System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to updating vehicle software by using additional connectivity from an alternate device. In one embodiment, a method includes initiating a download from a first point and a second point within a software package by a communication module associated with a vehicle and an alternate device. The method also includes, responsive to comparing progress points of the download between the communication module and the alternate device, adapting the download according to the progress points and network connectivity by the communication module to complete the download, the first point and the second point being opposing ends within the software package.