How to Upgrade Your Android Phone

Whether you want to upgrade your Android phone to Marshmallow (6.0) or Nougat (7.0), there are a few things you need to be acquainted with before getting a ride on the latest Android versions. How you will get updates varies from device to device. The newer your phone is the sooner you will receive updates but in case of an older phone, you will have to pass through a few hoops first.

Check Your Version:

First, you should check the version of your Android phone that you can see going to your phone Settings and then By Phone. If an update is available for your phone, you will find it in About Phone. However, it is not necessary that your phone will receive the latest update now or ever. It entirely depends on your mobile phone device and sometimes operator. As your phone gets older the updates come to a grinding halt. The updates usually do not support older mobile phone models.

The latest version is Android 7 Nougat which is available in beta form and will be released later this year. Meanwhile, there are Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Android 5.0 Lollipop, Android 4.4 KitKat, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and earlier Android OS versions. If your phone is running any version older than Jelly Bean, it is unlikely that you will ever receive updates.

If you want latest Android OS as soon as it is available, you can root your phone. Rooting will enable you to access updates more conveniently. Apart from the update, rooting provides you will many other benefits like more features and more control as compared to an unrooted Android phone.

Along with these, sometimes you need to hide apps on android. Here, we gave useful information on how to hide apps on android.

Back Up Your Data:

Before you proceed, make sure that your data, such as photos and contacts, is backed up. Though the software update usually does not affect your data there is not any guarantee that your data will remain harmless. You should be backing up your information regularly. There are numerous backup apps available out there from the carrier, manufacturers, and third parties. Use a reliable app to back up your phone now.

Check for Space and Battery:

Before you start update process make sure your device battery is fully charged and your phone is connected to Wi-Fi. Downloading software update using data connection can be the worst idea because it consumes lots of data, so it is better to do a software update on Wi-Fi only. Also, check your phone has enough space. You may have to delete some of your apps, pictures and other unnecessary files to make space.

Upgrade Your Android Device:

Go to Settings and scroll through to find About Phone/About Device. Find and click Software Update or similar button in that menu, and then Check for Updates. If an update is available, it will ask whether you want to install it right now or later. If you select Install Now, the software will download and install the new Software update and reboot your phone. It is over, you can enjoy your upgraded Android phone. To Root or Install Custom Rom in your Android Phone