How to Install an Update on Your Phone Manually

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Software UpdateManual UpdateSmartphoneAndroidiPhoneMobile OSDevice ManagementPerformanceUser GuideTroubleshooting

In today's world, smartphones are an essential device that almost everyone uses. Over time, manufacturers release updates to improve performance, add new features, and enhance the security of your device. While updates usually install automatically, there may be situations where you need to manually install updates. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of manually installing updates on your phone. Whether you have an Android or an iPhone, we've got you covered.

Understanding updates

An update can be a software or firmware update. Software updates include operating system improvements, security patches, and new features. On the other hand, firmware updates deal with basic hardware controls and are specific to the device's hardware.

Before we begin, it is important to backup your data to prevent any loss during the update process. You can use cloud services or external storage options for this purpose. Once you have backed up your data, you can proceed with the manual update.

Updating an Android phone manually

Performing a manual update on an Android phone is relatively simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Download the update

First, you need to download the update file. This file can be found on the manufacturer's official website. For example, if you have a Samsung phone, you need to go to the Samsung website to find the update file.

1. Open a web browser on your phone or computer.
2. Go to the official website of the manufacturer.
3. Go to the Support or Downloads section.
4. Search for your specific phone model.
5. Locate and download the latest firmware or software update file.

Step 2: Transfer the update file

After downloading the update file, transfer it to your phone. You can do this using a USB cable or a microSD card.

1. Connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable.
2. Copy the downloaded update file to your phone's internal storage or microSD card.
3. Disconnect the phone from the computer.

Step 3: Boot into recovery mode

Recovery mode is a special mode in Android phones that allows you to perform various tasks, including installing updates. The way to enter recovery mode may vary depending on the manufacturer, but here is a general guide:

1. Turn off your phone completely.
2. Press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button simultaneously until the phone logo appears.
3. Release the Power button but keep holding the Volume Up button until you enter Recovery Mode.
4. Use the Volume buttons to navigate and the Power button to select options.

Note: The combination of buttons to enter Recovery mode may vary from device to device. Please refer to your phone's manual or manufacturer's website for the correct button combination.

Step 4: Install the update

Once you are in recovery mode, you can install the update file:

1. In the recovery menu, select "Apply update from SD card" or "Apply update from internal storage", depending on where you stored the update file.
2. Navigate to the update file using the Volume buttons and select it using the Power button.
3. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to complete.
4. Once the installation is complete, select “Reboot system now” to restart your phone.

Congratulations! Your Android phone should now be updated with the latest software or firmware.

Updating iPhone manually

Manually updating an iPhone requires using iTunes or Finder on a computer. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Download the update

You need to download the iOS update file (IPSW file) from a trusted source. Apple's official website is the best place to download these files.

1. Open a web browser on your computer.
2. Go to the Apple iOS download page.
3. Select your iPhone model to locate the latest IPSW file.
4. Download the IPSW file to your computer.

Step 2: Install iTunes or use Finder

If you are using a Windows PC, you will need to install iTunes. If you are using a Mac, you can use Finder.

1. If you are using a Windows PC then download and install the latest version of iTunes from the Apple website.
2. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, use Finder for the update process.

Step 3: Connect your iPhone to the computer

1. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer.
2. Open iTunes or Finder.
3. Select your iPhone when it appears in iTunes or Finder.

Step 4: Install the update

Once your iPhone is connected and recognized by the computer, you can install the update:

1. Select your iPhone to view its details in iTunes or Finder.
2. Press and hold the Shift key (Windows) or the Option key (Mac) and click the "Check for Updates" button.
3. A file dialog will appear. Navigate to the downloaded IPSW file and select it.
4. iTunes or Finder will prompt you to install the update. Confirm and proceed with the installation.
5. Wait for the update process to complete. Your iPhone will restart automatically.

And there you go! Your iPhone is now updated to the latest iOS version.

Troubleshooting common problems

Sometimes, you may face issues while manually updating your phone. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

Inadequate storage

If you receive an error indicating insufficient storage, try the following:

• Delete unnecessary files and apps to free up space on your phone.
• Move photos and videos to cloud storage or an external device.
• Delete temporary files and cache.

Battery life

Make sure your phone has enough battery life before you start the update. It is recommended to have at least 50% battery life or keep your phone connected to a charger during the update process to avoid interruptions.

Corrupted update file

If the update file is corrupt or incomplete, you may encounter errors. To resolve this:

• Re-download the update file from the official manufacturer's website.
• Make sure the download is complete and the file is not damaged.

Update failed

If the update fails to install, try the following steps:

• Restart your phone and try the update process again.
• Make sure you are using the correct update file for your specific phone model.
• Check for any software conflicts or settings that might be blocking the update.

Conclusion

Updating your phone manually may seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it becomes a manageable task. Whether you're using an Android phone or an iPhone, following the steps outlined in this guide will help you successfully install updates manually. Always remember to back up your data before starting the update process to avoid any potential loss of information. By keeping your phone updated, you ensure that it runs smoothly, stays secure, and benefits from the latest features and improvements.

We hope this guide helped you understand how to manually update your phone. Stay updated and enjoy the new features and improved performance that come with the latest update!

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