Each new version of Android brings both internal and external changes. This could be a simple redesign of the menu interface or completely new energy saving algorithms. Minor updates can close holes in the protection of user data or simply fix minor bugs.
Every OS update is an improvement, a step forward, new features and better optimization.
There are no useless updates. Even if you did not notice the difference before and after the firmware, changes in the code may well save you from the recently appeared malicious threat. Regardless of the scale of the update, you definitely shouldn’t ignore it.
What is it for?
Reinstallation implies that the user changes the old version of the OS to a new one. This operation is necessary for several reasons. Firstly, if we are talking about updating Android, then downloading the update allows you to gain access to new functions and features. Secondly, if we are talking about a faulty device, then reinstallation often helps to fix a system failure caused by viruses and other factors.
Preparation
Reinstalling the OS is a rather responsible process that needs to be approached wisely. Therefore, the user needs to perform a number of preparatory steps so that the phone works without lags and failures on the new firmware:
- Charge your phone to at least 50%, or better yet, connect it to a power source.
- Clean your gadget by deleting all unnecessary files and create a backup copy so you don’t lose anything.
- Download the update distribution if you are going to install the update manually.
Just three simple steps - and you are ready to install the new version of Android. Now all that remains is to choose the method of performing the operation, and there is room to roam around here, since the update can be rolled out both automatically and manually.
Few words
Many famous manufacturers regularly release updates for their devices, so most users do not think about how to reflash their device. The incoming updates are enough to keep the touchscreen computer in excellent working condition:
- Minor improvements;
- Error correction;
- Changing the user interface and more.
This is what reputable companies do, however, there are also unknown Chinese manufacturers on the market who buy only in large quantities and very rarely accompany their devices. Their low price, relatively average technical characteristics and huge variety attract potential buyers.
However, for the most part, it will not be possible to update them via a computer or server to a new version of the system. More and more topics: how to flash a Chinese tablet appear on thematic forums - in this case, experts, alas, shrug their shoulders.
Automatic reinstallation
This is the easiest method to reinstall the OS on a smartphone. In this case, it is proposed to install the update by downloading it over the air. To do this you need:
- Open phone settings.
- Go to the “Software Update” section.
- Click the “Update” button.
Please note that menu item names differ depending on the device model. Also on some gadgets, the update item is available in the “About phone” settings section.
When performing a silent reinstallation, you should be aware that an update may not be available at this time. The smartphone manufacturer itself sends out updates when the latest version of Android goes through the entire testing cycle. If you are not ready to wait for the official firmware for your device to appear, then use the instructions for manual reinstallation.
How to manually update the Android version on a Samsung tablet
In the modern computer world, everything flows and changes with the speed of a mouse click. Software developers and manufacturers try to quickly eliminate errors and bugs, but unfortunately for the Russian-speaking user, these updates appear (officially) with a long delay.
Tireless computer enthusiasts monitor the release of new versions of computer programs and try to post ready-made instructions and solutions for not yet adapted firmware on the Internet.
Each of us has bought and used some kind of mobile or computer device, and knows that there are software errors, shortcomings, hidden “bugs” and shortcomings that can only be identified by using the device for some time.
Having purchased the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 tablet, I was happy and admired the capabilities and “features” of the device, but after a while, having calmed down from the new toy, I began to notice “brakes” of the system, an inconvenient arrangement of elements of the operating system, missing functions in some programs and utilities.
As a rule, in subsequent updates, comments and errors have already been eliminated. Therefore, I understand and support the desires of those who want to install released updates, patches, “fixes” as quickly as possible. However, you need to understand that without certain knowledge and skills, the firmware process may result in damage to the device.
This step-by-step instruction is intended for those who want to update the firmware as quickly as possible, without particularly understanding the process. For everyone else, there is a direct path to the w3bsit3-dns.com website and forum.
TASK:
Update the existing version of the Android 4.0.3 operating system on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 tablet, Model number GT-P5100.
You must first make a copy of all user data and system software for subsequent restoration on the updated system.
Please note that these instructions and files are intended only for the GT-P5100 model (3G and Wi-Fi).
Everything you do with your device is done at your own peril and risk!
TOOLS:
1. Samsung Kies program or SAMSUNG USB Driver for Mobile Phones x86
Manual mode
In this Android update mode, you do not need to wait for the manufacturer to send an update over the air. However, you will have to search for the firmware file yourself for further installation:
- Download the required version of Android to your phone - https://www.android.com/intl/ru_ru/.
