Is there an idiot's guide to updating Galaxy S4 to latest Android version?

[Anonymous]

Is it safe and/or sensible just to invoke the OTA update procedure?

Is a factory reset required?  If so, how is that achieved?

All help greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

As long as you are not rooted, just update OTA. The phone restarts in recovery so it can access the system files. It'll be fine 😊

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

OTA is the easiest way - just let it run and do it's own thing.
If you notice any issues after the update make a backup with Kies and factory reset it.
You can reset from the settings menu or from recovery mode which is accessed by holding power and volume up (when phone is off).

[jonsie]

You may find the phone is perfectly ok without a factory reset. If you do need to do it just make sure it's all backed up first. We can advise you how to factory reset if need be.

[Anonymous]

Many thanks @Anonymous ,  @MI5 and @jonsie  - this all sounds quite reassuring for someone who is terrified of updating any electronic device (having experienced some horrendous disasters in the early days of my love/hate relationship with such things).

I have prepared by doing a full back up of phone via Kies onto my PC. I have also independently copied valued photos, videos, audio files and some data files to portable hard drive as an insurance.  

Just one wee supplementary question at this stage.   If my phone "restarts in recovery " after the OTA update - what does that mean in practice?  How and when does it revert to  the normal mode of operation? 

[MI5]

It will just continue to boot normally - just leave it alone until it's finished.

[Cleoriff]

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@MI5 wrote:
It will just continue to boot normally - just leave it alone until it's finished.

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Oh blimey ...I have been through this malarky. Very hard to stop myself having a panic attack whilst praying to the great god Android to get a damn move on...

[jonsie]

It's fairly difficult to select the wrong option, most processes are automated.

[Cleoriff]

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@jonsie wrote:

It's fairly difficult to select the wrong option, most processes are automated.

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I am sure you are correct @jonsie  but I have only done it once...and it was a frightening experience

[Anonymous]

Thank you again @MI5 and @jonsie  - most grateful,  indeed I have even overcome my distaste for the Kudos system to mark my appreciation!!! :O))

Off now to take the OTA plunge - will report back in due course.