What Is an App Store and How Do You Use It?

An "app" is a small program — short for application — that runs on your phone or tablet and does one specific thing. A weather app shows the forecast. A banking app lets you check your balance. A video call app lets you talk face-to-face with family members across the country.

The App Store (on iPhones and iPads made by Apple) and the Google Play Store (on Android phones such as Samsung, Motorola, and Google Pixel) are the official stores where you download these apps. Think of them the way you think of a reputable department store: every item on the shelf has been reviewed, the store stands behind what it sells. And you are not buying from a stranger on a street corner.

Why you should only download apps from the official store

You may sometimes see a website or email that says "Download this app here" with a button linking somewhere other than the App Store or Play Store. Do not use those links. Apps downloaded from unofficial sources can contain harmful software (called malware) that steals passwords, reads your private messages, or causes your phone to run slowly. The official stores review every app before allowing it to be listed. They are not perfect, but they are far safer than downloading an app from a random website.

If someone sends you a link to download an app, go to the official store yourself and search for the app by name instead of clicking the link.

Most apps are free — but watch for in-app purchases

The majority of apps are free to download. However, some apps are free to install but ask you to pay for extra features or content once you are inside the app. These are called "in-app purchases." Common examples include games that let you buy extra lives, or news apps that ask you to subscribe after a free trial.

When you look at an app in the store, the price shown is always the download price. If you see "Free," the download costs nothing. But scroll down on the app's description page and look for a section called "In-App Purchases" — this will list any optional charges. Apple and Google both require apps to disclose these costs up front.

If you are worried about accidental purchases, you can turn on a "require password or Face ID for purchases" setting so nothing can be charged without your approval. Ask a family member or your carrier store to help you find that setting.

How to read ratings and reviews before installing

Every app in the store has a star rating from 1 to 5, along with written reviews from people who have already downloaded it. A rating of 4 stars or higher with many reviews (hundreds or thousands) is a good sign. Read a few of the most recent reviews. They will tell you if the app has problems that developed recently.

Pay attention to the number of reviews, not the star rating alone. An app with five stars but only two reviews does not tell you much. An app with 4.2 stars and 50,000 reviews is a much more reliable signal.

Also check the "Developer" name listed under the app title. For well-known apps, the developer should match the company you expect. The real Netflix app is made by "Netflix, Inc." The real Amazon app is made by "Amazon.com." If the developer name looks unfamiliar or misspelled, look more carefully before installing.

Keeping your apps updated

Apps receive updates regularly — for security fixes, bug repairs, and new features. Outdated apps can have security holes just like outdated phone software. Plan to check for app updates at least once a month, or turn on automatic updates so the store handles it for you.

Source: Apple Support — App Store (support.apple.com/apps) and Google Support — Google Play (support.google.com/googleplay).