- Open your device settings.
- Go to the "Software Update" section.
- Tap on the three dots icon.
- Click on the “Select firmware file” button and specify the directory where the OS update file is located.
If everything is done correctly, the smartphone will reboot and begin installing the update. Please note that manual OS reinstallation mode should not be used by beginners and users who do not have sufficient experience with Android. To avoid errors, you need to look for the firmware file for your device, and not for similar models. If you install the OS for another phone, your device may simply crash and stop starting.
About Kies
An important technical point when performing our task is the use of the Kies program to exchange information between the tablet and computer via a USB connection.
There are two versions:
- Kies - for phones, smartphones/tablets up to Galaxy Note III (incl. Galaxy S4, Note II, etc.).
- Kies3 - for smartphones/tablets above Galaxy Note III (Android OS 4.3 and above).
Therefore, first you need to analyze which version of the program needs to be installed on your PC.
Kies can be downloaded from the link: https://www.samsung.com/ua_ru/support/usefulsoftware/KIES/
At the same address, before installing the program, familiarize yourself with the necessary requirements for the operating system on your computer.
Kies are often used to exchange information between a tablet and a computer via a USB connection.
Via computer
You can also use a computer to perform the operation. This is another method in which reinstallation is done manually. To roll up the system via PC, you will need:
- Enable USB debugging in your phone settings.
- Connect the device to the PC.
- Download the ADB package to your computer.
- Launch the command line by selecting it from the menu, which is called up by right-clicking on the “Start” icon.
- Enter a request in the format “C:\Program Files\***”, which will indicate the location of the utility.
- Press the “Enter” key.
- Process the “fastboot erase” request to reset the settings, and then another command – “flash all”.
- Reboot your smartphone.
In this case, reinstalling Android is done by resetting the phone. If you do not need to roll back the settings, but roll up a fresh version of the OS, then use one of the options discussed earlier in the material.
What to do if your smartphone does not start after flashing the firmware
If, after flashing the firmware and updating the new OS, the phone does not turn on or a critical error message appears, this probably happened for the following reasons:
- You did something wrong during the installation process;
- You installed the wrong version of Android, which your smartphone cannot run;
- Low-quality or non-working firmware was downloaded.
To restore a dead Android device back to normal, you can perform a hard reset. To do this, follow the following instructions:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Now press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time.
- Use the Volume keys to select the “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” option and then press the Power button to confirm.
- Next, confirm the reset, “Yes – delete all user data” and then select “Reboot System Now”.
Once the reset process is complete, you can restart your phone. If the problem persists, you may have encountered a critical error. In this case, you need to take the smartphone to a service center for diagnostics.
Resetting your phone to factory settings
You can reinstall Android by rolling back settings without the help of a computer. During the operation, all files, including viruses, will disappear from your phone. This will optimize the operation of the device. To rollback you will need:
- Open phone settings.
- Go to the "Restore and reset" section.
- Click the “Reset settings” button and confirm the operation.
On a note. In the "Restore and reset" section, the option to create a backup is available. Be sure to prepare a backup before resetting in order to restore deleted files in the future.
After completing the third step, the smartphone will reboot and start with a clean main screen, on which there will be nothing except standard applications and utilities from the manufacturer.
Tips and Cautions
Since reinstalling Android is a responsible operation, it must be approached with extreme caution. First, you should follow all the recommendations discussed at the beginning of the material. That is, you will need to charge the phone to at least 50%, and also roll back the settings so that the new version of the OS installs without any problems. Remember that resetting the settings deletes user information, so you need to create a backup copy first.
During the reinstallation process, you do not need to touch your smartphone again and try to speed up the process. If you try to turn off the gadget, it may not turn on in the future. Finally, try to reinstall Android using standard OS tools (via the “Software Update” section). All manual methods of installing updates are dangerous and require the user to search for the latest firmware version that suits his device.
Why do you need to reinstall Android?
First of all, the tablet owner needs to make sure whether it is really time to reinstall the operating system. Typically, this is done in several cases:
If you decide to update or completely reinstall Android for one of the above or any other reason, carefully read the instructions on how to do it correctly.
After this, the action plan is simple: wait for the installation to complete and take advantage of the new features of the Android OS. If at this stage the question arises: how to flash a tablet, then we move on to a more complex method.
