How to Keep Your Android Apps Updated Automatically

Updates bring new features, but more importantly they fix security holes. Letting Android handle them automatically is the simplest way to stay protected.

Turn on auto-update

Open the Play Store.
Tap your profile picture, then Settings.
Open Network preferences → Auto-update apps.
Choose Over Wi-Fi only to save mobile data, or Over any network if you have a generous plan.

Update a single app now

Search for the app in the Play Store and tap Update. To update everything at once, go to Profile → Manage apps & device and tap Update all.

Turn off auto-update for one app

If an update changed an app in a way you don't like, open its Play Store page, tap the three-dot menu and untick Enable auto update. Remember to update it manually now and then for security fixes.

Don't forget system updates

Apps aren't the only thing that needs updating. Check Settings → System → Software update and Settings → Security → Google Play system update. The second one delivers security fixes for core Android components.

Why updates sometimes fail

Low storage: keep a couple of gigabytes free for large games.
Pending downloads stuck: clear the Play Store cache in Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage.
Battery saver: some phones pause background updates while it's on.