Android software update 6.0. Let's find out the current version of Android. Rollback to previous version


In this article, we’ll look at how to update Android on your phone and tablet, and also determine current version software and update it to the latest. Let's go a little deeper into history.

A little history

At the time of writing the article itself modern version operating room Android systems is 7.0 Nougat. We were informed about the release of this version of the operating system on May 16, 2016 at the Google I/O conference. Initially, the list of devices with the ability to update firmware included several phones from the Nexus and Google lines:

  1. Huawei Nexus 6P;
  2. LG Nexus 5X;
  3. Motorola Nexus 6;
  4. HTC Nexus 9;
  5. ASUS Nexus Player;
  6. Google Pixel C;
  7. General Mobile 4G.

The first version of Android was released back in 2008, so you should think about how to update the Android system, when and how you can do this. In total, the following versions can be included in the list of “significant” updates for Android:

  1. in 2010, updates 2.2 Froyo and 2.3.3 - 2.3.7 Gingerbread were released;
  2. in 2011, update 4.0.3 was released - 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich;
  3. update 4.1.x was released in 2012 Jelly Bean;
  4. in 2013 year Google continued updating 4.1.x Jelly Bean and released global update 4.4.x KitKat;
  5. in 2014, update 5.0 Lollipop was released;
  6. in 2015, update 6.0 Marshmallow was released, where the manufacturer relied on an intuitive interface;
  7. In 2016, update 7.0 Nougat was released, which is the latest version for Android.

Find out the current version of Android

Before updating your Android version, you need to know the current version. In most devices running Android menu, despite different versions differ insignificantly. In order to find the desired menu on the phone, we must first go to settings - usually the icon is hidden behind the status bar curtain or in the Menu. Next, we find the item “about phone” (usually located after all the settings) and look at the item Android version - this is the current version of Android.

Ways

So, how to update the android version. Previously, to update the firmware of devices, it was necessary to visit the company’s Service Center.

You can update the Android version in several ways, namely using mobile internet(WIFI) using a computer (Data cable) and with using recovery mode.

Over-the-air (FOTA) update

How can I update Android via Wi-Fi? "FOTA" is an acronym for Firmware Over-the-Air.

This method of updating (to the latest version) of the Android version is the easiest and most accessible, unlike contacting service center manufacturer or the use of a computer and additional software.

The first step is to set up an over-the-air update service (for some phone and tablet manufacturers, you need to additionally create an account for this, for example, in Samsung smartphones you need to add a Samsung account).

The first step when updating over the air is to enable this function . To do this, you need to go to the settings menu and select the option - receive updates over the air.

IN additional menu It is recommended to check the box “receive updates only via WIFI” - software updates can weigh more than GB of data, which is not profitable due to the cost and speed of mobile Internet.

Next, click on the menu item Software update(Software Update) -> Update and follow the instructions on the screen. When carrying out the Android update procedure, the device may reboot and there may be a so-called “freeze” - when the device does not respond to pressing the screen and buttons - do not worry, this is a forced lock for this procedure.


Warning: at the time of updating the software, you need to charge the phone at least 50%, and better yet, 100%. Otherwise, you will be able to get a so-called “brick” and restoration will only be possible at a service center.

From a PC using a special Data cable


You can also update the Android version from your computer. Let's move on to reviewing software updates using a computer. Why we need it will be discussed further (after all, you can update over the air). Suppose you have received RTH access rights on your phone (for example, Samsung) and when updating the software over the air, an error appears that the device is not official. For this we need a Data cable and computer software.

First, charge the phone to at least 50%. Afterwards we install the software on the computer and connect the phone. Download the latest version of Android from the official website. Some software has an option to update the software and automatically offers current version. Next, without disconnecting the phone from the computer, click on update software.

Note: when updating software via a Data cable, superuser rights (RUTH) may often be lost and will have to be obtained again.

Recovery mode

How to update firmware via RM? This method is complex and not required by every user. It is mainly used for installation alternative firmware MIUI, Cyanogen Mod. For this method usually use an alternative CWM Recovery and obtained RUT rights.

