Your Android phone isn’t getting OS updates: here’s what to do

The aim of operating systems is to release new features and plug any security issues that might have been discovered in previous versions. Most manufacturers, especially big ones such as Samsung, LG, Google, and HTC, make a point to release OS updates on a somewhat regular basis. However, a lot of Android users still aren’t getting operating system updates, and there are a couple of reasons why. This post explores your options.

Why your device isn’t getting the latest Android version

Obviously, any able company can release Android smartphones and tablets. This has created an industry environment that’s characterized by rampant innovation and customization. Thus, users have more options to choose from, at more affordable costs. The downside of this defragmentation is that it, all the same, makes the Android environment a little bit messy. Google cannot create a single version of Android that works on each and every device. So when the company releases its version of the mobile OS, it’s up to device manufacturers and networks to take on the update and make sure it works on their gadgets, then release it to customers. This process almost always means that there are delays between the initial release of the OS, and the same update getting to consumers. It’s a lot of work involved on the manufacturer’s part to make this happen, and a lot of phone-making companies just decide that it isn’t worth it. More so, never Android versions have minimum hardware requirements that certain devices from certain manufacturers might not meet.

How do I enable automatic Android updates on my phone?

This is really depending on what phone you’re using. If you’re using Google Nexus smartphones, these are specifically designed to provide the ‘pure’ Android experience. That means that the phone is equipped to get updates directly from Google – no delays. Most of the more expensive handsets tend to receive automatic updates, but it may take some time.

How to manually update Android OS?

There are several ways to do this.a) Check for updates from Settings menu

• Open the settings app on your phone and tap on the ‘About phone’ option located near the bottom.
• Top on the ‘System updates’ option in the menu that appears
• Your device will start looking for any available updates. If it finds a version that’s newer that the existing software, you’ll be promoted to download, then install the update.

This happens to be the easiest and most straightforward method to get OS updates on your Android device.b) Force updates via Google Services Network

• Launch the Settings app on your device then choose the Apps menu option. Tap ‘Show all’ then look out for ‘Google Services Framework’. You’ll get a ‘Clear data’ option. Tap on it then click ‘Force stop’.

c) Use the phone dialer app

• Launch the dialer app on your Android device.
• Dial *#*#2432546#*#*
• Immediately you enter the last *, you device automatically starts searching for updates.
• If any updates are available, you’ll be presented with the necessary instructions on how to go about installing them on your device.
• If you don’t get any response that means that updates are available for your device.

Keeping up with updates is a great way to make sure that your phone is at par with all the required security patches and new OS features!

Image Source: Extreme Tech