will read the update file, which may take several minutes depending on file size and Wi-Fi speed. You will see a progress bar.
Once the read is done, your tablet will ask whether you want to install now or later. Choose Install Now unless you are in the middle of something critical. The installation process will restart your tablet automatically. You will see a progress bar again, and the screen may go black or show a logo. This is normal. Do not unplug the charger, do not force restart, and do not touch the screen.
The whole process — read plus installation — usually takes 20 to 45 minutes. Some tablets finish faster. Once the installation is complete, your tablet will restart and you will see your home screen again. The update is done.
What to Do If the Update Fails or Gets Stuck
If the read stops or the installation hangs, your first step is to restart your tablet. Hold down the power button until you see a menu, then tap Restart or Power Off. If you choose Power Off, wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Once it is on, go back to Settings and check for updates again. Most of the time, the update will resume or you can start it over.
If the update fails a second time, make sure you are still plugged in and on Wi-Fi, then try once more. If it fails a third time, restart your tablet and wait a few hours before trying again. Sometimes the manufacturer's servers are busy or your internet connection is unstable, and waiting helps.
If your tablet gets stuck on a black screen or a logo screen for more than 10 minutes, hold the power button for 30 seconds to force it to shut down, then turn it back on. If it still will not start, you may need to do a factory reset, which erases everything on your tablet. Before you do that, contact the tablet manufacturer's support line — they can often walk you through other steps that do not erase your data.
Understand What Updates Do and Why They Matter
Software updates patch security holes, fix bugs that slow your tablet down or cause crashes, and sometimes add new features. Security patches are the most important reason to update. Hackers find weaknesses in older software and use them to steal passwords, banking information, or personal photos. When the manufacturer releases an update, it usually closes those holes.
Updates also improve performance. An older version of your tablet's operating system might drain the battery faster, make apps crash, or cause the screen to freeze. A new version often fixes these problems. You may also get new features — a better camera app, faster file management, or a redesigned settings menu.
Most tablets receive updates for three to five years after they are released. After that, the manufacturer stops sending them, and your tablet becomes more vulnerable to security problems. If your tablet is very old and no longer receives updates, you may want to consider replacing it, especially if you use it for banking or shopping.
Set Up Automatic Updates So You Do Not Have to Remember
Many tablets can read and install updates automatically, usually at night when you are not using them. This way you do not have to remember to check for updates yourself. Go to Settings, find System or About, and look for Automatic Updates, Auto-Update, or Update Schedule.
Tap the toggle or checkbox to turn automatic updates on. Some tablets let you choose what time of day the update happens — pick a time when you are asleep or not using the tablet. Your tablet will still need to be plugged in and on Wi-Fi for the automatic update to work, so leave it charging overnight if possible.
Even with automatic updates on, check your software version once every few months to make sure an update actually happened. Go to Settings, find your current version number, and compare it to what you saw last time. If the number has changed, the update worked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my tablet while it is updating?
No. Using your tablet during an update can cause the update to fail or corrupt your files. Close all apps, put the tablet on a flat surface, and leave it alone until the update is done. The screen may go black or show a logo — this is normal and means the update is still running.
What if I do not have Wi-Fi at home?
Go to a library, coffee shop, or friend's house that has Wi-Fi, plug your tablet in, and do the update there. Do not use mobile data for a large update — it is slow and may not work. If you cannot access Wi-Fi, wait until you can rather than trying to update over cellular.
Will updating erase my photos and files?
No. A normal software update keeps all your photos, videos, apps, and files exactly as they are. The update only changes the operating system underneath. However, if something goes wrong and you have to do a factory reset, everything will be erased, so back up your important files to cloud storage or a computer first.
How often should I update my tablet?
Update as soon as a new version is available, especially if it is a security update. Security updates come out when hackers find new weaknesses, so waiting puts your tablet at risk. If you turn on automatic updates, your tablet will handle this for you.
What if my tablet is too old to update anymore?
If your tablet is more than five or six years old, the manufacturer may have stopped sending updates. Check Settings one more time to confirm no update is available. If nothing comes up, your tablet is no longer supported. Consider replacing it if you use it for sensitive tasks like banking, or use it only for reading and watching videos where security is less critical.