Check for updates in Settings
Open the Settings app on your tablet — it looks like a gear icon and is usually on your home screen or in your app drawer. Scroll down and tap About tablet (the exact wording varies slightly by model, but it's always near the bottom). You'll see your current software version listed there.
In that same About tablet section, look for Software update or System update. Tap it. Your tablet will check Samsung's servers to see whether a newer version is ready for your device. If one is available, you'll see a button to read and install it. If you're already on the latest version, the screen will say so.
Updates are released in stages — not every tablet gets the same update on the same day. If nothing shows up, check back in a few days. Your tablet will also notify you when an update is ready, usually with a banner at the top of your screen.
Key Takeaways
- Updates appear in Settings > About tablet > Software update, and you check there to see if one is ready for your specific tablet.
- Your tablet needs to be plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi before you start an update, and the process can take 15 to 45 minutes depending on the update size.
- 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.
- If an update fails or gets stuck, force restart your tablet by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then try the update again from Settings.
Prepare your tablet before updating
Before you tap the install button, make sure your tablet is plugged into power. Updates drain the battery, and if your tablet shuts down mid-update, it can become unusable. Use the charger that came with your tablet or any USB-C charger rated for your model.
Connect to Wi-Fi — do not use mobile data. Updates are large files, often 500 MB to 2 GB or more, and downloading over cellular data can be slow and unreliable. Make sure you're on a network you trust and that the connection is stable. If you're on public Wi-Fi, move to a private network if you can.
Close all open apps and clear your recent apps list. This frees up memory and reduces the chance of conflicts during installation. You don't need to delete files or photos — the update won't touch your personal data — but having RAM available helps the process run smoothly.
Start the update and wait for it to finish
Once you've confirmed an update is available and your tablet is plugged in and on Wi-Fi, tap read and install or Install. Your tablet will read the update file first, which can take a few minutes to an hour depending on file size and connection speed. You'll see a progress bar.
After the read completes, your tablet will ask you to confirm that you want to install. Tap yes. The tablet will then restart automatically — this is normal and necessary. You'll see the Samsung logo, a progress bar, and possibly a spinning circle. Do not touch the tablet, do not unplug it, and do not close Settings. This part usually takes 10 to 30 minutes.
When the update finishes, your tablet will restart again and take you back to the lock screen. You can then unlock it and use it normally. Go back to Settings > About tablet to confirm the new version number matches what was promised.
What to do if an update fails or gets stuck
If the progress bar stops moving for more than 30 minutes, or if you see an error message, your tablet may have encountered a problem. The most common cause is a dropped Wi-Fi connection or a power interruption. Do not panic — your tablet has safeguards to prevent permanent damage.
Force restart your tablet by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds until the screen goes black and the device vibrates. Release the button. Your tablet will restart. Once it's back on, go to Settings > About tablet > Software update and try again. If the same error appears, wait a few hours and try once more — sometimes Samsung's servers are temporarily busy.
If the update keeps failing after three attempts, or if your tablet won't turn on after a failed update, contact Samsung support. They can walk you through a factory reset or arrange a repair if needed. Have your tablet's model number ready — you'll find it in Settings > About tablet > Model number.
Understand what happens during an update
A software update installs security patches, bug fixes, and sometimes new features. Samsung releases updates regularly — usually monthly security patches and larger feature updates one or two times a year. You don't have to update when ready, but security patches are important because they close vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
Your personal files, photos, contacts, and app data are not deleted during an update. The update only replaces the operating system files. However, some apps may need to be updated separately through the Google Play Store after your tablet's software is updated, and you may need to sign back into some accounts if your tablet restarted.
If you're concerned about losing something, back up your important files to Google Drive or another cloud service before you start. This takes only a few minutes and gives you peace of mind.
Check for app updates after the tablet update
Once your tablet has finished updating, open the Google Play Store app. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner, then tap Manage apps and device. Go to the Updates tab to see which apps have updates waiting. Tap Update all to install them all at once, or update individual apps if you prefer.
Some apps may not work properly until they're updated to match your new tablet software version. This usually happens automatically over the next day or two, but manually updating from the Play Store speeds things up. You don't need to be plugged in for app updates — Wi-Fi is enough.
Turn on automatic updates so you don't have to remember
If you want your tablet to read and install updates without you having to check Settings, you can turn on automatic updates. Go to Settings > About tablet > Software update and look for Auto read over Wi-Fi or Automatic system updates. Toggle it on.
With this setting enabled, your tablet will read updates automatically when you're on Wi-Fi and plugged in, usually overnight. You'll get a notification when the update is ready to install, and you can choose when to restart. This way you're never running outdated software, but you still control when the installation happens.
Keep in mind that your tablet needs to be plugged in and on Wi-Fi for automatic downloads to work. If you frequently use your tablet away from power and Wi-Fi, you may want to leave this off and check manually instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Samsung tablet update take?
The read usually takes 5 to 30 minutes depending on file size and Wi-Fi speed. The installation takes another 10 to 30 minutes, and your tablet will restart one or two times. Plan for 45 minutes to an hour total, and don't interrupt it.
Can I use my tablet while it's updating?
No. Once you tap install, your tablet will restart and you won't be able to use it until the update finishes. The screen will show progress bars and the Samsung logo. Leave it alone until it returns to the lock screen.
What if I don't see an update available?
Your tablet may already be on the latest version, or Samsung may not have released an update for your model yet. Check back in a few days — updates roll out gradually. You can also check Samsung's website for your tablet model to see what the current version should be.
Will updating delete my files and photos?
No. Updates only replace system files, not your personal data. Your photos, documents, contacts, and app data will remain on your tablet. However, it's always good practice to back up important files to Google Drive or another cloud service before any major change.
What should I do if my tablet freezes during an update?
Wait at least 30 minutes — sometimes updates take longer than expected and the screen may appear frozen. If nothing changes after 30 minutes, force restart by holding the power button for 10 seconds. Once it restarts, try the update again from Settings.