By the DevX mobile team. We tested app update methods on Samsung Galaxy S25, Google Pixel 9, OnePlus 13, and Motorola Edge running Android 15. We verified Google Play Store, Samsung Galaxy Store, and sideloaded app update processes. Last verified March 2026.
How to Update Apps on Android
Keeping your apps updated ensures you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. Android lets you update apps manually or automatically through the Google Play Store. Here’s every method.
Method 1: Update All Apps at Once
- Open the Google Play Store
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner
- Tap Manage apps & device
- Under “Updates available,” tap Update all
- Wait for all apps to download and install
This is the fastest way to bring all your apps up to date at once.
Method 2: Update a Single App
- Open the Google Play Store
- Search for the app you want to update
- Tap on the app
- If an update is available, you’ll see an Update button. Tap it.
- If you only see Open, the app is already on the latest version
Alternatively: Go to Play Store → Profile → Manage apps & device → Updates available → See details to see a list of all apps with pending updates, then tap Update next to individual apps.
Method 3: Enable Auto-Updates
To have apps update automatically without any action from you:
- Open the Google Play Store
- Tap your profile picture → Settings
- Tap Network preferences → Auto-update apps
- Choose one of these options:
- Over any network: Updates on Wi-Fi and mobile data (uses data)
- Over Wi-Fi only: Only updates when connected to Wi-Fi (recommended)
- Don’t auto-update apps: Manual updates only
- Tap Done
We recommend “Over Wi-Fi only” to avoid unexpected data charges.
Method 4: Update Samsung Galaxy Store Apps
Samsung Galaxy phones have a second app store. Some Samsung apps (Samsung Internet, Samsung Notes, Galaxy Themes) update through Galaxy Store, not Play Store:
- Open the Galaxy Store app
- Tap the menu icon (≡) or your profile
- Tap Updates
- Tap Update all or update individual apps
Method 5: Update Android System (OS Update)
To update Android itself (not just apps):
- Open Settings
- Scroll down and tap Software update (Samsung) or System → System update (Pixel/stock Android)
- Tap Download and install
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions
- Your phone will restart to complete the update
Troubleshooting App Updates
App Won’t Update
- Not enough storage: Clear cache or delete unused apps to free space. Go to Settings → Storage to check.
- Play Store cache issue: Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage → Clear cache
- Outdated Play Store: The Play Store updates itself. Force this by going to Play Store → Profile → Settings → About → Tap “Update Play Store”
“App not compatible” Error
This means the new app version requires a newer Android version than your phone supports. Unfortunately, you can’t install the update — you’ll need to keep using the current version or upgrade your phone.
Auto-Update Not Working
- Check that auto-update is enabled (Method 3 above)
- Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi if set to “Wi-Fi only”
- Check that Battery Saver is off (it can pause background downloads)
- Verify you have enough storage space
FAQ
Should I update all my apps?
Yes, in most cases. App updates include security patches, bug fixes, and new features. Outdated apps can have vulnerabilities that put your data at risk. The only exception might be if a specific update is known to cause issues — check the app reviews before updating.
Do app updates use a lot of data?
It depends on the app. Small updates may be 10-50 MB, while major updates for games or social media apps can be 200 MB or more. Set auto-updates to “Wi-Fi only” to avoid data charges.
Can I go back to an older version of an app?
Not through the Play Store. Once updated, you can only revert by uninstalling the app (which removes the update and reverts to the version that came with your phone) and reinstalling, or by sideloading an older APK from a trusted source.
