Google's official help page explains how to find your Android version number, security update status and Google Play system status in the Settings app, and how to download and install available updates. The steps below are as Google describes them.
What it does
Google says you can find your device's Android version number, security update status, and Google Play system status in your Settings app.
According to Google, you'll get notifications when updates are available for your device, and you can also check for updates yourself. Google adds that most system updates and security patches install automatically.
Before you start
Google warns that updates can be large and may take some time. Before you update, it says to connect to Wi-Fi and charge your device to at least 75%.
Google also notes an important limitation: older devices can't always run newer Android versions.
Steps to check your Android version
Step 1: Open your device's Settings app.
Step 2: Tap About phone or About tablet, then Android version.
Step 3: Find info about your Android version, Android security update, Google Play system update, and Build number.
Steps to get the latest updates
Step 1: When you get an update notification, open it and tap the update action, which Google also refers to as the update button.
Step 2: If you cleared your notification or your device wasn't online, open your device's Settings app.
Step 3: Tap System, then Software updates. Google says you can find the update status here.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions. Google's page does not list further menu paths beyond this point.
Troubleshooting and when updates take effect
If you get a "not enough space available" notification, Google points to separate instructions on freeing up storage for Pixel phones, Pixel Tablet and other Android devices. Those steps are not given on this page.
If an update starts downloading and doesn't finish, Google says your device will automatically try again over the next few days, and you'll get a notification when it does; open the notification and tap the update action.
Google says Pixel phones and Pixel Tablet install downloaded Android updates in the background, and the installed updates become active the next time you restart your device. Many other Android phones and tablets automatically restart while they install downloaded updates, and the updates become active when installation finishes.
Google adds that update schedules vary by device, manufacturer, and mobile carrier, and that owners of non-Pixel devices should contact their manufacturer or carrier for information.
What to do
- Connect to Wi-Fi and charge your device to at least 75% before starting an update, as Google advises.
- Open Settings, tap About phone or About tablet, then Android version to see your Android version, Android security update, Google Play system update and build number.
- If you get an update notification, open it and tap the update action.
- If you cleared the notification or were offline, open Settings, tap System, then Software updates, check the status and follow the on-screen instructions.
- To get the latest security update available for your device, make sure you have the latest Android version available for it, Google says.
- If you see a "not enough space available" notification, follow Google's separate storage guidance for Pixel phones, Pixel Tablet or other Android devices.
- Restart your device to activate installed updates on Pixel phones and Pixel Tablet; other Android devices often restart on their own.
- For non-Pixel devices, contact your manufacturer or carrier about update timing.
Key facts and where they come from
- Google says version, security update and Play system status are all in Settings.
You can find your device's Android version number, security update status, and Google Play system status in your Settings app.
- Google recommends Wi-Fi and at least 75% charge before updating.
Connect to Wi-Fi
Charge your device to at least 75%
- The version details sit under About phone or About tablet.
Tap About phone or About tablet Android version.
- Manual update checks are under System, then Software updates.
Tap System Software updates.
- Most updates install without user action, Google says.
Most system updates and security patches install automatically.
- Failed downloads retry automatically over several days.
If an update starts downloading and doesn't finish, your device will automatically try again over the next few days.
- Pixel devices apply installed updates at the next restart.
Pixel phones and Pixel Tablet install downloaded Android updates in the background. The installed updates become active the next time that you restart your device.
- Older hardware may not support newer releases.
Older devices can’t always run newer Android versions.
- Timing depends on the device maker and carrier.
Update schedules vary by device, manufacturer, and mobile carrier.