Google Play Store updates automatically by default, but you can also check for and install updates manually
Google Play Store is the app marketplace on Android devices where you read and manage apps. Like any app, Google Play Store itself receives updates that fix bugs, add features, and improve security. Most of the time, your device handles these updates in the background without you doing anything — usually overnight when your phone is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.
If you want to check right now whether an update is waiting, or if you suspect your Play Store is out of date, you can look in your device settings or in the Play Store app itself. The process takes less than a minute and works the same way on most Android phones and tablets.
Key Takeaways
- Google Play Store updates happen automatically in the background on most Android devices, so you may never need to do anything manually.
- You can check for updates by opening Google Play Store, tapping your profile icon in the top right, and selecting "Manage apps and device."
- If an update is waiting, you will see an "Update" button next to Google Play Store in the "Updates available" section.
- Automatic updates require Wi-Fi and a charged battery, so if your device is rarely plugged in, manual checks may support you stay current.
Check for updates inside the Google Play Store app
Open Google Play Store on your Android device — it is the icon that looks like a colorful triangle or shopping bag, usually on your home screen or in your app drawer. Once the app opens, look at the top right corner where you will see your profile picture or a circle with your initial inside it. Tap that icon.
A menu will drop down with several options. Select "Manage apps and device." The screen will show three tabs at the top: "Manage," "Updates available," and "Installed." Tap the "Updates available" tab. If Google Play Store has an update waiting, it will appear in this list with an "Update" button next to it. Tap that button to read and install the update right away.
If you do not see Google Play Store listed under "Updates available," your device already has the latest version. You can close the app and you are done.
What happens during a Google Play Store update
When you tap the update button, your device downloads the new version from Google's servers. This usually takes a few seconds to a minute depending on your internet speed. You will see a progress bar showing the read. Once the read finishes, the update installs automatically — you do not need to restart your phone or do anything else.
After the update completes, you will see a checkmark or the button will disappear, meaning the update is done. Your Google Play Store app will now have the latest features and security fixes. You can start using it right away.
Turn on automatic updates if they are turned off
Most Android devices come with automatic updates for Google Play Store already turned on, but if yours is not updating on its own, you can enable this setting. Open Google Play Store and tap your profile icon in the top right again. Select "Settings."
Scroll down and look for "Network preferences" or "Auto-update apps." Tap it. You will see three options: "Do not auto-update apps," "Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only," and "Auto-update apps over any network." Choose "Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only" — this is the safest option because it will not use your phone's data plan. Your device will now update Google Play Store and other apps automatically whenever it is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in.
Why your Google Play Store might not be updating automatically
Automatic updates require two things: your device must be connected to Wi-Fi and your battery must be charged or plugged in. If your phone is always on battery power or rarely connects to Wi-Fi, automatic updates may never happen. This is by design — Google does not want updates using your data plan or draining your battery unexpectedly.
If you notice your Play Store is very old (you can check the version number in Settings > About phone > Google Play Store version), try plugging your phone in overnight while it is connected to your home Wi-Fi. Automatic updates should run in the background. If that does not work after a few nights, check your network preferences setting to make sure auto-updates are not set to "Do not auto-update apps."
Update Google Play Store from your device settings
You can also check for Play Store updates through your Android device settings instead of opening the app itself. Go to Settings on your phone, then scroll down and tap "Apps" or "Applications." Look for "Google Play Store" in the list and tap it. You will see an "Update" button if a new version is waiting. Tap it to install the update.
This method works the same way as updating from inside the app — it downloads and installs the latest version. Some people find this route easier if the Play Store app is not opening properly or seems to be running slowly.
What to do if the update button does not appear
If you have checked the "Updates available" tab and Google Play Store is not listed, your device already has the current version. This is the normal state — most of the time, your Play Store is up to date.
If you believe your Play Store is old but no update shows up, try these steps: first, restart your phone completely by turning it off and back on. Second, make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi and have a strong signal. Third, wait a few minutes and check again — sometimes Google's servers take time to recognize your device. If the update still does not appear after restarting and waiting, your Play Store is likely already current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to manually update Google Play Store, or does it happen on its own?
It happens on its own by default. Your device will update Google Play Store automatically when connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in, usually at night. You only need to manually check if you want to update right away or if you suspect automatic updates are not working.
Will updating Google Play Store delete my apps or data?
No. Updating Google Play Store only updates the app store itself, not the apps you have installed or any of your personal data. Your apps, photos, messages, and settings stay exactly as they are.
How often does Google Play Store get updated?
Google releases updates regularly, sometimes weekly or multiple times per month. You do not need to track this — your device will install them automatically. You only notice when you manually check or when you see the update notification.
Can I use my phone while Google Play Store is updating?
Yes. The update happens in the background and does not lock your phone or prevent you from using other apps. You can continue texting, browsing, or doing anything else while the update downloads and installs.
What if the update fails or gets stuck?
Restart your phone and try again. If the update keeps failing, make sure you have enough storage space available — go to Settings > Storage to check. If storage is full, delete some files or apps to free up space, then try the update again. If it still fails, restart your phone once more and wait a few hours before trying again.