If you want to update an old tablet Android, the honest answer is that many older devices can no longer receive official updates from the manufacturer. This guide will walk you through checking for an official update, troubleshooting common issues, and explaining your options if official support has ended, including the advanced path of installing a custom operating system.
Can you update an old tablet Android?
Many old tablets cannot be officially updated to a newer version of Android. Manufacturers and carriers typically stop providing software updates after a few years, and older hardware often cannot run newer Android versions due to performance or compatibility limits. This means the first step is always to check if an official update exists for your specific device, and if not, you will need to consider unofficial methods.
First step: Check for an official update in your settings
Before doing anything else, connect your tablet to Wi-Fi and charge it to at least 75% battery or plug it into a power source. Then, open the Settings app. On some devices, the path to check for updates is "Settings" > "System" > "Software update". Tap this option to let your tablet search for any available updates from the manufacturer.
- Open the Settings app on your tablet.
- Tap "System" or "About tablet" (the exact name varies).
- Tap "Software update" or "System update".
- Your tablet will now check for available updates.
What to do if an update is available
If an update is found, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Updates can be large and may take some time to download. Do not turn off your tablet during an update, as it can cause serious problems. The way the update finishes depends on your device: Pixel phones and Pixel Tablets install updates in the background, and they become active when you restart your device. Most other Android tablets will restart during the installation, and the update becomes active at the end of that process.
Troubleshooting a failed official update
Two common issues can prevent an official update from installing. If the update fails and you see a message about "not enough space available," you need to free up storage on your device by deleting unused apps, files, or media. If the update starts downloading but doesn't finish, your device will automatically try again over the next few days, so you do not need to manually retry.
No update found? Your official options have ended
If your tablet reports that no update is available, your manufacturer has ceased support for your device. Update schedules vary by device, manufacturer, and mobile carrier, and older devices cannot always run newer Android versions. This means the official path is over, and you have reached the end of the road for automatic or manufacturer-provided updates.
The unofficial path: Installing a new operating system
When official updates are no longer available, you can consider installing a custom ROM or a new operating system manually. This is a high-risk, advanced alternative that requires technical knowledge and can void your warranty or damage your device if done incorrectly. To proceed safely, you need to understand three critical steps. First, you will need to unlock bootloader on Android tablet, which is a prerequisite for installing any unofficial software. Second, you will need to install Android OS on tablet from PC, as the installation is typically performed using a computer. Finally, the overall goal is to install new Android OS on tablet, which can breathe new life into an old device but carries significant risk.
