If you have a tablet, you should know that it's always best to keep it updated to the latest operating system version for the best user experience. Keeping it up-to-date isn't just about having the latest features, but also about... protect your data, extend the device's lifespan and avoid annoying errors while you work, play, or study.
Don't know how to do it? Don't worry, we've prepared a tutorial where you'll learn. How to update Android on your tablet step by step and easily, following the official method and with all the necessary precautions to avoid losing information.
Additionally, if you have an iPad tablet we will also teach you how to update your firmware to the latest version of Apple's operating system. And, for those with very old Android tablets or lesser-known brands, we'll also see what options exist when the update no longer arrives automatically.
But why is it so important to know how to update Android on your tablet and how to do it correctly on any operating system?
Whenever you can, update Android on your tablet
There are many reasons why it's worth keeping your tablet updated to the latest operating system version. In the case of Android tablets, updating the operating system not only improves the user experience, but also... It also enhances security and optimizes device performance.
To begin with, each Android update includes security patches that protect your tablet against the latest threats, such as malware, viruses, and unauthorized access attempts. By keeping your operating system up to date, you reduce the risk of cyberattacks and protect your personal data, accounts, and passwords.
And taking into account the amount of malware and other computer attacks available to other people's friends, it is better to avoid unnecessary scares and know how to update Android on your tablet to close all types of security gapsEven if you don't install new applications, simply browsing the internet or opening attachments can pose a risk if your system is outdated.
In addition, updates usually include system optimization This improves the speed and efficiency of your tablet. This translates to better memory management, longer battery life, and a smoother user experience when switching between apps, playing games, or watching multimedia content.
Not to mention the fact that, with each new version of Android, Google introduces Additional functions and improvements to the user interface: power-saving modes, digital wellbeing tools, new permission controls, changes to notifications, support for new formats, etc. Updating your tablet allows you to enjoy these innovations and keep your device up to date with the latest technological trends.
If you haven't taken your tablet out of the drawer in a while, you might be in for a surprise. Many apps require a minimum Android version To function correctly, if your version is too old, you'll see incompatibility messages or you simply won't find certain apps on Google Play. So don't hesitate to update whenever an update is available.
Something similar happens with the Android security system and the Google Play systemIn the device settings you can see the Android version, the date of the last security update, and the status of the Google Play Systemwhich is also updated to strengthen protection without needing to change the main Android version. Keeping these three elements up to date is key to avoiding vulnerabilities.
Preparations before updating Android on your tablet
Before you start installing a large update, it's a good idea to follow a few basic steps. They aren't complicated, but they are very important for avoid errors during the process and so that you don't lose anything if something goes wrong.
System updates are generally large files. Therefore, it is recommended to use a stable Wi-Fi connection To avoid using up your mobile data plan or experiencing download interruptions. If the connection is interrupted, the update could take much longer or even fail.
It is also very important that make a backup of the most important data: photos, videos, documents, chats, notes, etc. Although official updates are designed to keep your data intact, a power outage, battery failure, or storage problem can cause partial data loss.
To do this, we invite you to go through this article with the best apps to make backup copies on AndroidThey're for mobile phones, but they also work for tablets, since the operating system is the same. Besides the apps, you can also use native solutions like backing up your Google account to the cloud, which saves settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and some app data.
Finally, make sure your tablet has enough battery to complete the update. It's ideal to have at least 50% battery or connect the device to a power source during the process. Some brands even block installation if you don't reach a minimum charge level to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
Also take into account the available storage spaceIf your tablet is full of apps, photos, and videos, the update might not download. In that case, delete unnecessary files or free up space using system cleanup tools before starting. If you have a microSD card slot, moving large files to the card can be a quick fix.
How to check the Android version on your tablet
Before updating, it's helpful to know What version of Android do you have installed? and when the last security update was. This information will help you decide whether it's worth updating now or if you're already up to date.
To check it, follow these steps:
- Open the app «Settings» or "Settings" on your tablet.
- Scroll down and tap on "Device Information", "Tablet information" or "About device" (the name may vary depending on the manufacturer).
- Locate the section "Android version"There you can see the version number you are using.
- This same screen usually also displays the "Android security update", the "Build number" and, in some models, the state of the "Google Play System".
This information will tell you if your tablet has been recently updated or if it hasn't received any updates in a while. If the version is very old and no updates are available, we'll look at your options later.
How to update Android on your tablet step by step
Now that you know everything about Why is it important to update your Android tablet to the latest operating system version? And what to check before doing so, let's look at the steps to follow using the official method from the settings.
Android tablets typically receive updates in two main ways:
- Automatic notificationThe update arrives over the air (OTA) and appears as a notification in the notification bar. Simply open it and follow the instructions.
- Manual searchIf you don't see any notifications, you can check for a new firmware update yourself from the settings menu.
The following details the standard process for most Android tablets:
- Open the app «Settings» or «Settings» on your tablet.
- Scroll down and select "System", then choose "System update" o "Software updates"The name may vary slightly depending on your tablet manufacturer (on some models it may appear directly as "Software Update" in the main menu).
- Your tablet will automatically search for the available updatesIf there is an update, an on-screen notification will appear with version information, approximate size, and main new features.
- If an update is found, tap "Download" o «Download and install»The download process may take several minutes, depending on the file size and your connection speed.
