We all have plenty to complain about when it comes to software updates landing on our Samsung phones. Right now Samsung's completing its rollout of Android 10 with One UI 2. Sometimes it isn't Samsung's fault that you don't yet have the latest update — issues with carriers and even the current software on your phone can prevent your phone from downloading an update even when it's actually "available" to your phone model. That's where Samsung's desktop software, Smart Switch, comes in. Here's how it works.
Phones that can update with Smart Switch
- Amazon: Samsung Galaxy S20 ($1,000)
- Amazon: Samsung Galaxy Note 10 ($930)
- Amazon: Samsung Galaxy S10 ($750)
- Amazon: Samsung Galaxy Note 9 ($1000)
- Amazon: Samsung Galaxy S9 ($480)
- Amazon: Samsung Galaxy Note 8 ($430)
- Amazon: Samsung Galaxy S8 ($360)
- Samsung Galaxy S II - Galaxy S7
How to manually update your Samsung phone using Smart Switch
- Go to Samsung's Smart Switch website and download for Windows or macOS.
- Install and open Smart Switch on your computer and connect your phone via its USB cable.
- If Smart Switch doesn't recognize the phone, click the menu in Smart Switch and click Reinstall device driver then restart.
- After a few moments, your phone will be recognized by Smart Switch and you'll see several options on the main screen for backing up and restoring. You do not need to back up or restore your phone to initiate an update.
- A software check is performed when you plug in, and Smart Switch will list your current software details. If there is a software update available for your phone, you'll be notified on the main screen.
- The phone will reboot, and the process will take roughly 10 minutes.
- When a new software version is available for your phone, Smart Switch will download it and then apply the next time you plug your device in.
To be clear, this isn't going to force an update onto your phone that Samsung has yet to release. Unless Samsung and your carrier (where applicable) have signed off on and released an update for your exact phone, there's no way to get it.
Hooking up to Smart Switch can get you an update quicker, though, in cases where your carrier is slowly rolling out an update over the air (OTA) or the update checker on your phone for whatever reason won't download an update. If you're impatient, it's absolutely worth having this tool at the ready.
The best Samsung has to offer
The Galaxy S20 features a super-smooth 120Hz screen, battery that will last a full day, the powerful Qualcomm 865 processor, and comes in nice-looking colors. The cameras are also a big step up from the last generation.
