Android update available. Is it possible to return to an old version of Android? How to roll back an Android update to a previous version
operating room Android system significantly more susceptible to viruses than Apple's iOS. In addition, like any other OS, the functionality is constantly expanding, bugs and shortcomings are being fixed. Google regularly releases update packages to latest version, and the newer your device, the more there are. If Android is not updating, please read the following reasons and possible solutions.
Installing a new OS version or security patch is necessary in different cases.
Important! Before installation, make sure the battery charge is at least 60%.
- Critical vulnerability in current firmware. In such situations, Google tries to release a fix as quickly as possible - within one day. All that remains is to download the “patch” from the server and install it into the system.
- Scheduled update until current version Android. If the device is new, this will happen often, especially for the Google Pixel and Nexus line.
- Fixes minor bugs and improves existing features. The patch may also contain minor changes to the OS interface.
As already noted, most often new patches are received by devices with clean version Android OS. Budget Chinese gadgets from unpopular manufacturers are updated the least often.
What to do if it does not update automatically
Automatic installation of patches may not occur in two cases:
- Your phone model is already outdated. In this case, you can forget about automatic updating. The solution is to install custom firmware or try downloading new version OS using PC and USB cable on the manufacturer's official website.
- The “Update automatically” option is disabled in the smartphone settings. How to enable it in the gadget settings is described below.
Causes and solutions
In addition to the above, we can highlight following reasons lack of updates:
- Lack of stable Internet connection. In this case, the OS simply cannot load necessary files new firmware.
- The smartphone is connected to the network via 3G, and the “Scan via Wi-Fi only” option is enabled in the settings.
- The device has a custom recovery installed or received ROOT rights A.
- Disabled system applications required for the installation process.
Smartphone manufacturers have an extremely negative attitude towards manipulating firmware; such actions can even lead to turning the device into a “brick”. In some cases, only a Hard Reset will help restore the device to normal operation.
Let's restore normal update mode through the phone settings.
- Open the device settings and go to the “Software Update” tab. Pay attention to the switch " Automatic download" If it is enabled, all updates will be downloaded automatically.
- Click on "Manual Installation". If the device is connected to the Internet, a manual search will be performed. It usually takes about 15-20 seconds. Available patches will be shown in the window that opens.
- If there is no new version, check the status of the device. Go to settings, then “Phone information”. Tap on the “Status” item. If the value of this parameter is “Official”, the device is running the factory firmware version. In this case, the patches will download without problems.
- If the status is indicated “Modifications installed”, proceed to the next method.
Update via computer
Any update can be downloaded manually and installed via a USB cable and connection to a computer.
Important! The following actions will lead to loss of warranty, and if performed incorrectly, the smartphone can be turned into a “brick”. Essentially, you are “reflashing” your smartphone.
- Download Odin program and install on PC.
- Connect your tablet or phone to your computer with via USB cable. In the developer options, enable “USB Debugging Mode”.
- Turn off the gadget, then hold down the volume up and down buttons and the power button at the same time. The device will be turned on in " Download Mode", the Recovery menu should open.
- In the Odin main menu, select the required files in the PIT, PDA and PSC tabs. Everything you need can be found in the 4PDA forum topics for your gadgets.
- Click the “Start” button and wait for the installation to complete.
Important! Do not turn off the phone during the firmware process! This will render it inoperable.
Firmware compatibility
Always download files only from official themes for your smartphone on the XDA or 4PDA forums, this way you will reduce the likelihood of infection with viruses and hidden miners. Carry out actions with custom recovery with extreme caution and remember that the warranty will be lost. If you are unsure whether a certain patch is compatible with your phone model, ask the experts at w3bsit3-dns.com.
If the device was purchased recently, but updates are not installed, contact the official service center manufacturer. Specialists will update the device manually; usually this procedure is free if manipulations with the OS or installation ROOT rights were not carried out.
Conclusion
The gadget may stop automatically installing updates due to its “advanced” age and the end of support, as well as after manipulating the firmware and obtaining ROOT rights. Always keep the scheduled scan option enabled in your settings, as the latest versions contain security fixes and improvements to many Android features.
