How to Update Your Phone Software

How to Update Your Phone Software

Whether you own an iPhone or Android, it's important to update your phone's software regularly. On top of ensuring your device runs as smoothly and as quickly as possible, updates mean you'll always be able to take advantage of the latest features on your preferred operating system.

Find out how to update your phone's software with our easy-to-follow guides below.

How to update your iPhone

Before you update your iPhone, Apple recommends creating a backup of your device first. Super easy to do, you can create backups via iCloud, or by connecting your iPhone to a computer and following the instructions on screen in iTunes.

Once your backup is complete, you're ready to update your handset. To do this, unlock your iPhone and tap on Settings. Click on 'General' and from here, you should see 'Software Update'.

To see if an update is currently available, tap on 'Software Update'. If you're using an outdated version of iOS, you'll be able to download the latest version here. All the details of what's included in the update will also be visible from this screen.

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To kickstart the update, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi and press 'Download and Install'. The update will begin, and when the download is complete, you'll have a few options. You can press 'Install' to apply the update straight away. If you do this, your iPhone will reboot itself and, in a few minutes, all changes will be applied. If you can't install the update straight away, you can choose between 'Install Tonight' or 'Remind Me Later' instead.

Selecting 'Install Tonight' will automatically trigger installation overnight as you sleep - as long as your iPhone is connected to a power source.

You can download future updates automatically too - just make some adjustments in Settings. To do this, head to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Turn on 'Install iOS Updates' and downloads will start as soon as Apple makes them available. For select updates, you may need to head back into Software Update to install them manually - however most will install themselves overnight.

How to update your Android

Updating an Android handset is a straightforward process and it doesn't matter if you own a Samsung, Oppo, Huawei or a device from another Android manufacturer, the main steps will be the same across all models.

Before installing updates, Android recommend that you backup your device - and connect to Wi-Fi. You'll also need to double check there's enough storage space free on your phone and that your battery level is above 50%.

Whenever a new update is available for Android, a notification should appear. If you see this and want to download the update straight away, simply tap on the notification and follow the on-screen prompts.

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If you don't receive a notification, want to update at a different time or you'd like to check for updates manually, open up Settings instead. Locate 'System' (typically, you'll find this near the bottom of the screen) and then select 'Advanced'.

From here, tap on 'System Update'. If your device is ready for an update, on-screen steps will guide you through the process, helping you to download and install the latest Android operating system on your handset.

You can also check for security updates, and Google Play updates, separately on Android. Usually updates like this will happen automatically, but if you'd like to check manually you can do so by heading to Settings > Security.

Choose between 'Security update' or 'Google Play system update' and follow any steps on screen to complete updates if they're available.

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