Let's look at the steps in order:

  1. We save everything necessary information available on the phone.
  2. Copy to phone memory required file for firmware and turn off the phone;
  3. Go to Recovery (volume up button+center key+power key);
  4. Next, select Install from sdcard;
  5. Select the previously copied firmware file and click Install;
  6. Next we wait complete installation firmware.

Note: For each firmware, the installation process on the device may be different, so you should consult the installation on the software manufacturer's forum.

As practice shows, an updated phone or tablet gains not only new functionality(whether payment from using NFC one touch or a more friendly interface) but also receives protection from malware and scammers. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you keep track of software and operating system updates. Now you know how to update Android on your tablet or phone.

Before version 5.0, think carefully. There may be two reasons why you did not receive the update automatically. Either this was an error (during distribution, upon receipt, etc.), or the manufacturer did not plan to update the software for your device. And if in the first case the defect is easy to correct, then the second option makes you think. Of course, the point here is not that the manufacturer doesn’t care about your device or has forgotten about you. Everything is much more prosaic.

Every manufacturer, be it Samsung, Sony, HTC, LG or any other, remembers very well about each of its devices. But he also knows everything in detail specifications each model. Much better than you and me! And no matter how much OS developers talk about increasing the performance of gadgets after updating them, numerous tests and user reviews indicate either a meager or zero “increase” in operating speed. But most often, users report a deterioration in the performance of the device after the update. The explanation for this is simple: Android 5.0 Lollipop is brighter and more functional than its older brother, and this requires more resources to work. And all manufacturers also know about this, which is why they do not send an update to your device.

Therefore, let's start with advice: if you think that your device on Android 4.4 Kitkat is working at its limit technical capabilities, then you probably don’t think so! Of course, you can experiment with deleting photos, videos, games and applications, installing accelerator programs, checking for viruses, and so on. But the risk of getting a “brick” after forced update still remains!

It's worth remembering that there are a few things you need to take care of before starting the installation. Surely you are well aware of them, but, as they say, “Repetition is the mother of learning!”

First, you need to do Backup. After installing the update, there will be nothing on your device except the operating system itself and the programs installed by default. Therefore, SMS, applications, games and everything that you downloaded will have to be done on your own. Good, special programs There are a lot of people who can help you do this.

Secondly, if you decide to install custom firmware, of which there are an incredible variety now, you will have to take care of Root rights. Just like with Backup, you will need special software.

Thirdly, before you start manipulating the system, make sure that the battery is fully charged and that you have a USB cable (preferably the original one) at hand.

Before moving directly to the Android update process, it must be said that there are not many options for doing this, only two: “over the air” (that is, via the Internet) and through a computer.

Option number 1. “By air”

As mentioned above, there can be two situations here. Either the update arrived automatically, or it needs to be checked and installed forcibly.

If the update came automatically, then there are no problems at all. You will see a notification that a new version of Android 5.0 Lollipop is available. Typically, the same notification will suggest “Update now” or “Delay update.” You know what to choose!

If your Android does not receive the update automatically, you can check for it manually. To do this, open the “Settings” menu, go to the “About device” submenu, then go to the “Updates” section. In the window that opens, tap on the “Check for updates” button. If the update is “found”, install it.

It happens that this method does not work. Then you can go another way. To do this, you must first erase data from the application. Google Services Framework. And you can find this application at “Settings” - “Applications”. After the data is erased, restart your phone and check again for updates.

Before moving on to next method OS updates, I would like to note that the options described above will be installed on your device official firmware. Therefore, you don’t need to think about any other nuances. But here Backup is better do it anyway!

Option number 2. Through a computer

This method will be of interest to those who want to install custom firmware, as well as to all owners for whom Android 5.0 Lollipop was not originally intended.

I would like to immediately note that for everyone specific device, whether it’s a smartphone or a tablet, the process of installing an OS via a computer is individual. Before you start installing the update, study the algorithm in detail in theory. Read forums, reviews, ask questions. Firmware assembly is individual for each device separately. Install only the one that is suitable for yours.