Many experienced Android owners, often forced or intentionally update the firmware to fix bugs or gain new functions. You will learn how to update the firmware on Android from this article.
Why update firmware on Android
Here is a partial list of reasons:
- Get new and/or previously unavailable features/features.
- Fix identified errors and problems in the firmware.
- Close vulnerabilities and security holes.
- Improve device performance or speed up an outdated device.
- Download some games and applications that do not work on outdated versions systems.
Types, differences and features of updates
Standard firmware
There are 2 types of updates:
- Intermediate.
- Complete.
The interim update contains fixes and improvements within the current OS version. For example, if Android is 5.0, then updates are applicable only to this version. Typically, builds of this type contain only fixes and rarely seen innovations. Interim updates also contain security fixes that close possible holes for hacking the device.
The full version includes more changes than the intermediate version. The package contains all the necessary files for clean install. Suitable for device recovery after unsuccessful firmware or to update to a new version of Android, for example from 7.1 to 8.0.
MIUI firmware
The system is presented primarily on devices Xiaomi company. The firmware is also often installed on models from other manufacturers in the form of a custom modification. As is the case with most others standard firmware, the system is also available as an intermediate and complete package.
At the same time, MIUI uses a distinctive approach in the development and distribution of firmware, in comparison with other manufacturers. Two types of firmware are available:
Chinese. The firmware is intended for users/developers/testers from the Middle Kingdom, since it contains only English and Chinese localization. Release order: Alpha build - Beta, for developers - Stable version.
Global. The system is designed for users of other countries, as it contains advanced language pack. Release order: Beta, for developers - Stable version.
Distinctive features of the firmware
Alpha version. The firmware contains the latest innovations and is updated more often. The system is only available to some Chinese testers/developers.
Beta version. Test build, where previously found errors are fixed. The firmware is available to everyone, and a new build is released weekly on Friday, with the exception of major Chinese holidays.
Stable version. Usually comes out every 3-6 months where most of the bugs are fixed. The system is better debugged compared to weekly builds and is more suitable for constant use.
Third party firmware
There are also many different firmwares on the network, developed by companies, experienced developers or a group of enthusiasts. Builds are also classified into alpha, bata and final. Last most best option containing fewer errors. The quality of implementation and support of the system is influenced by the experience and interest of the developers.
Firmware update methods
An Android owner has 4 ways to update the firmware:
- Built-in FOTA option.
- Through factory recovery.
- Using a computer.
- Using third party recovery.
Firmware update via FOTA
Abbreviation FOTA (OTA), translated from English Firmware Over The Air - firmware over the air. Standard method obtaining and updating firmware for most Android devices.
The principle of operation is to download the firmware from the manufacturer’s server and then install it. The process is automated and does not require the participation of the owner. All you need to do is check for updates, download the file if available, and allow installation. To do this, open the settings section, select “updates” and click on the check for updates button.
For Xiaomi devices with MIUI, in addition to OTA, a second update method is available. If you have the firmware, just download the file to your phone and then log in through standard menu updates, where to select and install the firmware.
The advantages of the method are complete automation. The owner does not need to delve into the process of installing the firmware and does not have to worry about losing the warranty.
The disadvantage is the lack of long-term support from most manufacturers. Some models do not receive the update at all. Often, in fact, there is an update, but it is not possible to get the file from the server.
Firmware update via factory recovery
Android devices are equipped with a recovery mode. The partition is used primarily for resetting settings when the system does not boot, and also quick cleaning user data. At the same time, the factory recovery mode allows you to install firmware updates, usually only intermediate types. And for Xiaomi smartphones, this method one of the main ones for installing a new firmware version.
The method is relevant when there is an update for the phone, but it is not downloaded via FOTA. Then just download the update file called “update” into memory, it will boot into recovery mode, where you select the file and start the update process.
The disadvantages include some difficulties in finding the update file. More steps are required. Also, it can only be installed official firmware, modifications cannot be installed. And since the device support cycle rarely exceeds more than a year, 1.5-2 years for flagships, it is not always possible to update the firmware.
Firmware update using a computer
A computer is required to install the full firmware package or some sections. This method is most often used during official updates. And for some models, firmware for semi-custom assemblies is available - partial modifications assembled on the factory firmware.
