An urgent need for the correct operation of any device, both with the Android operating system, is the installation of up-to-date software. In this article we will look at how to update Android on a tablet.
Should I install a new version of Android? This is not a mandatory procedure. But if you want to use the full capabilities of your gadget, or if there are errors that cannot be eliminated after a reboot or hard reset, you definitely cannot do without updating to the latest version.
Below we provide instructions for the most popular tablet models (Asus, Lenovo, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Apple (Ipad), etc.), and budget Chinese ones (Ousters, Prestigio Multipad, Digma, Irbis, Huawei, Chuwi, Teclast, Cube, FNF , PiPO, Onda, Colorfly, Ainol, Ramos, Arnova, Vido, No-name).
Why is it necessary to update the operating system?
Not all users understand why they need to update the Android OS and believe that there is no need to touch anything if “everything works well anyway.” To some extent, this is correct. However, it is worth knowing that fresh updates add new features to your tablet and thereby expand its functionality, as well as eliminate detected vulnerabilities in the operating system and make using the device safer. In addition, with the installation of new software, errors and problems that were not previously identified in the OS are corrected, thereby improving the functionality and performance of the tablet. The interface is also partially changing, but this is rather a pleasant addition.
Another reason why you should update your operating system is the performance of programs and games. It often happens that they do not run on the old version of Android or they work, but slowly or with glitches. After installing the latest firmware, this problem is resolved.
You can download a new version of the OS only on those tablets that support it. If the latest Android does not fit your gadget, then you should not install it, no matter how powerful the technology is. The operating system is not optimized for the device, which means its performance in this case is not guaranteed.
How to return the old version
Unfortunately, there is no official function for this. Manufacturers did not add the ability to install old firmware, as this could lead to incorrect operation of not only the device itself, but also many other applications.
Of course, there are unofficial return methods that can lead to negative consequences later, but the user should choose them only at his own risk.
This should not be done by inexperienced people, as this can lead to a malfunction of the tablet.
More details about dangerous ways to return an old version can be seen in this video
Preparing to update Android OS
Before you start updating the system, it is better to save all important data in cloud storage, to a memory card, or move it to your computer. When installing new versions of software, user information is usually not deleted, but there is always a risk of the process ending incorrectly. As a result, sometimes you have to reflash the device or reset it to factory settings. And these actions already entail the complete deletion of all data stored on the tablet.
Next, check the battery and, if it is low, connect the tablet to the charger. Also make sure you have enough internal memory. It must be at least 500 MB. Once these conditions are met, you can begin installing updates.
Description
Lenovo is a corporation whose devices based on Android OS have gained a strong position in the gadget market. The main advantage of devices from a renowned manufacturer and at the same time their main disadvantage is diversity. On the one hand, the consumer can easily choose a universal gadget, on the other hand, Lenovo does not always release firmware updates for all devices. As a result, users have to do without optimization for a long time. It is for this reason that in this post we will look at the question of how to update Android on Lenovo.
All ways to update the operating system
Most manufacturers allow you to update Android tablets and smartphones automatically or post the latest firmware versions on their websites, where they can be downloaded and installed directly from the tablet’s memory or through proprietary software.
Automatic
Typically, when updates are available for Android, a notification appears on the screen. You need to click on it and then follow the instructions on the screen. This is the simplest method in which you don’t have to do anything extra, everything is downloaded and installed automatically.
During the installation process, it is not allowed to turn off the tablet, otherwise, due to a failure in the update process, its functionality will be impaired. In addition, it is important that the Internet connection speed is high enough, because new software is partially downloaded before installation, and then downloaded during the process. The amount of data received will be large, so make sure that the tablet is connected to Wi-Fi or you have unlimited mobile Internet.
Through tablet settings
If for some reason there was no notification about the appearance of updates on the screen or you rejected the offer to install them, you can complete the process manually later.
To do this, in “Settings” find “System update” and check for new firmware versions. If there are any, start downloading and installing them, and then follow the on-screen prompts.
The names of the sections may differ slightly depending on the version of Android and the presence of installed proprietary shells from the manufacturer, but the general principle of operation will be the same.
Downloading updates from the manufacturer's website
In very rare cases, you will not find the “System Update” section in the tablet settings. In such a situation, you can download a new version of Android from the device manufacturer’s website.
To download updates, open the manufacturer’s website in the browser installed on your tablet, go to the “Support” page and find the “Download” section. Select your model from the list of devices or search through the search bar. You will see all the update versions for it. Download the current archive to the memory card installed in the tablet, preferably to the root. Rename it to “update.zip”.
