How to update the android version on a prestigio phone. Android update: how to update to a new version, rollback? Guide in detail

The Android operating shell has conquered a huge market segment primarily due to its functionality and customization capabilities. However, sooner or later the question arises - how to change the firmware on Android; it can arise in cases where the stock one is no longer satisfactory, or a new version has been released with updates that make the platform more stable. This article will discuss in detail the issue of updating the shell.

Replacement methods

Let's look at ways to replace the firmware.

Update via device settings

Let's look at the first way to update the firmware on Android.

Rollback to the previous version of Android: Video

Updating with superuser rights

The first method is considered official; using it does not void the device’s warranty, but such an update is not available from all manufacturers. Let's look at how to change the firmware on Android using the second method.

The utility also allows you to search for firmware for specific gadgets; this can be done in the same main menu. If you failed to activate the “Install Rom from Card” button, then you need to download ClockWorkMod Recovery. After this, it will be possible to load the engineering menu and install the shell from the archive.

How to get ROOT rights: Video

Rollback to previous version

Reinstalling the firmware on Android is relatively simple, but during this procedure unpleasant situations may occur when the platform stops working correctly. In such cases, rolling back to a previous version helps. To do this, before any manipulations, you need to make a backup copy of the current shell and save it, so that you can install it again if necessary. The process is different for each individual device; in some cases, a simple reset to factory settings helps. To do this, go to the “Backup and Reset” and “Reset Settings” menus. After activating the “Reset phone settings” item, the procedure will start and everything will be

There are two types of smartphone owners. The first people are completely indifferent to what version of the operating system is installed on their device. All that matters to them is that the device functions stably. Well, users of the second type want to be at the forefront of modern technologies. They want to ensure that their tablet or smartphone has the latest version of Android available at the moment. Today's material is intended for people of the second type. With this text you can understand how to update Android on your phone or tablet.

Many manufacturers almost forcefully offer to update Android. In this case, you will not need this guide - one day you will simply receive an appropriate offer that is almost impossible to refuse. Even if you click the “No” button, the prompt to update will appear in the notification panel every day.

If the system has never prompted you to update the Android version on your phone, then you can try the following steps:

1. Go to " Settings" - the corresponding shortcut is in the menu, as well as in the notification panel.

2. Go to the section " About the phone" On tablets it may be called " About the device».

3. Click on the item " System update" On some devices, the item may be called “” or something else.

4. Follow further instructions that the system will provide you with. If it says that there are no updates, then you are using the latest version of the operating system available for this device.

Please note: For a successful update, a certain amount of free memory is required, as well as a sufficient level of battery charge (it is advisable to charge it completely to avoid any problems).

Why is it necessary to update Android?

We have all heard about viruses that can attack the system. Malicious utilities try to steal personal information (first name, last name, bank card number, etc.), and also interfere with the stable operation of the operating system. If you regularly update the system, then the device will always have fresh patches. They eliminate security holes, thereby preventing viruses from operating freely.

Updates also significantly expand the functionality of the operating system. Here is just the most basic list of innovations that Android 6.0 received:

Android update via computer

Some users are not at all happy that the manufacturer no longer releases software updates for their smartphone. People also want to update Android manually, but through a PC. In fact, nothing prevents this, because everyone remembers that Android is a free operating system, and therefore getting its image is not difficult. But everything is not as simple as it seems.

By default, Android does not have support for numerous mobile processors and graphics accelerators. In this regard, you will have to look for a special custom assembly, which precisely contains drivers for all the components that make up your device. It is best to look for such firmware on sites dedicated specifically to your device. Then the Android assembly must be downloaded to your computer.

You will also need a special computer program that can be used to flash the firmware. Depending on the smartphone manufacturer, this may be Flashtool, ODIN, Fastboot or some other flasher. Well, then you need to follow the instructions that come with the custom build of the operating system you downloaded. If you do everything correctly, Android on your smartphone will be updated.

Attention: reflashing will void your warranty. This process is also associated with risk; if you do it incorrectly, you may end up with a “brick”. Therefore, you should be careful and as careful as possible!

