How to Update Apps and Turn On Auto-Update on Android
Updating your apps keeps their newest features, fixes, and security patches in place. Here’s how to update them by hand or have the Play Store do it for you.
Why: App updates ship through the Google Play Store. You can pull updates whenever you like, or turn on auto-update so they install in the background — with an option to only do so over Wi-Fi to protect your mobile data.
Wording is the same across most phones since updates run through the Play Store. Samsung’s Galaxy Store apps update separately in that app.
Fix 1: Update one app, or update all at once
To grab pending updates right now:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon (top right) > Manage apps & device.
- Under Updates available, tap See details.
- Tap Update next to a specific app — or tap Update all to update everything pending.
Fix 2: Turn on auto-update for all apps
To let the Play Store keep everything current on its own:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon > Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps.
- Choose one:
- Over any network — updates over Wi-Fi or mobile data (may use data charges).
- Over Wi-Fi only — updates only on Wi-Fi (recommended to save mobile data).
- Don’t auto-update apps — turns auto-update off.
Over Wi-Fi only is the best choice for most people.
Fix 3: Auto-update just certain apps
If you’d rather not auto-update everything:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon > Manage apps & device > Manage.
- Tap the app you want, then tap More (the three-dot menu, top right).
- Turn on Enable auto update.
To stop an individual app from auto-updating, return here and turn the toggle off.
FAQ
Why aren’t my apps auto-updating? Check that auto-update isn’t set to Don’t auto-update, and if it’s set to Over Wi-Fi only, connect to Wi-Fi. Some updates that add new permissions, or require a device restart, may wait for you to approve them.
Do auto-updates cost data? Only if you allow updates over any network. Choose Over Wi-Fi only to avoid using mobile data.
Do Samsung Galaxy Store apps update here too? Apps installed from the Galaxy Store update inside the Galaxy Store app; Play Store apps update in the Play Store. Most everyday apps come from the Play Store.