How to update apps on Samsung Galaxy phones using Play Store and Galaxy Store

Learn how to update apps on Samsung Galaxy devices via Google Play Store and Galaxy Store, including auto-update settings, manual updates, and troubleshooting tips for failed updates.

To update apps on your Samsung Galaxy phone, you can use both the Google Play Store and Galaxy Store. Keeping apps updated ensures access to the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements. Follow this guide to update apps manually or enable automatic updates on your Galaxy device.

1. Why update apps on your Samsung Galaxy phone?

Regular app updates improve security, fix bugs, and add new features. Outdated apps may become incompatible with your device's operating system or expose your data to vulnerabilities.

- Updates patch security vulnerabilities discovered after the app's release.

- New features and performance enhancements are often introduced in updates.

- Some apps may stop working properly if they're not updated regularly.

2. How to update apps from the Google Play Store

Follow these steps to update apps manually or enable auto-updates on your Samsung Galaxy phone:

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
2. Tap the Profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select "Manage app & devices."
4. Under "Updates available," tap "Update All" to update all apps or select individual apps for targeted updates.

3. How to enable auto-update apps in the Play Store

Auto-update ensures your apps stay current without manual intervention. Here's how to set it up:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap the Profile icon and select "Settings."
3. Go to "Network Preferences" and tap "Auto-update apps."
4. Choose between "Over Wi-Fi only" or "Over any network" for update preferences.

- Auto-updates save time but may consume data if set to "Over any network."

- Ensure your Google account is properly signed in to avoid update failures.

4. How to update apps from the Galaxy Store

Galaxy Store offers exclusive apps optimized for Samsung devices. Follow these steps to update them:

1. Open the Galaxy Store app on your device.
2. Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom-right corner.
3. Select "Updates" to view available updates.
4. Tap "Update All" or update individual apps manually.

5. Additional things to check

If updates fail or don't appear, consider these troubleshooting steps:

- Ensure your device's software is up to date (Settings > Software Update).

- Check for sufficient storage space (Settings > Device Care > Storage).

- Restart your device if updates stall or fail unexpectedly.

6. Supported Samsung Galaxy devices

This guide applies to most Samsung Galaxy devices, including:

Galaxy S24, Galaxy S25, Galaxy S26, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, and Galaxy A series.

7. Related Samsung support topics

• How to free storage space on Samsung Galaxy devices

• How to use Smart Switch on Samsung Galaxy phones

• How to clear cache files on Samsung Galaxy devices