Do you want to update your smartphone to the latest version Android, but the manufacturer has stopped releasing updates? Or is new firmware available, but the device does not see it? This problem is familiar to millions of users - even flagships 2-3 years old are often left without support. However, there is a way out: from official updates via OTA to installing custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

In this guide we will look at all current methods getting a new version of Android - from the most secure to radical ones that require unlocking the bootloader. You will learn which models support unofficial firmware, how to avoid “bricks” (non-working devices), and what to do if functions are lost after the update. And also - list of smartphones for which there are stable ports of Android 14/15 even without official support.

Before you start, check two key points: your device model (written on the box or in Settings → About phone) and current Android version. This will determine what methods are available to you. For example, for Samsung Galaxy S20 an official update via Smart Switchis suitable, and owners Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 will have to consider custom ROMs.

1. Checking compatibility: does your smartphone support the new version of Android?

The first step is to find out is it possible to update your device at all. Manufacturers usually support smartphones with updates for 2-4 years from the date of release. For example:

  • 📱 Google Pixel: 5-7 years of updates (record holders - Pixel 4a received Android 14 in 2023).
  • 📱 Samsung Galaxy: 4 years for flagships (series S, Note, Z Fold/Flip), 2-3 years for budget models.
  • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: 2-3 years for top models, 1-2 years for budget ones.
  • 📱 OnePlus, Oppo, Realme: 2-3 years for flagships, 1 year for budget ones.

To find out the support status of your model:

  1. Go to the manufacturer's website (section "Support" or "Updates").
  2. Enter the device model in the search engine with the request "[model] Android 2026 update".
  3. Check thematic forums (4PDA, XDA Developers) - unofficial firmware is often published there.
📊 What smartphone do you have?
Samsung
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco
Google Pixel
OnePlus/Oppo/Realme
Another brand
I don’t know the model

Attention to detail: if your smartphone was released before 2019, the chances of an official update to Android 13+ are heading towards zero. But this does not mean that it is impossible to install a new version using alternative methods - more on this in the following sections.

⚠️ Attention: Manufacturers sometimes change their support policies. For example, Samsung in 2023 it extended updates for some models to 4 years. Check the latest information on the official website of the brand.

2. Method 1: Official update over the air (OTA) or via PC

The simplest and safest method is update via the settings menu. If the manufacturer has released a new version for your model, it should come automatically or be available manually.

Instructions for OTA update:

  1. Connect to stable Wi-Fi (over-the-air update can weigh 1-3 GB).
  2. The battery charge should be at least 50% (preferably 80%).
  3. Go to Settings → System → System update (path may vary).
  4. Click Check for updates and follow the instructions.

If the update does not arrive, try force check:

  • 🔄 Restart your smartphone and check again.
  • 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile data (sometimes it helps).
  • 🗓️ Set the date 1-2 days in advance (sometimes it works to speed up the check).

For some brands there are branded PC utilities:

BrandappLink (search on Google)
SamsungSmart Switchsamsung.com/ru/smartswitch/
XiaomiMi Flash Toolmiui.com/en/download.html
Google PixelAndroid Flash Toolflash.android.com
OnePlusOxygen Updateroxygenupdater.com

Charge the battery until 80%. updates, the smartphone began to slow down, try resetting the settings to factory settings (

Connect to Wi-Fi

Free up 5+ GB of memory

Back up your data

Disable VPN/proxy (may block updates) -->

⚠️ Attention: If after the update your smartphone starts to slow down, try resetting the settings to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset). This will delete all data, but often solves performance problems.

3. Method 2: Manual update via Recovery Mode (for advanced)

If OTA does not work, but the firmware for your model exists, you can install it manually via Recovery mode. This method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader or official firmware in the format .zip.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download official firmware for your model from the manufacturer's website (for example, Firmware.science for Samsung, Miui Downloads for Xiaomi).
  2. Place the file update.zip to root of internal memory (not to folders!).
  3. Turn off the smartphone and go to Recovery Mode:
    • For most devices: press Power + Volume up.
    • For Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby.
  • In the Recovery menu, select Apply update from SD card (or a similar item) and specify the downloaded file.
  • Wait for completion (not turn off the device!).

