Fix Google Play Store not automatically updating apps

When the Play Store doesn't update apps automatically, users risk missing out on new features, security patches, and bug fixes. Luckily, you can configure the Google Play Store to update your apps automatically using these steps.

1. Check the auto-update option in Play Store

If the Play Store isn't updating apps even though your internet connection is active, the first thing you should do is check your network settings for automatic updates. You can configure the Play Store to update apps automatically over Wi-Fi only or over both Wi-Fi and mobile data. Here's how:

• Tap the profile icon in the upper right corner of the Play Store.
• Select Settings from the list.
• Navigate to Network preferences > Auto-update apps .
• Select Over any network to allow Play Store to update whenever a new update is available.

If this option is already enabled, turn it off, wait a moment, and then turn it back on.

The Google Play Store also allows you to set auto-update options for individual apps. So if a particular app isn't updating automatically, navigate to that app's page on the Play Store, tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner, and check the box next to Enable auto update .

2. Enable Automatic Date and Time

Incorrect date and time settings can make it difficult for Google 's servers to sync with your device. To avoid this problem, it's best to let your Android phone set its date and time automatically. Here's how to do it:

• Launch the Settings app on your phone.
• Tap General management and select Date & time from the following menu.
• Turn on the Automatic Date and Time toggle switch .

Note that the steps may vary slightly depending on your device and the version of Android it is running.

3. Turn off battery optimization for Play Store

On Android, you can limit an app's ability to run in the background by imposing battery restrictions. If you've stopped the Play Store from running in the background to extend your phone's battery life, it may not automatically update apps.

To allow Play Store to run in the background on your Android device, follow these steps:

• Press and hold the Play Store icon and tap the Info icon (i) from the resulting menu.
• Go to the Battery section .
• Select the Optimized option .

Alternatively, you can go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store to find these options.

If you have power saving mode enabled on your Android phone, consider turning it off.

4. Clear Play Store cache

Play Store, like any other app, stores cache data to load pages faster and improve the overall user experience. However, accumulating too much cache data can negatively impact its performance.

So, if you are not getting notifications about updates or Play Store is not updating apps even though auto-update settings are turned on, try clearing cache using the following steps:

• Press and hold the Play Store icon and tap the Info icon (i) from the resulting menu.
• Click Storage .
• Tap the Clear cache option in the bottom right corner.

5. Uninstall and reinstall Play Store updates

Since the Play Store is an integral part of the Android operating system, it cannot be uninstalled from your phone. However, its updates can be uninstalled. If the previous fixes didn't work, try uninstalling the Play Store updates and then reinstalling them to fix the problem.

• Press and hold the Play Store icon , then tap the Info icon (i) from the resulting menu.
• Tap the three dots icon in the upper right corner and select Uninstall updates .
• Press OK to confirm.

Then open Google Play Store and it will automatically install the deleted updates. Then check if you still have this problem.

6. Free up storage space on your phone

Another reason why the Play Store might not automatically update apps is if your phone is running low on storage. Android phones will notify you when they're running low on storage, but you can also check manually by going to Settings > General management > Storage .

Consider deleting any unused apps or unwanted files to free up storage space on your Android phone . Alternatively, you can use alternative solutions to get more storage space on your Android phone.

7. Sign out and sign back in to Play Store

Google account issues can sometimes prevent the Play Store from automatically updating apps. Try removing and re-adding your Google account to see if that fixes the problem. Here's how:

• Open the Settings app on your phone.
• Go to Accounts and backup > Manage accounts and select your Google account from the following menu.
• Click the Remove account button .
• Select Remove account again to confirm.

Restart your device after removing the account, then add it back. You should not have any problems after that.

8. Check for Android updates

The Play Store may have trouble updating apps if your phone doesn't have the latest version of Android. Since software updates often fix existing issues and improve system stability, install them as soon as they're available.

On your Android phone, navigate to Settings > Software update > Download and install and install. If an update is available, download and install it.

9. Restore phone to factory settings

If none of the above fixes work, you have no choice but to factory reset your Android phone. Doing so will wipe the device and restore it to its original settings.

This process will give your phone a fresh start, possibly resolving automatic app updates and any other software issues your device may be experiencing.

It's important to note that the Play Store won't automatically update apps you've sideloaded onto your phone. You'll need to use an app like APKUpdater , which can automatically check for updates to apps from outside sources.