We decided to devote today’s material to answering the pressing question of many Android smartphone users: where to download and how to update Android? The operating system, which is being developed by the giant Google, appeared recently (about 10 years ago), but is developing rapidly. Now Android is one of the market leaders in terms of prevalence, receives updates with enviable regularity and has a lot of advantages that attract users.

How to find out what version of Android is on your smartphone

Before you start looking for the latest updates, you should find out which version of Android you are using.

The version is indicated by the manufacturer in a separate item in the device settings - “About phone”. Here you need to find “Android Version”, where you will see the version you are using. Also in this menu you can find out which shell is preinstalled by the manufacturer and the date of the last security update.

How to update Android

There are two ways to update the system:

through OTA updates (over-the-air updates), which are provided by the device manufacturer;
using custom firmware developed by ordinary users.

The first method of updating Android is preferable, as it ensures ease of installation and stable operation of the device on the new version of the system, which cannot be said about custom firmware. However, OTA updates are usually relevant for flagship smartphones, whose manufacturers take care of releasing updates for a long time after release. But the budget class often has to be content with a couple of updates, after which the manufacturer simply forgets about the device. In this case, custom ones are ready to help out.

Don't neglect backups before upgrading your operating system. Even in the case of an over-the-air update, errors are possible that will lead to the loss of photos, contacts and other information. Therefore, we recommend making backups of important data manually or using third-party software, which is available in abundance on Google Play (for example: SM Backup - Safe Cloud, App Backup Restore Transfer, G Cloud Backup).

Update Android over the air (OTA update)

The easiest way to update an Android phone or tablet, which requires a minimum of skills and knowledge from the user.

As already noted, official updates are released more often to popular devices. In addition, some smartphones (usually those ordered from China) can be flashed by the seller with custom firmware, which does not provide for over-the-air updates at all.

If you are one of the lucky ones, then:

go to the device settings;
at the very bottom find the item “About phone”;

A number of manufacturers bring the tool to update Android to the desktop to make this process even easier for the user.

in the new window, at the very top, there is a “System update” button, which is what we need. Click on the button;
in the menu that opens, click “Check for updates”;

On most devices, automatic updates are installed by default from the factory, when the phone or tablet downloads updates in the background (usually when the device is connected to a Wi-Fi network), offering to install them afterwards.

it will take some time (depending on Internet speed) until available Android updates are found (or not found);
if there are system updates, you will be prompted to download them and then install them;

Be sure to fully charge your device before installing updates!

now you just need to follow the assistant’s instructions and wait until the update installation is completed and the smartphone reboots.

As a result, you will receive a device with the latest updates, while your personal data will be preserved, as will installed applications.

Updating Android using custom firmware: where to download, how to install

Due to the abundance of phone models in their lines, manufacturers often do not have time to officially update all devices, and therefore enthusiasts take on this task, collecting firmware based on the latest versions of Android for a specific device. Custom firmware is distributed free of charge; installation requires additional software and some skills.

Pay attention! Not every custom firmware is suitable for your device - only those that were developed for it. In exceptional cases, firmware from a smartphone whose characteristics are identical to yours may be suitable.

So, let's start with the search. You can download the updated version of Android on forums dedicated to the topic of flashing various devices. The most visited are the forums of the 4PDA resource, where using the search bar you can easily find a topic dedicated to your smartphone. Here you can choose the firmware you like (based on which version, from which developer, with which improvements), and also learn more about it from topic visitors.

It would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the instructions for installing the firmware, which are located in the topic headers and are constantly updated by users. The fact is that all smartphones, albeit slightly, differ from each other, as does the process of flashing them, so it’s worth paying attention to the instructions.

When the firmware image is loaded into the memory of your phone or computer, you can proceed to the installation itself, but there are some nuances here too. First of all, you have to choose a method for installing custom firmware:

through applications that are installed directly on Android;
using a personal computer, special software and custom recovery.

Here it is worth warning you that you install custom firmware at your own risk. In addition to the fact that the firmware may simply not suit your device, other problems are possible: errors in operation, inoperability of some functions, complete failure of the device, etc.

Update Android firmware using the application

An easier way to install firmware on Android, but it does not always guarantee success. To carry out the update we will need:

(not required, but recommended);
install the application on the device (recommended: Android Update Manager, ROM Manager);
download the firmware (save to SD card).

