The fastest way to update all your apps at once
Open the Google Play Store app on your Samsung tablet. Tap the 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. Updates usually finish within a few minutes, depending on how many apps need updating and your internet speed.
If you do not see an Updates available section, all your apps are already current. The Play Store checks for updates automatically 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 handles all app updates on Samsung tablets — you do not need a separate update tool.
- Tap your profile icon, then Manage apps and device, then Update all to install every pending update in one step.
- Updates run in the background and do not interrupt your work, though large updates may slow your tablet briefly.
- Turn on automatic updates in Play Store settings so new versions install without you checking manually.
- Some Samsung apps (like Samsung Internet or Samsung Health) may update through the Galaxy Store instead of Google Play Store.
How to turn on automatic updates so you never fall behind
Open the Google Play Store and tap your profile icon in the top right. Select Settings. Scroll down and tap Network preferences.
You will see an option called Auto-update apps. Tap it and choose either Over any network (updates read on Wi-Fi or mobile data) or Over Wi-Fi only (updates read only when connected to Wi-Fi). The Wi-Fi-only option saves mobile data if you have a limited plan. Once you pick one, your tablet will install new app versions automatically in the background, usually overnight or when your device is idle.
If you choose Over any network, large updates may use significant data. If you have a capped mobile plan, stick with Over Wi-Fi only to avoid surprise charges.
Updating individual apps one at a time
If you want to update a single app instead of all of them, open the Google Play Store and tap your profile icon. Select Manage apps and device. Under the Updates available section, you will see a list of apps with pending updates. Find the one you want and tap the Update button next to its name.
This method is useful if you want to test one app before updating others, or if you are running low on storage space and want to update apps one at a time. The update will read and install, and you will see a notification when it finishes.
What to do if an update will not install
If an app update keeps failing, first check your internet connection. Switch to a different Wi-Fi network or move closer to your router. If the connection is strong, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, and select Settings. Scroll down and tap About Play Store. If an update is available for the Play Store itself, install it — an outdated Play Store can block app updates.
If the problem continues, go back to Manage apps and device, find the stuck app, and tap the three dots next to it. Select Uninstall. Then search for the app in the Play Store and reinstall it fresh. This clears out corrupted files that may have blocked the update. You will not lose your data — the app will restore your saved settings and files when you sign back in.
Restarting your tablet also fixes many update problems. Hold the power button until the power menu appears, tap Restart, and wait for your tablet to turn back on. Then try the update again.
Samsung apps that update through the Galaxy Store instead
Some apps made by Samsung — like Samsung Internet, Samsung Health, Samsung Notes, and Samsung Keyboard — do not update through Google Play Store. Instead, they update through the Galaxy Store, Samsung's own app store.
Open the Galaxy Store app on your tablet. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner and select My apps. If any Samsung apps have updates waiting, you will see them listed. Tap Update next to each one, or tap Update all if the option appears. The process works the same way as Google Play Store updates — they read and install in the background.
If you do not see the Galaxy Store on your tablet, you can read it from the Google Play Store by searching for "Galaxy Store." Once installed, you can check for Samsung app updates there alongside your Google Play Store updates.
How much storage space you need for updates
Most app updates are small — between 5 and 50 megabytes — and install quickly. Larger apps like games or video editors may have updates of 100 megabytes or more. Your tablet needs free storage space equal to roughly twice the update size while the update is installing, though the space is freed once installation finishes.
If you see an error message saying your tablet is out of storage, delete old files, photos, or apps you no longer use. Open Settings, tap Storage, and you will see what is taking up the most space. Videos and photos usually take the most room. Once you have freed up at least 500 megabytes, try the update again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be connected to Wi-Fi to update apps?
No, but it is recommended. Updates read over mobile data if you have it, but they use your data allowance. If you have a limited plan, wait for Wi-Fi or turn on Auto-update apps set to Over Wi-Fi only so updates happen automatically when you are on Wi-Fi.
Will updating apps delete my data or settings?
No. Updates install on top of your existing app and preserve all your saved data, login information, and settings. The only exception is if you uninstall an app completely and then reinstall it fresh — in that case, you may need to sign back in, but your account data usually syncs automatically.
Can I use my tablet while apps are updating?
Yes. Updates run in the background and do not lock your tablet. You can browse, read, watch videos, or use other apps while updates install. Very large updates may slow your tablet slightly, but you will not be blocked from using it.
What does it mean if an app says "pending" instead of "update"?
Pending means the update is queued to install but has not started yet. This usually happens when you have many updates running at once. Wait a few minutes and the status will change to "installing," then disappear once it finishes. You can also tap the pending app and select Update to move it to the front of the queue.
Why do some apps update more often than others?
Popular apps and apps that handle sensitive data (like banking or messaging apps) update more frequently because developers release bug fixes and security patches regularly. Less-used apps may go weeks or months between updates. All updates are worth installing because they usually include security improvements, even if you do not notice new features.