How to change the Android version. How to roll back an Android update

From time to time, every owner of a device running Android OS needs to update the system. Moreover, this procedure is not mandatory; you can simply forget about it completely and use the version that was installed from the factory.

However, this decision will deprive you of many benefits. For example, all new games and applications are installed only on the “fresh” versions of Android. In addition, developers release updates with a very specific goal: to get rid of the shortcomings and bugs of the previous version and introduce new functions useful to the user.

First of all, we will look at the easiest way to update the system, which does not require any skills.

Important! Before any update or firmware procedure, make sure your device is fully charged. Otherwise, during the process, the smartphone may discharge and then not turn on, because... the update process was interrupted. Also, before any operation, make a backup of your data so that in case of software errors, you can return to the previous stable version.

Official firmware

Android OS update over the air

The easiest way is to update automatically using Wi-Fi or regular mobile Internet. The most important point here is that there is an officially released update for your device.

• Go to the device settings, look for the section " About the phone".

• Inside the section we are interested in the item " System update", click on it.

• Here you can move the top slider to the active position to have your device automatically check for released updates. Or press the button " Check now".

• After this, the system will automatically update. Or a message will appear that the device does not need to be updated because... The latest OS version is installed.

Sometimes it happens that your acquaintances or friends who have the same smartphone as you have already received an update “over the air”, but it never arrived to you. To solve this problem, do the following:

• Go to the device settings and click on the "tab" Applications".

• In the window that opens, go to the tab " All". In the list that appears you need to find " Google Services Framework».

• We go inside and press the button " Erase data".

• After that, in the section " About the phone"Checking for new updates.

Manual update

If the above methods did not help, perform the following steps:

• We go to the official website of the manufacturer of our device and look for an archive there with an updated version of the OS for your device. Download it and dump it onto the device’s SD card or internal memory.
• We go into Recovery mode. To do this, turn off the smartphone, and then turn it on, holding down the power key and the volume up/down button at the same time (combinations may differ on different models).
• Here we are interested in the point " apply update from sdcard"if we dumped the archive onto the SD card or " apply update from internal storage", if the archive with the firmware is in the internal memory. Select the desired item and click on it using the power key.

• In the window that opens, select the archive with the updated firmware and press the power key. After this, the system update process will begin. After rebooting, the device will delight you with the new OS version.

If for some reason it was not possible to update the operating system using the above methods, we move on to a more complex option. We will need a PC, smartphone, USB cable, installed drivers for the specific model of our device, as well as a special program for firmware. Programs and drivers will vary for different brands and models of smartphones. We will describe the process in general terms.

Instructions:

• 1. Download the PC client for your model. For example, for Samsung it is Odin or Kies, and for Xiaomi it is XiaoMiFlash, etc.
• 2. Then download the ADB drivers so that the PC can recognize our device.
• 3. Download the official firmware for your device from the manufacturer’s website.
• 4. In the smartphone settings, go to the " For developers"and turn it on" USB Debugging".

• 5. After this, connect the phone to the PC and install the updated firmware using the appropriate program.

Unofficial firmware

It may also happen that the manufacturer no longer releases updates for older smartphone models. In this case, you will have to use unofficial Android OS firmware, of which there are a great many. However, it is worth remembering that installing such software may cause malfunctions in the device or even turn it into a “brick”.

The instructions for installing custom firmware are similar to what we described in paragraph " Manual update". Only in this case (not always, but most often) we will have to first install custom Recovery (detailed instructions

You can update the firmware of your mobile device yourself; to do this, you just need to read the instructions. Some users do not yet know how to update the Android system version on their phone, so they contact service centers. In order to independently replace the platform with a newer one, in fact, you do not need any special (paid) software or additional devices. A large number of devices, in particular smartphones, currently run on the Android mobile OS. In order for your device to have more functions and capabilities, you need to update the firmware. Manufacturers produce free software packages that are publicly available; you just need to download them and then install them correctly on your device. Let's look at the question of how to update the Android version on your phone, because it is currently very relevant.