When all of the above is ready, move on to updating Android:

launch the installed application;
the application will require you to install ClockWorkMod Recovery (custom recovery for installing third-party firmware), agree with the proposal;
click on “Install ROM from SD card”, then specify the path to the firmware image;
a new window will open in which you should click “Save current ROM” (in case of unexpected errors) and “Reboot and install”;
All you have to do is wait (about 10-15 minutes) until the smartphone appears before you with an updated interface and functionality.

Updating Android firmware using a computer

This option is somewhat more complicated, but with more flexible options and guarantees of success. It will take a little more time and various software:

naturally, downloaded firmware;
client for installing firmware (it is different for each smartphone model, so search for your device in the appropriate sections of the forum);
ADB drivers for your device, a download link for which can also be obtained on the forum.

Now, in order regarding the update:

We take the smartphone in our hands and go to “Settings”, where at the bottom we look for the “For Developers” item;

It may not exist initially. In order for it to appear, you need to go to the “About phone” menu and click on the “Android version” item several times.

in the “For Developers” settings, check the box next to “USB Debugging”;
install ADB drivers on the PC (so that it can recognize your device), and then connect the smartphone via a USB cable;
launch the client to download the firmware to the smartphone;
we indicate to the client the location of the firmware and proceed to the update process;

Each client is different, so you should familiarize yourself with their features in advance.

we wait while the client installs updates without disconnecting the wire;
The client will be notified of the completion of the update, as will the smartphone, which will begin to turn on.

The initial startup process may take quite a long time, don't worry.

What to do after updating Android

Now we figured out how to install Android, installed the latest version of the operating system with a bunch of new features (or with a minimum of these features), what should we do next?

If you updated using the regular smartphone tools, then you won’t have to do anything: you will still have all the applications, all SMS messages and other data (unless, of course, there was an error during the update process). That is, you can continue to use your device without bothering with reinstalling applications.

In cases where the device is flashed, all data disappears. Whether you like it or not, you will have to re-login to your accounts, install the necessary applications and re-download your favorite music. Therefore, we always recommend doing Backup, which will greatly simplify these tasks.

How to disable Android updates

Along with the question regarding installing new updates, many users are interested in how to disable them. Some people simply don’t need them, others are already accustomed to the old version of Android and don’t want to change anything in their smartphone. So that the system does not pester you with constant offers to get updates, and also does not waste traffic on downloading them, you need to:

go to “Settings” of your phone or tablet;
go to “About phone”, then “System update”;
Uncheck the box next to “Auto-update”.

Now only after your request the system will start searching for new versions to download.

Also, many users, as we have noticed, are hampered by automatic application updates, which often change the usual messenger or social network client beyond recognition and consume gigabytes of traffic. Here, too, everything can be turned off in a few simple steps:

launch Google Play (Play Market);
By swiping from the left side of the screen, we get to the side menu, where we find “Settings” at the bottom;
go to “Auto-update applications”;
Select “Never” from the list provided.

In the future, you will only be able to update the necessary applications manually.

Conclusion

Android update is a very useful thing. Regular updates correct errors, introduce many innovations to the system, and simply make it more pleasant to use. The updated smartphone is much less afraid of virus attacks and is “smarter” than its counterparts on older versions of the OS. In addition, the update process is not as complicated as it might initially seem. Just about thirty minutes of work and you have an updated device that can work with all the latest applications.

The operating version of Android is constantly updated: new versions, patches, improvements, and so on appear. Naturally, it is important for every user that their mobile device has the current version of the operating system with the latest updates.

It often happens that a person purchases a new smartphone on which the current default version of the system, current at the time of production of the device, is installed, the so-called basic configuration. Accordingly, for comfortable and stable operation of the gadget, you can make current updates. In addition, while using the gadget, the manufacturer brand may release a software update with a new version of the operating system, to which you can update the device. In any case, the user asks the question: “How to update the Android version on the phone?”

There are several ways to do this. In our article, we will analyze in detail each method of updating the OS on a smartphone.

Why update Android?

Like any complex and multifunctional system, the Android OS requires constant improvements. This is due to the fact that in each version of the operating system, vulnerabilities appear over time, which can lead to critical errors. Therefore, along with the update, the shortcomings of previous versions are eliminated in the system, the stability and speed of the OS are optimized. In addition, the system adapts to the installation of new applications that might not run on older versions of the OS.