- Once the package is downloaded, follow the on-screen instructions to start installationDuring installation, your tablet will restart once or several times and display a progress bar; this is normal for large updates.
- When finished, your tablet will restart with the updated system. You can verify that the installation was successful by going to "Settings" > "System" > "About device" and checking the new Android version and the date of the last security update.
In some models, especially on Google tablets (like the Pixel Tablet) and from certain manufacturers, updates are download in the background These changes are applied automatically the next time you restart your device, so you don't have to worry about each step. In other cases, the system will ask you to confirm the restart to complete the installation.
What to do if the Android update fails or doesn't appear
You may try to update your tablet and see messages like "There isn't enough space"The download might get stuck, or you might not see any updates even though your device is outdated. In these cases, it's advisable to follow some additional steps.
If you receive the notification that not enough spaceThe first thing to do is free up storage space. Delete apps you don't use, remove large videos, or move photos to the cloud or a microSD card if your tablet allows it. Then try the update again from the "Software Updates" menu.
When an update is downloaded but It hasn't finished installingThe device will usually try again in the following days. New notifications are typically sent to repeat the attempt. As soon as you receive one, open it and tap the update option. Keeping the tablet plugged in during these attempts reduces the chances of failure.
It is also important to note that Not all devices can run recent versions of Android. Older models become incompatible with newer versions due to hardware limitations (RAM, processor, storage) or because the manufacturer has stopped providing support. In these cases, even if you want to update to a modern version, your tablet may only be able to install up to a certain version.
If your tablet is from a little-known or very old brand, it may have become outdated. factory version and that there are no more official updates. Although advanced methods exist, such as installing custom ROMs or firmware from other regions, they usually involve risks: loss of warranty, potential system failures, or, in the worst case, rendering the tablet unusable. Unless you have experience, the best course of action is limit yourself to the official method from the system settings.
How to update an iPad step by step
And what if you have an iPad? The concept is similar: you should have the latest version of iPadOS to enjoy better performanceNew features and security patches. We'll explain the steps to follow.
Remember the advice we gave you before: stay connected to a WiFi networkto have more than 50% battery and back up your iPad. In the Apple ecosystem, the most convenient thing to do is use the copy to iCloud or a local copy on your computer.
To create a backup in iCloud:
- Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud.
- Activate the option ICloud backup.
- Toca Back up now and wait for the process to finish.
If you want to backup your iPad to a Mac, follow these steps:
- Connect iPad to Mac with a USB cable.
- Open the app Finder.
- Select iPad in the sidebar.
- Click on the tab General.
- Click on Back up on this Mac.
Or a backup on Windows:
- Connect iPad to your computer with a USB cable.
- Open the app iTunes.
- Select iPad at the top left of the iTunes window.
- Click on Summary.
- Click on Make a copy now.
Once the backup is complete, you can update the iPad system from the settings:
Now, you can follow these steps to update the iPad:
- Go to the app "Settings" in you iPad.
- Under Settings, select "General" and then "Software update"Your iPad will automatically check for available updates on Apple's servers.
- If an update is available, you will see the option to «Download and install»Tap this option to begin the process and accept the terms if they appear.
- If prompted, enter your access code to authorize the update.
- Your iPad will restart during the update process. You'll see the Apple logo and a progress bar on the screen while the new system is being installed.
- Once the update is complete, your iPad will start up with the new version of iPadOS. Verify that the update was successful by going to "Settings" > "General" > "About" and checking the iPadOS version.
Just like on Android, updates on iPad can be activated manually or automatically, and can be scheduled to install at night if the device is connected to power and a WiFi network.
Why can't I update Android on my tablet or iPadOS on my iPad?
One of the Most common reasons why an Android tablet or iPad cannot be updated It's about hardware compatibility. Manufacturers often stop supporting software updates for older models. If your tablet is several years old, the manufacturer may have stopped providing new versions for that specific model.
On Android, each device has a update policy Support varies depending on the brand, model, and, in some cases, the mobile carrier that sold it. Some brands offer several years of support with security updates and version changes, while others barely release updates beyond the factory version. After that period, even if the system still works, no more patches or new features will be received.
You should also keep in mind that if your tablet has a limited storage capacity And if your device is full of apps, photos, videos, and other files, there might not be enough space to download and install the update. In that case, the system will display an error message, and you'll need to free up space before trying again.
Another factor that can block the update is the Internet connectionAndroid updates for tablets and iPadOS updates for iPads are quite large, so it's essential to confirm you have a good Wi-Fi connection and that it won't be interrupted during the download. If your network is unstable, you can try a different network or move closer to the router.
In the case of some counterfeit or unbranded devices, it is possible that there are no official updates Not at all. Although the hardware may look similar to that of a well-known brand, the firmware is usually different, and using ROMs designed for another model can cause serious errors or even render the tablet unusable.
Now that You already know how to update Android on your tablet step by stepIf you know the basic precautions and understand why sometimes it's not possible to update beyond a certain point, you have all the elements to keep your device as safe and smooth as possible while it remains compatible.
Keeping your tablet, whether Android or iPad, updated is one of the easiest ways to Gain security, stability, and app compatibility Without needing to replace your device prematurely, you can get the most out of its lifespan without any technical hassles. What are you waiting for? Check for a new update and install it!