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The Ultimate Guide to Updating Your Phone Without Breaking It

Updating Your Android Device

Updating your phone is like giving it a “check-up.” It keeps your information safe, fixes “bugs” (small errors), and sometimes gives you new, easier ways to use your device.

Before You Start: The Pre-Update Checklist

  1. Plug it in: Ensure your phone has at least 50% battery or is plugged into a charger. Updates can take 10–30 minutes and you don’t want the phone to die in the middle.
  2. Use Wi-Fi: Updates are large files. Connect to your home Wi-Fi so you don’t use up your monthly data plan.
  3. Clear a little space: If your phone is “full” of photos, the update might fail. Try to have at least 1GB or 2GB of free space.

How to Update by Brand

Since every phone is a little different, find your brand below:

Samsung Galaxy

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Scroll down to Software update.
  3. Tap Download and install.
  4. If an update is available, tap Install now.

Google Pixel

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap System.
  3. Tap Software updates.
  4. Tap System update and follow the prompts.

Motorola & Others (OnePlus, Nokia)

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap About phone (usually at the very bottom).
  3. Tap Android Version or System Updates.
  4. Tap Check for update.

Problems an Update Might Cause

Sometimes, a new update makes things feel “off.” Common issues include:

  • Battery Draining Faster: This usually settles after 48 hours as the phone “re-indexes” its files.
  • Apps Crashing: Old apps might not “talk” to the new update yet.
  • Phone Running Hot: The phone is working hard to install the new software; this is normal during the first hour.

“The Update Broke My Phone!” – How to Troubleshoot

If things aren’t working right after an update, try these steps in order:

  1. The “Golden Rule” Restart: Turn the phone off completely, wait 60 seconds, and turn it back on. This fixes 90% of post-update glitches.
  2. Update Your Apps: Your phone’s system is new, but your apps might be old.
    • Open the Play Store app.
    • Tap your profile icon (top right).
    • Tap Manage apps & device > Update all.
  3. Wipe the “Cache” (Lesser-Known Fix): This clears out temporary “junk” files from the old version without deleting your photos or messages.
    • Tip: This usually requires a specific button combination while the phone is turning on (like Power + Volume Down). Since this varies by model, it’s a great “advanced” tip to mention.

Can I “Back Out” of an Update?

Technically, yes, but it is very difficult and usually requires “wiping” the phone (deleting everything).

  • Our Advice: It is much safer to wait for a “hotfix.” Manufacturers usually release a smaller second update a few days later to fix the problems caused by the first one.

King of Kings’ Pro-Tips (Lesser-Known Fixes)

  • The SIM Card Trick: If your cellular signal or texting acting weird after an update, turn the phone off, take the SIM card out, put it back in, and restart. It forces the phone to reconnect to the towers.
  • Safe Mode: If an update makes your phone freeze, hold the “Power Off” button on your screen for 3 seconds. It will ask to “Reboot to Safe Mode.” This runs the phone without any extra apps, helping you see if the update is the problem or if it’s just one of your apps.