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 (on some models it says About device). At the bottom of that screen, you will see Software update or System update.

Tap that option. Your tablet will check Samsung's servers for a newer version. If an update is waiting, a button will appear saying read and install or Update. If your tablet is already on the newest version, it will say "Your device is up to date" or show today's date as the last check.

Do not force-close Settings while the check is running. Let it finish, even if it takes a minute or two.

Key Takeaways

  • Updates are found in Settings > About tablet > Software update, and your tablet checks automatically once a month unless you turn that off.
  • Plug your tablet into power and connect to WiFi before starting an update, because the read and installation can take 15 to 45 minutes and will fail if the battery dies.
  • Your tablet will restart one or more times during the update — this is normal and you should not unplug it or force it off.
  • If an update gets stuck or fails, 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 read button, make sure your tablet is plugged into a charger. Updates require a lot of power, and if your battery dies during installation, your tablet may not start up properly afterward. Leave it plugged in for the entire process.

Connect to WiFi as well. Updates are large files — often 500 megabytes to 2 gigabytes — and downloading over mobile data will use a lot of your monthly allowance and take much longer. If you are on a metered connection, wait until you can use WiFi.

Close other apps before you start. You do not need to, but it frees up memory and makes the update faster. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or use the back button, depending on your model) to close each app.

read and install the update

Once your tablet is plugged in and on WiFi, go back to Settings > About tablet > Software update and tap read and install. The tablet will read the update file — this usually takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on your WiFi speed.

When the read finishes, your tablet will ask if you want to install now or later. Tap Install now unless you are in the middle of something urgent. The installation will begin, and your tablet will restart automatically. You will see a Samsung logo and a progress bar. This is normal. Do not turn off your tablet or unplug it.

The whole process — read plus installation plus restart — typically takes 15 to 45 minutes. Larger updates or older tablets may take longer. Leave your tablet alone until you see the lock screen again.

What to do if the update fails or gets stuck

If the progress bar stops moving for more than 10 minutes, or if you see an error message, hold down the power button for 10 seconds until the tablet shuts down completely. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to restart it.

Once it boots up, go back to Settings > About tablet > Software update and try again. Most of the time, a second attempt will work. If the same error appears twice, your WiFi connection may have dropped during the read — move closer to your router and try once more.

If you see a message like "Update failed" or "Installation unsuccessful," restart your tablet and check that you have at least 2 gigabytes of free storage. Go to Settings > Storage to see how much space is available. If you are low on space, delete old photos, videos, or apps, then try the update again.

Turn on automatic updates

By default, Samsung tablets check for updates once a month. You can turn on automatic installation so updates read and install on their own when your tablet is plugged in and on WiFi overnight.

Go to Settings > About tablet > Software update and look for a toggle or checkbox labeled Automatic system updates or Auto read over WiFi. Turn it on. Your tablet will then install updates without asking you, usually between midnight and 6 a.m. when you are not using it.

If you prefer to control when updates happen, leave this off and check manually every month or two.

Understand what happens during an update

An update installs security patches, bug fixes, and sometimes new features. Your apps, photos, messages, and settings stay on your tablet — nothing is erased. However, your tablet will restart several times, and you will not be able to use it during those restarts.

After the update finishes, your tablet may take a few minutes to optimize apps the first time you use it. This is normal. Do not be alarmed if apps seem slow for a few minutes after the update completes.

If a particular app stops working after an update, restart your tablet first. If the problem continues, open the Google Play Store, find the app, and tap Update if an update is waiting. App updates often come out shortly after system updates to fix compatibility issues.

Check your current software version

To see what version of Android your tablet is running, go to Settings > About tablet and look for Android version. You will also see Security patch level, which shows the date of the most recent security update. If the security patch is more than two months old, an update is probably waiting.

You can also find the Build number or Software version on this screen. This is a longer code that Samsung uses to track exactly which update your tablet has. If you ever contact Samsung support, they may ask for this number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my tablet while it is updating?

No. Once the installation starts, your tablet will restart and you will not be able to use it until the update finishes. This usually takes 15 to 45 minutes. Plan to update when you do not need your tablet for a while.

What if I do not have WiFi at home?

You can update over mobile data, but it will use a lot of your monthly allowance and may be slower. If you have a data limit, wait until you can use WiFi at a library, coffee shop, or friend's house. Do not update over mobile data if you have a limited plan.

Will the update erase my files and photos?

No. Updates do not erase anything on your tablet. Your apps, photos, messages, contacts, and settings all stay. However, it is always a good idea to back up important photos to Google Photos or another cloud service before any major update, just in case something goes wrong.

Why is my tablet asking for a password after the update?

Some updates require you to enter your Google account password or your tablet's PIN after installation. This is a security feature. Enter the password or PIN you normally use to unlock your tablet. If you forget it, you will need to contact Samsung support.

How often should I update my tablet?

Update whenever Samsung offers one. Most tablets receive security updates every month and larger system updates once or twice a year. Keeping your tablet updated protects it from security problems and keeps apps running smoothly.