Running a new version of Android usually comes with a novel experience, especially when it includes significant design changes or overhauls like Android 12, or comes with exciting features and tighter security. And while Android 13 is already in its Beta state for Google Pixel phones, it's still safe to say that not everyone has adopted Android 11 and 12. If you're among this category of users, you might ask, "How do I get Android 11 or 12 on my older phone?"
With no fuss, we’ll walk you through how to check if your phone is eligible to run Android 11 or 12 and how to safely install it without tampering with your phone.
How Do I Get Android 11 or 12 on My Older Phone?
Getting the latest version of Android on your phone is a lot easier if your phone is eligible to install it, which is usually determined by your brand and phone model. Selected Google Pixel phones usually get the latest Android updates before other brands start tweaking the software to match their custom skin. With that, it usually takes several months after the official Android release before it appears on Android phones from various brands.
Nonetheless, it's been over eight months since Android 12 was released, so many Android devices have it now.
If you're not sure it's available on your device, you simply need to check for updates through your device's settings or the Software Update app. The update is available if your device says so. And if it says you're up to date, then it isn't available on your device yet.
Here's how to check if your device is ready to install Android 11 or 12.
- Open your device Settings app
- Scroll down and select
- Tap System Update
- Click Check for updates
- If an update is available, check its description to see if it includes an upgrade to Android 11 or 12.
- Download and Install the update to upgrade your device to the latest version
If an update is available but doesn’t include an upgrade to a newer version of Android, you still have to install it first. This happens if you’ve missed several security updates or haven't updated your device for a while. To get the latest version through the software update app, you must clear your pending updates first.
However, the unavailability of the Android 11 or 12 upgrade means your device isn't supported or is pending release from your OEM. You may visit their website to see the list of eligible devices for the latest Android version. I have that serves as an answer to your query, "How do I get Android 11 or 12 on my older phone?"
How Do I Get the Latest Android on Tecno, Infinix, Itel Phones?
Both TECNO and Infinix now work hand-in-hand with Google to make the latest version of Android available for their selected devices. This includes premium offerings from the PHANTOM, CAMON, ZERO, and NOTE series from both brands, respectively.
Last year, TECNO released the stable Android 11 update to its POVA 4 device and also promised Android 12 updates for the CAMON 17, CAMON 18, and PHANTOM X phones. Some of these devices have received the update, while some will get it later this year. The same applies to selected Infinix devices like the ZERO 5G and the like.
To get the latest Android version for your TECNO, Infinix, itel phones, kindly check through the system update app to see if your device is eligible or not.
Usually, it's rare to get a major Android upgrade on entry-level devices, so we don't guarantee to get Android 11 or 12 updates for your old itel and some entry-level TECNO and Infinix devices.
Nonetheless, new devices from these brands now run the latest version of Android out of the box, offering a faster way to experience the freshest iteration of Android without breaking the bank. This includes the latest phones like the TECNO SPARK 9 series, Infinix NOTE 12 series, and the upcoming TECNO CAMON 19 series. Also, TECNO has confirmed the forthcoming Android 13 for the CAMON 19 Pro 5G. So you have future proof of being one of the first people to run Android 13 when it launches.
Can I Upgrade My Android Version to 11 or 12?
Yes, you can if you have a supported Android device. It’s been a while since the global release of Android 11 and 12, and several devices from Google, Samsung, TECNO, Infinix, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and other brands are available for upgrade.
To check if your device is eligible for Android 11 or 12, kindly check through the Software Update channel on your phone. Usually, it comes as an option in the Settings app or sometimes as a standalone "System Update" app on some Android devices. Either way, you can check and download Android 11 or 12 on your phone if it's eligible.
Here's how:
- Open your device Settings app
- Scroll down and select
- Tap Software Update
- Click Check for updates
- Confirm if you have an Android 11 or 12 upgrade.
- Download and Install the update to upgrade your device to the latest version of the Android operating system.
Final Thoughts
Unlike the other popular operating systems, all Android phones don't get the latest version at the same time. Unless you use a compatible Google Pixel device, you’ll have to wait till your OEM releases a tweaked version of the latest Android OS to your phone model before you start enjoying it.
If you've ever worried about "how do I get Android 11 or 12 on my older phone?" simply note that it depends on your device’s eligibility. If your device is eligible, visit the System Update channel on your phone to download and start running Android in its latest iteration.