In essence, the update process via a PC comes down to the fact that you need to download the firmware to your computer and use a certain bootloader program to install it on the device. For many gadgets on the Internet there are detailed instructions on installation, and even video materials from clear overviews. Especially for popular models of the tablet and smartphone world.


The update method will depend on the specific device

We will focus on the main actions that will have to be performed, based on the fact that you have already downloaded the firmware, root, bootloader and backup programs, unpacked everything, installed it and are ready to start.

  1. Switch the device to firmware mode (see the instructions for your device).
  2. Connect to computer.
  3. Launch bootloader and load the firmware into it.
  4. , start the installation process and wait a bit.
  5. After completion, the device will reboot and turn on with the new version of Android.

This is the structure of the process. In fact, for some manufacturers' devices, this process can be much more tricky. But it’s certainly possible to figure it out!

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to say thank you to those programmers who, despite all the restrictions of manufacturers, bypass the prohibitions and adapt the firmware for our phones and tablets. Also, those people who test these updates, find errors and test again deserve words of gratitude. After all, everyone wants to enjoy new features and new design, not just those who bought their gadget today!

Conclusion (alternative)

In the end, after all of the above, I would like to philosophize a little. Because a number of questions hang in the air:

  • Why do device manufacturers only push updates to flagship devices by default?
  • Why do they decide whether to update for us?
  • Why does everyone who is “not entitled to” this update have to resort to trickery in order to also receive operating system, meeting modern standards?

And the answer is very simple! It's all because of marketing sales plans! After all, if you want the latest, well official update the manufacturer does not send it, citing the fact that the device simply cannot cope with it, then there is only one way out - to buy new gadget! This is exactly what manufacturers are counting on.

So it turns out that, hiding behind feigned concern for their customers, in reality manufacturers are pursuing an absolutely specific and simple goal - to make money!

Is not coming Android update by air? Is it possible to update the device, is there a new official firmware for it, and how can I install it myself? You will learn the answers to all these questions from this article.

It seems that updating Android is the simplest action that even a person who does not understand the system can handle. In general this is true, but there are a few important nuances which even many professionals have not heard of.

How do smartphones and tablets receive updates?

Users often wonder: how often do updates come? Unfortunately, there is no universal answer - it all depends on your manufacturer. Only gadgets from the Google Nexus line are updated regularly and in a timely manner.

It is simply impossible to update all other devices in such a short time– you need to wait until manufacturers create their firmware based on the new one Android versions, test them and only then start updating. Typically this process can take from 1 month to six months.

Often, many versions are simply “skipped”, that is, the device does not receive everything in order: for example, not Android 5.0, 5.1, 5.1.1 and 6.0, but only 5.0 and then 6.0. You must understand that each manufacturer has to support up to 30 models at the same time, and purely physically, company developers cannot have time to roll out new updates for each smartphone or tablet.

How long will it take for your gadget to be updated? Answer to this question Only the manufacturer knows. It is impossible to predict this when choosing a new device. It is logical that what more popular model, the more advantageous it is in terms of updates. It is profitable for the manufacturer to satisfy large quantity users, so that they, in turn, remain loyal to the brand and buy its products again next time.

But how can you find out about the release of new system updates for your smartphone or tablet before the corresponding notification appears on the device? Just follow thematic sites, forums or groups in in social networks, and also check the manufacturer’s official website for new images for manually updating the device (this process is described below in this article).

Checking and installing Android updates

After the announcement of a system update, it may not arrive to you immediately. Typically this process takes from 2-3 days to 2 weeks. The fact is that the manufacturer sends out updates gradually, so it turns out that your friend with the same smartphone received an update instantly, but it only reached you after some time.

When it’s your device’s turn, a new Wi-Fi connection will prompt you to receive a notification asking you to update the system.

Select System Update.

Click the "Check for updates" button.

And if an OTA update is available for the device, the “Download” button will appear.

System Update will download to your phone or tablet, after which you will need to click on “Restart and install”.

The installation process will begin, after which the device will reboot with the updated system.

How to speed up (force) receiving OTA updates

If the owners of your device have updated for a long time, and you still receive an update, you can resort to a method that few people know about.

