There are two common ways to update apps: automatically or manually. The steps for each may vary slightly depending on the operating system and device you are using, but here is a general overview of how to do both:
Automatic updates
Android
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap the Menu icon in the top-left corner of the screen (three horizontal lines).
- Tap Settings.
- Tap About.
- Tap Auto-update apps.
- Select the option you prefer:
- 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.
- Don’t auto-update apps to manually update your apps.
iOS
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap App Store.
- Tap Automatic Downloads.
- Toggle on the switches next to the options you want to enable automatic updates for:
- Apps: This will automatically update apps when they are available.
- App Updates: This will automatically download and install app updates when they are available.
- Music & Videos: This will automatically download and install music and video updates when they are available.
- Books & Audiobooks: This will automatically download and install book and audiobook updates when they are available.
Manually updating apps
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap the Menu icon in the top-left corner of the screen (three horizontal lines).
- Tap My apps & games.
- Tap Updates.
- Tap Update next to the app(s) you want to update.
- Open the App Store app.
- Tap the Today tab.
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Scroll down to Available Updates.
- Tap Update next to the app(s) you want to update.
How to update system apps on Android
System apps are the apps that come pre-installed on your Android device. They are typically responsible for core functions of your device, such as making calls, sending texts, and connecting to the internet.
To update system apps on Android, you will need to check for updates from your device’s manufacturer. The steps for doing this will vary depending on your device, but you can usually find the instructions on your manufacturer’s website or in the device’s documentation.
Tips for updating apps
- It is important to keep your apps up to date to ensure that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.
- If you are on a mobile data plan, you may want to only update apps over Wi-Fi to avoid using up your data.
- If you are having problems with an app, try updating it to see if that fixes the problem.
- If you are not sure whether to update an app, you can always read the reviews from other users to see if they have had any problems.
Updating apps on your device is a straightforward process, whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Keeping your apps up-to-date is essential to ensure they run smoothly, fix bugs, and provide new features and security enhancements. Below, I’ll explain how to update apps on various platforms:
1. Smartphone or Tablet (iOS – iPhone/iPad):
- App Store: – Open the App Store on your device. – Tap your profile picture in the top right corner to access your account. – Scroll down to the “Available Updates” section, where you’ll see a list of apps with available updates. – Tap “Update” next to each app to install the latest version.
- Automatic Updates (optional): – You can enable automatic updates for your apps by going to “Settings” > “App Store.” – Toggle on the “App Updates” option, and your apps will update automatically when new versions are available.
2. Smartphone or Tablet (Android):
- Google Play Store: – Open the Google Play Store on your device. – Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top-left corner. – Select “My apps & games.” – You’ll see a list of apps with available updates. Tap “Update” next to each app to update them.
- Automatic Updates (optional): – To enable automatic updates, go to the Play Store settings. – Tap “Auto-update apps” and choose your preference, such as “Over any network” or “Over Wi-Fi only.”
3. Windows PC (Microsoft Store):
Open the Microsoft Store app on your PC.
Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select “Downloads and updates.”
Click “Get updates” to check for app updates and install them.
- macOS (Mac App Store):
Open the App Store on your Mac.
Click on “Updates” in the left sidebar.
You’ll see a list of available app updates. Click “Update” next to each app to update them.
5. Web Browsers (Extensions/Add-ons):
If you use web browsers like Chrome or Firefox, updates for browser extensions or add-ons are managed through the browser’s settings or extensions/add-ons page. Simply navigate to these settings and check for updates.