How to upgrade Android OS on a smart phone

[bosk1]

I have an almost-2-year-old Samsung smart phone with Android OS.  I recently downloaded a couple of new apps, and one pointed out that I am running an older OS and should contact my service carrier to upgrade my OS to the most current version.  Rather that spend hours dealing with customer service, I am assuming there is a relatively easy way to do this.  Can anyone help?

[AcidLameLTE]

If there was an update for your phone, it would have more than likely asked you if would like to install it but you can check for a new version like this:

Settings > About Phone > System Updates

Might automatically check or you might have to manually check in there.

Depending on your phone, you might be able to load a custom ROM onto it with a later version of Android.

[bosk1]

It does periodically ask for some updates, but never has regarding the OS as far as I can recall.

I tried following the steps you outlined, but there is no "System Updates" option under "About Phone."  Rather than go into "About Phone," there is a "Software Update" option, but nothing happens when I try to open it.

[AcidLameLTE]

I guess there isn't any updates available then.

Not sure what else to say other than see if you can load a custom ROM on of a later version of Android. Can cause problems if you don't know what you're doing though.

[ReaperKK]

What Samsung do you have?

Most Samsung updates get pushed through the Samsung Kies software.

If you don't have it, download it (it's free) it'll ask you to connect your phone and it'll tell you if there is an available update.

However don't get too excited for any big updates, Samsung is TERRIBLE at putting out updates. I have a vibrant (Galaxy S) phone and the 2.3 android update was never released. You can only get the 2.3 update if you have 4g Galaxy S, their lack of updates is what makes me so hesitant about buying a Galaxy II

[bosk1]

What Samsung do you have?

Most Samsung updates get pushed through the Samsung Kies software.

If you don't have it, download it (it's free) it'll ask you to connect your phone and it'll tell you if there is an available update.

However don't get too excited for any big updates, Samsung is TERRIBLE at putting out updates. I have a vibrant (Galaxy S) phone and the 2.3 android update was never released. You can only get the 2.3 update if you have 4g Galaxy S, their lack of updates is what makes me so hesitant about buying a Galaxy II

I also have a Vibrant.  I am currently running 2.1, and the app. says I need 2.2.  So how do I get the update to 2.2?  That's what I couldn't figure out.

[AcidLameLTE]

https://androidadvices.com/how-to-update-samsung-vibrant-to-2-2-froyo-with-kies-mini/

[ReaperKK]

https://androidadvices.com/how-to-update-samsung-vibrant-to-2-2-froyo-with-kies-mini/

2.2, that's the most up-to-date version. There won't be 2.3