Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11To install an available update, open Settings and look for Software update or System updates, then choose the check or download option shown and follow the prompts. Before starting, plan for the phone to be unusable during installation and back up important data if you may need to reset it to recover from a failure. Labels, update timing, and availability vary by Galaxy model, software version, carrier, and region.
Before you start: plan for the interruption
Samsung says the device cannot be used and its files will be inaccessible while an update installs. Calls—including emergency calls—also cannot be made during that time. Choose a time when you can be without the phone, and do not rely on it for communication until installation finishes. Samsung does not specify a universal minimum battery percentage for a system update, so follow any power instructions shown on your device rather than assuming a particular threshold. Samsung Support: update instructions
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Back up important data before updating if you want a recovery option in case the device later requires a factory reset. A reset can erase data. Samsung documents Smart Switch backups to a Windows PC or Mac and to supported external storage, including microSD cards and USB storage devices. Available backup options depend on the phone. Samsung Support: Smart Switch backup instructions
Back up to a computer with Smart Switch
- Check that the Windows PC or Mac has enough free storage.
- Connect the phone to the computer and allow the requested access.
- Open Smart Switch and select Backup.
- Choose the categories to save, then let the backup finish before safely ejecting the device.
Install the update from your Galaxy
- Open Settings and tap Software update or System updates. The label and menu location can vary.
- Review the update information available for your device. Samsung notes that changes can vary by model, country, and service provider.
- Tap the option offered by your phone, such as Download and install, Check for system updates, or Check for software updates.
- If an update is available, download it if prompted and follow the on-screen instructions to install it. A device may need more than one update cycle.
- Wait for installation and any restart to finish before relying on the phone again.
Some carriers require Wi-Fi to check for or install updates. The Settings route does not require a computer or a separate cable. Samsung’s update instructions
#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
Use Smart Switch on a computer instead
Samsung Smart Switch for Windows or Mac is an alternative when the app detects the phone and offers an update. This method requires a computer and a USB data connection; use the cable supplied with the phone if available. A cable is not required for the Settings-based update over Wi-Fi.
- Install and open Samsung Smart Switch on a Windows PC or Mac.
- Connect the Galaxy phone with its USB cable and allow Smart Switch to detect it.
- If the app offers Update, select it and follow the prompts.
- Keep the cable connected and do not use the phone until the update completes. The device may reboot during installation.
If Smart Switch does not detect the phone or a download repeatedly fails, Samsung suggests trying another USB cable as part of troubleshooting. Samsung update instructions and Samsung update troubleshooting
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.
If no update appears or installation fails
The phone says it is up to date
Update release timing depends on carriers, which develop and release updates, and distribution may happen in waves. Check with the original carrier for release information. If an update has been released but is not yet available to your phone, Samsung suggests checking again every few hours. For some SIM-unlocked phones originally sold for a particular carrier, a SIM from that original carrier may be needed to download updates. Samsung update troubleshooting
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The phone will not check or download the update
- Connect to Wi-Fi if your carrier requires it for checking or installing.
- If the device reports insufficient storage, free the amount it specifies.
- If the download was incomplete, check the notification; Samsung says the download may be resumable there.
- If repeated downloads fail, try the Smart Switch computer method if it is available for your device.
The phone cannot operate normally after an interrupted update
Samsung describes factory data reset as an emergency recovery option. A reset can erase device data, so use a backup if one is available and understand the data-loss risk before proceeding. If the phone still cannot boot normally after a failed update, Samsung says it needs service to be reflashed. Samsung recovery instructions and Samsung troubleshooting
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.
Which installation method should you use?
| Method | What you need | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Settings update | The update must be offered by the phone; some carriers require Wi-Fi. No separate computer accessory is needed. | Use this direct option when the update appears in Settings. |
| Smart Switch | A Windows PC or Mac, Smart Switch, and a USB data connection. | Use it when Smart Switch detects the phone and offers Update, including as an alternative if device-based downloads repeatedly fail. |
Neither method is guaranteed to be available for every model or carrier. In either case, the phone is unavailable during installation.
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.
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