Independent advice for UK buyers. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission. It never changes our verdicts.Independent UK advice. We may earn from links.How we are funded

SMALL STEPS. USEFUL SKILLS.

Check for a software update

Install available security and system improvements.

Google Pixel · AndroidAbout 4 minutes6 steps · 4 with pictures
Follow along on your device

Use the pictures where shown. Follow the short instructions between them.

STEP 1 OF 6

Prepare the phone

Connect to Wi-Fi and plug in the charger if the battery is low.

FOLLOW ON YOUR DEVICE01
Look for: Prepare the phone

A matching screen picture is not available for this step. Follow the instruction above, or open the manufacturer’s guide if your menus differ.

Open Google Android Help guidance
Written guidance · take your time
Take your time. There’s no rush.
Prefer to see all the steps together?+

STEP 1

Prepare the phone

Connect to Wi-Fi and plug in the charger if the battery is low.

STEP 2

Open the quick settings

Swipe down from the top of the screen with two fingers.

Pixel Home screen with the top edge highlighted.
Step 2

STEP 3

Open Settings

Tap the Settings cog at the bottom right of the panel.

Pixel quick settings with the Settings cog highlighted.
Step 3

STEP 4

Tap System

Scroll down and tap System.

Pixel Settings with System highlighted.
Step 4

STEP 5

Tap Software updates

Scroll down and tap Software updates.

System with Software updates highlighted.
Step 5

STEP 6

Install the update

If an update is found, follow the on-screen button to download and install it. The phone restarts, so save anything you are working on first.

IF SOMETHING LOOKS DIFFERENT

A little help along the way.

Your menus may look different after an update. Look for the same control name and take your time.

I cannot find that option+

Check that this guide covers your device and software. If the names do not match, use the manufacturer’s instructions linked below for your model.

I need to go back a step+

Use Previous step or select a step number above. This changes the guide only; it does not undo anything on your device.

Are these pictures of my device?+

They are example screens showing exactly where to tap. Your names, apps, wallpaper and layout may look a little different, but the options you need are the same. Some pictures show what you should see after a step.

Back to all how-to guides