How To Update Apps - Everything You Need To Know

Have your apps been suspiciously laggy lately? Or do you see the annoying red circle with a number on it?

Your apps, my friend, need an update. Thankfully, it’s an easy and straightforward process.

I have a short guide on how to update apps, just for you.

Read on.

How To Update Apps?    

Why should you update your apps?

Еasy, you do it to:

• Fix bugs
• Improve security
• Get newer features
• Improve performance

The whole process is extremely easy. You can update manually or automatically. 

Here’s where the difference lies:

Manual App Updating

Basically, in this scenario, you get to pick which application to update. 

Yes, you can choose them all.

Here’s what you need to do:

On iPhone, iPad, and Mac

In order to update apps on iPhone and iPad do the following:

• Open the App Store app.
• Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner,
• Scroll down to Available updates.
• Tap on either Update All or Update, for a specific app.

Another way to do this is with a nice little shortcut:

• Long press on the App Store app and a menu will show up.
• Choose Updates.
• Tap on either Update All or Update for a single app.

In order to update apps on Mac do the following:

• Open the App Store app.
• On the sidebar click on Updates.
• Choose either Update all or Update, for a specific app.

On Android Devices

In order to update apps on Android , you have to:

• Open the Play Store app.
• Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
  
• Tap on Manage apps & device.
  
  

• Under Updates available tap on either Update all or See details.
  
  
• If you tap on See details you can choose which app to update.
  
  

If you want to update the Play Store, you need to:

• Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
  
• Go to Settings.
  
  
• Tap on About.
  
  
• After that tap on Update Play Store.
  
  
• Finish the process by tapping Got it.
  

How To Fix Apps That Won't Update?

There might be several reasons why your apps won’t update. The good news is that most issues are very easy to fix.

Let’s dive in:

• Check your internet connection.

If the speed is too slow, even though you’re connected, an update won’t be possible. 

Switch to a better internet source or use mobile data. Now try again to update that application.

• Check your phone storage.

If you don’t have enough storage space for the app the update will fail. Clear some space - uninstall apps or delete some selfies (a good reason to take more).

• Clear your app cache.

There are times when in order to upgrade an app first you have to clear the cache. It makes some apps “laggy” and removing it makes them run more smoothly.

• Pause installing and the resume.

Either pause or cancel the update and try again. 

The reason for the failed update might be a temporary bad internet connection. Another reason might be a bad connection to the app store itself.

• Uninstall and reinstall the app.

Some apps have their own problems. That is why there are updates. 

The most common “fix” is for bugs.

However, there are times when they need a little nudge. A simple reinstalling can do the trick. 

You don't have to worry about paid apps, you won’t be forced to pay again. The app stores keep track of them.

• Restart your phone.

The oldest IT trick in the book. Have you tried turning it off and on again?

In most cases restarting your phone fixes minor issues such as these.

• Do a factory reset.

If everything else fails, there is the nuclear option: 

You delete everything and start from the beginning. 

Turn on or Turn off Automatic Updates

The other option to update an application is to do it automatically. 

Just so you know - it will update them all.

For Android do the following:

• Open the Play Store app.
• Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
  
• Tap on Settings.
  
• Tap on Network Preference.
  
  
• Tap on Auto-update apps.
  
  
• Choose one of the three options and tap on Done.
  
  

But that’s not all.

You can choose which apps to update automatically, so that they don’t bother you.

In order to do that, you have to:

• Open an app, which you want to turn on/off automatic updates for, from the Play Store.
• Tap on the three dots in the top right corner.
  
  
• Finally, switch on or off Enable auto update.
  
  

Want to learn how to stop automatic updates on iPhone and iPad?

I’ve got ya. So:

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap on App Store.
• Under Automatic Downloads switch on/off App Updates.

If you want to do the same on your Mac, it’s just as easy:

• Open the App Store.
• From the menu at the top of the screen, choose App Store and then select Preferences.
• Check or uncheck Automatic Updates.

Wrap Up 

Lagging apps are almost as annoying as seeing your friends get cool new features, while you’re still stuck with the old ones.

This is why it’s important to update regularly.

It doesn’t matter if you do it manually or automatically. Choose whatever option works best for you.

Ready to get the fancy Instagram update?