How to Fix a Phone That Won’t Update

Edited 1 day ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Update IssuesSmartphoneTroubleshootingAndroidiPhoneSoftwareDevice ManagementPerformanceMobile OSUser Guide

If your phone is stuck on an old firmware, it can be frustrating. Updates are very important because they often bring bug fixes, security enhancements, and new features. If your phone won't update, don't worry. This guide provides detailed steps to help you fix it.

1. Verify the internet connection

The update can only be downloaded if your phone has an internet connection. Here are some steps to make sure you have a strong internet connection:

• Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Check if other apps or browsers can access the internet. Try loading a web page or streaming a video.
• Restart your router if you're on Wi-Fi.
• Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if that resolves the issue.
• Try setting up Personal Hotspot from another device to test the connection.

2. Charge your phone

Your phone needs enough battery life for system updates. Most phones need at least a 50% charge to install updates. If your phone's battery is low:

• Plug the phone into the charger.
• Wait until the battery is at least 50%, or more.
• While charging, try restarting the update process.

3. Free up storage space

System updates can be quite large, and you'll need enough space on your phone to download and install them. Follow these steps to free up space:

• Delete unnecessary apps, photos, videos, and documents that you no longer need.
• Transfer media files to computer or cloud storage.
• Clear the cache from your apps:

  For Android:
  1. Go to Settings > Storage.
  2. Tap on Cached data.
  3. Confirm to clear cache.

• Delete cached files and data from iPhone:

  1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
  2. Review large apps and delete their data if not needed.

4. Check compatibility

Make sure your device is compatible with updates. Sometimes very old phones may not support the latest versions of software:

• See the manufacturer's website for compatibility information.
• Generally, devices older than five years cannot receive updates due to hardware limitations.

5. Restart your device

Sometimes a simple restart can solve many hidden problems. To restart your phone:

• Press and hold the Power button.
• Select Restart from the Power menu.
• Once the phone reboots, try updating it again.

6. Clear the system update cache (Android)

For Android users, clearing the cache for system updates can be helpful. Follow these steps:

• Turn off your phone.
• Press and hold the Volume Up button along with the Power button to enter Recovery Mode.
• Use the volume buttons to navigate to the “Wipe Cache Partition” option.
• Select it using the power button.
• Once done, select "Reboot system now".

7. Update via computer

Some manufacturers let you update your phone via a computer. Use the corresponding software to update:

• For Android:

  1. Install the manufacturer's companion software (eg, Samsung Smart Switch, Sony Xperia Companion).
  2. Connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your phone.

• For iPhone:

  1. Ensure you have the latest version of iTunes installed.
  2. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
  3. Open iTunes, select your device, and click on "Check for Update."
  4. Follow the prompts to download and install the update.

8. Factory reset

If all else fails, performing a factory reset may solve the problem. Keep in mind that this will erase all data on your device, so it's important to back up important information:

• Create a backup:

  For Android:
  1. Go to Settings > Backup and reset.
  2. Turn on backup options or use Google Drive to back up data.
  For iPhone:
  1. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
  2. Tap on "Back Up Now."

• Proceed with the reset:

  For Android:
  1. Go to Settings > Backup and reset.
  2. Tap on "Factory data reset" and confirm.
  For iPhone:
  1. Go to Settings > General > Reset.
  2. Tap on "Erase All Content and Settings," then confirm.

• Once the reset is complete, set up your device and check for updates again.

9. Contact customer support

If your phone still doesn’t update after trying all of the steps above, consider contacting customer support for your device:

• Visit the official support site for your device's brand.
• Use resources like live chat, email, or call support.
• Explain the problem in detail and mention the steps you have already taken.
• Customer support may provide additional instructions or recommend a visit to a service center.

Conclusion

Fixing a phone that won't update may require a variety of attempts, from restarting the device to contacting customer support. Start with basic troubleshooting like checking your Internet connection, battery level, and available storage. Slowly move on to more advanced solutions like clearing the cache, updating via a computer, or performing a factory reset. If none of these steps work, professional help from customer support may be needed. Ensuring that your device is always up-to-date promotes security, efficiency, and access to new features.

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