Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. Guides

Android 11 hits Samsung devices; here’s how to download Android 11

By and

Android 11 may have been out on Pixel phones for a while — pretty much since’s Google’s online I/O event — but as always, it takes a little while for the latest version of Android to find its way to other phone manufacturers. However, the rollout is getting there, and the latest phones to receive the latest version of Android are Samsung’s latest flagship devices. So if you’re rocking a Samsung device, go down the article to find out how you can check for the update.

Recommended Videos

Of course, not every phone has received the update yet, but a number of those can still access the Android 11 beta. But it’s important to note that only some people should download the beta for themselves. It’s generally not a good idea to download the beta to the phone you use on a day-to-day basis, and most average people should wait until the final version of the software is available for your phone. That’s because the beta version will likely have a number of bugs and issues, and may break certain aspects of your phone’s software.

Related

Here’s how to download and install Android 11, as well as how to access the Android 11 public beta if you’re anxious to try it out.

Phones compatible with Android 11 and the Android 11 public beta

Google Pixel 4a Camera Module
Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

Before installing Android 11, it’s worth making sure you have a phone that’s actually compatible. We have a full and constantly updated list of smartphones with Android 11, but at launch, only certain phones are compatible with Android 11. Check our list of Android 11 devices to see if your phone is eligible for the updated version.

But even if you don’t have it yet, you have the option of installing the Android 11 beta instead. These devices have access to the beta.

Phones compatible with the Android 11 public beta

How to install Android 11

If your phone has been given the green light to update to Android 11, then it’s really easy to update. Make sure you’re doing this during a time when you won’t need your phone, as it can take a little time to complete and your phone will not be available for normal use during the update.

  1. Head to your Settings app, and scroll down until you see System.
  2. Tap System > Advanced > System update.
  3. Tap Check for update, and then the Download and install button.
  4. You may also need to confirm that you want to download and install it now, rather than waiting for your phone’s downtime.
  5. Feel free to use your phone normally while the update is downloaded. Once it’s downloaded and ready to install, you can tap on the notification to begin the process.
  6. Your phone will restart and update to Android 11.

If you’re using a Samsung device, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, then the update path is slightly different.

  1. Open the Settings app, and scroll down to Software update.
  2. Tap Download and install to check whether you need to update.
  3. If there’s no update waiting to be installed, then it’ll say Your software is up to date. If not, you’ll be prompted to Download and install the update.
  4. You can continue using your phone normally while the update is downloaded. Once it’s downloaded and ready to install, you can tap on the notification to begin the process, or select the option that schedules the update for early in the morning.
  5. Your phone will restart and update to Android 11 when the installation is triggered. This can take a while, so make sure you don’t need your phone.

How to install the Android 11 beta

So you don’t have the final release yet, but you’re anxious to try out the Android 11 beta instead. Thankfully, Google makes installing the public beta relatively easy. Here’s a rundown:

  1. Head to the Android 11 beta website.
  2. Press the View your eligible devices button.
  3. If you have an eligible phone, you should see a picture of it with an Opt in button. Press that button.
  4. Tick the appropriate boxes and press Join beta.
  5. You’ll get a notice telling you that your device is now a part of the Android 11 public beta.
  6. On your phone, head to Settings > System > Advanced > System updates.
  7. There should be an update available. Press the Install button.

Once the update is installed, you should have access to all the new features available in the software. As mentioned, it’s important to keep in mind that there will be bugs.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Christian de Looper
Christian de Looper
Contributor
Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle…
A virus infected more than 11 million Android devices. Here’s what we know
A person holding an Android phone while on a bike. The display shows the Google Play Store.

According to statistics, it's expected that people will download 143 billion apps in 2026 alone. That's a lot of people and a lot of phones, so it's no surprise that bad actors have pinpointed the Play Store as an ideal distribution center. According to security researchers at Kaspersky SecureList, the infamous Necro malware has been found in Android, with more than an estimated 11 million devices infected.

The estimated download count comes from the researchers taking a look at the different infected apps. There are several that are confirmed infected, including Wuta Camera and Max Browser. There are also WhatsApp mods from unofficial sources that carry the malware, as well as a Spotify mod called Spotify Plus — yes, like the premium service. The report also touches on a number of infected mods for games like Minecraft and Melon Sandbox.

Read more
What is USB OTG? Here’s how to use USB drives and more on your smartphone
The USB-C port on the Google Pixel 9 Pro.

USB Type-C has widely become the de facto primary means of wired connection for most of our electronic devices. It forms the basis for the latest generation of USB standards, USB 4, and has been present across multiple different devices ranging from phones and tablets to handheld gaming consoles, digital cameras, power banks, rechargeable lights, massage guns, etc. -- it's practically an endless list. Inarguably, Android phones have been the biggest driver of USB-C and have featured it for almost a decade, but it has also been more recently adopted by Apple on the iPhone 15, the new iPhone 16 series, and other devices, including the AirPods lineup.

While a single port across multiple devices is the basis for ultimate convenience, it also raises one major issue. Most of the legacy (and even some modern-day) USB peripherals use the larger USB Type-A connector, and they might outnumber the ones that have already transitioned to USB-C. Thankfully, there is a fairly easy solution to the problem, and that is using a dongle or a connector, with the connection facilitated by a very straightforward technology commonly known as USB OTG.

Read more
Will my Apple Watch get watchOS 11? Here’s every supported model
The Palette watch face on the Apple Watch Series 9.

It's time to update your Apple Watch, because a new version of watchOS is here. Snappily named watchOS 11, Apple's newest wearable operating system may not have the Apple Intelligence it's pushing for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, but it does have plenty of fitness-tracking enhancements, new live widgets, and smarter delivery of health stats through the new Vitals app. Before today, you would have had to sign up to a (somewhat) risky beta to try out these new features -- but that's no longer the case. No, now watchOS 11 has hit its full public release, and it is a thing of beauty.

But that doesn't matter if you're not sure if your Apple Watch will be getting the update or not. After all, while every piece of technology is new once, there comes a time when even the shiniest of silicon is sent out to the pastures to enjoy retirement. So, will your Apple Watch be getting watchOS 11 or not? Find out here.
Which Apple Watch models support watchOS 11?

Read more