While I can think of several benefits to updating Android tablets, the most prior ones include making way for pressing security fixes, improving power usage and battery efficiency, adding to the responsiveness of the interface, fixing developmental bugs, and including new features.
But then, updating your Android tablet to the latest version can be a tricky task to execute especially, if you are already using something as new as Android 9 and haven’t yet upgraded the device.
In the subsequent sections, I shall list some of the best and most productive ways to update an Android based tablet in the least possible time. And that too without running the risk of bricking!
Contents
Method 1: Standard Update
This method involves updating android to the latest version either by manually checking for updates or by updating the tablet by connecting it to a PC.
Note: Ensure that the device is connected to a wireless network and has enough charge or is plugged in.
Option 1: Manual Update
Step 1: Search for a cog-like icon on the screen i.e. the Settings or open notification panel and tap on the settings icon or go to your App drawer and look at the “Settings” and click on it.
It will open the regular settings page as shown in the screenshot below.
Step 3: Scroll down to identify the ‘Software Update’ tab.
Step 4: Tap on the ‘Download and install’ option.
Step 5: The device will then search for the updates and allow you to select from three options, i.e. install now, later, or overnight.
Note: Once you click on ‘Install Now’, you might be prompted to choose from options like ‘Reboot and Install’ and ‘Install System Software’, depending on the type of device and OS version you are on.
Option 2: Update using a Computer
Note: Before attempting a wired update, you need to head over to the website of the tablet OEM from the same computer. Once done, you might have to register the tablet for accessing software updates. Besides, not all OEMs support this method.
Step 1: Identity, download, and finally install the device management application, relevant to the tablet. You can find the same on the official website of the tablet manufacturer. For the sake of understanding, I would be using a Samsung tablet to demonstrate, with Kies as the DMS of choice.
Step 2: Once the device management setup is complete, head back to the official website to search for relevant software updates.
Step 3: Once the downloadable file is on your computer, connect the tablet to the PC, using the USB cable. Mostly, you will find a USB-to-Micro USB connector.
Step 4: Open the Kies device management app.
Step 5: Once inside the app, select ‘firmware upgrade settings’ from the tools menu.
Step 6: You will then get an update notification that installs the latest patch or software version onto the tablet.
Note: This process works best if the Wi-Fi adapter of your non-LTE tablet isn’t working and you still want to update to the latest Android variant.
Method 2: Updating using Custom ROM
Note: There is no hard rule to only update Android via conventional means. If you are privy to rooting the device i.e. unlocking the boot loader, you can flash the same with custom ROM, to make new features available. Provided you have a rooted device, here are the steps to follow:
Important
Before you flash the tablet with custom ROM, kindly back up every shred of your data, in case you accidentally end up bricking the device.
Step 1: Download the relevant ROM by heading over to the XDA forums and searching as per your device.
Step 2: Download Google Apps beforehand to ensure you still have android functionality after installing the ROM.
Step 3: Once the downloaded ROM and even the Google apps are accommodated within the internal memory of the tablet, boot the device in the recovery mode and select TWRP boot to get access to several high-end aspects of the tablet.
Step 4: Select the TWRP backup option from the list as a contingency against failed installation. You can select the components to back up, from the given list.
Step 5: Next step involves wiping the device and once the process is complete, mount the G-Apps and the ROM by connecting the tablet to the PC and transferring.
Step 6: Once the resources are fed into the system, head back to the TWRP menu and select install.
Once these steps are clearly followed, you have to reboot the device once more to view the new ROM upon restarting.
Conclusion
Updating the Android OS to the latest version does make it fast and immune to online threats. While manually checking and updating via Wi-Fi seems to be a regular occurrence, updating the tablet via the PC or even flashing it with a custom ROM might require additional expertise and supervision.
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