Computer literacy, help and repair

How to update the version of android on the phone. Android update: how to upgrade to a new version, rollback? Guide in detail Can android 4.2 be upgraded to 5.0

Many users try to find on the Internet android updater phone or tablet, although you don't really need it. Why ask you? Because all official updates for your gadget come "over the air" (via connected Wi-Fi), or simply via the Internet. In 99% of cases, as soon as an update of your android versions, you will see a pop-up message that new updates are available for your operating system.

Official Android update

The advantage of this method is that it is the easiest way to get the latest Android updates over the internet. Most importantly, everything is official and you can't go wrong with the installation since there are a huge number of versions and builds of Android. Of the minuses, several can be noted - if there is no Wi-Fi, you will have to pay for GPRS traffic, and this is sometimes very expensive and slow.

To get the official update of the operating system, you need to go:

Settings - General - About phone - Software info

Different versions of Android may have slightly different menus, but the principle remains the same for all devices. Next, you can go to the Update Center and check for updates, as well as check the box "Check for and download updates automatically"

This method is suitable for all users who have not installed other builds on their Android.

Android Update Manager - Android updater

Android Update Manager- it free program which you can download and install on your computer. With this utility you can flash custom firmware at one's own risk! If you have not previously installed updates to the Android operating system manually do not recommend you to use this method.

The Android operating system is very popular today among the owners of various gadgets - phones, tablets and others. That is why manufacturers are trying to follow the process of updating the Android version and implement their support in their models, at least flagships. Therefore, you need to know how to update Android on your phone yourself.

The developers of any system strive to improve their product. Android is no exception to this. Updating the system leads to an increase in the performance of the gadget, the elimination of errors and shortcomings of previous versions. All this leads to an improvement in the performance of the smartphone in general. An Android update is often noticeable even visually when the interface changes and some new configurations appear.

There are micro and macro updates. Small ones often weigh no more than 70-100 MB, but macros can weigh an average of 500 MB. To update the version of Android, it is desirable to have a connection to a Wi-Fi network or unlimited Internet. Although the latter can significantly delay the entire process.
If the auto-update function is enabled in the phone settings, the user will simply be notified at the end that the operating system has been updated. Self-installation is relevant in such cases:

  • no auto-update, information about new version;
  • in the current version there is no support for existing or new applications on the phone;
  • there was a need to roll back the system.

For example, my smartphone LG L90 has Android 4.4 as native. But after the first inclusion, it was immediately updated to the latest version, or rather, to 5.0.2.
We will consider those cases when you need to update the software manually.

Update methods

Via phone

How to update the version of Android, having only a phone?

This method, in my opinion, is the easiest. To update with it, you need:

  • in the phone settings, select the "General" tab;
  • tap "About phone";
  • select "General" again (I have duos, so it may differ);
  • you can view all version information software or go directly to the "Update Center";
  • here you can update applications that require it, or immediately the system;
  • by selecting the second item, we will see that you can check Android for updates, as well as turn on / off the auto-update feature;
  • after selecting the check item, the phone warns that in order to carry out this operation, the device must have access to any network except 2G (everything was disabled for me);
  • after connecting to the network, it searches for updates, after which either a message about the relevance of the version pops up, or the update starts.

The main condition for this method is a high battery level so that the update process does not end in a force majeure event. You can even update Android 2.3 to 4.0 this way.

Flashing manually

Micro and macro Android updates appear almost every day. Manufacturers do not always have time, or maybe they do not strive, to work them out for all models. Sometimes it takes a very long time, and the update may not come at all. How to make sure you don't miss out on improvements for your phone?


In such a situation, you can independently change the firmware of your smartphone through Recovery. For this you need:
  • From the official website of the manufacturer of your device, download the zip-archive with the firmware we need (we check the version number and build date before that) and place it on the phone's memory card.
  • Turn off your smartphone and go to Recovery. For all phones, the login combination may be different. For example, on LG L90 it is “Power + Vol (up or down)”, on Motorola and Lenovo phones it is “Power + Vol up + Vol down”.
  • Select the item "Apply update".
  • Now the item "Choose from sdcard" ("Choose from internal storage" in case the archive was saved in internal memory).
  • We go to the desired folder, find the installed file with the firmware and run it.
  • After the installation process has been completed, you need to return to the main menu and from there reboot the device "Reboot system now"

Using a computer

How to update operating system if there is no access to Recovery?

In this case, you need to have a cable for connecting your smartphone to a PC, as well as a driver disk with the official service program for a certain brand of phones. The latter may be missing, but this program can be downloaded.

Consider this method using the example of LG phones. For them, you can download the KDZ Updater application. The necessary conditions are:

  • download Android system update (archive KDZ_Update.zip);
  • the level of charge of the mobile phone is 50% or higher;
  • LG drivers are installed;
  • the presence of a firmware file for a specific model of the KDZ format;
  • the absence of any other program for LG (not counting the driver).

The procedure for updating software for Android through this program is as follows:

  1. Unzip KDZ_Update.zip and transfer to the computer's system drive. Move the firmware file there as well. Run the msxml.msi file from the archive.
  2. Turn on USB debugging on LG through phone settings. In my case, the fifth Android did not immediately provide such an opportunity. This does not mean that it cannot be enabled. First, in the information about the phone, you need to find the assembly number and click on it from 5 to 10 times in a row. The notification "You are now a developer" will pop up. Now in the general settings the item "Developer options" will appear. There is the item "Debugging USB".
  3. Then turn off the device and remove the battery (some models of LG phones need this for flashing).
  4. Hold down the "Vol down" button, connect the smartphone to the computer. S/W Upgrade should appear. If it is not there, you should repeat everything, but with the battery inserted. Further, the battery must be in the phone in any of the cases.
  5. Go to Device Manager on your computer. Disable LGE Mobile USB Modem.
  6. In KDZ Updater, in the type field from the drop-down list, select 3GQCT, and in phonemode - DIAG.
  7. In the KDZ file field, write the path to the firmware file or simply select it through the file open button.
  8. If everything was done correctly, the user will see that the system is being updated.

You should use the same method and, if necessary, roll back the version on Android to any of the previous ones. Do not forget that the made app software will lead to the fact that all files, contacts and SMS stored in the internal memory of the phone may be lost.

Before version 5.0, think carefully. There may be two reasons why the update did not “arrive” automatically for you. Either this is an error (during distribution, upon receipt, etc.), or the manufacturer did not plan to update the software for your device. And if in the first case the defect is easy to fix, then the second option makes you think. Of course, the point here is not that the manufacturer does not care about your device or he forgot about you. Everything is much more prosaic.

Each manufacturer, be it Samsung, Sony, HTC, LG or any other, remembers every device very well. But he also knows everything in detail. specifications each model. Much better than us! And no matter how many OS developers talk about increasing the performance of gadgets after updating them, numerous tests and user reviews conducted indicate either a meager or zero "increase" in the speed of work. But most often, users report a deterioration in the operation of the device after the update. The explanation for this is simple: Android 5.0 Lollipop is brighter and more functional than its older brother, and this requires more resources to work. And all manufacturers also know about this, and therefore do not send an update to your device.

Therefore, let's start with advice: if it seems to you that your device on Android 4.4 Kitkat is working at the limit of its technical capabilities, then most likely it does not seem to you! Of course, you can experiment with deleting photos, videos, games and applications, installing accelerator programs, checking for viruses, and more. But the risk of getting a "brick" after a forced update still remains!

It is worth recalling that before starting the installation, you need to take care of some things. Surely you are well aware of them, but, as they say, "Repetition is the mother of learning!"

First, you need to make a backup. After installing the update, your device will have nothing but the operating system itself and programs installed by default. Therefore, SMS, applications, games and everything that you downloaded will have to be done on your own. Fortunately, there are a lot of special programs that will help you do this.

Secondly, if you decide to install custom firmware, of which there are an incredible amount now, you will have to take care of Root rights. Just like with Backup, you will need special software.

Thirdly, before you start manipulating the system, make sure that the battery is fully charged and that you have a USB cable (preferably original) at hand.

Before proceeding directly to the Android update process, it must be said that there are not so many options to do this, only two: “over the air” (that is, via the Internet) and via a computer.

Option number 1. "By air"

As mentioned above, there can be two situations here. Either the update came automatically, or it needs to be checked and installed forcibly.

If the update came automatically, then there are no problems at all. You will see a notification that a new version of Android 5.0 Lollipop is available. Typically, the same notification will suggest "Update Now" or "Postpone Update". You know what to choose!

In case your android update did not come automatically, you can check its presence manually. To do this, open the "Settings" menu, go to the "About device" submenu, then to the "Updates" section. In the window that opens, tap on the "Check for updates" button. If the update is "found" - install.

It happens that this method does not work. Then you can go the other way. To do this, you must first erase the data from google apps Services Framework. And you can find this application at the address "Settings" - "Applications". After the data is erased, restart your phone and check again for updates.

Before moving on to the next OS update method, I would like to note that the options described above will install official firmware on your device. Therefore, you do not need to think about and some other nuances. But it's better to do Backup!

Option number 2. Through a computer

This method will be of interest to those who want to install custom firmware, as well as for all owners to whom Android 5.0 Lollipop was not originally "intended".

I would like to note right away that for each specific device, be it a smartphone or a tablet, the process of installing the OS through a computer is individual. Before you start installing the update, study the algorithm in detail in theory. Read forums, reviews, ask questions. The assembly of the firmware is individual for each device separately. Install only the one that is right for you.

In essence, the process of updating via a PC comes down to downloading the firmware to a computer and using a certain bootloader program to install it on the device. For many gadgets on the web there are detailed instructions on installation, and even video materials with visual reviews. Especially for popular models of the tablet-smartphone world.


The update method will depend on the specific device

We will focus on the main actions that will have to be performed, based on the fact that you have already downloaded the firmware, root-, bootloader- and backup programs, unpacked everything, installed it and are ready to start.

  1. Switch the device to firmware mode (see the instructions for your device).
  2. Connect to computer.
  3. Run the bootloader, load the firmware into it.
  4. , start the installation process and wait a bit.
  5. After completion, the device will reboot and turn on with the new version of Android.

This is the structure of the process. In fact, for devices from some manufacturers, this process can be much more tricky. But you can definitely figure it out!

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to say thanks to those programmers who, despite all the restrictions of manufacturers, bypass the prohibitions and adapt the firmware for our phones and tablets. Also, the people who test these updates, find bugs and test again deserve words of gratitude. After all, everyone wants to enjoy new features and a new design, and not just those who bought their gadget today!

Conclusion (alternative)

In the end, after all of the above, I want to philosophize a little. Because a number of questions hang in the air:

  • Why, by default, device manufacturers "send" updates only to flagship devices?
  • Why do they make the decision to upgrade for us?
  • Users of the first versions of Android probably remember how illogical and inconvenient the system's interface was when it appeared. But time goes by, today Android has grown to version 5.0 and has significantly changed from all sides.

    material design

    Google did not have a standard design for Android for a long time, so manufacturers created application interfaces to their liking, which did not always lead to good results. Google quickly determined that Android needed a deeper change. This is how the idea of ​​Material Design was born, covering every segment of Google's mobile OS design.

    It changes the appearance of the system from icons to animations. It's based on the concept that flat design doesn't have to be exactly flat.

    Lock screen

    In Android 5.0, manufacturers have improved the lock screen, where quick settings are available and all notifications are displayed. As a result, in order to view, for example, incoming emails or turn off Wi-Fi, it is not necessary to unlock the device at all.

    Application menu

    Installed and system programs are collected in one menu, which has also been updated.

    For ease of navigation, applications are now displayed on a white background, because now, their icons are much easier to distinguish.

    User change

    The system has a full-fledged user manager. For a phone, this is not so interesting, but for a general tablet it can even be very useful. Thanks to this mode, you can create several accounts on one device and switch between them.

    Alert panel

    The drop-down notification bar at the top of the display in Lolipop has been drastically changed. Now she does not close the main screen, but only obscures it.

    Settings

    The settings menu has only been slightly improved, it is still a list of icons with function names.

    From the innovations in the settings of Lollipop, there was a section "Contactless payment" for mobile payment.

    Smartphone

    The calendar

    The app has changed a lot. It has a new display option “Schedule”, which shows the calendar and events in one ribbon.

    Clock

    The Clock application shows local and world time, there are alarms, a timer and a stopwatch.

    In this program, you can mark “Night mode”, which displays the time on the off display.

    Contacts

    The address book displays the entire list of contacts, and you can also go to the “Favorites” tab, where there are marked contacts.

    Photo

    The photo storage mode is closely related to Google+, and allows you to save pictures in the Google cloud.

    The program automatically enhances photos, creates animations and interactive albums from a series of frames.

    Keyboard

    The keyboard has been substantially redesigned. Its design has changed, the animation of pressing the buttons, and even the vibration of the response to pressing.

    Google Fit

    The system will immediately install the Google Fit service application, which can only count steps on its own, but with the advent of compatible utilities and accessories, it will make it possible to collect various information about the user's health in one place.

    Results

    Android 5.0 Lollipop is a very major update to Android that takes Google's mobile OS to the next level. The idea of ​​Material Design combined the best of three-dimensional and flat design, which presented an unusual, but overall good interface.

    Video review of Android 5.0 Lollipop

    Installation android firmware 5.0 Lollipop

    Now it's even easier to update and install the operating system of your smartphone or tablet to the latest version. Now to install new firmware, just download Android 5.0 Lollipop from our website, follow the instructions from the downloaded archive, download and install the application on your smartphone or tablet with the Android operating system.

    Updating the Android operating system is not only a recommended, but also a necessary process for the stable operation of a smartphone. For the owner of the phone, this is primarily an increase in the performance of the device, the emergence of new features, and not just the correction of errors by the manufacturer. Therefore, every user should know how to update Android on a phone.

    The process of changing the current version of Android on a device requires the user's attention and the fulfillment of several conditions.

    Before proceeding to change the operating system, you need to make sure of the following:

    • that the phone is charged (recommended battery level should be at least 50%);
    • what wifi network reliable and stable (important only when a computer is not used when downloading the software);
    • that the USB cable connecting the phone to the computer is working.

    During an update to Android 9.0, 8.0, 7.0, 6.0 or earlier, it is forbidden to remove the battery or turn off the smartphone.

    Interrupting the update process for one of these reasons can lead to irreparable consequences (without the help of specialists service center not enough).

    There are two main ways to change Android yourself:

    1. Launching the update on the smartphone itself.
    2. Changing the software modification using a computer.

    How to install a new Android without connecting to a computer

    The easiest option to change the OS version is to run the process on the smartphone itself.

    Usually, the system notifies you about the availability of a new version (a notification appears at the top of the gadget screen):

    Note: the algorithm for updating to a new versionAndroid always the same: no matter if the operating system is updated to 5.0, 7.0 or 9.0.

    Depending on the phone model and the current firmware modification, the text and design of the notification on the screen may differ.

    After receiving the notification, click "download", and wait until the software is downloaded to the device.

    When Android is downloaded, a message will appear in the notification bar and the user will be prompted to install or postpone the process.

    Important: before clicking "install now", it is recommended that you read the information provided above, where the developers warn about the possible loss of personal data, and the need to make a backup.

    The system does not always notify the user about the availability of a new version of Android. The reason may be the lack of an Internet connection or refusal to receive notifications (can be set in the “Software Update” section).

    In this case, you can download the new Android manually. To do this, follow these steps:

    How to update Android OS using a computer

    You can change the Android operating system using the application from the manufacturer.

    The main purpose of such programs is to create a backup copy of data, transfer photos and videos to a computer and vice versa.

    Among such applications are Samsung kies or Smart switch for Samsung smartphones and Xperia Companion for Sony phones.

    Before you change android 4.4.2, you need to activate special setting, intended for developers - "Debugging via USB". In later versions of the OS, this setting is hidden, and to activate it, you need to do the following:

    How to download new Android using Xperia Companion

    To download firmware to a smartphone using Xperia software Companion needed:


    Attention: it is impossible to return to the previous version of the OS, about which the user will receive a notification before installation.

    How to update using Smart Switch

    To install the new Android on tablets and Samsung smartphones Smart Switch applications are used and Samsung Kies.

    To update to 7.0, 8.0 or 9.0 using Smart Switch, you need to:


    Note: If you don't see a notification on the screen that you can download the new versionAndroid- this means that the latest updates are installed on the device.

    How to Update Android with Samsung Kies

    To update, for example, android 4.2.2, using Samsung Kies, you need to do the following:


    The new firmware may not meet the user's expectations (changing appearance menus, new ones appear and old applications are deleted, etc.). Therefore, it is important to read during installation what changes will occur and whether it is worth updating.

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