Most OTA updates are made aware to the user via a system notification. However, there are times when we can’t or are unable to download and install the OTA update over the typical WiFi network. In these cases, we can manually update the Samsung Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10 Lite, and Galaxy S10e from our PC.
Not everyone has a WiFi connection that they can use to download the latest OTA update. These people are less likely to want to use the limited amount of mobile data they have to download it either. Then, there are others who are put in a situation where they never even receive the update notification.
A few years ago I purchased a Verizon Samsung smartphone (possibly the S7) and I had no intention of using it on their mobile network. I only bought it to do tutorials as they were having a nice sale on the device. I kept it connected to my WiFi network but not once did I receive an OTA update notification.
However, I ended up figuring out that I was able to install the update manually through a number of different methods. I’ll be covering them all here at AndroidExplained.com and the first is by using the Samsung Smart Switch program on the PC.
Time needed: 30 minutes.
How to Manually Update the Samsung Galaxy S10 from the PC
- Download and install the Samsung Smart Switch program
- Open up the Smart Switch program
- Then connect your Galaxy S10 to the PC with a USB cable
If you see the prompt at the bottom of the smartphone asking for access then you should allow it
- Wait for the Smart Switch program to detect the Samsung phone that is connected
If you have an update waiting, a blue Update button will appear in the Smart Switch program
- Click that blue Update button and wait for the PC program to download and install the update
I found it odd that an OEM or a wireless carrier would even put a restriction on a smartphone’s OTA updates like the phone I had. I assume it was Verizon Wireless in this case as I hadn’t had any issues like this before on any other smartphone I had purchased (even carrier-branded smartphones).
I can almost convince myself that they had their reasons but still, I paid for the phone and they profited from the sale. They can use that revenue to pay for the bandwidth that sends the update to my smartphone. In any case, this could be happening with other wireless carriers around the world.
So whether you are being restricted from a wireless carrier or you simply do not have access to a WiFi network, you can rest assured knowing that a manual update is possible. We just have to download the update to our computer first and then let the Samsung Smart Switch program install the update for us.
Be Patient and Don’t Rush Things
As noted in the embedded video above, be sure that your computer has a solid connection to the internet (for downloading the update). You also want to make sure you keep that USB cable connected throughout the process so the update process is not interrupted.
You will notice the Samsung Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10 Lite, Galaxy S10+, or Galaxy S10e will reboot a few times during this manual update method. The first reboot takes your device into Download Mode (after the computer has downloaded the update) and then another happens after the update is pushed to and installed on your smartphone.
It will then reboot one last time to take you back into the Android operating system. This first boot cycle after the update has been installed will be longer than normal. Just be patient and let Android set everything back up again.
