Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 4
    Essential Skills
    Beginner
    2 min read 4 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Update Apps on iPhone and Android

    Keeping apps updated fixes bugs, improves security, and gives you new features — here's how to update on both platforms.

    In this guide (4 steps):

    1. 1.Update apps on iPhone
    2. 2.Turn on automatic app updates on iPhone
    3. 3.Update apps on Android
    4. 4.What to do if an app won't update
    1

    Update apps on iPhone

    ~27s
    Open the App Store (the blue icon with a white A). Tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Scroll down to see "Available Updates." If apps need updating, you'll see them listed with an "Update" button. Tap "Update All" to update every app at once, or tap "Update" next to individual apps.

    Quick Tip

    A red badge (circle with a number) on the App Store icon on your Home Screen means updates are waiting. Tap the badge to go directly to the updates list.

    2

    Turn on automatic app updates on iPhone

    ~16s
    To have your iPhone update apps automatically, go to SettingsApp Store. Under "Automatic Downloads," turn on "App Updates." With this on, apps update in the background overnight over WiFi — you'll always have the latest version without having to manually check.
    3

    Update apps on Android

    ~23s
    Open the Google Play Store (the colorful triangle icon). Tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Tap "Manage apps & device." Tap "Updates available." Tap "Update all" to update everything, or tap "Update" next to specific apps.

    Quick Tip

    On Android, go to Play Store → profile picture → SettingsNetwork preferencesAuto-update apps → "Over Wi-Fi only" to enable automatic updates without using your mobile data.

    4

    What to do if an app won't update

    ~27s
    If an app shows "Update" but the update fails: make sure you have enough storage on your phone (go to SettingsGeneral → iPhone Storage or Android SettingsStorage to check). If storage is low, delete unused apps first. Also make sure you're connected to WiFi. If the update still fails, try deleting the app and reinstalling it from the App Store or Google Play — your account and data are usually saved in the cloud.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: How to Update Apps on iPhone and Android

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    App updates fix security problems, patch bugs, and add new features. Keeping your apps updated — especially banking, email, and health apps — is an important part of keeping your phone secure. Both iPhones and Android phones can update apps automatically, but it's good to know how to do it manually too.

    Rate this guide

    How helpful was this guide?

    update apps
    app store
    google play
    iphone
    android
    security

    Official Resources

    GCFGlobal — Free Digital SkillsAARP Technology TipsSenior Planet

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    How to Scan Documents Using Your iPhone (No Scanner Needed)

    Next →

    How to Use Venmo to Pay Friends and Family — Safely

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    Our verified technicians can fix this issue for you — remotely or in person.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Related Guides

    How to Create a Strong Password

    Learn the rules for creating passwords that are nearly impossible to crack.

    1 min read

    How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication on Any Account

    Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts with 2FA — a must for everyone.

    2 min read

    How to Identify Phishing Emails

    Spot fake emails designed to steal your personal information before you fall for them.

    2 min read

    How to Update Apps on iPhone and Android — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure