Updating an app on your smartphone is a pretty straightforward process, but there are multiple ways to go about it. Using the Google Play Store to download the latest version of your favourite apps is the most trusted of them all. But what if a particular update hasn’t been rolled out for your device yet? Or what if the Google Play Store unexpectedly stops working? Well, you can go the other route and not rely on Android’s native app marketplace for the job. Today, we bring you the top 8 ways to update an app on Android with or without the Google Play Store.
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In This Article
Why you should keep the apps on your phone updated
The apps on your phone are not immune to bugs and unexpected crashes. The good news is that app developers are constantly rolling out updates to patch these issues on time. As soon as users report a particular bug, it sets the wheels rolling and developers turn their attention to the issue at hand. Within a few days, the bug-free update is published for users to download. This is why updating the app is one of the first steps you should take to fix its erratic behaviour.
Routine updates also elevate the security of the apps. This is particularly true for web browsers, instant messengers, and financial apps. Malicious entities are always on the prowl, looking for security flaws to pounce upon your data. Keeping your apps updated is one way to keep these entities at bay.
Finally, app updates are also used to roll out new features and functionalities. Can’t find a feature that everyone is using on Facebook or WhatsApp? You’re probably using an older version of the app. Install the updated version to stay on top of all the new features.
Manually update an Android app using Google Play Store
Step 1: Go to the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2: Hit the Search bar and enter the name of the app you want to update.
Step 3: Go to the app’s page.
Step 4: Hit Update.
Manually update all Android apps using Google Play Store
Step 1: Launch the Google Play Store on your Android phone.
Step 2: Tap your profile picture at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Select Manage apps and device.
Step 4: Tap on Updates available.
Step 5: Hit Update all.
Automatically update all apps on your Android device
Step 1: Launch the Google Play Store on your Android phone.
Step 2: Tap your profile picture at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Go to Settings.
Step 4: Tap on Network preferences.
Step 5: Select Auto-update apps.
Step 6: Tap on Over Wi-Fi only. You can also choose to update apps over mobile internet, but this option isn’t recommended since it ends up using a lot of mobile data.
Turn on auto-updates for a particular app
Step 1: Launch the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2: Hit the Search bar and enter the name of the app for which you want to turn on auto-updates.
Step 3: Open the app’s page and hit the ellipses at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 4: Tap the checkbox for Enable auto-update.
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Update Android apps without using Google Play Store (Galaxy Store)
If you own a Samsung phone, here’s how you can update any app using the Galaxy Store.
Step 1: Launch the Galaxy Store on your Samsung device.
Step 2: Switch to the Menu tab.
Step 3: Tap on Updates.
Step 4: Tap the refresh icon next to an app to update it or select Update all at the top right corner of the screen.
Update Android apps without using Google Play Store (V-Appstore)
Vivo and iQOO users can update any app on their devices using the V-Appstore. Here’s how.
Step 1: Launch the V-Appstore on your Vivo/iQOO phone.
Step 2: Switch to the Manage tab.
Step 3: Tap on Updates available.
Step 4: Hit Update next to the app you want to update.
Update Android apps without using Google Play Store (Xiaomi Get Apps)
Here’s how Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco users can update the apps on their phones using the Get Apps marketplace.
Step 1: Go to the Get Apps marketplace on your Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco device.
Step 2: Switch to the Me tab.
Step 3: Tap on Updates.
Step 4: Hit Update all.
Update Android apps without using Google Play Store (Third-party marketplace)
If you use a stock Android phone that doesn’t come with its app store, you can use a third-place marketplace as an alternative to the Google Play Store to update an app. Here’s how.
Step 1: Open the web browser app on your Android smartphone.
Step 2: Go to a trusted third-party app marketplace like APKMirror, Softonic, or F-Droid.
Step 3: Search for the app you want to update.
Step 4: Download the latest version of the app from the list.
Step 5: Open the APK file and allow third-party downloads from unknown sources.
Step 6: Install the updated app on your Android phone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I enable auto-updates for just one app on my phone?
To turn on automatic updates for a single app, open its page on the Google Play Store, tap the ellipses at the top right corner of the screen, and select the checkbox for ‘Enable auto-update’.
Is there a way to update the apps on my phone without using the Google Play Store?
You can update apps on your device using the smartphone manufacturer’s native app store. If you don’t have that option, use a third-party marketplace like APKMirror to download the latest update of the app.
How do I update the Google Play Store?
To update the Google Play Store, tap your profile picture at the top right corner of the screen, go to Settings, scroll down and select Update Play Store.
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Conclusion
These are the top 8 ways to update an app on your Android smartphone. Updating a single app using mobile data should not be a problem, but if you plan on updating all the apps at once, it is recommended that you connect to a WiFi network. App updates can eat up a significant amount of data, carrying out this process on a mobile internet connection risks losing all your allotted data.
