Why Does My Tablet Take Forever To Update Quick Workaround Tips

There’s little more frustrating than starting a tablet software update only to watch it crawl—sometimes for hours, sometimes failing entirely. You’re left wondering: why does something that should take 20 minutes stretch into an all-day ordeal? The truth is, while tablets are designed for convenience, their update processes can be surprisingly complex behind the scenes. Factors ranging from network quality to background processes can turn a routine patch into a marathon. But with the right knowledge, you don’t have to wait passively. Understanding what slows down updates—and how to fix it—can save you time, battery, and unnecessary stress.

What Causes Slow Tablet Updates?

Before jumping into fixes, it's essential to understand why your tablet might be stuck on “Downloading…” or “Installing Update…”. Software updates aren't just one-size-fits-all downloads; they vary in size, complexity, and system demands. Several underlying factors contribute to sluggish performance during this process.

• Poor internet connection: Wi-Fi instability or low bandwidth can drastically extend download times, especially for large OS updates (often 1–3 GB).
• Low storage space: Tablets need free space not only to download the update but also to unpack and install it. If your device is near full capacity, the system may stall or fail.
• Outdated firmware: Skipping multiple updates means the current version has to apply many patches at once, increasing processing time.
• Background apps consuming resources: Active apps, sync services, or cloud backups can interfere with system-level operations like updates.
• Battery-saving modes: These often throttle CPU performance and disable background data, which can pause or delay update downloads.
• Server congestion: During major release days (e.g., new Android or iPadOS versions), manufacturer servers may be overloaded, slowing distribution.

Tip: Avoid updating your tablet during peak evening internet usage if possible—your home network may be slower due to streaming or gaming traffic.

Step-by-Step Guide to Speed Up Your Tablet Update

If your tablet is currently stuck or you want to ensure a smooth experience next time, follow this optimized sequence of actions. This timeline-based approach maximizes efficiency and minimizes interruptions.

1. Check available storage (5 minutes): Go to Settings > Storage and confirm at least 2–3 GB is free. Delete unused apps, photos, or cached files if needed.
2. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (2 minutes): Use a 5 GHz band if available—it’s faster and less congested than 2.4 GHz. Avoid public or metered connections.
3. Disable battery saver and optimization features (1 minute): Turn off Power Saving Mode and any app hibernation settings that might interrupt background processes.
4. Close all running apps (2 minutes): Swipe away open apps from the recent menu. This frees RAM and prevents interference.
5. Restart your tablet (3 minutes): A fresh boot clears temporary glitches and resets network settings.
6. Begin the update during off-peak hours (evening or early morning): Reduces strain on both your router and the manufacturer’s servers.
7. Let it install uninterrupted (15–45 minutes): Keep the device plugged in, screen on (if allowed), and within Wi-Fi range. Do not use the tablet during installation.

This method reduces bottlenecks at every stage, significantly cutting total update time compared to initiating the process haphazardly.

Common Mistakes That Make Updates Slower

Even with good intentions, users often unknowingly sabotage their own update attempts. Here are frequent errors and how to avoid them.

Mistake	Why It Slows Updates	How to Fix
Updating over mobile data	Data throttling kicks in after a few hundred MBs, slowing downloads to a crawl.	Always use Wi-Fi for OS updates.
Leaving the screen off	Some tablets suspend downloads when the display sleeps.	Keep screen timeout set to “Never” during download.
Ignoring prior failed attempts	Incomplete downloads leave corrupted temp files that conflict with new attempts.	Restart device before retrying.
Running antivirus or cleanup tools mid-update	Third-party apps may lock system folders needed for installation.	Disable such tools until update completes.
Using outdated router firmware	Older routers may struggle with modern encryption used by update servers.	Update your router’s firmware regularly.

Quick Workarounds When the Update Stalls

Sometimes, even with perfect prep, the progress bar freezes. Don’t panic—try these targeted workarounds before resorting to a factory reset.

Tip: If the update seems frozen at 90%, give it at least 30 more minutes. Final stages involve deep system rewrites that appear inactive but are still processing.