Project history

Not everyone knows that the described platform was created by a little-known company, after which Google, which is the owner of one of the largest search engines, as well as several other popular services, took control of this operating system. The first version of Android was developed in 2008. But at the moment there are more than thirteen updates in total, which were carried out by professional developers. Not many users know how to update Android themselves. After studying this article, you will be able to properly configure your phone yourself, without the help of professionals. If you carefully read the instructions, you should not have any difficulties in this matter, since everything is done in just a few clicks.

Shop

So, first, let's figure out why the company constantly releases new versions of its operating system. The fact is that these add-ons are offered to all users, they correct errors of previous developments, and also add special features and functionality. If you want your device to be modern, then you definitely need to go through the described procedure. In fact, the question of how to update the version is not difficult. If you approach this matter properly, then you should not have any difficulties. After the Internet connection has been successfully established, you need to go to the Play Market and download the current platform there.

Another way

In addition to the official company specialists who develop firmware, there are also private ones who create alternative versions for users who do not want to see in their mobile device some of the proposed or even, one might say, imposed services from Google, and there are currently a considerable amount of time.

Backup

There are several ways in which you can update. Today we will talk only about the most popular of them, and they will probably be interesting and convenient for you. The main rule: before performing the next update, you will need to fully charge the battery, and also synchronize all your data so that it is not lost in the event of any failures. For example, you can save contacts using Google; nowadays such a tool can be used by absolutely any user. And the most interesting thing is that you can synchronize in just a few clicks, and after successfully installing the new firmware, download all your data back to your mobile device.

Automatic option

Let's start with the first, simplest and most common method. If you are using a new mobile device, then you probably already have your own account in the GooglePlay service. Accordingly, one day the system will automatically prompt you to search for current program elements. In order to successfully update the version of Android on your phone, you will definitely need to connect to a wireless Internet network. Then you can wait for messages from the device. If your communicator regularly prompts you to search for the latest software, then you already know how to update the Android version on your phone, because to update the firmware you only need to press a few buttons, and your mobile system will perform all the complex tasks on its own.

Internet

So, let's now look at the second method of how to update the Android version on your phone. It is also simple, and if you follow the instructions carefully, you should not have any difficulties. First, you need to go to the settings menu, and then press just a few buttons to connect to the Internet. Be sure to remember that when deciding how to update the version of Android on your phone, you will need access to the Network, since the download will take place using it.

Update step by step: algorithm of actions

1. Connect the communicator to the Internet.
2. Go to the “Settings” section, then “About the system” (the name may change depending on the version).
3. Turn on the systems and check for the latest additions.
4. Go to Market if the procedure was unsuccessful.
5. Find the current version of the platform for your communicator through the search menu.
6. If this does not help, go to the official website of the Android OS and get updates there.
7. Install this element as a regular application.

Important! Various incorrect actions during the update can damage your smartphone, including loss of functionality. Therefore, be careful, evaluate your strengths, risks, and benefits yourself.

Android 4.4.2 is an operating system developed for mobile devices by Google. This version is called KitKat, and it is perhaps the best version of the firmware if we consider all releases of Android 4. The operating system has become very widespread and is now used on many devices, delighting its users. If you wanted to download firmware for Android to update your phone or tablet with a newer version, then this page is for you!

The new update significantly lowered the system requirements of the OS, thereby increasing the number of smartphones that can now fully support it. Therefore, today almost every user has access to Android 4.4.2 firmware for free download in Russian, which can be downloaded at Cyclone-Soft! If you haven't been able to update your phone for a long time or don't know how to flash your tablet, then the installer package available for download via torrent will help you a lot. In other words, today almost any device supports Android 4.4.2, so you have an excellent opportunity to quickly update the operating system.

Among other things, the OS has been highly optimized, which can only mean that devices using it get a nice boost in power and performance. Of course, hardware plays a major role here, but often perfectly debugged software performs an equally important task.

Features and innovations of Android 4.4.2 KitKat

Interface options and new features

There is no doubt that the most visible change in a given operating system is in the user interface. It has become even more comfortable and informative, allowing you to conveniently and easily manage desktops and divide installed applications into types and categories. This is an excellent option on how to flash Android, because version 4.4.2 was considered much more successful than previous releases.

