Applies to: ViewSonic Manager; firmware; Android upgrade

A standard firmware update, sent from the Devices page side panel, updates a device's firmware to the latest version but does not change the Android OS version it runs. Moving a device to a newer Android version is a separate action, delivered through Manager Advanced's Jobs feature on devices where it is supported.

Standard firmware update

The Update Firmware and Auto Firmware Update commands, available from the Devices page side panel, keep a device on its current Android version while applying the latest firmware build for that version. This is the update path most Manager admins use for routine maintenance.

Android version upgrade

Upgrading a device to a newer major Android version is handled differently from a routine firmware update. Where supported, this is delivered as an Android version upgrade option through Manager Advanced's Jobs feature, rather than as a one-click Update Firmware command. Support for this path depends on the device model and its current Android version, so confirm availability on the Manager device capability chart before planning an upgrade.

Additional notes

Some additional points that may be useful:

  • Not all devices support an Android version upgrade path, even if they support standard firmware updates.

  • An Android version upgrade requires a Manager Advanced license and is set up through Jobs, not the basic Update Firmware command.

  • Both a standard firmware update and an Android version upgrade can trigger a device restart, so plan either action outside of active hours.

Need more help

If you are unsure whether your devices support an Android version upgrade, contact ViewSonic Support with the device model and its current Android and firmware version.

Related articles

For a more detailed breakdown of this topic, visit the KnowledgeBase articles below: