The transition from Android 12 to Android 13 is not just a change in numbers in the settings, but a significant update in the functionality, security and performance of your smartphone. The new version brings an improved notification system, more flexible privacy settings, optimization for tablets and foldable devices, as well as a lot of small but useful features like expanded interface customization. However, the update process does not always go smoothly: some devices receive the update with a delay, and owners of budget models sometimes have to resort to manual methods. In this article we will look at Material You with advanced interface customization.

However, the update process does not always go smoothly: some devices receive the update with a delay, and owners of budget models sometimes have to resort to manual methods. In this article we will look at all current methods for updating to Android 13 in 2026including official OTA updates, firmware via ADB Sideload and alternative methods for devices without manufacturer support. You will also learn how to prepare your phone for the update, avoid data loss and solve errors like “not enough space” or “update not found.”

Checking device compatibility with Android 13

Before trying to update, make sure that your smartphone officially supports Android 13. Manufacturers release lists of compatible models, but there are nuances: some devices receive an update with a delay of 6–12 months, and budget models often remain on the old version forever.

Here are the main compatibility criteria:

  • 📱 Flagship models (for example, Samsung Galaxy S21/S22, Google Pixel 6/7, Xiaomi 12/13) - receive the update first, often within 1-3 months after release.
  • 📲 Mid-budget devices (series Samsung A, Redmi Note, Realme 9) - may wait up to a year for an update or not receive it at all.
  • 🔄 Devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience) - Android 13 is often obtained unofficially through developer communities.
  • ⚠️ Old models (released before 2020) - most likely not supported. Exception: Google Pixel 4a and the like, for which enthusiasts release ported versions.

To find out for sure whether your device is supported, check:

  1. Official website of the manufacturer (section "Support" or "Updates" Software").
  2. Forum XDA Developers —unofficial firmware for unsupported models is often published there.
  3. Phone settings: Settings → About phone → Software update. If there is a check button there, try pressing it.
⚠️ Attention: Manufacturers sometimes change their support policies. For example, Samsung in 2026, it extended updates for some models of the series Galaxy Awhich were originally supposed to remain on Android 12. Check the latest information on official resources.
📊 Your smartphone has already been updated to Android 13?
Yes, automatically
Yes, manually
No, but supported
No and not supported
I don’t know

Preparing the phone for updating: 5 required steps

Even if your device supports Android 13, improper preparation can lead to failures, data loss or “bricks”. Follow this checklist to minimize risks:

Make a backup copy of your data|Free up at least 5 GB of memory|Connect to charging (minimum 50%)|Disable VPN and firewalls|Remember account passwords-->

Let's look at each point in more detail:

1. Backup Update systems can erase user data, especially if something goes wrong. Use:

  • 🔄 Google Drive (automatic backup of contacts, photos, SMS).
  • 💾 Local copy on PC via adb backup or apps like Samsung Smart Switch.
  • ☁️ Cloud services like Dropbox or OneDrive for important files.

2. Free up memory. Update requires minimum 5 GB of free space (on some devices - up to 10 GB). Delete:

  • 🗑️ Application cache (Settings → Storage → Application data).
  • 🎬 Unused videos and photos (transfer them to PC or cloud).
  • 🎮 Heavy games (can be reinstalled after the update).

3. Charging the battery. Interruption of the update due to a discharge can lead to soft-brick (the device does not turn on, but responds to charging. Connect the phone to the network or make sure that the charge is not lower than 50%.

What happens if the update is interrupted?

If the update process is interrupted (for example, due to a low battery or a forced reboot), the device may:

- Get stuck on the manufacturer's logo ("bootloop").

- Stop turning on at all (requires firmware via Fastboot or Odine).

- Lose data in the section /data.

In 80% of cases, resetting to factory settings via Recovery Modehelps, but this erases all user settings files.

4. Disabling VPNs and firewalls. Some ad blocking applications (for example, AdGuard) or VPNs may prevent you from downloading OTA updates. Disable them before checking for updates.

5. Passwords and accounts. After updating, you may need to re-check them. entering passwords from Google, Samsung Account or banking applications. Make sure you remember them or have access to backup codes.

💡

If you use root access or custom recovery (TWRP), updating via OTA may lead to data loss. In this case, it is better to flash Android 13 manually via ADB Sideload or Fastboot.

