App updates are an integral part of any operating system. They bring new features and fix stability and security issues. When you turn on automatic updates in the Google Play Store, you don’t need to worry about keeping apps up-to-date. However, if you want to update an app where an update isn’t available on the Play Store or you need an older version of an app, you have options.
The most common way to update apps on Android phones is via the Google Play Store. However, thanks to Android’s open nature, you have lots of choices when it comes to app updates. This guide will walk you through the most common ways to update apps on your phone or tablet.
We recommend using the Google Play Store for all app updates. Do not sideload apps from untrusted or unknown sources.
How to update Android apps using the Google Play Store
The Google Play Store comes preloaded on most Android phones and is the easiest way to update your apps. Apps downloaded from the Play Store are also protected by Google Play Protect. Here’s how to update apps via the Play Store:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- In the upper-right corner, tap your profile photo, and then tap Manage apps & device.
- If updates are available, you’ll see an Updates available message.
- You can update apps from this page by tapping Update all. If you want to see all the available updates, tap See details.
- Tap the small down arrow to reveal the changes the update brings.
- After you’re done looking, tap Update all.
Turn on auto-updates in the Play Store
Consider turning on automatic updates to ensure that your apps always stay up to date. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile image or icon in the upper-right corner of the app.
- Go to Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps.
- Choose Over Wi-Fi only or Over any network. We recommend updating apps over Wi-Fi only unless you’re on an unlimited plan.
When a developer pushes an updated version of their app, it may take anywhere from a few hours to a day until it appears on the Play Store. If you’ve been waiting for a major app update for a long time, you may want to install the updated version of the app manually via an Android Package file.
If you only want a select few apps to auto-update, go to the apps’ pages, tap the vertical three-dot icon, and tap Enable auto update.
How to update Android apps using an APK
Android uses Android Package files (APKs) to install apps and services. You can install new apps and update your existing apps using APKs. APK Mirror is among the most popular APK repositories. Installing an updated app version via APK Mirror could be tricky and overwhelming as there could be many versions of the app you’re trying to update.
If you’re not sure what version of the app is installed on your device, go to Settings > Apps > All apps, search and tap the app, and then tap Check version.
While downloading an APK, you’ll see a regular APK file and an app bundle containing split APKs. Let’s look at how the former works because it’s easier to work with. APKs can be installed in a few taps using Android’s built-in package installer, whereas an App bundle can be installed using the APK Mirror app or Split APKs installer.
If you’re unfamiliar with how to sideload apps, we created an in-depth guide that walks you through the process.
How to update an Android app using the Aurora Store
The Aurora Store is an open source Android app store that’s both safe and reliable. Most of the popular apps found on the Play Store are also available on Aurora Store. Besides installing new applications, the app boasts an updates section where you can install new updates, which may arrive more quickly than on the Play Store.
- Go to the official Aurora Store website.
- Tap the download link for the stable version.
- Tap Download anyway and open the file.
- Install the app by tapping the Install button.
- Once installed, open it.
- Accept the Terms of Service and tap Next.
- Select Session installer and choose a theme.
- Grant all the required permissions.
- Log in using Google or by creating an Anonymous session.
- Go to the Updates tab.
- Tap the Update button and wait for the download to finish.
- Tap Update.
Aurora Store also lets you download apps from F-Droid. F-Droid is another Google Play Store alternative, but with free and open source Android apps. If you want to enable F-Droid apps on Aurora Store, go to Settings > Filters, and then toggle off Filter F-Droid apps.
A little caution goes a long way
It is essential to download apps only from trusted websites as many third-party Android app stores have been caught before for distributing malware. Websites and stores like APK Mirror and Aurora Store either have a huge user base or are open source and, therefore, can be trusted.
If you stumble upon an app store that looks legit, a few minutes of research will go a long way in protecting your privacy. If you don’t have Google Play Services on your phone or tablet, your best bet is to install the Google Play Store on your device.
