How to Update Apps and Games on Android (and Fix Stuck Updates)

Online games often refuse to start until you install the latest update. Keeping apps current also brings bug fixes and security patches. Here’s how to update games on Android, set up automatic updates the way you want, and fix the most common update problems.

How to update apps manually

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
3. Tap Manage apps & device.
4. Under Updates available, tap Update all, or tap See details to update apps one at a time.

To update a single game, you can also search for it in the Play Store and tap Update on its page.

How to turn on automatic updates

1. Open the Play Store and tap your profile picture.
2. Go to Settings → Network preferences → Auto-update apps.
3. Choose Over Wi-Fi only (recommended) or Over any network.

Choosing Wi-Fi only prevents large game updates from using your mobile data.

In-game updates and downloads

Many big games have two kinds of updates:

• App updates through Google Play
• In-game downloads of new content after you open the game

In-game downloads can be several gigabytes. Open the game on Wi-Fi before you plan to play so the download finishes in time.

Fixing updates that get stuck

Stuck on “Pending” or “Waiting for download”

• Check your internet connection.
• If other apps are updating at the same time, let them finish or cancel them.
• Make sure auto-update isn’t restricted to Wi-Fi while you’re on mobile data.

“Not enough space”

Updates need extra free space beyond the game’s size. Free up storage by following our guide to freeing up storage on Android.

Download keeps failing

Try these in order:

1. Restart your phone.
2. Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage and tap Clear cache.
3. Check that your date and time are set automatically (Settings → System → Date & time).
4. Remove and re-add your Google account as a last resort.

The game won’t update because your phone isn’t compatible

Sometimes developers stop supporting older Android versions or phones. If the Play Store says your device isn’t compatible, check Settings → System → System update to see if your phone has a newer version of Android available.

Keep Android itself updated, too

Android system updates and Google Play system updates include security fixes and improvements that help apps run properly.

• System update: Settings → System → System update (Samsung: Settings → Software update)
• Google Play system update: Settings → Security & privacy → System & updates on many phones

Only update from the Play Store

Never install game updates from websites, links in chats, or “modded” versions. Unofficial files can contain malware and can get your game account banned. If an update isn’t showing in the Play Store yet, it’s often rolling out gradually — just wait a few hours.

Before game night checklist

• ☐ Update games through the Play Store
• ☐ Open each game on Wi-Fi to finish in-game downloads
• ☐ Make sure everyone in your group is on the same version
• ☐ Charge your phone

A few minutes of updating ahead of time means more time playing and less time staring at a progress bar.

Frequently asked questions

Should I turn on automatic updates?

For most people, yes — set them to update over Wi-Fi only. This keeps games ready to play and keeps security fixes current without using mobile data.

Why can’t I see an update my friends already have?

Developers often roll out updates gradually. Wait a few hours, then check again. Clearing the Play Store’s cache can also help it find new updates.

Do updates delete my game progress?

Normal updates through the Play Store don’t delete progress. Still, linking your game to an account is the best way to protect your saves.