How to Upgrade a Cell Phone's Firmware

Whenever a manufacture releases a new cell phone or Smartphone there are always some bugs that are discovered latter that will require fixing. Manufactures always release software revisions to their phones that update the phone's firmware (chip).

Over the life of the cell phone there will be many revisions that either fixes issues that consumers complain about or make enhancements to the phone.

This firmware update can be done in two ways; (1) You can take your phone to the nearest Wireless Carrier Store and have them do it for you or (2) You can do it yourself. This article will give you step-by-step instructions how to go about performing the cell phone upgrade yourself.

Things you'll need:

• PC
• Cell phone USB cable
• Manufacture's software update tool and drivers

Step1:

Check the software revision that your cell phone is currently using. This can usually be found in the 'Settings and Tools' menu of your phone.

Step2:

Visit the cell phone manufacture's website and navigate to the Support section of the site. Some manufacture's sites may require you to register your cell phone first. Check to see if a new revision is available for your cell phone and what bugs it fixes.

Step3:

In the 'Support" section download the USB drivers for your phone. These drivers enable your PC to recognize you cell phone.

Step4:

Download the 'software upgrade tool' for the phone your own. The software upgrade tool may also be used for many different models. You will need to confirm the software will support your model and wireless carrier you are using.

Step5:

Install the USB driver and upgrade tool onto your PC by following the on-screen setup instructions.

Step6:

Launch the upgrade tool application and connect your cell phone to your PC's USB port via the USB cable. READ THE MANUFACTURE'S INFORMATION ON THE PRECAUTIONS YOU MUST FOLLOW.

Step7:

If you have any questions or concerns, you can post a question on the manufacture's website Forum. This is where people exchange ideas and questions about their phones. You can also visit Howard Forums. This is an excellent site I use myself and registration is free.