The transition from the seventh version of the operating system to the ninth is not just a change of numbers in the settings, but a fundamental change in the operation of your device. Android 7.0 Nougat, released in 2016, no longer receives security updates, making the smartphone vulnerable to modern threats. At the same time, Android 9.0 Pie brought revolutionary changes to battery management, gesture navigation and adaptive screen brightness.
Many users are faced with a problem when the manufacturer stopped supporting their model Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei at the “seven” stage, without offering an official path to new products. However, this does not mean that the device is forever stuck in the past. There are several methods for upgrading software: from standard search for updates to manual installation of custom firmware through recovery mode.
Before taking active steps, you need to clearly understand the risks. Incorrect installation of system files can lead to complete inoperability of the gadget, turning it into a so-called “brick”. In this article, we will go through each step of the process in detail so that you can safely and efficiently update your phone, gaining access to new features and increased performance.
Preparing the device and backing up data
Any intervention on the system partition requires preliminary preparation. The first and most critical step is to save all important information. When updating, especially through third-party methods, the device's memory may be completely cleared. Use Google cloud services or local copying to your computer to save contacts, photos and documents.
Check the battery status before starting the procedure. The battery charge must be at least 60-70% so that the process is not interrupted due to a sudden power outage. If the charge level is critically low, connect the device to the network, but make sure that the cable is working and provides stable power transfer.
You will also need to free up space in the internal memory. System update files take up a significant amount of space, and if there is not enough space, the installation will fail. Remove unnecessary applications, cache and heavy media files by transferring them to an SD memory card or external storage.
⚠️ Warning: The update process may result in the loss of all data on the internal storage. Make sure that you have created a complete backup of your important files before starting any actions with the firmware.
☑️ Preparing for the update
Official update method through settings (OTA)
The safest and easiest way to switch to Android 9 is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism. This method involves downloading updates directly from the manufacturer's servers. However, it only works if the developer has officially released an update for your smartphone model.
To check for updates, go to the menu Settings → About phone → System update. Click the "Check for updates" button. If the server detects an available version of Android 9, the system will prompt you to download and install the package. The download time depends on the speed of your Internet connection.
In some cases, the update may not arrive automatically due to regional restrictions or carrier settings. Try changing the region in the settings or temporarily disabling Wi-Fi and using the mobile network to force a verification request from the server.
If the menu shows the message “System is updated”, but you are running version 7.0, this means that the manufacturer does not plan to release an official update for your device. In such a situation, you will have to move on to more complex manual installation methods.
Official OTA update is the only method that preserves the device’s warranty and does not require complex technical manipulations.
Manual installation via Recovery mode
If automatic updating is not available, you can try installing the firmware manually using a system image file. This method requires finding a suitable firmware file specifically for your phone model on specialized forums or manufacturers' websites.
The downloaded file with the extension .zip must be placed in the root of the internal memory or on an SD card. After this, the device must be switched to Recovery mode. This is usually done with a key combination: simultaneously hold down the power button and the volume up key until the logo appears.
In the recovery menu, select Apply update from SD card or Apply update from internal storage. Find the previously copied firmware file and confirm installation. The process may take from 5 to 15 minutes, during which the Android logo or robot animation may be displayed on the screen.
⚠️ Attention: Using firmware files from another phone model is strictly prohibited. This is guaranteed to disable the device without the possibility of recovery using software methods.
What to do if Recovery gives an error?
If the installer reports an incorrect file signature (signature verification failed), this means that the file is damaged or is not intended for your device. Try downloading the firmware again from another source or check the checksum of the file (MD5/SHA).
Using custom firmware and root access
When the official paths have been exhausted, the only option is to install custom firmware, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience. These versions of Android are developed by enthusiasts and often support devices that manufacturers have long abandoned.
To install custom software, you need to unlock the Bootloader. This procedure varies for different brands: on Xiaomi requires waiting for several days after applying, and on Samsung unlocking automatically resets the Knox counter, forever voiding the warranty.
After unlocking the bootloader, you need to install a custom recovery menu, for example, TWRP. Through it you can install not only a new system, but also Google Services packages (GApps), which are not available in pure custom firmware. This allows you to get a full-fledged Android 9 with all services.
Obtaining root access often comes with these manipulations, allowing access to system files. However, this increases the device's vulnerability to malware and can block banking applications that use SafetyNet protection.
| Update method | Complexity | Risk of data loss | Maintaining warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (Officially) | Low | No | Yes |
| Manual firmware (Stock) | Medium | Yes | Yes |
| Custom firmware | High | Yes | No |
| Update via PC | Average | Depends on the mode | Yes |
Update using a computer and proprietary software
Smartphone manufacturers often provide desktop utilities for managing devices that can force firmware updates. For Samsung this is the Odin or Smart Switch app, for Xiaomi it is Mi Flash Tool, and for Sony — Xperia Companion.
Connect the phone to the computer via the original USB cable and run the corresponding app. In most cases, the software will automatically detect the model and offer an available update. The firmware mode on the phone may differ: sometimes you need to enter Download Mode (by holding down the power, volume down and Home buttons).
This method is considered more reliable than OTA, since a cable connection is more stable than a wireless one. In addition, computer utilities often allow you to restore a device if it stops booting after an unsuccessful over-the-air update attempt.
Make sure that all the necessary drivers are installed on your computer. Without them, the app will not see the phone in firmware mode. Drivers are usually installed automatically along with proprietary software, but in rare cases they have to be downloaded separately from the manufacturer's website.
Possible problems and solutions
During the update process, various errors may occur, from freezing on the logo to cyclic reboots. If the device is stuck at the bootloop stage, try entering Recovery mode and performing a factory reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset).
A common problem is lack of space in the Cache partition. Before installing new firmware, it is recommended to clear the cache partition through the Recovery menu by selecting Wipe Cache Partition. This action does not delete personal data, but it does resolve old system file conflicts.
If the touch screen or communication module stops working after the update, most likely the firmware was installed for a different hardware revision. In this case, only flashing to the correct version via a computer with full memory formatting will help.
⚠️ Attention: Recovery menu interfaces and item names may differ depending on the manufacturer and version of the recovery menu. Carefully read the descriptions of the actions before pressing the buttons.
If the phone is running slowly after the update, give it a few hours alone. The system optimizes applications in the background, which can temporarily load the processor.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Android 7 to 9 without losing contacts and photos?
When updating by the official method (OTA), the data is usually saved. However, when using custom firmware or manual installation via Recovery, the memory is often cleared. Always make a backup copy before starting the procedure to avoid troubles.
Will the banking application work after installing Android 9?
If you are using official firmware or a certified custom build without root access, the applications will work. If you have Root access or an unlocked bootloader, some banks may block entry to the application for security reasons.
How long does the update process take?
The installation itself takes from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the power of the processor and the size of the files being updated. However, the first boot after the update can last up to 10-15 minutes, as the system compiles application code.
What to do if the phone turns off during the update?
If the device turns off and does not turn on, try holding the power button for 15-20 seconds. If this does not help, you need to enter Recovery or Download Mode and reflash the device again via your computer.