It can be frustrating when you try to update your phone’s software and get hit with an error message. Updates usually improve performance and add new features, so not being able to install them is a letdown. But don’t worry, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot update errors on your phone.
What causes update errors on phones?
There are a few common culprits behind phone update failures:
- Insufficient storage space – Your phone may not have enough free storage to download and install the update. Clearing cached files and uninstalling unneeded apps can free up space.
- Connection issues – A poor WiFi or mobile data connection can disrupt the update process. Try switching to a stronger network.
- Authentication failure – Some updates require you to log in to your phone manufacturer’s account, which may fail and block the update.
- Corrupted files – Important system files on your phone may have become corrupted, preventing the update from being able to install properly.
- Incompatible apps – Apps that aren’t fully compatible with the update can sometimes block it from installing. Check for app updates or uninstall problematic apps.
- Jailbroken/rooted phones – Jailbreaking or rooting modifies core phone software in a way that often blocks official OS updates.
Fixing “Not enough storage space” update errors
If you get an error indicating your phone doesn’t have enough storage for the update, there are a couple ways to tackle it:
Clear cached data and files
Cached files from apps and your browser can quickly consume storage over time. Here are the steps to clear cached data:
- Go to Settings > Storage on your phone.
- Look for the Cached data line under Storage usage and tap it.
- Tap OK to confirm clearing cached data.
This will free up sometimes hundreds of megabytes or more, giving you room for the update.
Uninstall unneeded apps
Scan through your apps and remove any you no longer use. Even small apps take up a surprising amount of storage over time. To uninstall apps:
- Go to Settings > Apps on your phone.
- Tap the app you want to remove.
- Tap Uninstall and confirm.
Focus on removing larger apps and games you haven’t used for awhile first. With a bit of spring cleaning, you should be able to clear enough space.
Offload large files
If you have a lot of photos, videos, and other files consuming space, consider offloading them temporarily before updating. You can transfer files to a computer or cloud storage and move them back after updating.
Fixing connection issues
Slow or unstable internet connections are another prime suspect behind update failures. Here’s how to troubleshoot it:
Switch to a better WiFi network
If you’re trying to update over WiFi, move closer to your router or connect to a different WiFi network to test speeds. Public networks in cafes and hotels are often congested, so try using mobile data instead if speeds are poor.
Toggle airplane mode on and off
Toggling airplane mode resets your mobile data and WiFi connections. Follow these steps:
- Open Settings and enable Airplane mode.
- Wait 30 seconds then disable Airplane mode.
- Try downloading the update again.
This simple reset will reconnect you to the strongest cell and WiFi signals available.
Manually switch mobile networks
For Android phones, you can manually switch between 3G, 4G, and 5G in Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network. iPhones don’t have an equivalent manual switch.
If speeds are slow, try cycling through each option to see if one provides better performance for downloads.
Bypassing authentication errors
Some major OS updates ask you to log into your phone manufacturer’s account, like a Google or Samsung account, before allowing the update. If this login fails, it blocks the update.
Make sure you’re using the right login credentials
It seems obvious, but double check you’re using the correct username and password for the account. It’s easy to mistype credentials, so re-verify and try again.
Check account security and recovery options
If you’ve forgotten your password or account details, use the password reset or account recovery options. You may need to contact customer support if you’re still locked out after using self-service account recovery.
Remove and re-add your account
As a last resort, unlink the account from your phone in Settings, reboot your device, then add your account back. This may clear up any corrupted data related to the account.
Fixing issues caused by corrupted files
If system files on your phone have become corrupted, it can block updates from installing properly. Resetting your phone will replace these files.
Backup your phone data
Resetting will erase all data on your phone, so be sure to backup anything important first. Copy files to a computer, cloud backup, or microSD card temporarily.
Factory reset your phone
On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase all content and settings.
This will erase your phone and install a clean version of the operating system.
Restore your data
Once reset, you can restore your files from backup and reconnect accounts. Then try updating again.
Removing incompatible apps
Apps that aren’t fully compatible with a new OS version can sometimes block updates from installing. You may need to temporarily uninstall problematic apps.
Check app developer sites for compatibility info
Developers will often list which OS versions their apps support. Google “[App Name] compatibility” to find version info. Remove apps that don’t yet support your update.
Look for common problematic apps
Apps that modify system settings are a prime suspect. For example, cleaning apps, battery savers, custom launchers, and app cloners can cause conflict. Temporarily uninstall these to test.
Update existing apps
Make sure all your apps are updated to their latest versions, which are more likely to be compatible. Old app versions commonly block OS updates.
Restore apps one at a time after updating
Once updated, you can reinstall apps gradually to identify any still causing issues. Isolating the problematic app makes troubleshooting easier.
Bypassing jailbreak/root blocks
Jailbroken iPhones and rooted Android devices modify core system files, preventing official OS updates from installing. You have a couple options in this scenario:
Perform a factory reset
Wiping your phone and reinstalling the OS will remove any jailbreak/root modifications and allow updates again. But you’ll lose all current data and customizations in the process.
Update through a computer
iOS and Android both allow major OS updates via computer. This may work even on jailbroken/rooted devices. You’ll need to research specific procedures for your phone model and OS version.
Conclusion
Phone update errors happen, but thankfully there are a number of troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Clear cached files and uninstall apps to free storage space.
- Switch to better WiFi or cellular connections.
- Reset account access and credentials.
- Factory reset your phone to fix corrupted files.
- Remove incompatible applications.
- Remove jailbreak/root status.
Taking a systematic approach and testing each fix will help narrow down and solve your specific update issue. Patience and persistence pays off!
| Update Error | Potential Fixes |
|---|---|
| Not enough storage space |
|
| Connection issues |
|
| Authentication failure |
|
| Corrupted system files |
|
| Incompatible applications |
|
| Jailbroken/rooted phone |
|