Turn off your tablet and then start it by holding down the Power and Volume Up buttons. Depending on the model and manufacturer, these may be the Power and Volume Down keys or the Home and Power keys. More details can be found in the instructions for the gadget.
The “Android System Recovery” menu will appear on the screen. Use the volume keys to select “Apply update from SD-card”, “Install zip from SD-card” or “Apply update from external storage”, depending on the Android OS version. Then specify the archive with the installation files.
Wait for the updates to install. Once the process is complete, the tablet will reboot. In the menu that appears, select “Reboot system now”. The device will turn off and then start up again with the updated OS.
Via a computer using proprietary software from the manufacturer
This method involves downloading proprietary software from the tablet manufacturer’s website. Next, you need to connect the device to the PC, and then scan it through the utility. The program will determine the model and select all current versions of the operating system for it. All you have to do is choose the one that suits you and start installing it.
Most well-known manufacturers produce their own software for working with mobile equipment. Here are examples of some of them with download links:
- Motorola and Lenovo – Lenovo Moto Smart Assistant (Rescue and Smart Assistant).
- Samsung - Smart Switch.
- Huawei – HiSuite.
If you have a tablet of another brand, you can find out about the availability of proprietary software for updating its firmware on the manufacturer’s website.
Third-party software for phone and computer
Another way to update Android on a tablet is to use third-party software. Previously, the Play Market had a fairly large number of such applications (for example, AnyCat), but today there are none. This is explained by the fact that almost all of them did not work correctly or contained malware disguised as specialized software.
The situation is different with programs for updating Android on a tablet via a PC, for example, Odin. With their help, you can not only install a new firmware version, but also install the operating system again. You can find such software and instructions for using it on specialized websites and forums.
Remember that you can work with such programs on your own, without the necessary knowledge and experience of use, only in emergency situations. Any wrong actions can damage the tablet, so think carefully before updating your equipment in this way. It may be better to contact specialists who will solve this problem without risk to the device.
When to flash a tablet
There may be several reasons. You may get bored with the appearance of the firmware or its functionality. This is one of the most common reasons. Immediately behind it in popularity is firmware due to the inoperability or incorrect operation of the tablet. It often happens that due to mistake, inability or incorrect instructions, immediately after the first reason, the second one makes itself felt. Therefore, you should carefully understand the instructions and be careful.
Many owners flash devices to eliminate errors and failures during use.
Sometimes it's impossible to get a new Android because the developers have stopped supporting it. In the end, people may install a new system just for fun.
Possible consequences and ways to eliminate them
If you do not follow the firmware update instructions, you may experience the following consequences:
- The tablet will stop functioning.
- Incorrect operation of programs or games that are incompatible with the new OS version.
- If the tablet is old and a new Android is installed on it, the device may freeze, slow down, or have other problems due to insufficiently powerful hardware or lack of optimization of the OS for your gadget.
If the tablet starts, but does not work well, or you are simply unhappy with the new firmware, you can return the old one by rolling back to factory settings. You can do this by finding the “Backup and reset” section in the device settings. Remember that in this case all your data will be destroyed and all installed programs and games will be deleted. Therefore, first save all important information to a memory card, computer or in the cloud.
If the tablet does not even turn on after incorrect installation of updates, the best solution would be to contact a service center.
Samsung devices
The tablets of this company are special in that to change the firmware the user must have a “Samsung Account”, otherwise the procedure is simply impossible.
Enabling an account is done as follows:
- Go to "Settings".
- There, select “Accounts and Sync.”
- Next, select “Add an account”, and then select “Create a Samsung account”.
Now you should go through the registration procedure. To do this, enter your Email and create a password.
After creating your account, proceed to the update procedure:
- Go to “Settings”.
- Select “About tablet” or “About device”.
- Clicking "Update Software".
- Click on “Update” and wait for the update to check. If an update is available and confirmed by the user, install the required files.
After flashing the Play Market does not work
One of the most common problems after flashing Android devices is the lack of access to the Play Market. The problem is quite serious, since only the store can provide the user of an Android device with an abundance of additional useful and entertaining software.
There are an impressive variety of reasons for this problem, ranging from lost account settings to incorrect GAPPs. Each of the reasons has its own solution, and therefore, you will have to delve into the topic of how the Android OS works.
Why do you need to update Android?
Even if you purchased the latest model tablet six months ago, during this time the manufacturer has probably improved the operating system shell, making some changes or additions. This is usually done to expand functionality, make the system more stable, or correct errors not noticed in the previous version.
The update is not mandatory for everyone, but if you want to use your gadget to the full potential of its declared functions, then Android improvements will definitely not hurt you. If the system does not work correctly on a particular device or after several starts it refuses to function at all, then this procedure simply cannot be avoided.