    • Important nuances:

    • 🔧 Samsung may require firmware via Odin (PC utility).
    • 🔒 On some devices (Xiaomi, Realme) you need to first unlock the bootloader.
    • 📉 Risk of data loss: make a backup before flashing the firmware!
    What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

    If the key combination does not work, try:

    1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and use command adb reboot recovery.

    2. For Samsung: try the combination with the button Bixby or Home (if available).

    3. If the screen blinks and crashes, the Recovery partition may be damaged. In this case, only firmware via PC will help.

    4. Method 3: Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, crDroid)

    If the manufacturer abandoned your smartphone, but it is still capable of running a new version of Android, custom firmware —your chance. Popular options:

    • 📱 LineageOS: pure Android without unnecessary software, supports hundreds of devices.
    • 📱 Pixel Experience: firmware with proprietary chips Google Pixel (for example Now Playing for music recognition).
    • 📱 crDroid: balance between stability and new features.
    • 📱 Paranoid Android: for fans of customization.

    Installation requirements:

    • 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
    • 🛠️ Installed custom Recovery (for example, TWRP).
    • 📄 Data backup (installation will erase everything!).
    • 🔋 Battery charge 70%+.

    Step-by-step guide (using LineageOS as an example):

    1. Check support for your model on LineageOS official website.
    2. Download the firmware (lineage-[model]-[version].zip) and GApps (Google services, if needed).
    3. Reboot into TWRP Recovery (press Power + Volume up).
    4. Do Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
    5. Install the firmware (Install → select the .zip file), then GApps.
    6. Reboot (Reboot System). The first launch may take 10-15 minutes.
    💡

    Before installing custom firmware, check the reviews on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA). Some assemblies may not work with a mobile network or camera.

    Smartphone modelSupported Android version (custom)Stability
    Xiaomi Redmi Note 7Android 14 (LineageOS 21)⭐⭐⭐⭐ (no problems with network)
    Samsung Galaxy S9Android 13 (crDroid)⭐⭐⭐ (camera partially works)
    OnePlus 6TAndroid 14 (Pixel Experience)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (everything works)
    Huawei P30 ProAndroid 12 (LineageOS)⭐⭐ (problems with Google Services)
    ⚠️ Attention: Installation custom firmware resets the warranty and can lead to loss of functions (for example, Widevine L1 for Netflix in HD). On some devices (Samsung Exynos, Huawei Kirin), unlocking the bootloader is impossible without official permission.

    5. Method 4: Projects like "Android 14 for Unofficial Devices" (GSIs)

    If your model does not have custom firmware, but it supports Project Treble (all devices running Android 8+), you can try Generic System Image (GSI). These are universal Android builds that work on most smartphones.

    How to check support for Project Treble:

    1. Install the application Treble Check from Google Play.
    2. If the status Seamless -your device is compatible.

    GSI installation instructions:

    1. Download the GSI image from GitHub Phhusson (choose the option with arm64 or arm depending on the processor).
    2. Unpack the archive and rename the file to system.img.
    3. Reboot to fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down).
    4. Connect your smartphone to the PC and run the commands: 
      fastboot erase system

      fastboot flash system system.img
      

      fastboot reboot

    Pros and cons GSI:

    • ✅ Works on most modern devices.
    • ✅ You can try Android 14/15 even on unsupported smartphones.
    • ❌ Often do not work: camera, fingerprint sensor, NFC.
    • ❌ No guarantee of stability (may overheat, battery drains quickly).
    💡

    GSI is a “universal” firmware, but it requires manual configuration and does not guarantee the operation of all functions. It is better to use it as a temporary solution or for experiments.