Choose the color palette you like, use the convenient notification panel and translucent buttons at the bottom, which have perfectly updated the appearance of the operating system. Android 4.4.2 firmware can be downloaded for free in Russian, which can be found at the end of the page, and has also received updated controls for many elements of the system. For example, the user can hide system elements, unnecessary on-screen buttons, and the notification panel itself.

Sensor support

The new version of Android has interesting updates in terms of processing specialized sensors. The fact is that now KitKat can receive all the information from them in batches and group the data at certain intervals. This solution helped not only to reduce the load on the device’s processor, but also to reduce power consumption, which depends on its operation. The new firmware program has many new functions that allow you to use detection sensors, pedometer and many others in your smartphone.

The user will also have access to built-in support for infrared ports and a module for working with several Bluetooth profiles at once. KitKat 4.4.2 will help you print absolutely any document wirelessly.

Updated photo editor

Android 4.4 has received a brand new graphic editor, which you can activate while in the gallery. The utility will do an excellent job of adding filters and frames, cropping photos and many other tasks. One could even argue that the functionality is in no way inferior to the Instagram application, in which you can process your photos. Crop frames, straighten the image, rotate it at the desired angle and create a mirror copy - all this is available to you!

How to update Android to version 4.4 KitKat

Downloading, installing and further updating the operating system will not cause you any difficulties, regardless of whether you decide to flash a smartphone or tablet. Download Android 4.4.2 KitKat and follow the instructions from the downloaded archive, which will answer all your questions about how to flash your Android phone or update your tablet OS.

Be sure to share the page with friends who do not yet have Android 4.4.2 KitKat, so that they can also update to this excellent version by flashing the firmware of their device. Write comments and don't forget to rate the software! Thank you for your attention!

Just like any operating system, Android is constantly evolving, new versions of the OS are released every year, with new features, design, and without old bugs. Manufacturers of smartphones and tablets are trying to implement them into their products as new versions are released. How can I check the Android version on my smartphone to know if it’s time to update? And then, how to change the Android version if Google has already released a new release?

How to change the Android version

Ideally, it should look like this: after Google releases a new version of the OS, smartphone manufacturers adapt it to their devices and notify users that there is an update for their system. In reality, this is not even approximately what happens. Of course, there are companies that try to keep up with the times and do not refuse to support their devices that were released last year or three years ago.

But the vast majority of manufacturers don’t care at all what version was released, what’s included when a smartphone is released will remain there forever. So, how to install a new version of Android on a budget smartphone and how to change the version of Android on a flagship are two big differences. Usually, immediately after purchasing an inexpensive smartphone, the user can receive one update after some time (a month or two). But this update is purely cosmetic, within the same version of Android that was in the smartphone initially.

How to find out the android version

• To do this, you need to open (tap on the gear icon) the settings of your smartphone;
• Go to the very bottom and go to the subsection information about the device, about the phone, about the tablet, it’s different for everyone;
• This section contains information about the Android version and much more information about your phone.

Automatic update

If after purchasing a smartphone you have not received a notification that a system update is ready, you can check it yourself and update Android yourself. To do this, you need to go to the device information section in the settings, and there tap on the line for software update or something similar. If the update button is active, that is, there is an update for the system, then switch your smartphone to Wi-Fi so that it is faster and the money does not disappear from your account, since the update weighs a lot, in fact, it is an entirely new operating system. Next, click update and wait for the procedure to complete with the device rebooting.

Unfortunately, you will not be able to update the Android version to a newer one if this is not provided by the manufacturer of your smartphone. If you completely demolish everything, hack the security, and force install the latest version, then the smartphone will not be able to work with it, since the OS still needs to be adapted for specific hardware. And if companies do this for expensive smartphones, then for middling smartphones and, especially for state employees, no one will do extra work.

How to return to the previous version of Android

It happens that after an update, your favorite applications stop working, your phone starts to malfunction, and you just don’t like the new version. In this case, you can roll back to the previous version. How to roll back the Android version so as not to use complex third-party programs?

To return the default version of the OS or smartphone firmware, you need to go to the settings, then look for lines like privacy or archiving reset. In general, we find the item with “Reset settings”, tap it, agree that you will lose the data, and then “Reset”. That's it, now just wait until the smartphone completes the procedure, and it ends with a reboot. The device will wake up with the firmware that was in it immediately after purchase, that is, the default version. This may take ten to twenty minutes.

