Where to find and start a Samsung tablet update
Open Settings on your Samsung tablet. Scroll down and tap About tablet (or About device on some models). Look for Software update or System update — the exact name varies by model and Android version. Tap it, then tap read and install or Check for updates.
Your tablet will check Samsung's servers for a newer version. If one is available, you will see the version number and file size. The read usually takes a few minutes on Wi-Fi. Do not interrupt it or turn off your tablet during this step.
Once the read finishes, your tablet will prompt you to install. Tap Install. The tablet will restart automatically — this is normal. The installation itself takes five to fifteen minutes. Your screen may go black or show a progress bar. Let it finish without touching the device.
Key Takeaways
- Updates are found in Settings > About tablet > Software update, and you start them from there with a single tap.
- Your tablet needs Wi-Fi and at least 20 percent battery before you begin, or the update will pause and ask you to charge.
- The tablet will restart during installation, and this is expected — do not force it off or unplug it.
- If no update appears, your tablet is already on the latest version available for your model.
- Updates can take thirty minutes to an hour from start to finish, so plan for uninterrupted time.
What you need before you update
Connect to Wi-Fi before you start. Updates are large files — usually 500 megabytes to 2 gigabytes — and using mobile data will drain your plan and take much longer. Make sure you are on a network you trust and that the connection is stable.
Charge your tablet to at least 20 percent battery. Most tablets will refuse to install if the battery is lower. Plugging in while the update runs is safe and recommended — leave the charger connected the entire time.
Close all open apps before you tap Install. You do not need to delete anything or clear storage space unless your tablet shows a warning that storage is full. If storage is the problem, delete old photos, videos, or apps you no longer use, then try again.
What happens if the update stalls or fails
If the read stops partway through, go back to Settings > About tablet > Software update and tap the option again. Your tablet will resume from where it left off — it does not start over. This usually works the first time you retry.
If the installation fails and your tablet restarts without completing the update, it will still work normally on the old version. Go back to Settings > About tablet > Software update and try again. If it fails a second time, restart your tablet by holding the power button for ten seconds, then try once more.
If your tablet gets stuck on a black screen or a loading screen for more than thirty minutes, hold the power button for fifteen seconds to force it off. Wait two minutes, then turn it back on. It should boot normally. You can then retry the update from Settings.
Automatic updates on Samsung tablets
Some Samsung tablets can read updates automatically in the background when plugged in and on Wi-Fi. To turn this on, go to Settings > About tablet > Software update and look for Auto read over Wi-Fi or Automatic system updates. The exact name depends on your Android version.
If you turn on automatic downloads, the update will read while you sleep or work, but you will still need to tap Install manually when prompted. The tablet will not restart on its own. This gives you control over when the installation happens.
You can turn off automatic downloads at any time by going back to the same menu and toggling the setting off. This does not affect updates you have already downloaded — you can still install them whenever you choose.
How to check what version you are on
Open Settings and tap About tablet. Look for Android version and Build number or Software version. The Android version tells you the major release (such as Android 13 or Android 14). The build number or software version is more specific and changes with each security patch.
Write down or take a screenshot of these numbers before you update. After the update finishes, go back to the same screen and check that the numbers have changed. This confirms the update worked.
If the numbers are the same after installation, the update did not complete. Restart your tablet and check again. If they are still the same after a restart, try the update process once more from Settings > About tablet > Software update.
Why your tablet might not show an available update
Samsung releases updates in waves — not every tablet gets the new version on the same day. Your model may not have a new update yet, or your carrier (if you have a cellular model) may be testing it first. Checking again in a few days or a week sometimes reveals an update that was not there before.
If your tablet is several years old, it may have reached the end of its update cycle. Samsung typically supports tablets for three to four years of major Android updates, then continues security patches for another year or two. Check Samsung's support page for your specific model to see how long it will receive updates.
If you see a message that says "Your device is up to date," your tablet is already on the latest version available for your model. You do not need to do anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating erase my photos, files, or apps?
No. Updates install on top of your existing system and leave all your personal data, photos, apps, and settings in place. Nothing is deleted. After the update finishes, everything will be exactly where you left it.
Can I use my tablet while it is updating?
Not during the installation phase. Once the read finishes and you tap Install, your tablet will restart and you will not be able to use it until the installation is complete. The read phase is fine — you can use your tablet normally while it downloads.
What if I accidentally turn off my tablet during an update?
If you turn it off during the read, it will resume the next time you go to Settings > About tablet > Software update. If you turn it off during installation, the tablet will attempt to finish the update when it boots back up. In either case, do not panic — modern tablets are designed to handle interruptions.
Do I have to update my tablet?
Updates are not required, but they include security patches that protect your tablet from hackers and malware. Delaying updates for a few weeks is fine, but installing them within a month of release is a good practice. You can choose when to install, but eventually updating is worth doing.
Why is my update taking so long?
Large updates can take thirty minutes to an hour, especially on older tablets or slower Wi-Fi. If it has been more than two hours and your tablet is still on the same screen, try restarting it and running the update again. Slow progress is normal — stuck progress is not.