When using this method, you will need a laptop. Also drivers for the device being flashed, a program for installing the system and the firmware file itself. The process is also not complicated. All you need to do is connect the device, run the program, specify the path to the file location and confirm the action. The rest will take place without user intervention.
The most crucial moment is the correct choice of firmware. Typically, protective mechanisms prevent the installation of an incorrect assembly, but sometimes there are exceptions, and the device has to be restored.
The advantages include the ability to install a full firmware package, which is important when the update is not available via OTA. Also flash an “improved” stock, where the author can remove unnecessary programs and services, and in return install the best version of applications.
The disadvantage is the same - the update is limited by the availability of firmware released by the manufacturer. You also need a computer, a program, drivers and a synchronization cable.
Firmware update using modified recovery
The previous three methods described the update standard system, where the installation depended on the presence of an intermediate or full firmware package. If the manufacturer has stopped supporting, you will not be able to update the system. For such a case or when there is a desire to experience alternative firmware, for example MIUI instead standard Android, custom, modified, firmware available.
The development and support of such systems is carried out by enthusiasts or experienced programmers. The level of firmware debugging cannot be compared with large electronics manufacturers. But it allows you to install the latest version of the OS on an old device and take advantage of new functions.
You will first need to install a modified version of recovery, which requires unlocking the bootloader. The unlocking method is different for each model - hacking through a vulnerability, paid remote unlocking or free unlock through the manufacturer.
The advantages lie in installing new versions of the system, which is important when the manufacturer has stopped supporting the device. Also installation of “kernels” and other modifications, creation backup copy system and system recovery at any time.
The disadvantages are the need for third-party recovery and an unlocked bootloader. Also some time and knowledge on the part of the owner.
Question "how to update Android version"on a phone or tablet with an installed operating system from Google - is not at all idle, as it may seem to many users. There are many cases in life that require you to flash a new version of Android on your device.
When you might need it new firmware Android:
1. Very often, when launching a new model for sale, the manufacturing company is in such a hurry to do this that it does not have time to correct all the flaws in the software and the firmware with many errors may be installed on the smartphone.
2. Mobile equipment manufacturers who value their reputation consider it good practice to update the firmware of their devices, adding improvements to it, or doing this with the release of each new version of the Android OS with additional functionality.
3. There is a huge army of third-party developers in the world who do not work for manufacturers mobile devices, and releasing its own, unofficial (so-called “custom”) firmware for many models, which can sometimes be best quality than the Android version from the phone or tablet manufacturer.
4. And finally, you may need to update the firmware on a Chinese device that simply does not have normal localization.
In all these cases, the user needs knowledge on how to update the Android version, and whether this can be done in each specific case. We will tell you about this in our article today.
Find out your firmware version
Before upgrading to a new version of Android, information about the firmware that you already have installed may be useful. Here is an excerpt from
To find out your Android version, follow these steps:
1. Go to the main program menu;
2. Select the “Settings” menu item;
3. The last item in this menu is usually the item “About the phone”, “About the tablet”, or simply “About the device” (in the case of an anonymous Chinese without Russian language support, look for the item “About tablet” or “About phone”);
4. Somewhere in this menu item you will find the version of your operating system Android, as well as information about the build number, etc.
Knowing the current firmware version can help determine if there is more latest versions software on your smartphone and whether it is possible to install them.
How to update your Android version using the official update
Official firmware updates for phones or tablets with Android OS are released quite regularly, at least this applies to products from well-known manufacturers and more or less popular models devices. For little-known Chinese smartphones, the situation with new firmware can be much worse; sometimes their basic firmware is not updated at all.
Firmware from the manufacturer can be updated completely free of charge, and this operation does not require any special knowledge from the device owner. Please note: To check for the availability of new firmware and its update, the Internet must be turned on on the smartphone.
To check if you can update the firmware on your Android phone or tablet, do the following:
1. Activate your Internet connection in any way;
2. Go to the “Settings” menu item of your device;
3. Go to the very bottom to the item “About phone” (sometimes “About device”);
4. Find the “System Update” (sometimes “Software Update”) item in the menu;
5. Click the "Check Now" button.
If a new version of Android is available, you will receive a system message about this, after which your system will update itself and you will be able to enjoy the new functionality of your mobile friend.
