The reasons why updating firmware is important for the device to perform optimally and keep safe with the most recent features and fixes are numerous. Updating your phone's firmware is essential whether you own an Android or iPhone-it is a pivotal part of its life. In this article, we have shown step-by-step processes through which any user can easily update their Android and iOS smartphones' firmware by themselves.
What is Firmware?
First things first-what is firmware, anyway? Firmware is the software that tells a device's hardware what to do and how. It's like a translator between your phone's hardware-be it the processor, the camera, or the screen-and the operating system-the Android or iOS. Phone manufacturers provide updates for the firmware with the objective of fixing bugs, security enhancement, performance improvement, and at times addition of new features.
Why You Should Upgrade Your Phone's Firmware?
- Improved Performance: A firmware update can help your phone run faster and more efficiently.
- Bug Fixes: Regular updates fix issues and bugs that may arise in your device.
- Security Enhancements: Updates patch vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers, helping to keep your personal information safe.
- New Features: Sometimes, new features are introduced with firmware updates, such as enhanced camera quality or more system optimization.
How to Update Firmware on Android Phones
Mostly, the process of updating firmware on Android devices may slightly vary from one manufacturer and model to another, but generally, the steps go like this:
Step 1: Connect to Wi-Fi
Ensure your device is on a stable Wi-Fi network. The size of firmware could be big, so it would be better to avoid taking the mobile data in usage.
Step 2: Check Battery Level
Ensure your phone has at least 50% battery life. Also, plug the adapter as a precautionary measure not to have your device run out of power while updating.
Step 3: Go to Settings
Open the Settings app on your phone. Scroll down to find the Software Update or System option.
Step 4: Check for Updates
In the Software Update section, tap Check for Updates. Your phone will search for any available firmware updates. If an update is available, it will prompt you to download and install it.
Step 5: Download and Install
Follow the on-screen instructions and proceed to download the update. This may take a few minutes depending on the size of your phone. Once the download is complete, tap Install. Your phone will restart and the firmware update will be applied.
Step 6: Restart and Verify
Once the update is complete, your phone will restart. After it reboots, you can confirm the update by returning to the Software Update section in Settings to ensure that your device is on the latest firmware version.
How to Update Firmware on iPhones
Performing a firmware update on an iPhone is pretty easy. Here's how to do so:
Step 1: Connect to Wi-Fi
Make sure you are on a Wi-Fi network and that your internet is stable.
Step 2: Check Battery Level
Ensure your iPhone is more than 50% powered or connected to a power source during the update.
Step 3: Open Settings
In your iPhone, open the Settings application, scroll down, and tap on General.
Step 4: Check for Updates
Under General, tap on Software Update. Your iPhone automatically starts searching for any available updates.
Step 5: Download and Install
If there is an update available, tap Download and Install. It starts downloading, and if necessary, it will prompt for your passcode. When download completion occurs, it will automatically start installation.
Step 6: Wait for the Installation to Complete
The iPhone will restart, and the update will be installed. After the installation, your phone will reboot again, and you’ll be ready to go with the latest firmware version.
Tips for a Smooth Firmware Update
- Back Up Your Data: Although rare, firmware updates can sometimes cause data loss. Make sure to back up important files, photos, and apps to the cloud or a computer before updating.
- Free Up Space: Firmware updates usually require a lot of storage space. Make sure that your phone has enough free storage to download and install the update.
- Be Patient: Firmware updates may take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the size of the update and your internet speed. Be patient and do not interrupt the process while updating.
Conclusion
Updates are basically done to your phone's firmware in order to keep it functional, secure, and updated. Whether it is an Android or an iPhone, this process is quite easy and will not take more than a few minutes. Updates allow for the improvement of performance, fixing bugs, and protecting the device against security threats. Now is the time to check for updates and keep your phone running without hiccups!
