Pixel phones place update controls inside the System section of Settings.
Follow along your way
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Phone
Android
Time
About 3 minutes
Reviewed
August 31, 2026
Before you start
Connect to reliable Wi-Fi.
Back up important information when possible.
Charge above 75% or plug the phone in.
If Settings is not where the picture shows it, swipe up for all apps and search for “Settings.”
Your screen may differ: Update names vary by manufacturer and carrier. Keep the phone charged and connected to Wi-Fi when possible.
Interactive visual guide
Step 1 of 4
Step 1 of 4.
Do this now
Open Settings
Tap Settings on the Home screen.
✦ Original Google Pixel example — not a manufacturer screenshot
9:41
Pixel example
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9:41
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Phone
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Chrome
Settings
Swipe up for all apps
This original visual follows the verified path. Labels can vary slightly by model, region, carrier, or device state.
Show written steps
Open Settings. Tap Settings on the Home screen. Pixel Settings opens.
Open System. Scroll down and tap System. The System screen opens with Software updates in the list.
Open Software updates. Tap Software updates or System update—use the label shown on your Pixel. The Software updates screen opens with a Check for update button.
Check for updates. Tap Check for update, then follow the status shown on your phone. The Pixel checks for an available update.
Watch it happen
Helpful video
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Official help videoChecked August 31, 2026Creator-edited English captions
Update your Android version on your Pixel phone
Published by Google Help. Shows the official Pixel path through Settings, System, and Software updates.
Watch directly on YouTube If the video does not load here, the direct link opens the same tutorial on YouTube.
Android · 4 clear steps
Follow the steps
Read one step, try it on your phone, then move to the next.
Step 1
Open Settings
Tap Settings on the Home screen.
You should now see: Pixel Settings opens.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary.Open a larger picture
Step 2
Open System
Scroll down and tap System.
You should now see: The System screen opens with Software updates in the list.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary.Open a larger picture
Step 3
Open Software updates
Tap Software updates or System update—use the label shown on your Pixel.
You should now see: The Software updates screen opens with a Check for update button.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary.Open a larger picture
Step 4
Check for updates
Tap Check for update, then follow the status shown on your phone.
You should now see: The Pixel checks for an available update.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary.Open a larger picture
My screen looks different
That is normal. Phone makers sometimes move or rename a setting.
On a Pixel, use Settings → System → Software updates.
An update notification may also open the same update action.
