Fix Google Play Store not automatically updating applications

1. Check the auto-update option in Play Store

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

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

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

Google Play Store also allows setting auto-update options for each application. So, if a particular app isn't updating automatically, navigate to its page on the Play Store, tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner, and check the box next to Enable auto update .

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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 allow your Android phone to automatically set the time and date. Here's how:

1. Launch the Settings application on your phone.
2. Click on General management and select Date & time from the following menu.
3. Turn on the Automatic Date and Time toggle switch .

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

3. Turn off battery optimization for Play Store

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

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

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

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Additionally, you can visit Settings > Apps > Google Play Store to find these options.

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

4. Delete Play Store cache

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

Therefore, if you are not receiving notifications about updates or the Play Store is not updating apps even though the automatic update setting is on, try clearing the cache with these steps:

1. Press and hold the Play Store icon and tap the Info icon (i) from the resulting menu.
2. Click Storage .
3. Click the Clear cache option in the lower right corner.

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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 the phone. However, its updates can be uninstalled. If previous fixes fail, try uninstalling Play Store updates and then reinstalling them to fix the problem.

1. Press and hold the Play Store icon then click the Info icon (i) from the resulting menu.
2. Click the three-dot icon in the upper right corner and select Uninstall updates .
3. Click OK to confirm.

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After that, open Google Play Store and it will automatically install the removed updates. Then check to see if you still have this problem.

6. Free up storage space on your phone

Another reason why the Play Store may not automatically update apps is when your phone is running out of storage space. Android phones will notify you when storage is running low, but you can also check manually by going to Settings > General management > Storage .

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Consider deleting any unused apps or unwanted files to free up storage space on your Android phone. Additionally, alternative solutions can be used to get more storage space on Android phones.

7. Sign out and sign back in to Play Store

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

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

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Restart your device after removing the account, then add it again. After that, you won't have any more problems.

8. Check for Android updates

Play Store may have problems updating apps if your phone doesn't have the latest version of Android. Because software updates often resolve existing issues and improve system stability, install them as soon as they become 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 the phone's factory settings

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

This process will give the phone a fresh start, which can resolve automatic app updates and any other software issues the device has.

It's important to note that the Play Store will not automatically update apps you sideload on your phone. You'll need to use an app like APKUpdater, which can automatically check for updates to the app from external sources.

David Pac

Update 07 May 2024