How To Update to Android 11 on Samsung

Get your Samsung phone up to date

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Evan Killham Lifewire
Evan Killham
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Evan Killham has been writing about tech and pop culture since 2008. His work has appeared in publications that include Fandom, VentureBeat, and ScreenRant.
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Evan Killham
Updated on April 20, 2021

What To Know

  • Open the app drawer, and then select Settings > Software Update > Download and install.
  • Turn on Auto-download over Wi-Fi to keep your device updated without repeating these steps.
  • Not all Samsung devices are compatible with Android 11.

If you're ready to get your Samsung phone or tablet running with Android 11, Google's latest version of its operating system, here's how to check for and download the update. Before you start, however, make sure your device is compatible with the new firmware.

How To Update to Android 11 on Samsung

Samsung devices place an overlay (OneUI) on top of the base Android OS, making them work slightly differently from other phones and tablets. Here's how to find, download, and install Android 11.

  1. From the home screen, swipe up to see your apps.

  2. Tap Settings.

  3. Scroll down and select Software Update.

    Settings and Software update on a Samsung Galaxy phone

  4. Tap Download and install.

    To make your phone grab new updates as they become available, turn on the switch next to Auto download over Wi-Fi.

  5. The next screen will check for an update and show you what's in it. Select Download to continue.

  6. After the update downloads, tap Install now.

    "Download and install," "Download," and "Install now" in Samsung settings

  7. Your phone will install the new OS and restart.

Which Devices Are Compatible With Android 11?

Not all Samsung phones and tablets can upgrade to this iteration of Android OS. The company currently offers three significant upgrades on most phones and tablets, so if yours came with Android 9 or 10, you should be able to get the new version.

Below are eligible Galaxy products, but the list may not be complete. Phones and tablets as old as 2018 (for example, M-series phones) may also be able to get the upgrade, but you'll only know for sure once your device successfully downloads and installs Android 11.

Galaxy Devices Eligible for Android 11 Update
A-Series  A90 5G. A51 (base and 5G). A71 (base and 5G).
S-Series S10 (base, e, Lite, +, and 5G). S20 (+, 5G, 5G+, Ultra, and Ultra 5G).
Z-Series Fold (base and 5G). Z Flip (base and 5G). Z Fold2 (base and 5G).
Note Series Note 10 (base, Lite, 5G, and +). Note 20 (base, 5G, Ultra, and Ultra 5G).
Tablets  Tab S6 (base, Lite, and 5G). Tab S7 (base, 5G, +, and + 5G).
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