Go to Settings → Applications → All tab. Open Google Services Framework" Select the "Erase Data" option.

After that, check again for updates according to the instructions above and most likely you will be pleasantly surprised. Sometimes it doesn't work the first time, and sometimes it takes several minutes before the OTA update appears.

How to update Android manually

In order not to wait for an update over the air (and it happens that it doesn’t arrive at all), I recommend installing the official firmware manually via Recovery.

At first ZIP archive with this very firmware you need to download from the manufacturer’s official website to your smartphone, tablet and place it in any convenient place in your memory. After that, go to the Recovery menu and follow the instructions.

1. To log in Recovery Menu, turn off the machine first.

2. Then turn it on, but simultaneously hold down certain key combinations. Depending on the manufacturer, this combination differs, but the most common are (in general, it is better to find information on the Internet on how to enter Recovery on your model):

  • Volume up + power button
  • Volume down + power button
  • Volume up/down + power button + “Home”
  • Volume up + volume down + power button

Navigation through Recovery (if it is not touch-sensitive) is carried out using the volume keys, and selection is made using the Power/Lock button.

The names of the options may be slightly different, but I'm sure you can figure it out.

3. Select “Apply update”.

4. Then select “Choose from internal storage” if you saved the archive with the firmware in internal memory or “Choose from sdcard” if on a memory card.

5. After that, go to the desired folder, in which you saved the firmware and select it.

The market for mobile products is structured in such a way that as new versions of the Android OS are released, smartphone manufacturing companies implement their support in their own, both recently released and already proven models. How it works? At the time of purchasing a new mobile product, it is available basic version system installed by default. After some period of time, Google releases new release Android. After six months or a little later, depending on the geographic region, when the new version becomes tested and stable, you can install it on your smart phone. As a result, you get a new one, modern interface, support for new applications and more settings and customization. In this material we have compiled a detailed guide for you, how to update Android on your phone.

What is a software update on Android and why is it needed?

You need to be aware that as a result of updating or rolling back the operating system, all data stored on the phone will be irretrievably lost. Be sure to do backups all the data you need ( address book, notes, photos) to a reliable external media before taking any of the steps in this guide. It could be external storage, hard drive on a PC (as a last resort, a memory card, but not advisable).

One more nuance. Since updating the operating system will require certain time(from 5 to 10 minutes, and sometimes more), be sure to charge the phone to 70-80% of the total battery capacity so that the update procedure is not interrupted due to problems with the phone’s battery.

Automatic Android update

The most accessible and the least the hard way updates. Go to the options menu and select the “Phone Information” section. Here we go to the “Software Update” item. On your device, this section may be located somewhere else, so you may have to go through the settings.

Now tap on the “Update” button, having previously set the option to download updates only via Wi-Fi, so that the update does not “eat up” all your money from your account.

Option in settings menu for automatic update OS

When all the data from the manufacturer’s server has been downloaded, in the menu that appears, tap the “Install” button and wait until the device reboots.

Since using the method described above you can only update your mobile device to the minor release build, you should also use special utility from the manufacturer (for Samsung gadgets– this is Kies, for LG – PC Suite, etc.) or update “over the air” (most of the companies that produce smartphones or tablets have such a proprietary feature).

Latest Android update, if it is already available on the server, you can download it to your device at any time using just such a program.

Manually updating Android firmware

Almost all service centers use this method, but we can easily update ourselves, using exclusively available means. The system is used for updating. Odin app. You can download it on many web resources (for example, on the same w3bsit3-dns.com). Using this technique, you can only install a new version of the official firmware, but not a custom one.

1. download the Odin program. We need version 1.83 (or later) - it is very popular among technicians and is suitable for the vast majority of products

2. find and download an archive on the Internet with the firmware we need. After extracting the contents from the archive (you will need it first), you should have 3 files on hand: PIT, PDA and CSC

3. connect the smartphone to the PC. It is critical that the phone is detected correctly in Windows

4. launch Odin. If the device connection was successful, in the program yellow the port name will light up in the corresponding field

Indication of successful connection of the device to the PC for updating in Odin

5. turn off mobile device and put it into Download Mode by pressing the home, power and volume down keys at the same time

6. Confirm activation of Download Mode by holding down the “Volume Up” key

7. in the central Odin window, select the downloaded files so that they correspond to the PIT, PDA and CSC objects

8. In Odin, click the Start button and wait until all files are updated.

If the Android system update went smoothly, a field with the inscription PASS in green will appear on the application screen.