It is very important to consider that when updating the system, all user settings and files may be lost. Therefore, before updating your phone to the latest version of Android, you need to transfer all the necessary applications to a memory card, and save photos, videos, documents and other personal files on your computer or also copy them to external memory.

In order to update the Android system, there are two main ways:

Through the smartphone settings

Using a computer

Let's look at detailed instructions for each method.

Android update through settings

System updates appear quite often. To install them, the user does not require any special knowledge, and in addition, all updates are supplied free of charge. To install them, it is important to meet several conditions:

The phone must be connected to the Internet

You need a sufficient supply of traffic to download a large update package, and it is better if the smartphone is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi networks

The device must be charged at least 50%, as updates, depending on the volume, may take considerable time

After the phone is prepared for the update, you can begin the procedure itself. For most Android smartphone models, the system update process follows the same algorithm.

To compile detailed update instructions, we needed a powerful and at the same time affordable smartphone with the current version of Android that supports regular software updates. As a test gadget, we decided to use the products of the British company Wileyfox. Smartphones from the young brand over the past 1.5 years have consistently been distinguished by high build quality, excellent performance and the presence of up-to-date software that requires only the most necessary system updates.

We will demonstrate how to update the Android version on a Wileyfox Swift 2 phone. One of the most notable new products of 2017 in the budget segment, this model stands out among its competitors with its rather powerful hardware. The 1.4 GHz 8-core processor has a high power reserve not only for working with large applications, but also for maintaining stable system operation and its full updates.

It is worth noting that the capacious 2700 mAh lithium-polymer battery was more than enough for the entire system update process. Considering the active operation of the processor, during the entire update the battery indicator decreased by only 5%.

The process of updating Android through the settings is very simple:

Go to Android settings

Select “About phone”

Click on "Updates via Wi-Fi"

The system will inform you about the current version and also offer to check for updates.

In the drop-down menu in the upper right corner you can configure the frequency of checking for updates, as well as set manual or automatic download of updates when Wi-Fi is on

To check for updates, turn on the Internet

Select the “Update” command

After the update package is downloaded, click “Install updates”.

During the update process, the system will reboot several times. First, the shell update process will be performed, after which Android will reconfigure the system applications.

Updating Android using a computer

You can also upgrade the operating system using a computer. This is a more complex and responsible procedure, since it requires the installation of additional programs for flashing and updating gadgets. If you are not confident in your technical knowledge, it is better not to undertake an independent update via PC, but to contact a specialist.

For certain models, separate utilities are suitable, which can be downloaded for free on the Internet. In particular, Wileyfox smartphones are updated using the Flash Tool. In addition, you will additionally need to download firmware with an updated version of Android. Wileyfox users can find the required firmware on the company's official forum.

To install the firmware, follow these steps:

Connect your smartphone to PC via USB cable

In Device Manager, find your gadget and check for drivers. You can download and install them automatically.

Launch Flash Tool

Specify the path to the firmware file (scatter file) by clicking “Scatter Loading”

In download mode, select “Download Only” Cancel the reboot, Click “Download”

In a few minutes the updates will be installed. We warn you once again that this method requires a responsible approach and special technical skills. It is much more convenient to use the standard method of updating the system, when Android will do almost all the work for you.

In conclusion, it should also be noted that on the forums many users ask the question: “Is it possible to update the Android version on a phone through applications?” We answer - it is possible. Google Play contains several special utilities for updating the OS, for example, ROM Manager or ClockWorkMod Recovery. But it’s worth considering that they require rooting your phone to work. In addition to the fact that the process of obtaining root rights itself can cause certain difficulties for an unprepared user, a rooted phone is forever out of warranty service.

Periodically, every device running Android OS needs to update the current version of the operating system. Of course, even without this, the gadget will remain in working order, but nevertheless, some problems may arise with the old version. Therefore, today we will talk about how to update Android.

Often, when a new model is launched, some software problems remain out of sight of the manufacturer. A conscientious developer always tries to eliminate shortcomings in previously released versions that were identified while using the gadget, and in addition, add new functions that are more user-friendly.

