How to Update the Google Play Store on Android


  • Your Android device should update the Google Play Store and all Android apps automatically.
  • To manually update the app, open the Play Store settings menu and go to the About section and tap Update Play Store.
  • You can configure the Play Store to update all apps automatically using the network preferences in the Play Store settings menu.

Usually, your Android device updates your apps and operating system regularly and automatically without any action on your part. This way you always have the latest software with bug fixes and security updates on your phone or tablet. But sometimes you may want to install an update right away before your phone does an automatic update.

This can be especially true for the Play Store, a major app that is responsible, among other things, for managing and updating all the other apps on your device. Or maybe the automatic update setting is turned off and you want to turn it back on so you can update everything automatically again. Here’s what to do.

How to update the Google Play Store

Most apps on your phone can be updated with the Manage apps and device option in the Google Play Store. But the Play Store itself updates a little differently.

1. Start the Play Store app.

2. Tap you account icon top right.

3. Choose in the menu Settings.

The Google Play Store app on Android.

Tap your account icon to see the Google Play Store menu.

Dave Johnson/Insider



4. On the Settings page, tap About.

5. Look in the Play Store Version section. If an update is available, tap Update Play Store.

The settings menu of the Google Play Store app.

If an update is available, you will see a link to update the Play Store.

Dave Johnson/Insider



How to Automatically Update All Your Apps on Android

If your automatic update option is turned off, you are putting your Android device at risk by not getting all the latest updates and security fixes for the apps on your phone or tablet right away. If you prefer not to manually check for app updates, you can configure your Android device to update all apps automatically.

1. Start the Play Store app.

2. Tap you account icon top right.

3. Choose in the menu Settings.

4. Press Network Preferences and then tap Automatically update apps.

5. In the pop-up window, choose if you want to update Only via WiFi or Through any network (which is also updated via your cellular connection).

The settings menu of the Google Play Store app.

You can configure the Play Store to update apps automatically over Wi-Fi or cellular.

Dave Johnson/Insider