How to Update Android Tablet

Android OS has continuously updated itself with new features (functionality and security) with an attractive user interface. Android user wishes to have these updated features in their current device, running on a lower level of the Android OS version.

Google releases the latest Android version 12 on October 4, 2021 (and the 12L stable version on March 7, 2022 (while writing the article). To keep your Android tablet with the most upgraded OS version, you need to download and install the latest version of Android OS on your Android tablet.

However, updating the Android operating system of your device to a newer version is not so simple. But following the guide and steps mentioned here, you can find the processes are relatively straightforward. After that, the latest version of the OS will be available on your Android tablets or phone. Before updating your Android tablet to a newer version of OS, make sure that your device has efficient free internal memory space.

This guide illustrates how to update Android tablets and some limitations of using older Android tablets when using the latest updates.

Manually Update Android Tablets by Version

Before you update your Android tablet to an upgraded version, it is suggested to keep a backup of your important file so that it prevents any mishappening with your data. The following steps help you manually update your Android tablets (including Google Nexus, Samsung, Lenovo, Acer, LG tablets, and many others).

The steps and terms used may vary depending on the Android tablet brand manufacturer and OS version you are using.

Update Android Tablets Running on Pie or Later

Followings are the steps to update Android tablets manually that are running on Android Pie (9.0), Android 10, and Android 11 versions.

1. Launch your Android tablet's Settings applications that look like a gear icon.
   
2. From various settings options, tap on the "System".
   
3. Go to the System update option and tab on it.
   
4. Look for any updates available if they download and install.
   

Update Android Tablets Running on Nougat or Oreo

The steps to update Android tablets running on Nougat (7.0 - 7.1) and Oreo (8.0 - 8.1.0) versions are mostly the same. Follow these below-given steps to update these devices:

1. Launch your Android tablet's Settings applications that look like a gear icon.
2. Go to the software update option and tab on it.
3. Now, download and install manually if there are any updates available.

Update Android Tablets Running on Marshmallow, Lollipop, or KitKat version

Updating Android tablets running on OS version Marshmallow (6.0), Lollipop (5.0-5.1), and KitKat (4.4) are a bit different from the Android tablets running on the previous version (Jelly Bean). Follow these below-given steps to update these devices:

1. Launch your Android tablet's Settings applications that look like a gear icon.
2. Scroll the Settings screen and tap on the About device.
3. Now, hit download updates manually; if there are any updates available for your device, install them.

Update Android Tablets Running on Jelly Bean version

To update the Android tablets running on Android Jelly Bean (4.1 to 4.3) version, follow the below-given steps:

1. Open the Settings applications of your tablet device, which looks like a gear icon on the home screen.
2. Scroll the Settings screen and tap on the About device.
3. Tap on the Software update.
4. Finally, update your device.

Update Android tablet operating system automatic

The Android devices are designed to automatically stay up to date whenever a Wi-Fi connection is enabled. Besides updating your Android tablets manually, you can also set it to auto-update if updates are available. If your Android tablet supports the latest updated version, it will notify you to complete the Android OS update. To do so, you need to enable automatic update functionality.

Alternatively, you can suspend the update for some time and schedule to update your Android tablet later.

Updating Your Android Tablet (Samsung) Using Desktop

Visit the official website of your tablet manufacturer using a desktop browser. Once you are there, follow the supports and downloads page. You may need to enter your device information or register to access software updates.

1. Download and install the device management software for your tablet on your desktop PC. The name and functionality of such software vary based on the device manufacturer you are using. For example, the name of Samsung's device management software is known as "Kies," Motorola's is "MDM,"
   
2. Go to the support and download page from the tablet manufacturer's official site.
3. Search for available updates for your Android tablet. The updated files are available in download format that you can download and install using your manufacturer's device management software.
   
4. Launch the device management application (Kies) on your PC.
5. Now, connect your Android tablet with your computer with the help of the USB cable that comes with your tablet.
6. Find the update command; it is mostly listed in the tab at the top of the application screen. For example, it is under the "Tool" option in Samsung's Kies.
   
7. Click on the update command option, and it starts the updating process. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish updating process successfully.
   

Update Android Tablet by rooting process

Rooting Android tablets let you navigate deeper inside the device sub-system that is normally blocked for end-users. Once you root your device (Android tablet), you can customize anything that Android allows. You can install and update the latest version of Android OS on your Android tablets.

It is suggested to keep a backup of your tablet device so that you can revert the rooting process if your device does not support an upgraded version. If the Android OS version you are updating on your device is not compatible, the backup will help you revert to the device's original settings.

1. Search for the rooting software for PC that supports your Android tablet on your desktop browser. Select the one you trust and is compatible with your tablet from the search result.
2. Download and install the rooting software on your PC. Once the installation of the application gets complete, launch it.
3. Now, connect your Android tablet with your computer with the help of the USB cable that comes with your tablet.
4. The application automatically detects your tablet. Now click on the Root button to start the rooting process. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the rooting process successfully.
5. Restart your tablet, and you will find that the device is running on the newer Android version you installed.

Why do I am not able to update my Android tablet version?

If you are trying to update your old Android tablet's operating system, you may be sometime found that you cannot able update it. Several reasons restrict to updating your Android tablets.

1. It could be possible that you have insufficient free storage space available on your device. Try to free up storage space in your Android.
2. Your device may not have sufficient battery power. Connect and charge your device with a power source first.
3. Your device may not have an active internet connection.
4. It could be possible that your device is too old and doesn't support the Android operating system software you are updating for.

So first, try to free up storage space and charge your phone. If your device fulfills the above condition and is even not able to upgrade to the latest Android OS version, then search over Google that what version could support the specific tablet you are using.