Where to find and start a Samsung software update
Samsung phones check for updates automatically, but you can start one yourself in Settings. Open Settings, scroll down and tap About phone, then tap Software update. The phone will search for a newer version. If one is available, you'll see a button to read and install it — tap that button to begin.
The update process works best when your phone has a strong Wi-Fi connection and at least 50% battery remaining. If your battery is low, plug in your charger before you start. Updates can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the file size and your connection speed.
Your phone will restart several times during the update. Do not turn it off or unplug it while the update is running. If the update fails partway through, your phone will usually try again automatically the next time you restart it.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, tap About phone, then Software update to check for and install updates manually.
- Connect to Wi-Fi and charge your phone to at least 50% battery before starting an update.
- Do not turn off your phone or disconnect the charger while an update is installing.
- Updates typically take 15 minutes to an hour, and your phone will restart multiple times during the process.
- If an update fails, restart your phone and try again — most phones will resume the update automatically.
What happens when you update your Samsung phone
When you tap the install button, your phone downloads the update file over Wi-Fi. Once the read finishes, your phone will restart and begin installing the new software. During installation, you'll see a progress bar or a spinning icon on the screen. This is normal — your phone is working and you should not interrupt it.
After installation completes, your phone restarts again and boots into the new software version. You may see a setup screen asking you to review privacy settings or new features. Your apps, photos, messages, and contacts remain on your phone — an update does not erase your data.
Some updates are larger than others. Major version updates (like moving from Android 12 to Android 13) take longer than security patches. Security patches, which Samsung releases monthly, are usually smaller and faster to install.
When updates arrive and how often Samsung releases them
Samsung releases security updates on a monthly schedule, usually in the first week of each month. These patches fix known security problems and are smaller than major software updates. Your phone will notify you when a security update is ready, though you can also check manually through Settings.
Major Android version updates (the bigger jumps in software) arrive less frequently — typically once or twice per year. Samsung usually releases these in the fall or spring. Older phones may not receive major version updates, but Samsung generally provides security patches for three years after a phone's release date.
You do not have to update when ready. Security patches can wait a few days if you're busy, but installing them within a week or two is a good practice. Major version updates are also optional, though they often include performance improvements and new features.
Troubleshooting when an update won't start or keeps failing
If you tap Software update and see a message saying no updates are available, your phone is already running the latest version. Check again in a few weeks — new updates arrive regularly. If you see an error message instead, try these steps: restart your phone, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi, and try again.
If an update starts but fails partway through, restart your phone and return to Settings > About phone > Software update. Most phones will resume the failed update automatically. If it fails a second time, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or use a wired connection if your phone supports it.
If your phone is stuck on a loading screen or won't turn on after an update attempt, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a restart. This usually clears the problem. If the phone still won't start, you may need to visit a Samsung service center, but this is rare.
Storage space and what to do if your phone says there's not enough room
Updates require temporary storage space on your phone while they read and install. If you see a message that storage is full, delete files you don't need: old photos, unused apps, or cached data from apps. Go to Settings > Storage to see what's taking up space.
You can also clear cached data without losing your apps or photos. Open Settings, tap Apps, select an app, and tap Storage, then Clear cache. This removes temporary files the app created but keeps your data inside the app intact. Repeat this for several apps to free up several gigabytes.
If you still don't have enough space after clearing cache, consider moving photos to cloud storage (Google Photos, Samsung Cloud, or OneDrive) or deleting apps you rarely use. Once you have at least 2 to 3 gigabytes free, try the update again.
Staying on top of updates without constant checking
Samsung phones send notifications when updates are ready. If you see a notification, you can tap it to go straight to the Software update screen. You can also turn on automatic updates so your phone installs them without asking you first.
To enable automatic updates, open Settings, tap About phone, then Software update, and look for an option called Auto read over Wi-Fi or Automatic system updates. The exact name varies by model. When this is on, your phone downloads and installs updates in the background, usually at night when you're not using it.
Automatic updates are convenient, but your phone will still restart to complete the installation. If you prefer to control when updates happen, leave this setting off and check manually every month or two.
What changes after you update
Security updates are invisible — you won't notice any difference in how your phone works. Major version updates often bring visible changes: a new look to the Settings menu, new features in built-in apps, or changes to how notifications appear.
After a major update, your phone may feel slightly slower for a day or two while it optimizes your apps. This is normal and temporary. If your phone feels slow after that period, restart it. If slowness continues, you may need to clear cache or uninstall apps you don't use.
Your apps may also update themselves after your phone updates. This happens automatically through the Google Play Store and is separate from the phone's software update. These app updates are usually small and happen in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone while it's updating?
No. Your phone will be locked and unusable during the update process. The screen will show a progress bar or loading icon. Do not try to use the phone or press buttons — wait for the update to finish and the phone to restart on its own.
Will updating erase my photos, messages, or apps?
No. Updates preserve all your data, apps, and settings. Your phone will look and work the same after the update, except for any new features the update adds. Your contacts, messages, photos, and installed apps all remain.
What if I don't want to update my phone?
You can skip updates, but security patches are important for protecting your phone from hackers and malware. Delaying an update by a week or two is fine, but installing them within a month is recommended. Major version updates are optional and can be delayed longer if you prefer.
How much data does an update use?
Updates read over Wi-Fi, not cellular data, so they don't count toward your mobile data plan. If you're on a metered Wi-Fi network (like at a coffee shop), the update could use several hundred megabytes to over a gigabyte depending on the update size. Use home Wi-Fi or another unlimited network when possible.
Why does my phone restart so many times during an update?
Multiple restarts are normal and necessary. Your phone restarts to read the update, again to install it, and once more to boot into the new software. Each restart is part of the process and helps may support the update installs correctly. Do not interrupt these restarts.