Android Phones

The latest version of Android is called Nougat – or Android 7.0. It’s pre-installed on the newest devices like the Google Pixel. And you can also download it as an upgrade, as long as your device is able to support the software.

To update your phone or tablet, follow these simple instructions (may vary for different manufacturers).

• Back up your device by connecting to a computer (see FAQ 5 below for more info)

• Connect your device to Wi-Fi

• Go to the Settings tab

• Scroll down and press About Phone or About Tablet

• This section will show you which version of Android you’re running. The menu will also have an option called Software Update or something similar

• Once you press Software Update, your device should start looking for an update. If, you’re automatically taken through to another menu, select Software Update Check

• If your device is due an update, then you’ll be asked whether you wish to continue

• Press yes, and follow the on-screen instructions to update your phone

If your current operating system is anything lower than JellyBean, then it is unlikely to be able to support Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Check if you can by following these instructions.

• Go to the Settings tab

• Scroll down and press About Phone or About Tablet

• This section will show you which version of Android you’re running. The menu will also have an option called Software Update or something similar.

• Once you press Software Update the device should start looking for an update. If, however, you go through to another menu, then press Software Update Check.

• If your device is able to update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, then you will be asked if you would to continue. Press yes and follow the on-screen instructions.

This really depends on the device you're using. If it's a newer device with good processing power, the latest Android OS should speed the phone up and you won't have any problems.

If it's an older or lower powered device then it may end up slowing the phone down. One thing to bear in mind is that at the moment, Google only makes the update available to certain devices. So if your device has the ability to update, then everything should be fine.

There are two main ways to back up your device:

· Go to Settings > Personal > scroll to the Back Up My Data option 

· Tick the box next to Back Up My Data 

· If you have more than one Google Account on your device, touch Backup Account and choose the one you want to set as your backup account. If you haven’t got an account, touch Backup Account to add one.

PC backup Connect your phone or tablet to your PC using a USB cable

· All of your files and data will be recognised by the Android Transfer app. Simply tick all of the boxes and press Start Copy.