How to Update Android Version Using ROM Manager
It is not always possible to download an official update via the Internet, and, in addition, you will not be able to install unofficial (custom) firmware on your phone or tablet this way. In this case, applications from third-party developers will help us update the Android version.
One of best programs for working with the firmware of mobile devices on the Android OS, we already looked at ROM Manager earlier when we studied In addition to creating a backup copy of the entire system, ROM Manager can help us manually update our version of Android if we need to install firmware from third-party developers or in our unnamed Chinese smartphone official updates They simply don’t work over the air.
To run the R programOM Manager You must first obtain root rights on your phone or tablet, if you have not done so yet. How to get root rights, read this article on our portal:
Before you start working with ROM Manager program will ask us to install ClockWorkMod Recovery, which is a more advanced version of the standard Recovery mode of the Android operating system. Agree with this proposal. Next you will need to perform the following sequence of actions.
1. Download the firmware in zip archive format that you want to install to the flash drive of your device;
2. Launch the ROM Manager application and select the menu item "Install ROM from SD card";
3. Using folder navigation, specify the path to the archive on your SD flash card;
4. Select the "Reboot and installation" item, and also check the "Save current ROM" checkbox in case you don't like the new firmware and want to roll back to previous version;
5. Agree to the reboot, after which ROMManager will reboot your device in ClockWorkMod Recovery mode and install new firmware.
Besides, this application can independently search for firmware for your device. Select the menu item "Download firmware", and perhaps you will find something interesting for yourself.
How to Update Android Version Manually Using ClockWorkMod Recovery
The ROM Manager app is a great thing to install unofficial firmware, but sometimes things can go wrong, especially on a Chinese smartphone or tablet from a little-known manufacturer. In this case, there is no need to be very upset, because you still have the opportunity to try to manually update the Android version using the ClockWorkMod Recovery menu mentioned above. Install it using ROM programs Manager, copy the archive with the firmware you need to the SD flash card of your Android device, and follow the instructions below.
To carry out the firmware process, you first need to get into this very ClockWorkMod Recovery mode. This can be done by turning off your smartphone and then simultaneously pressing some combination of its hardware keys. This combination varies depending on the device manufacturer, but usually you need to press one of the following:
- "Power on" and "Add volume";
- "Power on" and "Lower volume";
- “Power on”, “Lower volume” and “Add volume”.
- “Power on”, “Home” and “Lower volume”.
For clarification this issue It’s better to ask the all-knowing Google by entering a query for the name of your model. After you have entered the ClockWorkMod Recovery menu, look for the item “install zip from sd card” or something similar there. Moving between menu items in ClockWorkMod Recovery is carried out using the volume down and up keys, the selection of the item is confirmed by the power key of the device or the Home key. In some mobile device models, this menu may be touch-sensitive.
1.Select the menu item "install zip from sd card";
2. In the menu item "choose zip from sd card" specify the path to the new firmware saved on the SD flash card in the archive;
3. Confirm your choice by clicking "Yes";
4. Wait until the system installs this firmware.
After the update, the system will reboot, and all you can do is enjoy the new version of Android.
Today we learned how to update the firmware (version) of Android on our mobile phone or tablet. This operation is nothing scary, and there is no need to be afraid of it. Even if the manufacturing company does not release any more operating system updates for your device, or you have a smartphone in which half the menu is in Chinese, you can always improve the situation using unofficial firmware.
There are no universal recipes for flashing mobile devices with the Android operating system, so read specialized sites, study forums dedicated specifically to your model, try different options firmware, and you will definitely find the optimal one for yourself. Good luck!
Owners of devices that run on the Android operating system can count on updating their software version. For this purpose, manufacturers install special programs that help accomplish this. Before updating Android, as a rule, you receive a notification that a new version of the software has been released and an update is available. The user himself decides whether to install new package or not. But, as practice has shown, new improvements are justified. Developers are always trying to correct past shortcomings and offer to solve them with new system options.