    6. Method 5: Alternative launchers and “shells” (without firmware)

    If you need chips of the new version of Android, but don’t want to risk the firmware, try:

    • 🎨 Launchers:
      • Nova Launcher + Android 14 Icon Pack - visually like a new system.
      • Lawnchair — imitates Pixel Launcher with gestures.
    • 🔧 Magisk modules:
      • Android 14 Features Port - adds new functions (for example, notifications with animation).
      • App Cloner - allows you to duplicate applications (as in Android 12+).
    • 📱 Wrapper applications:
      • Island - creates a "sandbox" for testing new versions of Android in virtual space.
      • UserLAnd - launches a full-fledged Linux/Android inside your system.

    These methods they will not update the system kernel, but will allow you to get part of the new functionality without risks. For example, with Nova Launcher and Android 14 Wallpapers your Redmi Note 8 will look like Pixel 8.

    An example of setting up a "pseudo-Android" 14":

    1. Install Nova Launcher and configure gestures (as in Android 14).
    2. Download Android 14 Ringtones & Wallpapers from Google Play.
    3. Install Magisk and module Android 14 Quick Settings for a new type of curtain.
    4. Use Good Lock (for Samsung) or Substratum for design themes.

    7. Risks and how to avoid them: what could go wrong?

    Updating Android is not always a smooth process. Here are the most common problems ways to prevent them:

    ProblemCauseSolution
    Smartphone does not turn on ("brick")Update interrupted, incorrect firmwareFlash via fastboot or Odin (for Samsung)
    Loss of mobile networkIncompatible firmware or modulesInstall the correct ones radio-firmware or return stock
    Rapid battery drainUnoptimized custom firmwareRoll back or try another build
    Google Services do not workMissing GApps or incorrect versionReflash with the correct package Open GApps
    Applications crashIncompatibility with the new version of AndroidUpdate applications or use Magisk to bypass checks

    How to minimize risks:

    • 📌 Always do full backup via TWRP or Titanium Backup.
    • 🔍 Check MD5 hash downloaded firmware (so that the file is not damaged).
    • 💬 Read reviews on the forums before installing custom firmware.
    • 🔋 Use original cable for firmware via PC (cheap cables can break the connection).
    What to do if after flashing the smartphone is stuck on the logo?

    1. Wait 15-20 minutes - the first startup may take a long time.

    2. If it doesn’t help, go to Recovery and do Wipe Cache/Dalvik.

    3. If the freeze repeats, flash it again, after formatting the partition System.

    4. As a last resort, return to the stock firmware via fastboot or Odin.

    8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

    Is it possible to update Android on a smartphone with 2 GB of RAM?

    Technically yes, but Android 12+ will be slow.. The best option is lightweight firmware like LineageOS for MicroG (without Google Services) or Android Go. For Android 14 a minimum of 4 GB of RAM is recommended.

    Why did photos and contacts disappear after the update?

    Most likely you didn’t backup before flashing. Try restoring data via DiskDigger (for photos) or Google Contacts (if there was synchronization). In the future, use Swift Backup or Titanium Backup.

    How to return the old version of Android if the new one works bad?

    You need to flash stock firmware for your model. To do this:

    1. Download the official firmware from the manufacturer's website.
    2. Use Odin (for Samsung), Mi Flash (for Xiaomi) or fastboot.
    3. Perform a full reset (Wipe Data) after flashing.

    Attention: rolling back to an older version may lead to problems s SafetyNet (banking applications will not work).

    Is it possible to update Android on a smartphone without a computer?

    Yes, but with limitations:

    • Official OTA update - without a PC.
    • Custom firmware via TWRP —if you already have custom Recovery installed.
    • Applications like FlashFire (outdated) or FrancoKernel Manager —for experienced users.

    For most unofficial firmware, you still need a PC (for example, to unlock the bootloader).

    Why does the manufacturer not release updates for my smartphone?

    Main reasons:

    • Outdated hardware - new versions of Android require more resources.
    • Savings —support for older models costs money (testing, adaptation).
    • Brand policy —for example, Samsung supports flagships longer than budget models.
    • Problems with drivers —chipset manufacturers (for example, Qualcomm) stop updating drivers for older processors.

    Exception - Google Pixel i some models OnePlusthat receive updates longer than others.