It also covers how to set up automatic app updates to avoid these directions in the future.

These steps apply specifically to Android 13, but older Android versions work similarly.

Either way, head to thePlay Storeto do it.

Steps highlighted to manage apps in the Play Store on an Android phone.

fire up the Play Store, and tap your profile image at the top right.

ChooseManage apps & machine.

TapSee detailsto view pending downloads.

The apps that are pending for updates in the Android Play store.

If you instead see a link that saysSee recent updates, then the Play Store thinks everything is up-to-date.

Auto-Update All Apps

The Play Store prefs has an option to turn on automatic app updates.

From the Play Store, tap your profile image at the top right to launch the menu.

The network preferences settings in the Android Play store highlighted on an Android phone.

Pick one of the update options:Over any networkorOver Wi-Fi only.

To confirm you’re at the right screen, you should see a button calledUninstalland another calledOpenorPlay.

For example, if a developer is having you test an app, download the updated version from them.

auto-update apps options in android play store settings

Some of those unofficial app stores even let you “update” an app to an older version.

FAQ

Go toSettings>General>Apps and Notifications> select app name >Uninstall.

Some apps can’t be uninstalled but, instead, disabled.

The auto update toggle highlighted for the game Adventure Escape Mysteries on an Android phone.

We go into more detail in ourHow to Delete Pre-Installed Apps on Androidarticle.

Typically you’ll swipe up from the home screen > tap and hold the app >Uninstall>OK.

you’re able to also delete apps from inside the options app.

We’ll show you how to do that in ourHow to Delete Apps on an Android Phonearticle.