Successful system update via Odin

Rollback to previous version

Perhaps you updated to one of the latest versions and were not satisfied (the phone is slow, errors appear frequently, you need to reboot, etc.). If necessary, you can roll back to any version you need. How to roll back?

1 way

Suitable for those who want to return the basic official factory firmware installed in the device at the time of its purchase in the store. This is quite easy to do. Go to the device settings and select the item responsible for resetting the settings (this can be “Privacy” or “Backup and reset”). On the test phone, this function was available in the “Backup and reset” menu in the “Personal data” category.

Section in the options menu designed to reset the device to its factory state

  1. We go to this section of the menu and stop at the “Reset settings” item.
  2. A form pops up warning you that all data from the gadget will be deleted. If the backups are already saved in a safe place, feel free to click “Reset phone settings”.
  3. The phone begins to reboot. After 5-10 minutes it will boot again, with a clean basic system on board.

Method 2 - reset to factory settings (hard reset)

  1. turn off the phone/tablet
  2. simultaneously press and hold down the “Volume Up”, “Home” (bottom center) and “Power” buttons. The Recovery menu opens.
  3. Using the volume keys, check the “wipe data/factory reset” item.
  4. press the power key to confirm your choice
  5. in the next menu you need to confirm your decision. Select “Yes – Delete all” user data» via the volume control keys
  6. Press the power button again. The main menu appears in front of you again
  7. Using the power key, select “reboot system now”

All is ready. Next time the factory version of the OS will boot.

How to rollback if a custom version of Android is installed (Cyanogenmod, MIUI, Paranoid Android)?

If you installed a custom ROM, you can return the official firmware in the same way as manual update, - using the one already mentioned in the review Odin programs. First, you will have to search the Internet for files with the firmware you need, individually suitable for your smart model. Perhaps, best resource For search - mobile portal 4PDA, here you can find any firmware for almost every phone model.

  1. connect the mobile device to the PC
  2. launch Odin
  3. turn off the phone and enter it into Download Mode. To do this, press the home key, power key and volume down key.
  4. when the phone is booted, press the volume up key to activate Download Mode
  5. on main form Odin select downloaded files as matching PIT, PDA and CSC
  6. in Odin, click the Start button and wait until all the files are updated.

The successful completion of the rollback procedure will be indicated by a green field with the inscription PASS at the top.

Information about a successful rollback to a previous version via Odin

How to update Play Market on Android

The first time you boot a fresh system, you have to configure everything again: account, language, mail, time zone, network, etc. The same goes for the store. Google Play Market. An update to this module will become available immediately after setting up a Google account on your mobile device.

Proposal to connect your Google account to the system

Once you enter your authentication details account Google, Play Store components will appear in the notification panel, which can be updated exactly like any other applications.

Component updates Play Market

If you are using custom firmware, you need to go to the store itself at least once to update. After this, an update for the service will appear on the display.

Answers to readers' questions

When will the new Android update be available?

Answer. Because between the immediate release new version Android and the physical ability to install it on a gadget takes a certain amount of time (from 2-3 to 6-8 months), you need to be patient and follow the announcements of the companies. Among the first products with marshmallow support are devices from the Nexus and Android One. As for the Samsung brand, this month they promise updates to 6.0 for following models mobile devices: Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 edge+; in January 2016 – Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge; in February – Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge.

Now about others trademarks. Sony announced an update for all current devices Xperia line, starting from the Xperia Z Ultra GPE released in 2013 and ending with all models of the Z5 series (both Premium and budget). The range of devices from LG is limited to the G4, G3 and G Flex2. HTC, in turn, limited itself to only two last generations devices own production: One M9/E9 and One M8/E8. In addition, companies such as Motorola, Xiaomi, Huawei, Asus, OnePlus and ZUK promise to equip their flagship devices and mid-level devices with Android 6.0. This list is not yet final. Subsequently, we will keep you updated on the latest announcements.

