On most Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, open Settings > Software update > Download and install. If an update is offered, follow the on-screen prompts and keep the device powered until installation finishes. Menu names and release timing can vary by model, region, and carrier.
Check for an update in Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap Software update. On some devices, the menu is called System updates.
- Tap Download and install. Depending on your model or carrier, look instead for Check for system updates or Check for software updates.
- If an update is available, follow the prompts. Your device may begin downloading automatically or ask you to tap Download now or Install now.
Samsung may notify you when an update becomes available, but you can check manually whenever you want. An “up to date” message only means that no update is currently being offered to your device; it does not guarantee that no newer release exists for other models or markets. Samsung Canada’s update guidance explains that availability can depend on the device and carrier.
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Prepare before installing
- Use Wi-Fi if possible. Updates can be large, and some carriers require Wi-Fi for downloading.
- Check the battery. Charge the device and follow any charging prompt it displays. Samsung’s US troubleshooting guidance specifies at least 50%, while Samsung Spain’s September 2026 guide specifies at least 20%; these are regional instructions, not one universal threshold. See Samsung US troubleshooting guidance and Samsung Spain’s guide.
- Allow time for a restart. The device may restart during installation. Do not power it off or disconnect it while the update is in progress.
If no update is offered
A missing update is not necessarily a device problem. Samsung says release availability can vary by exact model, region, software version, and carrier. Carrier-associated updates may be developed and released by the carrier, and a new release may arrive in stages rather than for every device at once.
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- Check with your carrier whether the update has been released for your exact model and service.
- Connect to Wi-Fi and check again later if the rollout is recent.
- If the phone was unlocked by its original carrier, check whether that carrier’s SIM is required to download updates; Samsung notes this can apply to some devices.
- Try Samsung Smart Switch on a computer if Settings still does not offer the update.
Samsung Canada says unlocked devices typically receive updates sooner than carrier-locked devices. Treat that as general Canadian guidance, not a guarantee for every model or market.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Install with Samsung Smart Switch on a computer
Smart Switch is an alternative to updating from Settings. Samsung documents it as an option when the phone’s normal update check does not offer an update or downloads repeatedly fail, but it is not guaranteed to offer an update in every case.
- Open Smart Switch on a computer and connect the Galaxy device with a USB data cable.
- When Smart Switch detects the device, accept Update if that option appears.
- Follow the prompts and keep the cable connected until the process completes. The device may restart.
Use a cable that supports data transfer and fits both the device and computer. Samsung’s instructions do not specify one connector type for every Galaxy model, so check your existing cable and ports before considering another cable.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Check which software version is installed
Open Settings > About phone or About tablet > Software information. Depending on the device, this screen can show the Android version, One UI version, build number, and other software details. Some devices also show update history or information about the last update in the Software update menu; labels vary.
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Troubleshoot a failed update
- Not enough storage: Free the amount of space the error requests, then try again.
- Download interrupted: Check the notification shade; Samsung says a paused or interrupted download may be resumable there.
- Repeated download failures: Try the Smart Switch computer method.
- Device will not boot normally after an update failure: Samsung says service may be needed to reflash the device. Contact Samsung support or an authorized service provider.
A factory reset should not be an early troubleshooting step. If you later decide a reset is necessary, back up important data first because a reset erases personal information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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