How to Update Android and Apps Safely
Quick summary: A careful process for installing system and app updates without losing data.
Updates bring security fixes, bug fixes and new features, so installing them is usually a good idea. The risk is small, but a careful routine makes it smaller still.
This guide shows what to do before, during and after an update. Names and screens vary, and your phone maker's own instructions apply if they differ.
Before you start
Plan the update for a time when you do not need the phone urgently. Large updates can take a while and restart the phone several times.
1. Back up first
Confirm that Google backup, your photos and your chats are backed up. Our guide Back Up Important Phone Data explains each part. This protects you if something unexpected happens.
2. Charge and connect to Wi-Fi
Keep the battery above about 50 percent or plug in a charger. Use Wi-Fi to avoid using mobile data on a large download, and make sure there is enough free storage.
3. Install the system update
Open Settings, then Software update or System update and tap Check for updates. Follow the prompts and do not interrupt the process. The phone may restart more than once.
4. Update your apps
Open the Play Store, tap your profile picture, then Manage apps and device, and update apps that have updates available. Auto-update over Wi-Fi only is a sensible option for most people.
5. Check things afterwards
Open key apps, test calls, messages and your banking app, and look at battery behaviour over the next day. If an app misbehaves, restart the phone and check for a newer version of that app.
Pro tip and important warning
Pro tip: Read the update notes when they are shown. They usually list what has changed and sometimes mention anything that needs your attention.
Important: Only update through the phone's own Settings and the official store. Messages or pop-ups that tell you to download an update from a link are a common scam.
Conclusion
A good update routine is simple: back up, charge, install, restart and check. Updating regularly keeps your phone safer than leaving it alone. For a general review, use 10 Android Settings You Should Check Today.
