Google Play Store Isn't Auto-Updating Apps? Try These Fixes

When the Play Store fails to update your apps automatically, you risk missing out on new features, security patches, and bug fixes. Fortunately, you can configure the Google Play Store to automatically update your apps with these steps.

1. Check Auto-Update Preferences in Play Store

If the Play Store fails to update apps despite a working internet connection, you should first check the network preference for auto-updates. You can configure the Play Store to update apps automatically only over Wi-Fi or both Wi-Fi and mobile data. Here's how:

1. Tap the profile icon in the top-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 the Play Store to update whenever a new update is available.

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

The Google Play Store also lets you set auto-update preferences for each app. So, if a specific app isn't updating automatically, navigate to its page on the Play Store, tap the three-dot icon at the top right corner, and check the box next to Enable auto update.

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 issue, it's best to allow your Android phone to set the date and time automatically. Here's how to do it:

1. Launch the Settings app on your phone.
2. Tap General management and select Date & time from the following menu.
3. Enable the Automatic date and time toggle.

Note that the steps may vary slightly depending on your device and the Android version it's running.

3. Turn Off Battery Optimization for the Play Store

On Android, you can restrict an app's ability to run in the background by imposing battery restrictions. If you've prevented the Play Store from running in the background to extend your phone's battery life, it may fail to update apps automatically.

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

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

Alternatively, you can go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store to find these options.

If you have enabled power saving mode on your Android phone, consider disabling it as well.

4. Clear the Play Store Cache

The Play Store, like any other app, stores cache data to load pages faster and improve your overall experience. However, excessive accumulation of cache data can adversely affect its performance.

Therefore, if you aren't getting notifications for updates or the Play Store isn't updating apps despite your auto-update settings being on, try clearing the cache using these steps:

1. Long-press the Play Store app icon and tap the Info (i) icon from the resulting menu.
2. Tap Storage.
3. Hit the Clear cache option in the bottom-right corner.

4. Uninstall and Re-Install Play Store Updates

Since the Play Store is an integral part of the Android operating system, you can't uninstall it from your phone. However, you can uninstall its updates. If you haven't had any success with previous fixes, try uninstalling Play Store updates and then reinstalling them to fix the problem.

1. Long-press the Play Store app icon and tap the Info (i) icon from the resulting menu.
2. Tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner and select Uninstall updates.
3. Hit OK to confirm.

Open the Google Play Store after this, and it will install the removed updates automatically. After that, check if you're still facing the issue.

5. Free Up Storage Space on Your Phone

Another reason why the Play Store may not auto-update your apps is if your phone is running low on storage space. Your Android phone should notify you when your storage space is low, but you can also check it manually by heading over to Settings > General management > Storage.

You can consider deleting any unused apps or unwanted files to free up storage space on your Android phone. Alternatively, you can use workarounds to get more storage space on your Android phone.

6. Sign Out and Sign Back Into the Play Store

Issues with your Google account can sometimes prevent the Play Store from auto-updating apps. You can try removing and re-adding your Google account to see if that resolves the problem. Here's how to do it:

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. Tap the Remove account button.
4. Select Remove account again to confirm.

Restart your device after removing your account, and then re-add it. Following this, you shouldn't experience any problems.

8. Check for Android Updates

The Play Store may have trouble updating your apps if your phone does not have the most recent version of Android. As software updates often resolve existing problems and enhance system stability, I recommend installing them as soon as they're available.

On your Android phone, navigate to Settings > Software update > Download and install. If an update is available, download and install it.

9. Factory Reset Your Phone

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

This is a tedious process and wipes out all data from the device. However, it gives your phone a fresh start, which may solve automatic app updates and any other software issues you may be facing.

It's important to note that the Play Store won't automatically update apps you've sideloaded on your phone. You'll need to utilize an app like APKUpdater, which can automatically check for updates for apps from external sources.

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