Force Restart the Update Process

If the tablet appears completely stuck (no movement for over an hour), perform a forced restart:

• iPad: Press and quickly release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
• Android tablet: Hold Power + Volume Down for 10–15 seconds until the device vibrates and reboots.

After rebooting, check Settings > System > Software Update. In many cases, the system resumes where it left off or starts fresh without data loss.

Download the Update Manually (Advanced)

For tech-savvy users, manually downloading the firmware file and installing via computer can bypass flaky wireless issues.

• iPad: Use iTunes or Finder on Mac/PC. Put the device in recovery mode and restore using the latest IPSW file.
• Android: Some brands (like Samsung) offer Smart Switch or Odin tools to flash official firmware.

Note: This method erases data unless backed up first. Only recommended when standard updates repeatedly fail.

Switch DNS for Faster Server Response

Occasionally, your ISP’s default DNS slows access to update servers. Changing to Google DNS can help:

1. Go to Wi-Fi settings and tap your connected network.
2. Edit DNS settings (may require long-press or advanced options).
3. Set DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
4. Reconnect and retry the update.

“Many update delays aren’t about the tablet itself, but the ecosystem around it—network stability, storage health, and timing. Optimizing those three elements resolves 80% of slow update cases.” — Rajiv Mehta, Senior Mobile Systems Engineer at TechFlow Labs

Real Example: Sarah’s Weekend Update Nightmare

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, tried updating her Android tablet Friday evening so she could use new annotation features for client work on Saturday. She tapped “Download and Install” before making dinner. When she returned, the progress bar hadn’t moved past 15%. Over the next two hours, it crept to 48%, then froze.

Frustrated, she restarted the device—only to find the update had vanished. After reading online forums, she realized she’d made three critical errors: she was using her crowded home Wi-Fi (shared with two streaming TVs), had only 1.2 GB free storage, and hadn’t disabled battery saver.

On Sunday morning, she followed a disciplined approach: cleared 4 GB of old project files, connected to a guest Wi-Fi network, turned off power saving, and restarted. The download completed in 18 minutes, and installation took under 25. Her tablet booted smoothly with the latest OS, ready for her deadline.

Sarah’s experience highlights how easily small oversights compound into major delays—and how systematic troubleshooting restores functionality fast.

Essential Checklist Before Updating Your Tablet

Use this pre-update checklist to prevent slowdowns and failures:

• ✅ Ensure at least 3 GB of free storage
• ✅ Connect to a strong, unmetered Wi-Fi network (preferably 5 GHz)
• ✅ Charge the battery to at least 70% (or plug in during update)
• ✅ Disable battery saver, do-not-disturb, and app optimization modes
• ✅ Close all background apps
• ✅ Restart the tablet before starting the update
• ✅ Back up important data (cloud or computer)
• ✅ Set aside 1–2 hours of uninterrupted time

Completing these steps dramatically increases the odds of a fast, successful update.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a tablet update normally take?

A typical OS update takes 15–30 minutes to download and 10–45 minutes to install, depending on size and device speed. Total time usually stays under an hour with good conditions. Larger cumulative updates (e.g., jumping two major versions) may take longer.

Can I use my tablet while the update downloads?

You can lightly use the device during download, but avoid heavy tasks like gaming or video streaming, as they consume bandwidth and CPU. Once installation begins, do not use the tablet—it will reboot automatically and must not be interrupted.

What if the update fails repeatedly?

If updates consistently fail after multiple attempts, try resetting network settings (Settings > System > Reset > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth). If that doesn’t work, back up your data and perform a factory reset, then attempt the update immediately on the clean system.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Tablet’s Performance

Your tablet shouldn’t keep you waiting for hours just to stay current. Slow updates are rarely inevitable—they’re usually the result of correctable conditions. By understanding the technical demands of software upgrades and preparing accordingly, you reclaim control over your device’s performance. The key lies not in rushing the process, but in optimizing every prerequisite: storage, connectivity, timing, and system readiness. Apply these strategies proactively, and you’ll spend less time staring at progress bars and more time using your tablet efficiently.

💬 Have a tip that sped up your tablet update? Share your experience below! Your insight could help others skip the frustration and get back to what matters.