Method 1: Over-the-air (OTA) update - the easiest method

If your device officially supports Android 13, the safest way is to wait for a notification about the availability of an update or check it manually. This method does not require technical skills and saves all data.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → System → Software update (on some devices the path may differ, for example Settings → Update and security → Software update).
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. If the update is available, click Download and install. The device will reboot and install the update automatically.

What to do if the update is not found:

  • 🔄 Restart the phone and check again.
  • 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes mobile network operators block large downloads).
  • 🕒 Wait 1-2 weeks - updates are often rolled out in stages.
  • 🔧 Use VPN with servers in the country of origin (for example, for Samsung - South Korea, for Xiaomi - China).
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy s One UI) after updating to Android 13, the partition may be reset /data/media, which will lead to the loss of photos and videos. Before updating, transfer them to a memory card or PC.
Manufacturer Models with support for Android 13 OTA release dates Features
Google Pixel 4a/5/6/7 August–October 2022 First to receive updates, pure Android
Samsung Galaxy S21/S22, Note 20, A53/A73 November 2022 – March 2023 Update is available ~3–4 GB, requires One UI 5.0+
Xiaomi Mi 11/12, Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO F4 December 2022 - June 2023 On some models, unlocking is required Bootloader
Realme GT 2 Pro, 9 Pro, Narzo 50 January - July 2023 Update arrives in Realme UI 4.0

Method 2: Manual update via ADB Sideload (for experienced)

If the OTA update is not available, but your device supports Android 13, you can install it manually via ADB SideloadThis method is suitable for most smartphones running pure Android or with small skins (for example, Pixel, Motorola, Nokia).

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot (you can download from official Android website).
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
  • 📄 Update file in format .zip (downloaded from the manufacturer's official website).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download the correct firmware file for your model. For example, for Google Pixel 6 it will be a file like pixel-6-ota-sp2a.220505.008.a3-8f37d35d.zip.
  2. Connect the phone to the PC and turn on USB Debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
  3. Reboot the device into mode Recovery: 
    adb reboot recovery

    On some devices you need to hold down Power + Volume up when loading.

  4. In the menu Recovery select Apply update from ADB.
  5. On the PC, run the command: 
    adb sideload file_name.zip

    Wait for completion (may take 10-30 minutes).

  6. After installation, select Reboot system now.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with locked Bootloader (for example, most Samsung i Xiaomis), this method will not work. You will need to unlock the bootloader, which will reset all data!

1. Reinstall drivers ADB.

2. Use another USB port (preferably USB 2.0).

3. Enable the option in the developer settings Cancel USB debugging authorization and connect again.-->

Method 3: Firmware via Fastboot (for devices without OTA)

If your device does not receive OTA updates, but supports Android 13, you can flash it via Fastboot. This method is suitable for Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi (unlocked Bootloader) and other devices with open firmware.

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ The method erases all data on the device (userdata).
  • ⚠️ Requires unlocked Bootloader (on some devices this will void the warranty).
  • ⚠️ Incorrect firmware can lead to hard-brick (irreparable damage).

Instructions:

  1. Download factory image for your model from the official website (for example, for Pixel — here).
  2. Unzip the archive into the folder with platform-tools (where are adb i fastboot).
  3. Connect the phone to the PC and put it in mode Fastboot: 
    adb reboot bootloader

    Or hold Power + Volume down when loading.

  4. Run the firmware script: 
    flash-all.bat
    (for Windows) or 
    ./flash-all.sh
    (for macOS/Linux).
  5. Wait for completion (the device will reboot several times).

For devices Xiaomi the process is more complicated - you need:

  1. Unlock Bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (you need an account Mi and wait 7-14 days).
  2. Flash TWRP Recovery (unofficial recovery).
  3. Install custom firmware based on Android 13 (for example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS 20).
How to unlock Bootloader on Xiaomi?

1. Link your account Mi to the device (Settings → Xiaomi Account).

2. Enable OEM Unlock in the developer settings.

3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from official website.

4. mode Fastboot and follow the instructions of the app.

