<P> On modern mobile devices such as smartphones, an over-the - air update may refer simply to a software update that is distributed over Wi - Fi or mobile broadband using a function built into the operating system, with the "over-the - air" aspect referring to its use of wireless internet instead of requiring the user to connect the device to a computer via USB to perform the update . </P> <P> Firmware updates are available for download from the OTA service . </P> <P> The OTA mechanism requires the existing software and hardware of the target device to support the feature, namely the receipt and installation of new software received via the wireless network from the provider . </P> <P> New software is transferred to the phone, installed, and put into use . It is often necessary to turn the phone off and back on for the new programming to take effect, though many phones will automatically perform this action . </P>

Android over the air update how does it work