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Usually, you do not need to restart your phone manually after an update if installation has finished and the phone is working normally. Many Android phones restart during installation. On Pixel, a background-installed update becomes active the next time you restart, so restart if your phone prompts you or you want the update active sooner. On iPhone, Apple’s instructions do not say that every completed update requires an extra restart.
Does an update restart your phone automatically?
It depends on the phone and how its update is installed. A restart can be part of installation, so the phone may already have rebooted by the time the update is complete.
| Phone | What happens during or after installation | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel | Google says updates install in the background and become active the next time the phone restarts. | Restart when prompted, or restart if you want the installed update active now. |
| Many other Android phones and tablets | Google says many restart automatically while installing; the update is active when installation is complete. | Let installation finish and follow any on-screen prompt. Timing can vary by device, manufacturer and carrier. |
| iPhone | Apple’s cited update instructions do not establish a requirement to manually restart after every completed update. | Follow the installation steps and wait for the progress to finish. |
For Android, the distinction between Pixel and other devices matters: Google describes different installation behavior, and update schedules can vary by device, manufacturer and carrier. See Google’s Android update guidance.
What to do while the update is still installing
Do not interrupt an update that is visibly in progress. On iPhone, the progress bar can move slowly or look static for a while, and the time required varies. Keep the iPhone connected to power during an over-the-air update and let the installation finish. Apple’s instructions are in its iPhone update guide and guidance for updating iOS.
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When should you restart after an update?
- Your phone asks you to restart: Follow the prompt. A restart may be needed to activate an update, particularly on Pixel when it was installed in the background.
- The update finished and your phone works normally: There is usually no need for an additional manual restart unless the phone or its manufacturer instructs you to do so.
- You are updating an iPhone: Follow the on-screen steps and allow the process to complete; Apple does not prescribe a manual restart after every successful update.
- The phone is unresponsive or installation never completes: Treat this as a troubleshooting problem, not a routine post-update step. Follow the manufacturer’s recovery instructions.
If the phone appears stuck during an update
On iPhone, a slow or temporarily static progress bar alone does not mean the update has failed. Apple says update duration varies. If the process never completes or the iPhone becomes unresponsive, Apple advises a force restart; use its update troubleshooting steps rather than interrupting an update just because it seems slow. For Android phones other than Pixel, use the phone maker’s current recovery instructions, since steps and update behavior vary by model.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Back up before installing the next update
Apple recommends setting up an automatic backup or making a manual backup before updating an iPhone. Its iPhone update guide also says data and settings remain unchanged after an iOS update, but backing up beforehand provides a recovery copy if something goes wrong.
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- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
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- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
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