5. After unlocking, the device will reset!

Solving common errors when updating

Even with proper preparation, the update may not go according to plan. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them. fixes:

Error Cause Solution
Insufficient memory The device has less than 5 GB of free space Delete unnecessary files or transfer them to a PC/memory card
Error 7 (Error 7) with ADB Sideload Mismatch of firmware version and device Download the correct firmware file for your model
The device does not turn on after the update Interrupted process or incompatible firmware Reflash the device via Fastboot or Odine (for Samsung)
Bootloop (hangs on logo) Conflict with custom recovery or root Reset via Recovery Mode (Wipe data/factory reset)
Error connecting to the server Problems with the Internet or VPN Disconnect the VPN, check the connection to Wi-Fi

If performance problems occur after the update:

  • 🔄 Reboot the device.
  • 🧹 Clear the cache (Settings → Storage → Clear cache).
  • 🔧 Reset the settings to factory settings (if the errors are critical).
  • 📱 Check application compatibility - some old apps may not work on Android 13.
💡

If after the update the sound disappears, the camera does not work or applications stop opening, most likely the problem is in the drivers. Try flashing the device again or wait for a patch from it. manufacturer.

What to do if your device does not support Android 13

If the manufacturer has not released an update for your model, there are several alternative ways to get new features:

1. Custom firmware. The developer community often ports Android 13 to unsupported devices. Popular firmware:

  • 📱 LineageOS 20 - pure Android with minimal modifications.
  • 🎨 Pixel Experience - firmware with interface and chips from Google Pixel.
  • ⚡ Paranoid Android - version optimized for performance.

2. GSI images (Generic System Image). Universal firmware from Google, which can be installed on most devices with Project Treble. Instructions:

  1. Check support Treble via the app Treble Check.
  2. Download the GSI image from official website.
  3. Flash via Fastboot: 
    fastboot flash system file_name.img

3. Alternative launchers and modules. If the firmware is too complex, you can simulate some functions of Android 13:

  • 🖼️ Nova Launcher + icons Material You.
  • 🔔 Shizuku + AppOps for advanced privacy settings.
  • 📱 Magisk modules like Android 13 Features Port.
⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware can lead to loss of warranty, unstable operation of the camera or mobile network. Before installing the firmware, study. reviews on forums (XDA, 4PDA) about a specific model.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about updating to Android 13

Is it possible to roll back from Android 13 back to 12?

Technically yes, but this is a complex process. On most devices you will need:

  1. Find the full firmware (factory image) for Android 12.
  2. Unlock Bootloader (if it is locked).
  3. Flash the device via Fastboot or Odine.

⚠️ Warning: rolling back can lead to data loss and problems with the operation of some applications (for example, banking).

Why does the battery drain faster after the update?

This is typical problem in the first weeks after the update. Reasons:

  • 🔄 Background system optimization (may take 1-2 days).
  • 📱 Incompatible applications (check in Settings → Battery).
  • 🔋 New features of Android 13 (for example, Adaptive Battery may not work correctly).

Solution: wait for a patch from the manufacturer or reset the settings to factory settings.

How to update Android on a phone without the Internet?

If you do not have stable Wi-Fi, but have a PC:

  1. Download the OTA update file for your model (can be found on XDA or 4PDA).
  2. Transfer it to a memory card.
  3. Boot into Recovery Mode and select Apply update from SD card.

For devices Samsung you can use the app Odin and flash the full firmware via USB.

Will my phone work slower after the update?

Depends on models:

  • ✅ Flagships (for example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2) - most likely not, since Android 13 is optimized for new processors.
  • ⚠️ Mid-budget (for example, Snapdragon 7xx) - lags are possible in the first days, but after optimization should stabilize.
  • ❌ Budget (for example, Snapdragon 4xx or Helio G35) - updating may degrade performance.

Tip: before updating, check the benchmark tests of your model on Android 13 (for example, on GSMArena or NotebookCheck).

Is it possible to update Android through a computer without root?

Yes, there are several ways:

  1. Official utilities:
    • Samsung Smart Switch (for devices Galaxy).
    • Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool (requires unlocked Bootloader).
    • LG Bridge (for older models LG).
  • ADB Sideload (as described above) - does not require root, but requires unlocking Bootloader on some devices.
  • Fastboot — suitable for Google Pixel, OnePlus, Motorola and other devices with open firmware.

    • ⚠️ On devices with locked Bootloader (for example, most Huawei or Samsung Exynos) these methods will not work.