Check for updates in your tablet's settings
Android updates arrive through the Settings app on your tablet. Open Settings, scroll down to find About tablet (sometimes labeled About device), and look for a button that says System update, Check for updates, or Software update. The exact wording depends on your tablet's manufacturer and Android version, but the location is always in the About section.
Tap the button to check. Your tablet will connect to the internet and look for a newer version. If an update is waiting, you'll see a message saying one is available. If your tablet is already on the latest version, you'll see a message confirming that instead.
Some tablets also show a notification at the top of the screen when an update is ready. If you see a notification about a system update, you can tap it to go straight to the update screen without hunting through Settings.
Key Takeaways
- Updates are found in Settings > About tablet > System update, though the exact names vary by manufacturer.
- Your tablet must be connected to Wi-Fi and have at least 50 percent battery before the update begins.
- The update process takes 10 to 30 minutes and your tablet will restart several times — do not unplug it or force it off.
- If an update fails or gets stuck, restart your tablet and try again from the same Settings menu.
Prepare your tablet before updating
Before you start an update, make sure your tablet is plugged in or has a full battery. Updates use a lot of power, and if your battery dies during the process, the update can fail and leave your tablet in an unusable state. Plug your tablet into a charger and let it reach at least 50 percent battery before you begin.
Connect to Wi-Fi 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 stable Wi-Fi network before you tap the button to start.
You don't need to back up your files before a routine update. Android updates preserve your apps, photos, and settings. However, if you want extra peace of mind, you can back up your photos and documents to Google Drive or another cloud service before you begin.
What happens during the update
Once you tap the button to start, your tablet will read the update file. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on your internet speed and the size of the update. You'll see a progress bar showing how much has downloaded.
After the read finishes, your tablet will ask you to confirm that you want to install the update. Tap Install or Update now. Your tablet will then restart and begin installing the new software. During installation, you'll see the Android logo and a progress bar. Your tablet may restart several times — this is normal and expected.
Do not turn off your tablet, unplug the charger, or force it to shut down while the update is running. Let it finish completely, even if it seems to be taking a long time. The whole process usually takes 10 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
Troubleshooting a stuck or failed update
If your tablet gets stuck on the Android logo screen or the update seems to be taking much longer than 30 minutes, restart it. Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears, then tap Restart or Reboot. After it restarts, go back to Settings > About tablet and check for updates again. The update process will usually resume or complete on the second attempt.
If the update fails and you see an error message, the most common fix is to make sure you're on Wi-Fi, your battery is above 50 percent, and you have at least 2 to 3 gigabytes of free storage space. You can check your storage by going to Settings > Storage. If you're low on space, delete old photos or videos, empty your Downloads folder, or uninstall apps you don't use, then try the update again.
If the same error keeps appearing after you've tried twice, restart your tablet and wait a few hours before trying again. Sometimes the update servers are temporarily overloaded, and waiting a bit solves the problem.
Automatic updates and update schedules
Many Android tablets can be set to read and install updates automatically, usually overnight when you're not using the device. To turn this on, go to Settings > System > System update (or About tablet > System update on older tablets), look for an option called Automatic system updates or Auto-update, and toggle it on.
If automatic updates are enabled, your tablet will read new software in the background and ask you to install it at a convenient time. You'll usually get a notification asking when you'd like to restart. You can choose to install it when ready or delay it for a few hours.
Even with automatic updates on, you should still check manually every few months to make sure you're on the latest version. Some updates require manual confirmation, and some tablets don't receive updates as regularly as others.
Why updates matter for your tablet
Software updates do three things: they add new features, fix bugs that make your tablet slow or crash, and patch security problems that could let hackers access your data. Keeping your tablet updated protects your personal information and keeps it running smoothly.
Older Android tablets may stop receiving updates after a few years. If your tablet is more than five or six years old and no update is available, that's normal — the manufacturer has moved on to newer models. Your tablet will still work, but it won't get new security fixes, so be cautious about what apps you install and what websites you visit.
When to contact the manufacturer
If your tablet won't turn on after an update attempt, or if you see an error message that mentions "recovery mode" or "bootloader", the update process has encountered a serious problem. This is rare, but when it happens, you'll need help from the tablet's manufacturer or a repair technician. Do not try to force the tablet on or off repeatedly — contact the manufacturer's support line or visit an authorized repair center.
Most manufacturers offer phone support or live chat through their website. Have your tablet's model number and serial number ready — you can find these in Settings > About tablet. The support team can walk you through recovery steps or arrange a repair if the hardware is damaged.
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. You won't be able to use it for calls, messages, apps, or anything else. Plan for 10 to 30 minutes of downtime.
What if I don't want to update my tablet?
You can postpone updates, but eventually your tablet will prompt you again. Delaying updates leaves your tablet vulnerable to security problems. It's better to update as soon as one is available.
Will updating erase my photos and apps?
No. Updates preserve everything on your tablet — your apps, photos, documents, and settings all stay in place. The update only changes the underlying software.
Why does my tablet say no updates are available?
Your tablet may already be on the latest version, or your manufacturer may not have released an update for your specific model yet. Manufacturers release updates on different schedules. Check again in a few weeks.
Can I cancel an update once it starts?
Once the installation phase begins, you should not cancel it. Stopping an update mid-installation can damage your tablet's software. If you need to cancel before installation starts, you can usually do so while the file is still downloading.