Update operating system Android is not only recommended, but also a necessary process for stable operation of a smartphone. For the phone owner, this is primarily an increase in the performance of the device, the emergence of new features, and not just the correction of errors by the manufacturer. Therefore, every user should know how to update Android on their phone.

The process of changing the current version of Android on a device requires the user to pay attention and fulfill several conditions.

Before you proceed to change the operating system, you need to make sure of the following:

• that the phone is charged (the recommended battery level should be at least 50%);
• What Wi-Fi network reliable and stable (important only if a computer is not used when downloading the software);
• that the USB cable connecting the phone to the computer is working properly.

During the update to 9.0, 8.0, 7.0, 6.0 or earlier versions of Android, it is prohibited to remove the battery or turn off the smartphone.

Interrupting the update process for one of these reasons can lead to irreparable consequences (without the help of specialists service center not enough).

There are two main ways to change Android yourself:

1. Launch the update on the smartphone itself.
2. Changing software modification using a computer.

How to install a new Android without connecting to a computer

The easiest option to change the OS version is to start the process on the smartphone itself.

Usually the system notifies you about the availability of a new version (a notification appears at the top of the gadget screen):

Note: update algorithm to new versionAndroid always the same: it doesn’t matter if the operating system is updated to 5.0, 7.0 or 9.0.

Depending on the phone model and the current firmware modification, the text and design of the notification on the screen may differ.

After receiving the notification, you should click “download” and wait until the software is downloaded to the device.

When Android is downloaded, a message will appear in the notification bar and the user will be asked to install or postpone the process.

Important: before clicking “install now”, it is recommended that you read the information provided above, where the developers warn about the possible loss of personal data and the need to backup.

The system does not always notify the user about the availability of a new version of Android. The reason may be a lack of Internet connection or refusal to receive notifications (can be set in the “Software Update” section).

In this case, you can download the new Android manually. To do this you need to follow these steps:

How to update Android OS using a computer

You can change the Android operating system using an application from the manufacturer.

The main purpose of such programs is to create backup copy data, transferring photos and videos to a computer and vice versa.

Among such applications we can highlight Samsung kies or Smart switch for Samsung smartphones and Xperia Companion for Sony phones.

Before you change Android 4.4.2, you need to activate a special setting intended for developers - “USB Debugging”. In later versions of the OS, this setting is hidden, and to activate it, you need to do the following:

How to download a new Android using Xperia Companion

To download the firmware to your smartphone using the Xperia Companion program, you must:

Attention: return to previous version OS is impossible, about which the user will receive a notification before installation.

How to update using Smart Switch

For installation new Android to tablets and Samsung smartphones are used Smart apps Switch and Samsung Kies.

To update to 7.0, 8.0 or 9.0 using Smart Switch, you need:

Note: if the notification about the opportunity to download a new version does not appear on the screenAndroid– this means that the latest updates are installed on the device.

How to update Android using Samsung Kies

To update, for example, Android 4.2.2, with using Samsung Kies need to do the following:

New firmware may not meet user expectations (changes appearance menu, new applications appear and old applications are deleted, etc.). Therefore, it is important to read during installation what changes will occur and whether it is worth upgrading.

Samsung began rolling out the official Android 7.0 Nougat update for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge on January 17.* With the release of the update, new and improved features promise to let Galaxy users get more out of their devices. The update also enables faster speeds for downloading apps and system software updates. Learn more about the major UX changes below.

Notifications, Performance Mode

Quick Panel and Notifications

The Quick Panel features a cleaner aesthetic, as titles have been removed from the icons in the panel’s first depth. Icons in the second depth are organized into groups of nine, making them easier to locate.

Users can also utilize the integrated S Finder to locate what they want on their smartphone or the web straight from the Quick Panel. Notifications are now grouped to display information more clearly and also support Direct Reply.

Multi Window

An improved controller allows the window size to be more easily adjusted in split screen view. Also, with a new pop-up window function that supports up to five separate windows in addition to the two in the split-screen view, users can access up to seven apps at the same time.

