Tips
How to update latest software for your Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet?

Samsung smartphones and tablets use One UI software skin based on Android, a mobile operating system designed by Google. Android regularly publishes monthly security updates and a major update once a year, bringing new features and improvements to all compatible devices.
These updates are then followed by Samsung to rollout for Galaxy devices. Therefore, it’s always better to update your device to the latest software version possible to make sure that your phone or tablet has the latest patches and stability improvements as well as new features.
Samsung recommends that you keep your device software up to date and back up any important data before updating the software.
Depending on when your device was made, it may not be able to update to the latest possible version of Android, but this will depend on a specific device. Also, if you are facing any issue with your Galaxy device, you should keep checking for updates because Samsung also rolls out fixes.
Follow the steps below to find out how to check which version of Android your device is using.
How to update your Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet?
Check for update
Follow the instructions below to find out if a new software version is available to download on your device.
Please note: The location of the operating system updates will differ depending on the device you are using and the version of Android that is currently running on your device.
Android 11, 10, and Pie: Settings > Software update > Download and install.
Nougat and Oreo: Settings > Software update > Download updates manually.
- Swipe up to access your apps, then tap Settings.
- Tap Software update.
- Tap Download and install.
Your device will check for available updates. If an update is available to download.
- Tap Download, then select Install now to update or your software or Schedule install to choose a convenient time to update your device.
If you would like to see the software version on your device right now, open Settings, press About Phone or About Tablet, and tap Software Information.
Please note: Updates may take some time to install and can be large to download. It’s recommended to download the update via a Wi-Fi connection to avoid using your mobile data allowance.
Activate automatic update
To make sure that your device is always up-to-date it’s recommended to activate automatic software updates.
Android 10 and Pie: Settings > Software update > Auto download over Wi-Fi.
Nougat and Oreo: Settings > Software update > Download updates automatically.
- Swipe up to access your apps, then tap Settings.
- Tap Software update.
- Tap the switch to activate Auto download over Wi-Fi.
Benefits of software upgrade
To keep your mobile up-to-date, safely and quickly Upgrade to the latest software available for your phone, and enjoy enhancements like new features, extra speed, improved functionality, OS upgrade and fixed for any bug.
Release the up-to-date software version continuously for :
- Improvements in performance and stability.
- Resolve the potential problems by fixing bugs and errors.
- OS upgrade and new features experience.
One UI
Here’s how to switch your Galaxy buds between your phone and tablet

If you own a pair of Galaxy Buds, you might want to use them with both your phone and tablet. But how do you switch between the two devices without having to manually disconnect and reconnect them? Don’t worry, you can do that as Samsung offers a function for Galaxy devices named “Auto switch to other devices”.
The Auto switch to other devices function allows your Galaxy Buds to automatically connect to the phone or tablet you’re using when you start a call or play media. This way, you don’t have to worry about missing a call or pausing your music when you switch devices. You can enjoy seamless audio across your Samsung devices.
To use this feature, you need to sign in to the same Samsung account on both your phone and tablet. This feature may vary depending on your device, so make sure you have the latest software update on both devices. You also need to enable Bluetooth on both devices and pair your Galaxy Buds with them.
To enable the auto switch feature, follow these steps:
- Tap on Earbuds settings.
- Tap on the Auto switch to other devices option
- Toggle on the switch, next to the devices you want to use with the auto switch.
That’s it! Now you can enjoy using your Galaxy Buds with both your phone and tablet without any issue. You can also disable the auto switch feature anytime by following the same steps and toggling off the switch.
One UI
Here’s how to add transitional effects on lock screen of your Samsung device

Samsung offers a bundle of features for lock screen customization on your Galaxy smartphone. In addition to the wallpaper, you can now add transition effects for lock screen wallpapers, all thanks to the Samsung Wonderland Good Lock module.
The new update of Samsung Wonderland added a new type of wallpaper that includes captivating transition effects when the user turns on the screen. It allows users to customize their experience by setting different wallpapers with transitions.
How to add transitional effects on the lock screen?
To apply the transition effect lock screen wallpaper, you just need to follow a few steps given below.
- Open Samsusng Wonderland app.
- Tap on the “Create your different lock screen effect” option.
- Select any one transitional wallpaper for the lock screen. You can also select it from the Gallery app.
- Now tap on the Set as Wallpaper option and it is done.
However, you can customize the transition effects type, Speed, thickness, Brightness, and Grayscale of the lock screen, just need to tap on the Edit option ahead of Set as wallpaper.
Tips
Here’s how to use Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 ‘Water Lock Mode’

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 offers a remarkable feature named Water Lock Mode. It prevents unintended interactions while submerged in water. This feature is a valuable addition, ensuring seamless functionality and peace of mind while wearing the Galaxy Watch 4 in the water.
There are two simple methods to activate Water Lock Mode on the Galaxy Watch 4. The first involves a quick swipe down to access the Quick Settings Panel, followed by tapping the Water Mode icon.
Alternatively, users can enable this mode through the device’s Settings menu by selecting “Advanced Features” and toggling on the “Water Lock” option. Once enabled, Water Lock Mode renders the touchscreen inactive, shielding the watch from accidental touches underwater.
To deactivate Water Lock Mode, users can press and hold the home key. The watch emits sounds to expel water from the speaker, while a gentle shake eliminates any moisture from the pressure sensor.