Do not be afraid that the new version can greatly harm the device, since companies that release updates value their reputation most of all. The only main thing is to install the application correctly and, just in case, copy the data that is important.
Is it worth upgrading?
Many users are skeptical about new software releases and think that if the device already works fine, then why update it further. But this is only true for those who do not widely use the device’s capabilities. If the user frequently uses applications and downloads new programs for this, then the update will help support the latest versions of the products. As a rule, all developers additional programs They monitor operating system updates and make their products for them.
Timely updating allows you to be sure that any program will launch and work correctly on your smartphone or tablet.
Benefits of Upgrading
To get more benefits from your device, you need to know how to update the system on Android. This will improve productivity and eliminate errors. There may also be new features that the developers have integrated into the new version. In addition, usability can be improved by optimizing old functions so that they work more correctly.
Also worth noting is the update appearance, which can be changed to suit the user's personal preferences. Along with the firmware, it is often possible to download new update packages for menus, desktops and other frequently used functions.
Preparing for the update
Before updating Android, you need to download the necessary data package from the official supplier. It is worth keeping in mind that during the installation of the update, most device functions will be unavailable for at least 30 minutes. The application that installs the software warns about this. Also, before installation, you can read the model of the device for which the package is made and make sure that it is really suitable for the user.
Sometimes new firmware is already available for download, but the notification does not arrive on the device. In this case, you can download the new version to your computer and copy it to your device.
Conclusion
So, how to update the Android firmware? Before that, you need to download the update from the official website or use the built-in program. Next, you need to run the file and wait until all stages are completed. To avoid losing personal data, you need to save it to another device before the update process.
If an unlicensed version is used as the operating system, then you need to find an update for this particular version, otherwise a failure may occur. As a rule, such firmware should be looked for on the official websites of the manufacturers of the device that needs a system update.
Along with the update, the subscriber receives full support everyone modern programs and functions that are used in devices. He will also have access to all the corrections in the code that the developers have made. Since programmers always try to maximize productivity, you can count on more performance after the update. fast work the device as a whole.
Many users install new applications from Play Market on your Android smartphone. It happens that a user suddenly notices that a friend has exactly the same application that works differently than his. More precisely, a friend has new features and capabilities in the application, but for some reason our user does not have them. The user has serious doubts about what he is using updated application latest version. The question arises, how to update the application on Android?
Rice. 7. Click “Accept” to give Yandex.Mail permission to use device resources
Click “Accept”, the application update begins, this will take some time.
You can find out which applications are updated and which are not in the Play Market, “My Applications” option, “Updates” tab:
Rice. 8. Message in the Play Market that the Yandex.Mail application has been updated
Setting Up Update Notifications
It happens that update messages arrive completely inappropriately and you want to turn them off. You can turn off the sound that occurs when such updates appear, or block them from receiving them.
To turn off notifications, you need to open the Play Market settings. To do this, you need to follow the steps described above in Figures 1-3. When the “My apps and games” option is open on your Android smartphone, you need to scroll (scroll) the window down so that “Settings” appears (Fig. 9):
Rice. 9. Play Market settings
Open "Settings" Google Play Market, and click “Alerts” (1 in Fig. 10):
Rice. 10. Update notification settings. Application auto-update settings.
Having opened “Alerts”, check the checkboxes. If you DO NOT want to receive notifications about the availability of updates for applications, you need to uncheck the box next to “Updates” (1 in Fig. 11). Also in this case, you should uncheck the box next to “Automatic update” (2 in Fig. 11):
Rice. 11. Check/uncheck the boxes for notifications about updates and for automatic application updates
If you uncheck the boxes, then notifications about the availability of updates and automatic update shouldn't come.
We configure automatic application updates to save Internet traffic
Everyone chooses their own settings for automatic application updates. In Fig. 12 “Only via Wi-Fi” option is selected. This is convenient for updating applications. I already have a sad experience when the limit mobile traffic ends quickly and completely unexpectedly. However, Wi-Fi is not ubiquitous and widespread, so you have to think about Internet traffic consumption and choose the appropriate settings.
Rice. 12. Application auto-update settings
You can also get useful information about application updates in compressed form from Google Help:
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