Where to Find and Start a Software Update
Open Settings on your Samsung tablet. Scroll down and tap About tablet (or About device on older models). Look for Software update or System update — the exact name varies by model and Android version.
Tap that option, then tap read and install or Check for updates. Your tablet will connect to Samsung's servers and tell you whether a new version is ready. If one is available, the screen will show the version number and file size.
Before you start, plug your tablet into power. Updates can take 15 minutes to an hour, and a dead battery mid-update can damage the system. Connect to Wi-Fi as well — updates are large files, and cellular data can be slow or expensive.
Key Takeaways
- Updates live in Settings > About tablet > Software update, and you start them by tapping read and install.
- Plug your tablet into power and connect to Wi-Fi before you begin, because a dead battery or lost connection during the update can cause serious problems.
- Your tablet will restart several times during the update — this is normal and you should not turn it off.
- If your tablet is low on storage space, the update may fail, and you may need to delete photos, videos, or apps to make room.
- Updates usually arrive automatically on Samsung tablets, but you can check manually whenever you want.
What Happens During the Update Process
Once you tap read and install, your tablet downloads the update file — this can take 5 to 15 minutes depending on your Wi-Fi speed. The screen will show a progress bar. Do not close Settings or turn off your tablet during this step.
After the read finishes, your tablet will restart automatically. You will see a Samsung logo and a progress bar on a black screen. This is the installation phase, and it can take 10 to 30 minutes. Your tablet may restart two or three times — this is normal. Let it finish without interruption.
When the update is complete, your tablet will boot back into the home screen. You may see a setup screen asking you to review privacy settings or sign into your Samsung account. This is also normal. Your apps, photos, and files stay in place.
Fixing Common Update Problems
If your tablet says "Not enough storage," you need to free up space before the update can install. Go to Settings > Storage and delete large files you no longer need — photos, videos, and old downloads take up the most room. You can also uninstall apps you do not use. Most updates need at least 1 to 2 gigabytes of free space.
If the read keeps stopping or failing, your Wi-Fi connection may be dropping. Move closer to your router, restart your router, or try a different Wi-Fi network. If you are using a mobile hotspot, switch to a wired Wi-Fi connection if you can — hotspots are often too slow for large files.
If your tablet gets stuck on the Samsung logo screen for more than an hour, it may have frozen during installation. Hold the power button for 10 seconds to force it off, then turn it back on. It will usually resume the update or restart the installation. If it stays stuck, you may need to contact Samsung support.
Automatic Updates vs. Manual Checks
Samsung tablets can read updates automatically in the background, usually when you are on Wi-Fi and plugged in. You will get a notification when an update is ready to install. You can choose to install it right away or delay it for a few hours.
If you prefer to control when updates happen, you can turn off automatic downloads. Go to Settings > About tablet > Software update and look for an option like Auto read over Wi-Fi or Automatic system updates. Toggle it off. You can still check for updates manually whenever you want by going back to that same screen.
Even if you turn off automatic downloads, Samsung will eventually push the update to your tablet — you cannot skip it forever. Updates include security patches that protect your data, so delaying them for more than a few months is not recommended.
What Changes After an Update
After a major update, your tablet may look slightly different. Samsung sometimes rearranges the Settings menu, changes the look of notifications, or adds new features. Your apps may also update themselves in the days after a system update.
Performance often improves after an update — your tablet may feel faster or the battery may last longer. If you notice the opposite, restart your tablet and wait a few days for background processes to finish. If performance is still slow, go to Settings > Storage and check how much space you have left. A full tablet runs slowly.
You cannot undo a system update and go back to the old version. If the new version causes serious problems, contact Samsung support rather than trying to downgrade yourself.
Updating When You Are Away From Home
If you do not have access to Wi-Fi, you can read updates over cellular data, but it is not recommended. Updates are 500 megabytes to 2 gigabytes, and this can use a large chunk of your monthly data allowance or cost extra money.
If you must update over cellular, go to Settings > About tablet > Software update, tap the three-dot menu, and look for an option like read over mobile network or Use mobile data. Toggle it on. The read will be slower, but it will work.
A better option is to wait until you are back on Wi-Fi. Updates do not expire, and your tablet will remind you that one is ready. There is no penalty for waiting a few days.
Checking Your Current Software Version
You can see what version of Android your tablet is running without starting an update. Go to Settings > About tablet and look for Android version or Software version. This tells you the Android release number (like Android 13 or Android 14) and the security patch date.
The security patch date matters more than the Android version number. If your patch date is recent — within the last month or two — your tablet has the latest security fixes. If it is several months old, an update is probably waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Samsung tablet update take?
The read usually takes 5 to 15 minutes on a fast Wi-Fi connection. Installation takes 10 to 30 minutes, and your tablet will restart multiple times. Plan for 45 minutes to an hour total, and do not interrupt the process.
Will I lose my photos and apps when I update?
No. Updates install on top of your existing system and leave your files, photos, apps, and settings in place. Your tablet will look and work the same after the update, just with new features and security fixes.
Can I use my tablet while it is updating?
No. Once the installation phase starts, your tablet will restart and you will not be able to use it until the update finishes. This is why you should plug it in and plan to leave it alone for an hour.
What if an update fails halfway through?
Your tablet will usually try to resume or restart the installation automatically. If it gets stuck on the Samsung logo for more than an hour, force it off by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then turn it back on. Contact Samsung support if it stays stuck after a second attempt.
Do I have to update my Samsung tablet?
You cannot permanently skip updates — Samsung will eventually push them to your tablet. Updates include security patches that protect your data from hackers, so delaying them for months is not safe. You can delay a single update for a few hours or days, but not indefinitely.