Update your Android apps

You can update the apps downloaded and installed on your Android device either individually or automatically. Updating your apps gives you access to the latest features and improves app security and stability.

Note: If Google determines that an app update will fix a critical security vulnerability, we may make certain app updates regardless of update settings in the app or on your device. For more information, please see the Google Play Terms of Service.

Note: If you’re using Google Play on a Chromebook, find out about app updates here. 

Update Android apps automatically

To automatically update apps on your Android device:

1. Open the Google Play Store app .
2. Tap Menu   Settings.
3. Tap Auto-update apps.
4. Select an option:
   • Over any network to update apps using either Wi-Fi or mobile data.
   • Over Wi-Fi only to update apps only when connected to Wi-Fi.

Note: If an account on your device has a sign-in error, apps may not update automatically. 

Update individual Android apps automatically

To set up updates for individual apps on your device:

1. Open the Google Play Store app .
2. Tap Menu   My apps & games.
3. Select the app that you want to update.
4. Tap More .
5. Tap Enable auto-update.

The app will update automatically when updates are available. To turn off automatic updates, untick the box.

Update Android apps manually

To update apps individually or in bulk using the Google Play Store app on your mobile device:

Note: Some apps require new permissions when they are updated. You may see a notification asking if you accept the new permissions.

Tip: In some cases, you may need to restart your device to update an app.