How to Update the Software on a Motorola Phone

Motorola sends software updates to your phone automatically over the air when they become available. You can also check manually to make sure you have the latest Android version and security patch.

Quick steps: Settings → System updates → Check for updates.

Before you update

  • Connect to Wi-Fi — updates can be large.
  • Charge the battery to at least 50% or keep the phone plugged in.
  • Back up your phone, just in case.
  1. App drawer with Settings highlighted
    Step 1

    Open Settings

    Swipe up on the Home screen to open all apps, then tap Settings.

  2. Settings list with System updates highlighted
    Step 2

    Tap System updates

    Scroll down and tap System updates (on some models, Settings > System > System updates).

  3. System update screen with Check for updates highlighted
    Step 3

    Check for updates

    Tap Check for updates. Optionally, turn off Smart updates if you don’t want updates downloaded and installed automatically.

  4. System update screen showing Checking for updates
    Step 4

    Wait while it checks

    The phone searches for available updates.

  5. System update screen saying Everything looks good with the Android version and security patch
    Step 5

    Install or confirm you’re up to date

    If you see “Everything looks good!”, you already have the latest software. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it — the phone restarts when it’s done.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which Android version my Motorola phone has?

Go to Settings > About phone > Android version. The System updates screen also shows the current software version and security patch level.

Will a software update delete my data?

No, a normal system update keeps your apps and data. It’s still a good idea to back up first.

My Motorola phone is stuck during an update — what should I do?

Leave it for at least 30 minutes on charge. If it’s still stuck, force restart it by holding Power and Volume up until it turns off.

Still having problems? It may be a hardware fault. Check the Motorola spare part prices for your model, or compare battery and display replacement costs.

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Steps and screenshots based on Motorola's official Update device software tutorial. Steps can vary slightly by model and Android version.