I’ve been fiddling with a brand new unlocked Nexus S smartphone lately. Yes, I know it’s a couple years old and yes, I too wonder how I was able to get a new one! As a result of this recent quest for the newest possible android version, I learned a few things about how to do android updates. In the past few days I did about 4 different updates to bring my Nexus S android up to version 4.1.2 which is the last available android software update for that smartphone. Sad, but a two year old phone really is much much older than two years when you look at what it has in features compared to today. It kind of makes you realize why the companies are updating their smartphones every year.
The reality is that I needed to manually update the device all the way back from version 2.3 Android Gingerbread. There were no over the air updates in my journey! Manual updates require some tinkering which can be a bit stressful. As I went through the process of multiple updates I did eventually discover a software tool which makes manual android updates virtually automatic. More on that later.
An advantage I had was that the Nexus S smartphone was new. The reason I mention this is because some methods will result in all the information being erased. The great thing about android though is it’s easy to make backups and restore backups. Have no fear, I’ll tell you in this guide when you need to backup your information and which methods/steps will erase your information/settings.
There is no need to fear your technology. Depending on how far you need to go in this guide, you might be pleasantly surprised just how easy is to get the latest android os update. I will give you fair warning when we get into slightly more technical methods which are more risky for your device. Certainly when you’re fiddling with the engine of a car you can mess things up. That said, the reason I’m writing the guide is because it’s the easiest method out there for manually updating your android based Nexus device if you get to that point.
Note: I’m not guiding you on how to root or change your device from that perspective. All methods I discuss are for keeping your android device in the default and official state. Many guides you will find are technical and difficult to follow. In addition, many guides install things on your device which aren’t “stock”. If you own a pristine Google Nexus device, I will help you keep it that way. A lot of other guides are unclear about what exactly you’re going to end up with after the updating takes place.
In a perfect world, you wake up one day and notice that there is an update available for your smartphone or tablet device. I own a Samsung Galaxy 3 and the check for updates method did its thing. No fuss, no muss. The best think about OTA updates is that word spreads fast. If there is a new android update being rolled out to devices tech blogs and website blast the news EVERYWHERE. It’s one of the highlights of any geeks life, being able to announce a new android version being released. Do you get juiced?
I would have to say the number one reason for getting a Google Nexus device is simply because they get the android updates first and they get them often. When you are running a stock or default android version, updates can easily be pushed onto the device. If you own a non Google device running Android you may not get these OTA updates at all. Android needs to be tweaked in order to run on other devices where the company has added their own flavor to the operating system and thus, it’s not actually a stock version of Android. Essentially the modifications and tweaks on many non official Google devices complicate the android os because it’s simply not stock. Thus, you wait and hope for an update whereas all the Google Nexus owners are celebrating with their new versions of the OS. So if you don’t own a Google device, you may hear about an Android update but it’s not ready or may never be available for your device.
Note: OTA (over the air) updates are not going to risk your data/settings/app/information. All is safe.
Method 1a:
Method 1b:
If Method 1a isn’t successful, try this method 1b. This is an attempt to force the OTA update. Your results will vary. Expect this not to work and you will save yourself some disappointment. Give a few tries though before giving up.
Repeat this several times if it doesn’t work at first. There is no need to remove the sim card or reboot.
A few tips that I’ve learned about forcing OTA updates. Understand that theses are hit and miss. Some people in comment sections claim they have worked, others claim no such luck. The point is they are all worth considering if you are unable to get that OTA android update. Here is a collection of tips:
Method 1c:
Note: You need to first figure out your device model number (example: Nexus S i9050a). Just knowing it’s a Nexus S is not detailed enough. You need the “Android version”, and “Build number” which can be found under Settings > About “Device” (found at the bottom of the settings list. Find that information before proceeding and write it down.
At this point, you should have exhausted your patience waiting for an over the air update. It never came and you’re juiced to get the newest possible Android build onto your device. I’ve been at this point myself and I know the feeling!
First, please do BACKUP your information. This is mandatory. A factory reset is when your device wipes all data and information and replaces it with a fresh clean install with all the default settings.
Next:
Regardless if I say manual updates are risky or not, it’s a great time to backup your device. I could write an entire article about how to back up an Android device, but I won’t do that here. What I will suggest, because I’m lazy when it comes to backing up devices, is to consider “My Backup Pro” from the Google Play store. Ah, is it free you ask? No, it’s not. That said, isn’t $5 worth piece of mind in having ALL your stuff backed up? I think it is. Think about how much important information and settings you have or will have on your android device. Spending $5 is nothing in comparison to losing that data. We can pay hundreds of dollars each year for insurance we never need so why not spend a tiny amount on this type of data insurance? Okay, enough lecturing.
Disclaimer: I must make clear that following any of these next steps has an element of risk. Voiding a warranty or locking up aka bricking your device is possible. When you are talking about replacing an operating system, it’s a substantial procedure. In fact, what’s more major than swapping out the guts and brains of a computer? I’m telling you now there is an element of risk and it’s not worth updating an operating system if your fear outweighs your desire for new or better features. In the world of computer graphic cards, there is a saying that if your graphic card drivers aren’t causing issues, it’s worth considering leaving it as is. Right now you have a working device and please consider whether the risk is worth the reward. Think before moving forward. I was willing to take these risks so I wouldn’t be writing this tutorial if I felt the risk was extreme on breaking your device permanently. At the same time I need to inform you that there is some risk.
About Non Google Nexus Device Manual Android Update
If you haven’t concluded by now, let me repeat that the whole “android update” world is a confusing one. You may have a device that has android, but you will not have the same flexibility for manual updates as the Nexus device owners. The key is that non Nexus devices are considered “android-based”. If you own a Samsung device, you will be happy to know that they have a software program named Kies that checks your device and can manually update your version of android. If not Samsung, it pretty much means over-the-air or OTA updates are about your only option. If you’re wanting to keep your device default, you’re tied to the manufacturers ability to update their modified version of the Android software. It’s complicated for them because they have to meet standard and beyond that, there are the different mobile carriers which have certain settings that are required. If you must get the latest android on your “android-based” device and can’t or are unable to wait for an OTA update, you can opt for non official updates which I won’t cover here. There is a massive community devoted to bringing modified and different versions of android to a variety of devices. These are non official and non default and frankly I’m not interested in that. You do have options outside of official releases and ultimately it’s up to you whether it’s worth going down that road.
Manual Update Procedure For Nexus Devices
Goodie! We’re finally up to the place where the real work begins. Well, not really work because this procedure is made simple because of a very user-friendly tool named Nexus Root Toolkit by WugFresh. It’s Windows software just so you know.
Check back as I’m putting this tutorial/guide together in the next day or two..
