When Will My Phone Get the Android 10 Update?

Android 10 is finally here, but the fragmented nature of Google's operating system means you're at the mercy of your carrier and phone maker when it comes to getting the latest (non-flavor) version of Android.

The new mobile OS has already started rolling out for several phones, but launch schedules for many major handset makers are unknown. Check below to see when you might expect the update to hit your phone.

Google Pixel

The Android 10 update started rolling out to Pixel phones on Sept. 3. If you own a Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, or Pixel 3a XL, navigate to Settings > System > System Update to check if the upgrade has reached your phone yet.

Beta Devices

If you own one of the phones that was included in the Android 10 beta, you'll likely get the final version shortly. Google said recently it will be "working with our partners to launch and upgrade devices to Android 10 this year," but did not provide a specific date.

Phones in the Android 10/Q beta program include:

Asus Zenfone 5Z
Essential Phone
Huawei Mate 20 Pro
LG G8
Nokia 8.1
OnePlus 7 Pro
OnePlus 7
OnePlus 6T
OnePlus 6
Oppo Reno
realme 3 Pro
Sony Xperia XZ3
Tecno Spark 3 Pro
Vivo X27
Vivo Nex S
Vivo Nex A
Xiaomi Mi 9
Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G
Google Pixel 3
Google Pixel 3 XL

Here's what else you can expect from the top Android phone brands.

Asus

The Asus ZenFone 5Z was officially part of the Android 10 beta, and in July, Asus also invited Zenfone 6 users to check out the beta, so that device is also likely to receive an update. But it took awhile for Asus to roll out Android 9.0 Pie to all its handsets worldwide, so the 10 rollout could be similarly lengthy.

Essential Phone

If you own an Essential phone, you should already have the Android 10 update. The new operating system was pushed out on the same day the Pixel phones got it.

HMD Global (Nokia)

HMD Global released a detailed roadmap for Android 10 updates coming to its Nokia phones.

The Nokia 9 PureView, Nokia 8.1, and Nokia 7.1 are expected to receive Android 10 before the end of the year. In the first few months of 2020, the Nokia 7 Plus, Nokia 6.1 Plus, and Nokia 6 will receive the update.

By the end of Q1 2020, Nokia 4.2, Nokia 3.2, Nokia 3.1 Plus, Nokia 2.2, Nokia 8 Sirocco, Nokia 5.1 Plus, and Nokia 1 Plus should also receive Android 10. Remaining devices—including Nokia 5.1, Nokia 3.1, Nokia 2.1, and Nokia 1—are expected to be updated by the end of Q2 2020.

HTC

Android Pie updates only started hitting HTC phones this summer, so don't hold your breath for Android 10 on HTC phones this year, except perhaps on the Android One version of the U11 Life, Android Authority suggests.

Huawei

Thanks to trade- and security-related troubles with the US, Huawei's future here is in flux. Though it pledged to forge ahead with an Android 10 update for Huawei and Honor smartphones, the phone maker's new devices will run the open-source version of Android with Huawei's custom EMUI 10 layered on top, not Android 10. That means the Mate 30 lineup will not come pre-installed with Google's Play Store and its commercial apps, such as YouTube. For apps, buyers can tap into Huawei's own app store.

LG

Like HTC, LG has been slow to roll out new versions of Android to its handset, and Android Authority doesn't believe that'll change with Android 10, even though the G8 was part of the beta.

OnePlus

On Sept. 21, OnePlus started a staged rollout of its OxygenOS version 10.0 based on Android 10 for a "limited number of users" with the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro. As Pocket-lint notes, "OnePlus is good with updates," so look for Android 10 on older phones too, like the OnePlus 6T, OnePlus 6, OnePlus 5T, and OnePlus 5.

Samsung

As XDA Developers notes, Samsung does not have a history of rolling out Android updates quickly. However, as Android Central reports, Samsung says a second beta for its version of Android 10 for the S10e, S10, and S10+ is "coming soon." For now, it's only for those on Sprint or T-Mobile, or those with unlocked versions of the phones. And they'll have to wait until a sign-up option appears inside the Samsung Members app. It should says "One UI 2 Beta with Android 10."

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Jason Cohen

Senior Editor, Help & How To

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As PCMag's editor of how to content, I have to cover a wide variety of topics and also make our stories accessible to everyday users. Considering my history as a technical writer, copywriter, and all-around freelancer covering baseball, comics, and more at various outlets, I am used to making myself into an expert.

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My job as how-to guru means I use just about every gadget under the sun, so I can figure out how everything works. I work from a Lenovo ThinkPad running Windows 11, but also have a very large Dell Inspiron 17 3000 and Apple silicon MacBook. I also have a Google Pixel 6a for personal use and use a Galaxy Z Flip 4 for additional Samsung-related testing. For iOS coverage, an iPhone 13 mini works like a charm, though it's already becoming a little long in the tooth.

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