To make things easier for us, Google added the feature to auto-update apps in the Google Play Store. However, apps should update automatically in the background. However, this feature disappointed many Android users as the automatic update didn’t work for them. If you encounter the same issue, check 9 solutions to fix Google Play Store not updating apps automatically.
The auto-update feature is pretty interesting if it works properly. You don’t have to repeatedly open the Play Store to check for available updates.
Let’s look at the solutions to fix Play Store auto update not working.
1. Reboot Phone
We highly recommend restarting your phone or tablet before trying the fixes below. This should fix any temporary issues causing the automatic update not to work.
2. Use Correct Settings for Auto Update
Here’s how to automatically update Android apps:
Stage 1: Launch Google Play Store on your phone or tablet. Tap the three-bar icon at the top. Select settings.
step 2: Tap on Auto-update apps. Select Over any network or Over Wi-Fi only. If you choose the former, apps will be updated using mobile data when Wi-Fi is not available.
Fly: Learn how to fix Play Store not working on mobile data.
3. Check the Required Conditions for Automatic Update
After enabling the auto-update setting as shown above, apps are expected to update automatically as soon as new update is available in Play Store. However, this is not the case. Your phone or tablet must meet certain requirements for automatic updating, as shown below.
Other than that, Play Store only checks for app updates once a day. It then queues the available updates. It will then be updated when the following conditions are met.
- The device must be connected to a working internet connection (mobile data or Wi-Fi) depending on the settings set in solution 2.
- The device must be idle and charging. So, you shouldn’t be doing anything on your phone.
- Apps that need to be updated should not run in the foreground.
Only when the above conditions are met is it ready to update automatically.
4. Disable Battery Optimization
In addition to the above requirements, there should be no restrictions or restrictions on the battery used by the Play Store. For this you need to disable the Battery usage optimizing feature.
Here are the steps:
Stage 1: Open Settings on your phone and go to Apps & notifications or Apps.
Step 2: Tap on Google Play Store under All apps.
Stage 3: Tap on Battery. You will see Battery optimization or Optimize battery usage option. If it says ‘Optimizing battery usage’, tap on it.
Step 4: Tap the Not optimized drop-down box at the top and select All.
Step 5: Search for Google Play Store. If available, turn on the toggle next to it. Alternatively, tap on it and select Don’t Optimize.
5. Disable Battery Saver Mode
When Power saver or Battery saver mode is enabled, it limits background activities on your phone that can affect automatic updates in Play Store. You will need to disable it by going to Settings > Battery. While you’re at it, check if the Power saving mode is programmed to activate automatically. Disable this too.
Fly: You should also disable any other battery optimizations or adaptive battery mods in Settings > Battery.
6. Check Available Storage
Your phone should have enough free storage to automatically update apps. If your Android phone or tablet is running low on storage, you should free up some space. To check available storage go to Settings > Storage.
7. Clear Cache and Data
You should also clear cache and data for Google Play Store and Google Play Services. Deleting data does not delete any app or data associated with it. Only Play Store settings will be reset to default values. Find out in detail what happens by clearing data of apps on Android phones.
To do this, follow these steps:
Stage 1: Open Settings and go to Apps.
step 2: Tap Google Play Store.
Stage 3: Tap Storage, then Clear cache. Then hit the Clear data button.
Step 4: Repeat the steps for Google Play Services. Restart the phone.
8. Uninstall Play Store Updates
You cannot completely remove the Play Store from your phone. However, you can uninstall recent updates.
For this, go to Settings > Apps > Play Store. Tap on the three-dot icon at the top and select Uninstall updates. Wait a minute or two and the Play Store will automatically update in the background. In case it doesn’t, check how to update Google Play Store manually.
9. Reset App Preferences
Finally, try resetting the app preferences on your phone. Doing so will not delete any personal data. Only permissions, restrictions etc. returns the settings to their default values, such as So, if any setting is preventing apps from updating automatically, this needs to be fixed. You will have to redo all the settings. Find out in detail what happens by resetting app preferences.
To reset app preferences, go to Settings > System (or General Management) > Reset > Reset app preferences (or Reset all settings).
Time to Check Google Account
Looking forward to the above fixes to resolve your issue. But if the problem persists, you should take a look at your Google account. Have you recently changed your Google account password or made any changes to the account? This can also be responsible for the automatic update not working. Apps won’t update automatically if your device encounters a sign-in error. Remove the Google account from the phone and sign in again.