There are also third-party developers who do not work for a particular company that produces mobile devices, but produce their own, unofficial software (custom firmware) for many device models, which may be of even better quality than Android versions directly from the manufacturer.

In addition, devices from little-known manufacturers (usually Chinese) purchased outside the Russian Federation and not properly localized also need firmware updates.

How to update the version (firmware) of Android

Standard procedure

Official updates from the manufacturer are released quite regularly. As a rule, this applies to popular models of gadgets or devices produced by well-known companies.

Such updates are absolutely free, do not require special knowledge from the user and, as a rule, occur automatically. An Internet connection is required to check the firmware and update it.

Go to the main settings, in the section " System", at the very bottom we find the item " About the phone" (May be " About the device"), then open the position " System update" (May be " Update BY", on some models you will need to press the " Check now«):

The display will show " System check“, after which a message will appear indicating that the latest version is available or that it is being used, which means the system has been updated automatically. If this does not happen, then before upgrading to a new version of Android, we find out information about the firmware installed on a specific device. To do this, go back to the “About phone” section and at the very bottom we find the necessary information:

Knowing the current firmware version is necessary to obtain information about the availability of more recent software versions for a specific smartphone/tablet model and the possibility of installing them.

Note: if you are using a gadget whose software does not support the Russian language, then you need to find the items “ About tablet" or " About phone» and look for the necessary information there.

Using third party programs (ROM Manager)

Sometimes downloading an official update via the Internet is impossible, and custom firmware cannot be installed this way at all. In this case, one of the best applications used for these purposes - .

Using this program, you can easily create system backups and (in our case) manually update the current version of Android, including on Chinese smartphones.

To work correctly with the program, it is necessary if your device is not rooted.

After launch, the program will ask you to install ClockWorkMod Recovery (CWM), this is a more advanced mod of the standard Recovery Android OS. We agree, and then do the following:

Loading on SD card your device, the required firmware (zip archive format), which can be found on the official website of the developer of our device, launch the utility ROM Manager, then select the menu item “ Install ROM from SD card" Using folder navigation, indicate the path to the archive on your SD card. Now let's activate the button " Save current ROM"(this is done to be able to roll back to the old version if you don’t like the new firmware) and select the “” position:

We agree with the reboot and the program will start the process of rebooting the smartphone in mode CWM and installing new firmware.

Also, the ROM Manager application will help in searching for firmware for a specific device; to do this, select “ Download firmware", and it may well be that there is something more suitable just for you.

Learn more about the app's features ROM Manager watch the video:

Via ClockWorkMod Recovery

It is possible that updating Android using the ROM Manager utility failed, especially this situation is possible on smartphones from Chinese or little-known manufacturers. In this case, you can use the CWM menu.

ClockworkMod Recovery (or CWM Recovery) is an analogue of standard recovery with advanced functions. This utility will not only help you perform a complete reset of the device or install patches for games, but will also update the firmware of your mobile gadget.

CWM supports most Android devices. In fact, every second modern Android smartphone (or tablet) is equipped with Modrecovery CWM. But if your device only has stock (standard) recovery, then install CWM Recovery using the ROM Manager application (see above).

After entering the ClockWorkMod Recovery menu, move using the volume key and first select “ wipe data/factory reset" (to reset all settings to factory settings), then " wipe cache"(to clear the cache). Now we find the line “ install zip from SD card" and confirm the action with the hardware button " Home"or the device power button (it plays the role of the " Yes»):

Note: for some device models, menu operation can be controlled using a sensor.

Next, getting to the point “ choose zip from sd card", indicate the path to the new firmware in the ZIP archive that was saved on the SD card, confirm the choice by clicking " Yes – Install /sdcard/update.zip»:

After completing the steps, the process of flashing our Android device will start. Upon completion, select “ reboot system now"to reboot the device and wait for the device to boot, which can take quite a long period of time.

Important ! Before updating the Android version (firmware), you need to fully charge the device, because the whole process will take about half an hour. During the firmware update, the smartphone will require a lot of energy to correctly complete the task. In addition, the display backlight will be at maximum brightness during the update procedure, and the update process interrupted due to a lack of power can lead to disastrous consequences.

Therefore, before you start updating your device, assess the degree of risk and try to approach the question of how to update the Android version responsibly. Good luck!