How can I update the Android version on my tablet?

The T-Mobile G1, launched in October 2008, was the first major mobile device to run on the Android operating system. Just four years later, Android became the top mobile operating system, a title it still holds today. While most Android devices are smartphones, the tablet market is still led by Apple's iPadOS, though Android is catching up.

Every operating system creator uses their own unique method to label different versions of their systems, so users and developers know which version they are using. This can sometimes be a bit tricky. For example, Microsoft’s Windows started with version 1.0 in 1985, but ten years later it switched to naming versions after the year, beginning with Windows 95. After Windows 2000 and Windows ME (Millennium Edition), the company introduced Windows XP, then Vista. In 2009, Microsoft returned to numerical versioning with Windows 7, and continues with this pattern up to Windows 11.

Apple also used numbers for the Macintosh operating system. Later, when Apple acquired NeXT, the company founded by Steve Jobs after leaving Apple, the Nextstep operating system was rebranded as Mac OS X (representing the Roman numeral 10). Subsequent releases received a code name alongside the version number, initially inspired by man-eating felines (Mountain Lion, Snow Leopard). Starting with version 10.9, Apple switched to naming releases after locations in California (Mavericks, Catalina). Big Sur marked the first version of macOS 11, but Apple continues to use place names for its code names. For its iOS releases, however, Apple sticks with simple numerical identifiers.

While various organizations distribute Linux, a free and open-source software platform, it's become a tradition to assign new version code names in alphabetical order. For example, Ubuntu Linux uses animal names (Jammy Jellyfish, Bionic Beaver), while Linux Mint opts for women's names (Debbie, Elsie). Although not all Linux distributions follow this pattern, many do.

Android, which is based on the Linux kernel, followed a similar trend with its early versions named after sweets: Cupcake, Donut, Éclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jelly Bean. However, in late 2019, Google announced that Android 9 – Pie – would be the last in this series, and that the next version would simply be called Android 10 (what is it with tech companies and the number 10?). In 2022, Google removed its sugary-themed Android release statues from its campus, possibly signaling the end of this naming convention.

Before upgrading your Android tablet, it's important to back up all your data. Begin by opening the Settings app on most Android devices, then select Backup from the Google menu. It's always a good idea to back up your tablet to ensure your data is secure before making any changes.

For other Android devices, the backup controls may be located in different areas within the settings app. You might also notice that some manufacturers use their own cloud-based storage for backups, rather than relying on Google’s. Regardless, backing up your data to the cloud is a good practice, especially before an upgrade. If anything goes wrong during the process, your data will be saved safely off the device.

With the formalities out of the way, we can now dive into the topic of upgrading your Android software.

Upgrading Your Android OS the Proper Way

Before discussing upgrades, it's crucial to understand that some manufacturers modify the version of Android they use on their devices. Because of this, a Samsung tablet will behave differently from an Amazon Kindle Fire, even if both run the same version of Android. A manufacturer may adjust the operating system to better support the tablet’s camera or optimize its interaction with cellular networks. This is the nature of an open-source system. (Though, the Android community remains divided on whether these customizations are truly necessary or simply excessive.)

To sum it up, when Google launches a new Android version, it’s a very basic platform. By the time it's installed on your new tablet, it becomes a highly customized operating system.

To check which operating system you're using, open the settings app and tap on "System Update." This will display the version of Android your tablet is running.

There are three common methods for updating your Android OS:

Using manufacturer-approved OS updates will also ensure your warranty remains intact. This is the most reliable and safe approach. Now, let’s explore some alternative methods for upgrading your tablet.

The Core of the Android Issue

The downside of using manufacturer-approved OS updates is that they're often more cautious than some advanced users may want. Manufacturers need time to implement changes and ensure everything functions properly before they release updates. Sometimes, they won’t upgrade to a newer version if the tablet's hardware can't handle it. This is when many users take matters into their own hands.

You may be familiar with "jailbreaking" iPhones and iPads. In the Android world, it's known as "rooting." This process allows users to bypass the manufacturer’s restrictions to install custom updates, operating systems, and apps that aren’t supported by the default OS. Numerous online guides walk users through this process, and there are apps that can be sideloaded, or installed from your computer, to help with the procedure.

However, rooting your tablet is neither safe nor simple. Before you start, research your device to ensure that both the tablet and the Android version you're planning to install are compatible. Processing power and available memory are key factors here. Google lists the minimum requirements for each release, and hopefully, modified Android versions do too. It’s also wise to consult user forums for your device to check if anyone has successfully done a similar installation on the same model.

Of course, rooting comes with its own risks. First and foremost, it voids your warranty. If not done correctly, rooting can render your tablet useless and introduce security vulnerabilities. Also, before installing a new OS, ensure your tablet's specs are sufficient for the new version of Android. Using an underpowered tablet with an upgraded OS could result in a performance that’s worse than before. This could range from sluggish performance to the tablet becoming "bricked." Rooting an old device may be one thing, but if this is your only tablet, make sure you're comfortable with the potential consequences.

To sum up, rooting is best left to experienced users, and even then, there’s no guarantee that the process will go off without a hitch.