Performance Mode

The newly added Performance Mode lets users optimize their smartphones to better meet their specific needs by activating one of the four available modes. Optimized mode, for example, extends battery life and enhances speed, and is suitable for daily usage, while Game mode provides useful functions such as Game Launcher and Game Tools. Entertainment mode enhances sound and image quality and High Performance mode enables the highest quality display settings possible.

Samsung Pass

Samsung Pass, the feature that works as a master key for website login on Samsung Internet, is now supported on the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Users can use their fingerprint to log into selected websites and apps with Samsung Pass.** The feature will soon be expanded to support mobile banking app integration.

* Android 7.0 Nougat will be expanded to additional countries on the following devices within the first half of this year: Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge Plus, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy Tab A with S Pen, Galaxy Tab S2 (LTE unlock), Galaxy A3, and Galaxy A8.

** The available functions, features and compatible applications for Samsung Pass may vary by country due to differing regulatory and legal environments.

After five months of beta testing, Google has officially released the latest version of its mobile operating system - Android 7.0 Nougat. for the Nexus line, as well as devices registered in Android program Beta.

Of course, the first wave affects only a very small number of smartphones and tablets, compared with more than a billion active Android gadgets - such is the price of platform fragmentation. Now it's up to the manufacturers to prepare updates. This usually takes months and no one gives specific deadlines.

However, there is already information about certain devices, which will definitely receive Android 7.0 Nougat. A number of phones and tablets will most likely update their operating system. And here is a list of gadgets that in the future - distant or near - expect Android 7.0 Nougat.

Nexus, Pixel C and Android One

The Nexus line has always been the first to update to the latest versions of Android. Nothing has changed with the arrival of Nougat. The operating system should already be available for the models:

• Google Nexus 6,
• Google Nexus 5X,
• Google Nexus 6P,
• Google Nexus 9,
• Google Nexus Player,
• Google Pixel C,
• General Mobile 4G (Android One).

As you can see, the super popular oldies Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013) will not receive Android 7.0 Nougat - it's time to buy a new phone. However, Google engineers also did not improve budget Android devices One, which are intended for emerging markets.

Samsung

The model range of the South Korean manufacturer is very wide, so it is not surprising that many gadgets will not be updated. It should be noted that the company is known for slow updates. For example, the Galaxy S6 received Android 6.0 Marshmallow only five months after the official release. Nevertheless, we can expect that they will wait for “Nuga”:

• Samsung Galaxy S6,
• Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge,
• Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus,
• Samsung Galaxy S7,
• Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge,
• Samsung Galaxy Note 5,
• Samsung Galaxy S7 Active,
• Samsung Galaxy Note 7,
• Samsung Galaxy J3.

According to Samsung, the flagship Note 7 will be one of the first to receive the update. This will happen within two to three months. At the same time, there is no reason for state employees of the Galaxy J3 level not to upgrade. However, Samsung representatives are taking a pause and saying that they are assessing the situation and will announce their decision in the near future.

LG

It was somewhat unexpected that one of the first smartphones with Android 7.0 pre-installed would be the LG V20. The extended list of potential lucky winners looks like this:

• LG G5,
• LG V10
• LG G4,
• LG V20.

IN Lately LG has accelerated its rollout of updates. For example, LG G4 received Marshmallow after three months. There probably won't be any big delays this time either.

LG's marketing strategy in promoting the same LG V20 is noteworthy. The company places special emphasis on latest version Android, which, undoubtedly, should touch and spur other smartphone manufacturers.

HTC

HTC immediately confirmed an update to Nougat for three of its devices, which does it credit in our eyes. This will affect:

If we talk about timing, then Motorola has no stability. In the American market, updates come a couple of months or a year after the release of the next version of Android. As a company representative explained, the development of updates is complex, resource-intensive projects and decisions to update a particular gadget will be made on an individual basis. It is recommended to follow the news on the official website.

In general, last year's models are under big question:

• Moto X Style Pure Edition,
• Droid Turbo 2 (Moto X Force),
• Droid Maxx 2 (Moto X Play),
• Moto G (2015),
• Moto E (2015).

ZTE

As ZTE itself says, Axon 7 will receive Android 7.0 “very soon.” The update can also be received by phones that were released on the market 1–1.5 years ago:

• ZTE Axon 7,
• ZTE ZMax Pro,
• ZTE Axon Elite,
• ZTE Axon Pro,
• ZTE Axon Max,
• ZTE Axon
• ZTE ZMax 2,
• ZTE Blade V7.

