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How Do I Update My Phone? Steps for iPhone and Android

Find the software update screen on iPhone or Android, prepare your phone, install available updates, and troubleshoot common problems.
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To update your phone, open its built-in software update screen: on iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update; on Android, go to Settings > System > Software updates. Connect to Wi-Fi and power first, then follow the prompts if an update is available. Android menu names and update availability vary by phone, manufacturer, and carrier.

Before you update

  • Connect to Wi-Fi. Updates can be large, and both Apple and Google recommend Wi-Fi.
  • Connect an iPhone to power. For Android, Google recommends charging the device to at least 75% before updating.
  • Back up an iPhone. Apple recommends backing up to iCloud or a computer before installing an update.
  • Allow time for the download and installation. Keep the phone available and follow any restart prompts.

How to update an iPhone

  1. Open Settings > General > Software Update. The screen shows the installed iOS version and whether an update is available.
  2. If an update is listed, tap Download and Install, then follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. Keep the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power until installation finishes.

Apple also offers automatic updates at Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. If enabled, the iPhone can download and install updates overnight while charging and connected to Wi-Fi; Apple says it notifies you before installation. See Apple’s instructions for updating an iPhone or iPad.

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How to update an Android phone

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi and charge the phone to at least 75%, as Google recommends.
  2. Open Settings > System > Software updates. On Pixel devices, the option may be labeled Software updates or System update.
  3. Check for an update and follow the instructions shown. If an update notification appears, open it and tap the update action.
  4. Leave the phone connected while it downloads and installs. Restart it if prompted.

Android menu labels differ across manufacturers. If you cannot find the update screen, search within Settings for “software update” or check the manufacturer’s support instructions for your model. Google’s Android version update guide explains the general process.

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How to check which software is installed

On iPhone, open Settings > General > Software Update to see the installed iOS version and whether an update is available.

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On Android, open Settings > About phone (or About tablet) > Android version. Google says this screen includes the Android version, Android security update, Google Play system update, and build number. These are separate status details; seeing one update does not necessarily mean all the others changed.

Why an update may not appear

Android rollout timing or device eligibility

Android release schedules vary by device, manufacturer, and mobile carrier. Older phones may not support a newer Android version. If no update appears, check the schedule for your exact model with its manufacturer or carrier; a missing update does not by itself mean the phone is malfunctioning.

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iPhone wireless update unavailable

Apple says some updates may not be available wirelessly and describes using a computer as an alternative. A VPN or proxy connection may also prevent the iPhone from reaching update servers. Disconnect from a restricted network connection and try again, or use Apple’s computer-based update instructions if the wireless update still does not appear. See Apple’s guidance for updating an iPhone with a computer.

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Insufficient storage

If the iPhone update flow offers to temporarily remove apps to make room, you can accept; Apple says those apps are reinstalled after installation finishes. You can also free space manually. On Android, low storage can prevent an update, so remove files or apps you no longer need and follow your device maker’s storage guidance.

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Download stalls or fails

On Android, Google says a failed update download may retry automatically over the following days. Keep the phone connected when practical and follow the notification if it returns. If the download repeatedly fails, check available storage and use the manufacturer’s support guidance for the model.

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What happens after installation

Most Android system updates and security patches install automatically once available, but their timing varies. Pixel phones install downloaded Android updates in the background and activate them after a restart. Many other Android phones restart during installation, with the update becoming active when installation finishes. Follow the prompts displayed by your own device rather than assuming every Android phone restarts the same way.

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On iPhone, automatic installation can occur overnight when the phone is charging and connected to Wi-Fi, with a notification beforehand. A manual update may also require a restart; wait until the phone completes the process before disconnecting it from power.

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iPhone and Android update paths at a glance

Phone Update screen Preparation What can vary
iPhone Settings > General > Software Update Back up first; use Wi-Fi and power Some updates may require a computer; network restrictions or storage can interfere
Android Settings > System > Software updates Use Wi-Fi; Google recommends at least 75% charge Labels, eligibility, rollout timing, and restart behavior vary by device, manufacturer, and carrier

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