Android updates come through your tablet's Settings app, and the process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the update size and your internet speed
Your Android tablet receives updates in two ways: system updates (which change the operating system itself) and app updates (which refresh individual apps). System updates are what most people mean by "updating Android," and they arrive as notifications on your tablet's home screen or lock screen. You can also check for them manually by opening Settings, scrolling to the bottom, and tapping About tablet, then System update or Check for updates — the exact wording varies by manufacturer.
Before you start, plug your tablet into power and connect to Wi-Fi. System updates are large files, sometimes 500 MB to 2 GB, and they drain battery fast. If your battery dies mid-update, your tablet can become unusable. A Wi-Fi connection is also much faster and more stable than mobile data.
Key Takeaways
- System updates read and install through Settings > About tablet > System update, and your tablet will restart one or more times during the process.
- Always plug your tablet into power and use Wi-Fi before starting an update, because a dead battery or lost connection during installation can damage your tablet.
- Updates usually take 15 to 45 minutes, and you should not use your tablet while it is installing — let it sit until you see the home screen again.
- If an update fails or your tablet gets stuck, force a restart by holding the power button for 10 to 30 seconds, then try the update again.
- App updates happen separately through the Google Play Store and do not require a restart.
Finding and Installing a System Update
Open the Settings app — it usually looks like a gear icon and sits in your app drawer or on the home screen. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the Settings menu. You will see a section labeled About tablet or sometimes About device. Tap it.
Inside that section, look for System update, Check for updates, or Software update. The exact name depends on your tablet's manufacturer (Samsung, Amazon, Lenovo, etc.), but the function is the same. Tap it. Your tablet will now check whether a new version of Android is available for your device.
If an update is available, you will see a button labeled read, Install, or Update now. Tap it. The tablet will read the update file — this can take several minutes on a slower Wi-Fi connection. Do not close Settings or turn off your tablet during this step.
What Happens During Installation
Once the read finishes, your tablet will ask whether you want to install now or later. Choose Install now if you have time and your tablet is plugged in. Your tablet will restart, usually several times, and you will see a progress bar or spinning icon on the screen. This is normal. The entire process typically takes 15 to 45 minutes.
During installation, your tablet may go black, show the manufacturer's logo, or display a progress bar. You might see messages like "Installing system update" or "Optimizing apps." Do not force a restart, do not unplug the tablet, and do not open any apps. Let the tablet finish on its own. When installation is complete, you will see your home screen again and your tablet will be ready to use.
After the update finishes, your tablet may take a few minutes to optimize apps and reorganize data. This is also normal. You might notice your tablet is slightly slower than usual for a few hours after a major update, but performance returns to normal once optimization is complete.
Updating Apps Through Google Play Store
App updates are separate from system updates and happen through the Google Play Store. Open the Play Store app — it is usually on your home screen or in the app drawer. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner, then tap Manage apps and device.
You will see a tab labeled Updates available. Tap it to see which apps have new versions. You can update all apps at once by tapping Update all, or you can tap individual apps to update them one at a time. App updates are much smaller than system updates and usually take only a few minutes. Your tablet does not need to restart after app updates.
You can also turn on automatic app updates so the Play Store updates apps in the background without you having to do it manually. In the Play Store, tap your profile icon, then Settings, then Network preferences, then Auto-update apps. Choose Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only to avoid using your mobile data.
What to Do If an Update Fails or Gets Stuck
If your tablet gets stuck on a progress bar, shows an error message, or does not respond during an update, try a force restart. Hold down the power button for 10 to 30 seconds — do not let go when you see the power-off menu, keep holding until the screen goes black and the tablet restarts. This is different from a normal restart and can clear temporary problems that block updates.
After the force restart, wait for your tablet to fully boot up, then go back to Settings > About tablet > System update and try the update again. If the same error appears twice, note the error code or message and search for it online along with your tablet's model number — different manufacturers have different solutions for specific errors.
If your tablet is very old, the manufacturer may no longer release updates for it. Check your tablet's model number (usually on the back or in Settings > About tablet > Model number) and search online for "[your model] Android update" to see whether new versions are still available. Some tablets receive updates for 3 to 5 years, while others stop sooner.
Checking Your Current Android Version
To see which version of Android your tablet is running right now, open Settings, scroll to the bottom, tap About tablet, and look for Android version or Software version. You will see a number like "13" or "14" — that is your Android version. Below it, you may see a Build number or Security patch level, which tells you when the last security update was released.
Knowing your current version helps you understand whether your tablet is up to date. You can compare it to the latest Android version available by searching online for "latest Android version" — but remember that not all tablets receive the newest version when ready. Manufacturers test updates on their own hardware first, so your tablet might be one or two versions behind the absolute latest, and that is normal.
Why Updates Matter and When to Install Them
Android updates include security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers can exploit, performance improvements that make your tablet faster or more stable, and new features. Security updates are the most important — they protect your personal information, passwords, and photos. You should install them as soon as they arrive.
Major version updates (like going from Android 12 to Android 13) are less urgent but still worth installing when you have time. They usually bring new features and improvements, though they can occasionally cause apps to behave differently or run slower on older tablets. If you are concerned about compatibility, you can wait a week or two after a major update releases to see whether other users report problems, then install it.
The only reason to delay an update is if your tablet is low on storage space. Updates need temporary space to read and install. If you see a message that your tablet does not have enough storage, delete old photos, videos, or unused apps, then try the update again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my tablet while it is updating?
No. Your tablet will restart multiple times during a system update, and using it during installation can corrupt the update or damage the operating system. Plug it in, start the update, and leave it alone until you see your home screen again. This usually takes 15 to 45 minutes.
What if my tablet runs out of battery during an update?
This can make your tablet unusable until you plug it back in and try a force restart. Always plug your tablet into power before starting a system update. If this already happened, plug it in, hold the power button for 10 to 30 seconds to force a restart, and try the update again.
Do I need to back up my files before updating?
System updates rarely delete your files, but it is always a good idea to back up important photos and documents before any major change to your device. You can back up to Google Drive, a cloud service, or a computer. This takes only a few minutes and gives you peace of mind.
Why does my tablet say "No updates available" when I check?
Your tablet may already be running the latest version available for your model. Manufacturers release updates on different schedules, and older tablets stop receiving updates after a few years. Search online for your tablet's model number and "latest Android version" to see whether newer versions exist for your device.
Will updating delete my apps or photos?
No. System updates preserve your apps, photos, documents, and settings. After an update, everything should be exactly where you left it. App updates also do not delete your data — they only refresh the app itself.