How to Update a Google Pixel Phone

Software updates are one of the easiest ways to keep your Google Pixel running fast, stable, and secure. They fix bugs, patch security issues, and often smooth out those random glitches that start creeping in over time.

This guide is simple: how to manually update your Pixel, and how to turn on automatic updates so you don’t have to think about it again. Most updates go smoothly — when they don’t, it’s usually because of one of three things: battery, storage, or connection.

And if your Pixel won’t update, gets stuck, or keeps crashing afterward, that’s where real troubleshooting matters. Pull Up® Phone Repair offers mobile phone repair in Baltimore, with on-site diagnostics to get your device stable again without wasting your time.

Why Software Updates Matter

Updates aren’t optional “nice to haves.” They keep your phone functioning properly.

They help your Pixel:

• Run faster and more efficiently
  
• Fix bugs and app crashes
  
• Stay protected with security patches
  
• Get new Android features and tools
  

If your phone feels glitchy, slow, or unstable, updating is one of the first fixes that actually makes sense.

Before You Update (Quick Checklist)

Before you start, do a quick setup check so the update doesn’t fail halfway through:

• Connect to Wi-Fi (preferred)
  
• Make sure your battery is at least 50% (or plug in)
  
• Have enough free storage — aim for 1GB+ available
  
• Optional but smart: back up anything important
  

That’s it. If those boxes are checked, updates usually go smoothly.

How to Manually Update a Pixel Phone

Updating manually takes about a minute to start.

1. Open Settings
   
2. Tap System
   
3. Tap System update
   
4. Tap Check for update
   
5. If one is available, tap Download and install
   
6. Follow the prompts — a restart is required
   

During the install, your phone will restart and won’t be usable for a bit. That’s normal. Don’t force power off or mess with it mid-update.

How to Turn On Automatic Updates

If you don’t want to think about updates again, enable auto-download.

1. Open Settings
   
2. Tap System
   
3. Tap System update
   
4. Tap the gear/settings icon (top right)
   
5. Turn on Auto-download over Wi-Fi
   

With auto-updates on, your phone will download updates in the background and typically install them when you’re not actively using the device.

What to Do If Your Pixel Won’t Update

If your Pixel refuses to update, don’t overcomplicate it — start here:

• Restart your phone and try the update again
  
• Check storage — keep at least 1GB free
  
• Switch networks (Wi-Fi ↔ mobile data) and retry
  
• Confirm the phone isn’t rooted or heavily modified
  

If it’s still stuck — update loop, error message, repeated failures — that’s when you’re beyond the “basic checklist” and into real troubleshooting territory.

FAQ

How long do Pixel updates take?

Most take 10–30 minutes, depending on size and your connection speed.

Can I use my phone while it’s updating?

No. It restarts during the process and won’t be usable until it’s finished.

Will a software update erase my data?

No, updates don’t delete your files — but backing up is still smart if you have important data.

What Android version am I on?

Go to Settings → About phone → Android version.

Conclusion

Most of the time, updates prevent problems — they don’t cause them. Keeping your Pixel updated helps performance, stability, and security, and it reduces the chances of random crashes and weird behavior.

Check for updates about once a month, and keep auto-updates on if you want it handled quietly in the background. If your Pixel won’t update or keeps crashing after an update, don’t waste time guessing. Pull Up® Phone Repair offers mobile phone repair and Google Pixel repair in Baltimore, with on-site troubleshooting to get your phone back to normal fast.