How to Update Android Apps Manually in Google Play?
Want to choose exactly when your Android apps update instead of waiting for automatic updates? Google Play lets you check which apps have updates and install them one at a time or together. You can also review the app before updating, which helps when you are watching mobile data or want to read the release details. These steps use the official Play Store app on Android.
An update can add features, improve stability or fix security issues, and some updates may request new permissions. Keep your Play Store signed into the Google account that installed the apps, and use Wi-Fi for large downloads if you want to limit mobile data.
What You Need Before You Start
- Google Play Store installed on your Android phone
- A working internet connection
- Enough battery and free storage for the updates
- The Google account that manages the apps you want to update
Step by Step: Update Apps Manually in Google Play
Step 1: Open the Play Store
Launch Google Play Store from your app drawer. Confirm you are using the Google account associated with the apps. If the account icon shows another profile, tap it and switch to the correct account before checking updates.
Step 2: Open Manage Apps and Device
Tap your profile picture in the top corner, then choose Manage apps and device. The page shows app and device information, including updates that are available. If the menu has changed on your version, use Play Store search or look under the profile menu for app management.
Step 3: Review Available Updates
Under Updates available, tap See details. Review the list before you install anything. You can open an app’s details page to see more information about the update, such as what’s new. If you do not see Updates available, the store may have no pending update for that account or the list may still be loading.
Step 4: Update One App at a Time
Tap Update next to the app you want to install first. Wait for the download and installation to finish before choosing another. This is useful when you want to update only the apps you use or test whether an update resolves a problem. If Android asks you to accept new permissions, read the prompt and decide whether you are comfortable continuing.
Step 5: Update Several Apps Together
If you are ready to update all listed apps, tap Update all. Keep the Play Store open or allow it to continue in the background, and use a stable connection. Larger updates may take longer and use more data. You can return to Manage apps and device to see progress.
Step 6: Open the Updated Apps
After installation, open the apps you rely on and make sure they work as expected. Some updates require a restart or may show a permission prompt the next time you open the app. If an app behaves differently, check its Play Store details and its settings before reinstalling it.
Step 7: Check Auto-Update Preferences Separately
Manual updates do not automatically change your future update setting. To adjust that preference, open the Play Store profile menu, choose Settings, then Network preferences and Auto-update apps. Available options may include Wi-Fi only, mobile data, or turning auto-updates off. Review the choice that fits your data plan.
Update Google Play Store Itself if Needed
Updating apps and updating the Play Store are separate tasks. If the store itself is having trouble, open Play Store Settings and look under About for the Play Store version or update option. If you only meant to update your installed apps, return to Manage apps and device instead. Keep system updates separate from app updates, since Android system software uses the phone’s main Settings app.
- Open Google Play Store
- Tap your profile picture
- Choose Manage apps and device
- Under Updates available, tap See details
- Tap Update beside one app or choose Update all
Common Problems and Fixes
I do not see an update button
The app may already be current, the update may not have reached your device, or the Play Store may be using a different Google account. Check the app’s details page and account profile, then try again later on a stable connection.
An update is stuck on pending
Check your internet connection, available storage and Play Store download queue. Pause other downloads if needed, then try one app at a time. Restarting the phone can help if the download queue does not move.
The app asks for new permissions
Read the permission prompt. Some updates need new permissions for added features. If you do not want to grant them, do not continue until you understand the impact; you can review app permissions later in Android Settings.
The Play Store is using mobile data
Check Play Store Settings, Network preferences and Auto-update apps. Choose a Wi-Fi-only option if it is available and suits you. Manual downloads can still use mobile data when you initiate them, so connect to Wi-Fi before updating large apps.
FAQ
Can I update just one app?
Yes. In Manage apps and device, open Updates available and tap Update next to the app you want.
Can I update all apps at once?
Yes. Tap Update all on the available updates screen. Google Play installs the listed app updates.
Will updating apps delete my data?
App updates are intended to update the installed app, but keep a backup for important information and check the app’s own update notes when available.
Can I stop automatic updates?
You can change Auto-update apps in Play Store Settings under Network preferences. The exact labels can vary by Play Store version.
Quick Check Before You Leave Google Play
- I checked the correct Google account
- I reviewed the list of available updates
- I chose individual updates or Update all intentionally
- I read any permission prompts before accepting
- I checked the auto-update setting separately if I wanted to change it
Final Thoughts
To update Android apps manually, open Google Play, tap your profile picture and choose Manage apps and device. Review Updates available, then update one app or use Update all. Keep an eye on permissions, storage and data use, and remember that the separate Auto-update apps setting controls future automatic downloads.
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