How to update apps on Android

Updating applications is essential to enjoy all tools and functions without problems. After all, your applications constantly undergo improvements and add new features, making updates appear as an option for the user. In addition to the specific case of apps, when there is a new version of Android available for the smartphone, most applications need to be updated to keep up with software changes.

Even if you don't update your applications and they continue to work, it's important to understand that your digital security may depend on patches security features that are usually part of app updates. Therefore, when we talk about functionality, there are cases and cases, as your app may or may not lose relevant functions when it runs out of new updates, but it will certainly lose points in terms of security.

How to update the Google Play Store

Keep Google Play Store updated is crucial for two reasons. First, frequent updates offer performance, security, and stability improvements. Google developers release updates to fix bugs, vulnerabilities and security issues that could be exploited by malicious attacks. This protects users from potential threats such as malware and phishing, ensuring the integrity and privacy of personal data stored on devices.

Second, Play Store updates also bring new features and usability improvements. As technology evolves and users' needs change, the Google Play Store is improving to offer a smoother experience, with innovative features and a more intuitive interface.

These updates may include improvements to the way apps are installed, updated, and managed, as well as introducing new customization options and relevant app recommendations. It is worth remembering that, if your Play Store is out of date, there is a possibility that some apps will be unavailable for download. 

Check out the step-by-step guide to updating the Google Play Store

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store and tap the icon with your photo;

Step 2: In the menu, tap “Settings”;

Step 3: Then click on “About”;

Step 4: Tap “Update Play Store” to install the new version of the app store.

How to Update Android Apps Manually

Updating applications is a simple and straightforward task. If the automatic update option is not enabled, the process can be completed manually in less than five minutes.

See the step by step:

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store and tap the icon with your photo;

Step 2: Click on “Manage apps and devices”;

Step 3: Click “Update all” to update all possible apps or “Check details” to update just one of the available apps.

How to automatically update Android apps

Additionally, it is possible to adjust your cell phone or tablet settings to receive updates automatically. With this configuration, whenever a new version of an application is available, the device will download and install the application. Update without having to open the App Store or Play Store.

This provides convenience by ensuring that you are always using the latest versions of applications, without the hassle of manually tracking updates and running downloads.

Find out how with this step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store and tap the icon with your photo;

Step 2: Click on “Settings”;

Step 3: Click on “Network Preferences” and “Automatically update apps”;

Step 4: Choose whether you want to update via Wi-Fi only or mobile networks as well.

How to update your apps on your Samsung phone

Samsung smartphones also allow another method to update your apps, through the Galaxy Store virtual store, which is already installed on your Samsung device. Check below how to update your apps this way:

Step 1: Open the Galaxy Store app.

Step 2: Tap the Menu icon (the three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner.

Step 3: Tap Updates.

Step 4: Tap the circular arrow next to individual apps to update one at a time, or tap Update All to install all available updates.

How to update apps via APK

What is an APK?

An APK, or “Android Package Kit”, is a file format used to distribute and install applications on Android devices. These files contain all the elements required for an application to install and run on the Android operating system. This includes the application code, resources such as images and layouts, configuration files and other relevant information. APKs are essentially zipped packages that package all of an app's content in an organized way.

APKs are often installed outside of the Play Store and can be compared to executable files on traditional operating systems, such as .exe files on Windows. However, they are specifically designed for the Android environment. However, it is important to be careful when downloading and installing APKs from untrusted sources as this may pose device security risks as APKs may contain malicious code.

To update APKs, the process is a little different from the others, but it is worth remembering that this is necessary for applications not purchased from the official Google store, as the Play Store automatically sends updates to apps installed through it.

Check step by step:

Step 1: To start the procedure, the first step is to find the updated version of the application you want;

Step 2: When you find the app you want, the latest versions (i.e. updates) will appear at the top of the page, along with the release date. Just choose the version you prefer.

Step 3: When you click “Download”, the APK file will be downloaded to your device. If the download is done directly on your smartphone, just locate the file using the file manager.

Step 4: Once the download is complete, click on the APK file on your smartphone to begin the installation process.

Step 5: When you click “Install”, the installation will begin.

Step 6: When everything is ready, click “Finish” to complete the installation screen or “Open” to use the updated app immediately.

Regardless of your choice, the application must work correctly, with the new functions and features of the update incorporated. Keep in mind that you can use this process to update other Android apps on your device, including those purchased from the Play Store, if you want to avoid waiting for store updates or installing a specific version.

See also:

25 Android tips and tricks that will improve any smartphone

Sources: Google, Android Authority e Google Support.

Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim (06 / 09 / 23)