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How to Update Apps on Android, and Why an Update Can Wait

How to update apps on Android: manual and automatic updates, Wi-Fi-only and per-app settings, Play Store and system updates, and when waiting is fine.

By Published 4 min read

Reign Creative LLC makes Kawaii Cute Notes Journal Plan, which this article links to, so we have a commercial interest in it. How we write and check articles.

AI-assisted article. Drafted with AI tools from the sources cited below and checked by automated tests and an AI editorial review. No person has reviewed it yet. How we write and check articles.

Key takeaways

  • Google says updating apps gives you the latest features and improves security and stability.
  • Update manually in the Play Store under your profile, Manage apps & device, then Update or Update all.
  • Auto-update can be set for all apps over Wi-Fi only, over Wi-Fi or mobile data, with limited mobile data, or turned off, and switched per app.
  • Google may install updates that fix critical security vulnerabilities regardless of your update settings.
  • System updates are separate: check Settings, System, Software updates, and charge to at least 75% first.

Google Play lets you update Android apps one at a time, all together or automatically, and the right choice depends on your data plan and how much you want to approve. This guide explains how updating works on Android, how to set it up so it happens at sensible times, and which updates can safely wait, using Google's own Play Store and Android help.

Why updates matter

Google's help gives the reasons in one line: updating apps to the latest version gives you access to the latest features and improves app security and stability. It also notes that if Google determines an update fixes a critical security vulnerability, it may make certain app updates regardless of update settings in the app or on your device.

Updating apps manually

Google's steps for the Play Store app:

  1. Open the Google Play Store.
  2. Tap your profile icon at the top right.
  3. Tap Manage apps & device.
  4. Under Updates available, tap See details.
  5. Tap Update next to an app, or Update all.

Two things can interrupt an update. Google notes some updates require new permissions, and you may be asked to accept them; Android app permissions explained covers what they mean. And some updates need a restart of the phone.

Setting up automatic updates

Google's path for automatic updates: in the Play Store, tap your profile picture, then Settings, Network preferences, Auto-update apps, and choose one of:

Option Good for
Update over Wi-Fi only Limited data plans, or anyone happy to wait for Wi-Fi
Update over Wi-Fi or mobile data Unlimited data plans
Update with limited amount of mobile data A middle ground; Google says it is available to a limited group and always tries Wi-Fi first
Don't auto-update apps People who want to approve every update

You can also switch automatic updates per app: in Manage apps & device, tap Manage, open the app's details page, tap More and turn Enable auto update on or off. That is useful when you want most apps automatic but one app updated only when you choose. Stopping apps using mobile data covers Wi-Fi-only settings more broadly.

When automatic updates stop working

If updates are not arriving, check:

  • that auto-update is on, and you are on Wi-Fi if you chose Wi-Fi only;
  • whether any account on the phone has a sign-in error, which Google says can stop automatic updates;
  • whether Data Saver is on, which Google notes can affect the Play Store when Wi-Fi is not available;
  • whether the phone has enough storage; freeing up storage helps if not.

Reading what changed

Before approving an update you are unsure about, open the app's page in Google Play and read any notes the developer has published about the latest version. If an update also asks for new permissions, compare the request with what the notes say the app now does. A note-taking app asking for the microphone after adding voice notes makes sense; one asking for contacts with no explanation is worth a closer look.

Update the Play Store itself

The Play Store app has its own update. Google's path: in the Play Store, tap your profile picture, then Settings, About, Update Play Store. You will see whether it is up to date; if not, the update downloads and installs in a few minutes.

System updates are separate

Android itself updates separately from apps. Google's Android help says you get notifications when updates are available, and that most system updates and security patches install automatically. To check manually, open Settings, System, Software updates; Google notes that update schedules vary by device, manufacturer and mobile carrier, and menus can differ on other makers' phones. Google adds that updates can be large and suggests charging your device to at least 75% first.

A worked example: when an update can wait

You are on a train with a 10 GB data plan and the Play Store shows twelve updates. With Wi-Fi only selected, they simply wait until you are home. One of them, though, is your banking app, which you need now; open its details page and update it alone, accepting the mobile data cost. Meanwhile, security updates Google judges critical may install anyway. The result: routine updates on Wi-Fi, urgent ones when you need them.

Updating apps that hold your notes

Before updating an app that holds unsaved work, finish what you are typing. Some apps make this a non-issue: our Kawaii Cute Notes Journal Plan autosaves notes as you type and again when you leave the editor or switch apps, and saved drafts can be recovered. If an app misbehaves after an update, clearing its cache is a safe first step. Kawaii Cute Notes Journal Plan is one of our video and utility apps.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How do you update apps on Android?
Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, tap Manage apps & device, then under Updates available tap See details and Update next to an app, or Update all. Some updates ask you to accept new permissions or restart the phone.
How do you make apps update automatically only on Wi-Fi?
In the Play Store, tap your profile picture, then Settings, Network preferences, Auto-update apps, and choose Update over Wi-Fi only. Other options are Wi-Fi or mobile data, limited mobile data, or no auto-updates.
Why are my apps not updating automatically?
Check that auto-update is on and the phone is on Wi-Fi if you chose Wi-Fi only. Google also notes that if an account on the device has a sign-in error, apps may not update automatically, and that Data Saver can affect the Play Store without Wi-Fi.
Do I need to update every app straight away?
Not always. Feature updates can wait for Wi-Fi or a convenient moment. Security matters more: Google says updates improve security, and it may install updates that fix critical vulnerabilities regardless of your settings.

Sources

  1. How to update apps on Android (opens in a new tab)Google Play Help — accessed
  2. Update the Google Play app (opens in a new tab)Google Play Help — accessed
  3. Turn on background data (opens in a new tab)Google Play Help — accessed
  4. Check & update your Android version (opens in a new tab)Google Android Help — accessed

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