Be sure to save all important data before the procedure in reliable external storage, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a cloud or an SD card. All user data and settings on the smartphone will be lost as the operating system is reinstalled. Also make sure that the smartphone’s battery was charged before resetting - you cannot interrupt the procedure, otherwise you will have to resolve the issue only through a service center.

Updating to the latest version of Android in your tablet or phone Samsung Duos, Lenovo zte, fly, htc, xiaomi, huawei, meizu, lg, asus, sony xperia, bq, honor, alcatel, micromax, xiomi, dexp and others allows you not only enjoy the fresh interface, but also use new system parameters.

It's just the new functionality that isn't the most important. The main reason is safety.

However, studies show that only 20 percent of phone and tablet users have the latest version.

This fact is even more surprising when you consider that the test took place when Google released the latest version of the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system.

It’s even more interesting if you look at the installation statistics for new software six months after the premiere.

Android 6.0 appeared on only 2.5 percent of devices. Other versions such as 5.0 and Android 5.1 did not record such alarming results - 7.5 and 9.7 percent, respectively.

Why does this happen? Firstly, most manufacturers are slow to prepare their overlays with the latest systems and often even refuse support for older phones.

The second reason is much more trivial - the users themselves are to blame. Often, they don't even realize that their Android phone or tablet can perform much more efficiently.

Below you will find a simple guide on how to cope with updating devices running Google Android operating system.

The first way to update Android to the latest version yourself

The fastest and easiest way to update Android is to use the update function yourself, which is included in the operating system of your phone or tablet.

Below is how to check if your phone is the latest version of Android, and if not, I will show you how to do it.

Just before you start installing a new version of the operating system, it is worth remembering a few important things.

• connect to a WiFi network, since the android update is files up to several gigabytes, so you can easily reach your data limits;
• charge the battery at least 50%, and even better, 100%;
• take care of free space on your phone (at least 1 GB);
• Do not remove the battery during the update;
• do not use the phone during the update;

Android operating system update

Each version of Android has an automatic mechanism that ensures that your device has the latest updates.

Sometimes, however, it is worth doing this manually, because the system does not always work as it should, especially if the corresponding option has not been activated.

To do this, go to the “Settings” menu of your smartphone and scroll down. Click on "Software Update" (on some models you may need to select "Device Information" or "Phone Information").

The name of this option may differ depending on the manufacturer, but in any case you will find it at the very bottom.

A new window will display information about your smartphone. We are interested in the first two options:

If the system detects new updates and they are successfully downloaded, then you will be prompted to restart your smartphone.

The process requires a little time and power, so you need to fully charge the battery - turning it off during the update can cause a serious system crash.

NOTE: Most manufacturers have prepared special programs that will not only check whether you have the latest version of Android, but also backup your data and allow you to manage music and photos.

For example, for Samsung phones there is a program - Kies, for Sony phones - Sony Companion.

The second way to update Android to the latest version yourself

This method can update even an old Android phone, like Samsung, Sony, Huawei, Meizu, Asus, Xiaomi, Fly, LGi, ZTE, Lenovo, Honor, to any version: to Android 7.0, to Android 6.0, to Android 8 and even Android 4.1 to Android 7.1 or to the latest Android 8.1.

But the method is complicated and it’s unlikely that everyone will risk using it. What do you need for this? On some phones you can do without a computer, but for most you will have to update manually, via a PC.

You need to find the LineageOS firmware specifically for your phone on the Internet. Today they are already available for almost all smartphones, even with the eighth version, and then reflash your device following the manufacturer’s instructions.

A logical question arises here: why can’t you install the latest pure android. It’s possible, but most likely everything won’t work on the phone.

Why. Because manufacturers install their own components, for example, a video camera, which require individual drivers.

There are many people who cannot update the system on their smartphone on their own and they do not have the opportunity to use additional features and improve the security of their data.

Manually installing updates (using special computer programs and USB connections) is very risky and requires special knowledge in this area.

Moreover, this is associated with the risk of losing the warranty for the smartphone - authorized services very often refuse to repair a device that has undergone any modification. Good luck.