The fastest way to update your apps
Open the Google Play Store app on your tablet, tap your profile icon in the top right corner, and select Manage apps and device. Go to the Manage tab, and you will see a list of apps with updates ready to install. Tap Update all to install every pending update at once, or tap the individual app name to update just one.
If you want updates to happen without you having to do anything, turn on automatic updates. In the Play Store, tap your profile icon, then Settings, then Network preferences, then Auto-update apps. Choose Over any network if you have unlimited data, or Over Wi-Fi only if you want to save mobile data. Your tablet will then read and install updates in the background whenever it is connected and plugged in.
Key Takeaways
- The Google Play Store is where all app updates come from on a Samsung Galaxy tablet, and you reach it through your profile icon at the top right.
- You can update all apps at once by tapping Update all in the Manage tab, or update individual apps one at a time.
- Turning on automatic updates in Play Store Settings means your tablet will install updates in the background without you having to check manually.
- System updates for the tablet itself come through Settings, not the Play Store, and are separate from app updates.
Checking which apps have updates waiting
Open the Google Play Store and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Select Manage apps and device. The Manage tab shows every app on your tablet that has an update ready. The number next to Updates available tells you how many apps are waiting. Tap any app name to see what changed in that version, then tap Update to install it.
If you do not see the Manage apps and device option, your version of the Play Store may be older. Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open the notification panel, then tap the settings icon (gear shape). Go to Apps, find Google Play Store, tap it, then tap App info. If an Update button appears, tap it to update the Play Store itself first.
Updating apps one at a time versus all at once
Updating all apps together is faster if you have a strong Wi-Fi connection and your tablet is plugged in. Tap Update all and your tablet will read and install every pending update. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour depending on how many apps need updating and how fast your connection is.
Update individual apps if you want to control which ones change, or if you are on a slower connection and want to update only the apps you use most. Tap the app name, read what is new in that version, then tap Update. You can also update one app while using another, since the Play Store works in the background.
Turning on automatic updates so you do not have to check manually
Automatic updates mean your tablet installs new versions of apps without you opening the Play Store. Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, then Settings. Scroll down and tap Network preferences, then Auto-update apps. You will see two choices: Over any network or Over Wi-Fi only.
Choose Over Wi-Fi only if you use mobile data and have a limited plan, since app updates can be large. Choose Over any network only if your plan is unlimited. Once you turn on automatic updates, your tablet will read and install updates whenever it is connected to the internet and plugged into power. You can still manually update apps anytime by going to the Manage tab and tapping Update all.
What to do if an app will not update
If an app is stuck on the update screen or keeps failing, first check your internet connection. Open a web browser and load a website to make sure you are connected. If the connection is fine, go back to the Play Store, tap your profile icon, then Manage apps and device. Find the app that will not update, tap it, and tap Uninstall. Then search for the app by name in the Play Store and tap Install to read the newest version fresh.
If the app still will not install, your tablet may be low on storage space. Swipe down from the top twice to open notifications, tap the settings icon, then Storage. You will see how much space is free. If you have less than 500 MB free, delete photos, videos, or apps you do not use. After freeing up space, try installing the app again.
The difference between app updates and system updates
App updates come from the Google Play Store and update individual programs like Gmail, YouTube, or your web browser. System updates come from Samsung and update the tablet's operating system itself — the software that makes everything run. You do not get system updates from the Play Store.
To check for system updates, swipe down from the top twice, tap the settings icon, then scroll down and tap About tablet. Tap Software update or System update (the exact name varies by model). If an update is ready, tap read and install. System updates are larger and take longer than app updates, and your tablet may restart during the process. Plug it in and make sure you have at least an hour free before starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update apps while using my tablet?
Yes. The Play Store downloads and installs updates in the background, so you can use other apps, browse the web, or read email while updates are installing. You may notice your tablet is slightly slower during large updates, but you do not have to wait or stop what you are doing.
Why does my tablet say an app update failed?
The most common reasons are a weak internet connection, not enough storage space, or a problem with your Google account. Check that you are connected to Wi-Fi, delete files or apps you do not need to free up space, and sign out and back into your Google account in Settings. Then try updating again.
Do I have to update apps, or can I keep the old version?
You do not have to update, but older versions may stop working or have security problems. Most apps will remind you to update, and some will eventually stop launching until you do. Turning off automatic updates lets you choose when to update, but checking the Play Store every few weeks is a good habit.
What happens if I turn off my tablet during an app update?
The update will pause and resume the next time you turn the tablet on. Do not unplug it or force it off while an update is running, as that can damage the app or the tablet's system. If an update seems stuck, wait at least 10 minutes before assuming something is wrong.