However, there are no official announcements yet about the exact list of devices and update dates.

OnePlus

The OnePlus lineup is still quite modest, and therefore all smartphones should come with the current version of Android:

• OnePlus 3
• OnePlus X,
• OnePlus 2
• OnePlus 1.

Let's remember that the first generation of OnePlus runs on Cyanogen OS, and newer gadgets come with branded shell OxygenOS. Therefore, regarding OnePlus One, we should wait for news from the Cyanogen community. As practice shows, it will not rust, even with a delay.

Official OxygenOS firmware is released very late. For example, OnePlus 2 received Marshmallow only in June of this year, and OnePlus X is only available in a preliminary build. Nevertheless, there should be updates, you just shouldn’t expect them in the near future.

Sony

Digital Trends received a direct answer that Nougat will appear on the following models:

• Sony Xperia Z3+,
• Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet,
• Sony Xperia Z5,
• Sony Xperia Z5 Compact,
• Sony Xperia Z5 Premium,
• Sony Xperia X,
• Sony Xperia XA,
• Sony Xperia XA Ultra,
• Sony Xperia X Performance.

According to Sony, the company has no "expiration date" on the phones and is working to "bring this major update to as many devices as possible."

BlackBerry

Less and less has been heard about BlackBerry in recent years, but the company is doing its best to please its loyal fans. Android 7.0 is expected to come to both BlackBerry phones:

• BlackBerry Priv,
• BlackBerry DTEK50.

For reference: BlackBerry Priv became friends with Marshmallow six months later, and BlackBerry DTEK50 came with it out of the box.

Alcatel

Alcatel is one of those manufacturers that release new phones at an astronomical speed. Many models are simply difficult to track, much less update. “Nougat” will probably reach the following smartphones:

• Alcatel Idol 4S,
• Alcatel Idol 4,
• Alcatel One Touch Idol 3.

There is no real information, except that earlier one of the Alcatel executives mentioned updating the Idol 4S, “when the company creates a stable firmware based on Nougat.”

Huawei

Largest Chinese manufacturer systematically crushes the whole world under itself. Moreover, Huawei pleases us not only with hardware, but also with software. Therefore, there is a high probability of updating for the models:

• Huawei Mate S,
• Huawei Honor 5X,
• Huawei Honor 5C,
• Huawei Honor GX8 (G8),
• Huawei Honor V8,
• Huawei Honor 7,
• Huawei P9,
• Huawei P9 Lite,
• Huawei P8 Lite,
• Huawei P8.

According to direct confirmation, Android 7.0 Nougat will definitely be developed for smartphones:

• Huawei Mate 8,
• Nexus 6P.

The timing, like that of other Chinese vendors, is disappointing. Take, for example, Honor 5X, which only got Marshmallow in June.

Asus

According to preliminary data, Nougat will please owners of the following phones:

• Asus ZenFone 3 Laser,
• Asus ZenFone 3 Max,
• Asus ZenFone 3,
• Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe,
• Asus ZenFone 3 Ultra,
• Asus ZenFone Zoom,
• Asus ZenFone 2,
• Asus ZenFone 2 Laser,
• Asus ZenFone Selfie.

Most of these devices are available in select regions around the world and have received Android 6 over the past few months. Asus did not respond to Digital Trends' request for comment.

It is highly unlikely that the 2014 flagship, Samsung Galaxy S5, received official update up to Android 7.0 Nougat. If you want to install anything newer than Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on your phone, then you'll have to take matters into your own hands. We will naturally help you by creating step by step instructions installing custom firmware based on the seventh version of Android on the Galaxy S5.

Note: The firmware in question will only work on Snapdragon variants of the Galaxy S5 (klte), including models SM-G900F, SM-G900T, SM-G900M, SM-G900P, SM-G900V, SM-G900FD, SM-G900MD, SM-G900K, SM-G900L, SM-G900S and some others. If you have an Exynos version (SM-G900H), then I must disappoint you that Android Nougat is quite unstable for it on this moment. However, using these instructions you can install it on your device and test it (the download link can be found on the forum on this site).

