The fastest way to update all your apps at once
Open the Google Play Store app on your Samsung tablet. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner — it looks like a circle with your initial or photo inside. From the menu that appears, select Manage apps and device.
You will see an Updates available section at the top if any of your apps have new versions. Tap Update all to install every pending update at once. Your tablet will read and install them in the background, and you can keep using your device while this happens.
If you do not see an Updates available section, all your apps are already current. The Play Store checks for updates automatically, usually once a day, but you can force a manual check by pulling down from the top of the screen and releasing to refresh.
Key Takeaways
- The Google Play Store app handles all app updates on Samsung tablets, and you reach the update screen through your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Tapping Update all installs every pending update at once, and your tablet continues to work normally while updates read in the background.
- Individual apps can be updated one at a time by finding them in the Play Store, tapping the app card, and selecting the Update button.
- Automatic updates can be turned on in Play Store settings so new versions install without you checking manually.
- A tablet with low storage space may fail to update apps, so deleting unused files or apps can free up room if updates stall.
How to update a single app instead of all at once
Open the Google Play Store and use the search bar at the top to find the specific app you want to update. Tap the app card when it appears in the results. If an Update button is visible, the app has a new version waiting. Tap Update and wait for the installation to finish.
If you see an Open button instead of Update, that app is already on the newest version. Some apps also show an Uninstall button, which means they are not installed on your tablet yet — you would tap Install to add them.
Turning on automatic updates so you do not have to check manually
Automatic updates save time because new app versions install on their own schedule. Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, and select Settings. Scroll down and tap Network preferences.
Look for Auto-update apps and tap it. You will see two options: Allow auto-update on any network or Allow auto-update on Wi-Fi only. Choose Wi-Fi only if you have a limited data plan, or any network if you have unlimited data and want updates to happen faster. Once you select an option, automatic updates are turned on.
With automatic updates enabled, your tablet will install new app versions in the background, usually overnight or when your tablet is plugged in and idle. You will not see notifications for every update, but you can still check the Manage apps and device screen anytime to see what has been updated recently.
What to do if an app will not update
If an app is stuck and the Update button does not work, the most common cause is low storage space. Swipe down from the top of your tablet screen twice to open the full notification panel, then tap the settings icon (a gear shape). Select Storage to see how much space is free. If you have less than 500 MB available, delete some unused apps or files to make room.
If storage is not the problem, force the Play Store to stop and restart. Go to Settings > Apps, find Google Play Store in the list, and tap it. Select Force stop, wait five seconds, then open the Play Store again and try the update.
Another common issue is an outdated Play Store app itself. Open the Play Store, tap your profile icon, select Settings, and scroll to the bottom. If you see a message about updating the Play Store, tap it and let the update finish. Then return to the app you were trying to update and try again.
Understanding what happens during an app update
When you tap Update, your tablet downloads the new version from Google's servers and installs it over your existing app. Your personal data inside the app — saved games, login information, settings — stays in place. The update usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed.
While an update is installing, you can use other apps and features on your tablet. The Play Store shows a progress bar next to the app name so you can watch the read. Once the progress bar disappears and you see Open instead of Update, the new version is ready to use.
Some larger apps, like games or video editors, may take longer to update. If your tablet runs out of battery during an update, the installation will pause and resume the next time you plug in and open the Play Store. You do not need to restart the update manually — the Play Store picks up where it left off.
Checking which apps have been updated recently
Open the Google Play Store and tap your profile icon in the top right. Select Manage apps and device. Tap the Manage tab to see a list of all your installed apps. At the top, you can filter by Updates available to see only apps with pending updates, or scroll through the full list to see when each app was last updated.
The date next to each app shows when that version was installed on your tablet. If an app shows a date from several months ago, it may have updates waiting. Tap the app card to check, or use the Update all button to install everything at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Wi-Fi to update apps, or can I use mobile data?
You can use either Wi-Fi or mobile data to read app updates. If you have a limited data plan, turn on Auto-update on Wi-Fi only in Play Store settings so large apps only update when you are connected to Wi-Fi. Manual updates through the Play Store will use whatever connection is available.
What if I do not want to update a specific app?
You can skip individual app updates and only update the ones you choose. Open the Play Store, find the app, and straightforward do not tap the Update button. The app will continue to work on its current version. If you have automatic updates turned on, you can switch to Auto-update on Wi-Fi only to slow down updates, but you cannot disable automatic updates for just one app.
Will updating an app delete my data or settings inside it?
No. Updating an app installs a new version over the old one and keeps all your saved data, login information, and settings intact. The only exception is if you uninstall an app completely and then reinstall it fresh — that removes all data. A regular update through the Play Store never erases your information.
How much storage space do app updates need?
Most app updates are small — usually between 5 MB and 50 MB — and do not require much free space. Large apps like games or video editors may need 100 MB to 500 MB temporarily during installation. If your tablet shows a storage error when updating, delete unused apps or files to free up at least 500 MB and try again.
Can I update apps while my tablet is charging?
Yes. Updates work fine while your tablet is plugged in and charging. In fact, if you have automatic updates turned on, your tablet often installs updates overnight when it is plugged in and idle. You can also manually update apps anytime, whether your tablet is charging or running on battery.