Apps are an integral part of any operating system, and keeping them updated is of the utmost importance. Updates bring new features and fix stability and security issues. If 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 using something other than the Play Store or need an older version of an app, you have options.

The common way to update apps on premium and budget Android phones is via the Google Play Store. However, Android's open nature allows you to update apps using other methods. This guide walks you through the 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. They could contain malware or compromise your device.

How to update Android apps using the Google Play Store

The Google Play Store comes preinstalled on most Android phones and is the easiest and most secure way to update your apps. Apps downloaded from the Play Store are protected by Google Play Protect, which scans your apps and devices for behavior that could be harmful. Here's how to update apps via the Play Store:

  1. Open the Google Play Store.
  2. In the upper-right corner, tap your profile photo.
  3. Tap Manage apps & device.
    The Google Play Store with a red arrow pointing to the profile icon in the upper right corner
    The Google Play Store profile menu with a red arrow pointing to the Manage apps & devices option
  4. You'll see an Updates available message in the second menu item if updates are available.
  5. Update apps from this page by tapping Update all. To see a list of all available updates, tap See details.
  6. Tap the small down arrow next to an app to reveal the changelog description.
  7. After you're done looking, tap Update all to update all apps.
    The Manage apps & devices page in the Google Play Store with a red arrow pointing to the Updates available section
    The pending downloads button in the Google Play Store with a red arrow pointing to the Update button next to an update to the Proton VPN app

Turn on auto-updates in the Play Store

You can manually update an app, and you can also turn on automatic updates to ensure that your apps are always up-to-date. Here's how to do it:

  1. Launch the Google Play Store app.
  2. Tap your profile image or icon in the upper-right corner of the app.
    The Google Play Store with a red arrow pointing to the profile icon in the upper right corner
    The Google Play Store icon menu with a red arrow pointing to the Settings option
  3. Go to Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps.
  4. Choose Over Wi-Fi only or Over any network, depending on your preferences. We recommend updating apps over Wi-Fi unless you're on an unlimited plan.
    The Google Play Store Settings menu with a red box around app update related options and a red arrow pointing to Auto-update apps
    The Google Play Store Auto-update apps dialog box with a red box around the Over any network and Over Wi-fi only options
  5. Your apps automatically update in the background when an update is available.

If you only want a 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

When a developer pushes an updated version of their app, it may take a few hours to a day until it appears on the Play Store. If you've been waiting for a major app update, you may want to install the updated version of the app manually via an Android Package file (APK).

Android uses 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 want to update.

If you're not sure what version of the app is installed on your device, go to Settings > Apps > All apps, search for and select 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. 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 a safe and reliable alternative to the Google Play Store. Most of the popular apps on the Play Store are also available on the Aurora Store. Besides installing new applications, the Aurora Store app has an updates section where you can install new updates, which may arrive quicker than on the Play Store.

  1. Go to the official Aurora Store website.
  2. Tap the download link for the stable version of the Aurora Store.
  3. Tap Download anyway and open the file.
    The Aurora Store website with a red arrow pointing to the stable version of the app
    A File might be harmful dialog box with a red arrow pointing to the Download anyway button
  4. Install the app by tapping the Install button.
  5. When the store is installed, open it.
    The Aurora Store website with a File downloaded pop up and a red arrow pointing to the open button on the pop up
    The Aurora Store dialog box letting you know the app is installed with a red arrow pointing to the Open button
  6. Accept the Terms of Service and tap Next.
  7. Select Session installer and tap Next.
  8. Choose a theme and tap Next.
    The Installer page in the Aurora Store app with the Session installer selected
    The Themes page in the Aurora Store app with the System option selected and a red arrow pointing to the Next button
  9. Grant the app the required permissions.
  10. Log in using Google or by creating an Anonymous session.
    The Installer page in the Aurora Store app with a red box around the Grant buttons to give the app the permissions it needs
    The login page in the Aurora Store app with a red arrow pointing to the Anonymous option
  11. Go to the Updates tab.
  12. Tap the Update button next to the app you want to update and wait for the update to download.
  13. Tap Update in the app update dialog box.
    The Aurora Store app updates section with a red arrow labelled one pointing to the updates tab label and a red arrow labelled two pointing to the update button next to an app
    An update dialog box for the Amazon app in the Aurora Store app

The 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 allow F-Droid apps on the Aurora Store, go to Settings > Filters, and then toggle off Filter F-Droid apps.

A little caution goes a long way

Downloading app updates is important to keep your device running smoothly and securely. It's even more important to make sure these apps are downloaded from trusted sources. Websites and stores like APK Mirror and Aurora Store either have a huge user base or are open source and, therefore, trusted Google Play Store alternatives.

If you stumble upon an app store that looks legit, a few minutes of research goes a long way in protecting your privacy. If you want an automated way to scan your apps and device to make sure they're secure, install the Google Play Store on your device so you have access to Play Protect.