Is it even necessary to change the official firmware to custom one?

Without regular platform security updates, you expose yourself to a huge risk of hacking, which could lead to data or even money theft. If you are still receiving the Android security patches promised by Samsung and the software you are using is satisfactory, then I don’t think it’s worth upgrading.

Installing Nougat on Galaxy S5: first steps

The first thing you need to do is create a backup of your data. In most cases, the contacts on your phone are already synced with your Google account. You can back up all the data on your phone using our instructions, which will allow you to do it quickly and correctly.

Keep in mind that after flashing the data of many programs and games will be lost. Photos and videos can be uploaded to Google Photos. One way or another, during the installation of custom firmware, you can choose to clear the phone’s memory or not.

Also make sure your smartphone is charged at least up to 60-70%, but it is best to charge it fully before installing the firmware.

Connecting the Galaxy S5 to the computer

Unfortunately, to prepare for the firmware we will need a utility that only works under Windows. If you have not yet installed the drivers, you can download them from the official Samsung website. Also download the ODIN utility itself from this link. Install the drivers and unpack the ODIN archive to any location convenient for you, such as “Documents”.

Download mode on Galaxy S5

Reboot your phone into download mode. To do this, turn off the Galaxy S5 completely, and then press the following buttons simultaneously and hold for a few seconds: “Volume Down”, “Home” and “Power”. A warning should appear on the screen, which you must ignore by pressing the “Volume Up” key.

Launch ODIN, which you downloaded and unzipped earlier, and connect your phone via USB cable. This program should detect the device and if this happens, the message will appear at the top left, as you can see in the screenshot below. And at the bottom in the block with logs the message “Added” will appear, which means that everything is in order, the S5 is ready for work.

If the phone is in download mode but does not show up in ODIN, then you need to install other drivers - ADB Driver Installer. Then we move on to the next step.

Install custom recovery (TWRP Recovery)

To install custom Android firmware 7.1.1 Nougat for Galaxy S5, first you need to replace the stock recovery, which is available in all Android devices, with a custom one. As you might have already guessed, stock recovery only works with official software, and custom recovery only works with modified ones.

Download version TWRP Recovery for your smartphone model via this link. Don't make a mistake with the model number, go to the Primary (Recommended) section and download the file latest version exactly in .tar format to your computer.

After this, in the ODIN program you need to select the newly downloaded recovery. Click the “AP” button, find this file and click the “Select” button. Make sure that the phone is connected to the computer as described above, and then click on the “Start” button. Within a few seconds, the process should complete and the Galaxy S5 should reboot.

Download and install Android 7.1.1 Nougat on Galaxy S5

After installing custom recovery, go directly to Android installation 7.1.1 Nougat on Samsung Galaxy S5. First, download the firmware from the official website of Lineage OS (formerly known as CyanogenMod). Click on the latest build (always located at the very top) and the ZIP archive will begin to download automatically. For now, only so-called “nightly” builds are available, which are updated every day, but after some time of software improvements, stable versions will appear.

Now it's hard to do without Google services, such as the Play Store, so we also download the ZIP archive from Google apps. The easiest way to do this is using the Opengapps.org resource. Go to the website, select the platform (in this case ARM) Android version and also a set of applications that you are going to use. I recommend choosing the minimum set of “pico” or “nano”, but by clicking on the icon next to the name, you can see full list all applications that are included in the package.

Then click on the red download button below to download.

Setting up the device for the first time

Once you start your phone, you will have to go through the process of setting up your phone for the first time as if it were brand new. Connect to Wi-Fi, sign in Google account and install all the necessary applications and application stores. Samsung Galaxy S5 will regularly receive new Android updates, including the latest security patches.

Pros and cons of LineageOS 14.1 on Galaxy S5

The firmware works very well; no problems have arisen over the months of use. Everything works, including NFC and a fingerprint scanner. The only drawback is the lack of an HDR function in the phone's camera, but even without it the photos turn out to be of very high quality.

With this software this device seems completely new and faster than ever. If you still buy new battery, then he will be able to please you for several more years. Samsung Galaxy S5 can get Android O, the next expected update from Google, in the same way.