I have Huawei phone U9500, and I didn’t know or didn’t understand that I needed to update the version. Now I have Android 4.0.3, how can I update the firmware to the new version, please help!

Answer. Update process Huawei firmware described . In short, there are two ways to update the Huawei U9500 firmware.

  1. We take out the battery and hold down the volume buttons on the phone. After this, the Android update process will begin.
  2. Go to Settings -> Storage -> Software Update -> SD Card Update, launch the Android OS update.

I have a MFLogin3T tablet and until now I didn’t know that it was possible to update the system. I read it on different sites, tried it, but it doesn’t work. I have Android 4.4.4. How to update the Android version?

Answer. The easiest way to update your phone is through Settings - Options - About device - Software update. IN different versions Android OS partition location may vary. Thus it is fulfilled standard update on Android, download the official software. This is the safest and easiest way.

I have Samsung Duos, version 4.1.2 I can’t update the operating system to a higher version. Please help me update Android on my phone!

Answer. First you need to find out if it is possible to update Android on your phone to version 5.x. It turns out not. The fact is that the technical characteristics of your phone do not allow you to install newer versions of Android.

On the other hand, you can download the update for Android from the 4pda forum, where they post modified firmware. But we wouldn't recommend setting it to enough old phone such updates if you do not have the necessary skills and are not prepared for a drop in the performance of your mobile device.

Lenovo A1000, Android is not updated. I'm trying to update version 5.0 to the newest one. At first everything goes well, but then he writes “Error” and shows an opened Android with a red triangle hanging above it with exclamation point. What should I do? How to update the OS to the latest version?

Answer. Why isn't Android updated? The fact is that Android 5.0 is latest version The OS to which you can officially update the firmware on your phone. At least that's what users of the 4pda forum say. Of course, you can update your phone by installing custom firmware, but no one guarantees stability after such an update.

Has gained NTS one m7. I can't update Android 4.4.2. The device does not find the software update, how to solve this problem? How to update it?

Answer. NTS one m7 can be updated to at least Android 5.1. If you can’t install the official update, try downloading custom firmware on the 4pda forum. Instructions for updating on this device are also collected there (see). In this topic you will find solutions to the problem if the Android OS is not updated.

I have a Moto x play, I don’t want to update the system, the message “Android 6.0.1 software available” constantly appears, which is wildly annoying. Please tell me how to remove this message so that it doesn’t appear again. I even contacted the support service of the smartphone manufacturer itself, All the instructions they gave me did not bring any results.

Answer. To disable firmware updates, go to Android settings, section About phone - Software update and disable updates by unchecking the corresponding item.

A year ago, the memory on my device died (the phone stopped turning on), it was replaced, but the firmware was not the original one (it’s no different, only the yellow Kernel inscription appears in the corner on the startup screen). Naturally, there are no updates for this firmware. Can I use Kies to roll back Android (install the native one) and update it?

Answer. In order to roll back the update, you need to reboot the phone into Recovery mode, select wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition and reinstall the firmware from the zip archive previously downloaded to the memory card. You can find the official firmware both on the manufacturer’s official website and on the 4pda forum, in the section with the corresponding name of your mobile device.

Acer tablet Iconia A1-810. I don't have firmware updates... I click system update and it says "your device requires an update." How can I “force” it (forcefully update the Android system) or update it myself?

Answer. This model The tablet was released about 5 years ago, it does not support new versions of Android, so the manufacturer does not provide firmware updates. You can search for custom (unofficial) firmware on the 4pda forum, but we do not recommend installing them - it’s better to purchase new tablet than experimenting with firmware to the detriment of the stability and speed of the device.

The build number does not open on Android. I called for a long time. What should I do?

Answer. Number Android builds initially available for viewing in the “About smartphone” (“About tablet”) section. If you go turn on hidden settings(section “For Developers”), you can activate them by clicking on the build number, just 4-7 clicks on this line.