SECURITY
Knowing which Android version your phone runs, and whether it has the latest security update, is the first step in keeping it safe. Google's Android Help page "Check & update your Android version" explains where to look and what to do when an update stalls. This guide walks through it in plain order.
Before you start: Menu names vary by phone maker, so your Settings app may use slightly different labels.
Before you update
Google says updates can be large and take time. Connect to Wi-Fi and charge your device to at least 75% first.
Step 1: Check your Android version
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap About phone (or About tablet), then Android version.
- Look for your Android version, Android security update, Google Play system update and Build number.
Step 2: Install an update when you get a notification
When a notification appears, open it and tap the update action. Google says most system updates and security patches install automatically.
Step 3: Check for updates yourself
If you cleared the notification or your phone was offline, you can check from Settings:
- Open Settings.
- Tap System, then Software updates.
- The update status is shown here. Follow the on-screen instructions.
If an update does not finish
Google says that if an update starts downloading and does not finish, your device automatically tries again over the next few days, and you get a notification when it does. Older devices cannot always run newer Android versions. To get the latest security update available for your device, you need the latest Android version available for it.
Restarts after updates
On Pixel phones and Pixel Tablet, downloaded updates install in the background and become active the next time you restart. On many other Android phones and tablets, the device restarts automatically while it installs the update, and the update becomes active when installation finishes.
When you will get updates
Google says update schedules vary by device, manufacturer and mobile carrier. Pixel owners can use Google's Pixel update schedule pages. For other devices, contact your manufacturer or carrier.
Source: Google Android Help, Check & update your Android version, https://support.google.com/android/answer/7680439 (read November 12, 2026). Steps can change, so check Google's page if your phone looks different.