Where to find app updates depends on what device and operating system you use

The place you check for updates is different on iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac. On iPhone, you go to the App Store. On Android, you use Google Play. On Windows, the Microsoft Store is the main place, though some apps update themselves. On Mac, the App Store works the same way as iPhone. The steps take about two minutes, and you can set most devices to update automatically so you do not have to check manually.

Updates fix security problems, add new features, and patch bugs that make apps crash or behave oddly. Checking regularly means you catch these fixes before they become a bigger problem. Some updates are small and happen in the background. Others require you to restart the app or your device.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone users check for updates in the App Store under the profile tab; Android users go to Google Play and tap their profile icon in the top right.
  • Windows computers can check for updates in the Microsoft Store, and Mac computers use the App Store just like iPhones do.
  • You can turn on automatic updates in all four systems so apps update without you having to check each time.
  • Updates usually take a few minutes to download and install, depending on your internet speed and the app size.

How to check for updates on iPhone

Open the App Store and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. It looks like a person's head and shoulders inside a circle. Tap "Purchased" or scroll down to find "Available Updates." Any apps with a newer version will show an "Update" button next to them. Tap "Update" next to each app, or tap "Update All" in the top right to update everything at once.

If you do not see an "Update All" button, it means all your apps are already on the newest version. The update will download and install automatically. You do not need to do anything else while it runs, though the app may ask you to restart it when finished.

How to check for updates on Android

Open Google Play and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. It is usually a circle with your initial or photo inside. Tap "Manage apps and device." At the top, you will see a tab called "Manage." Tap it, and you will see a list of apps with updates waiting. Tap "Update" next to any app you want to update, or tap "Update all" at the top to update everything.

Google Play will show you what changed in each update if you tap the app name before updating. This is useful if an app has been crashing and you want to know if this version fixes it. Updates download over Wi-Fi or mobile data depending on your settings.

How to check for updates on Windows

Open the Microsoft Store by clicking the Windows Start button and typing "Microsoft Store," then pressing Enter. Click your profile icon in the top right corner. It looks like a circle with a person inside. Click "App settings" and then toggle on "Update apps automatically" if you want updates to happen without you checking. To see updates right now, click your profile icon again and select "Downloads and updates." Any waiting updates will show with an "Update" button.

Some Windows programs do not live in the Microsoft Store and update themselves separately. For example, Google Chrome and Firefox check for updates when you open them. You do not need to do anything for those — they handle it on their own.

How to check for updates on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "System Settings." Click "General" in the left sidebar, then click "Software Update." Your Mac will check for updates to the operating system and any apps from the App Store. If updates are waiting, click "Update Now" or let your Mac install them automatically by checking the box that says "Automatic updates."

Apps you downloaded from the App Store will update through this same menu. Apps you installed from other sources, like a company website, may update themselves or ask you to update them manually when you open them.

How to turn on automatic updates so you do not have to check manually

On iPhone, go to Settings, tap "App Store," scroll down, and toggle on "Automatic Updates." Your apps will update overnight when your phone is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, select "Settings," tap "Network preferences," and choose "Auto-update apps." You can pick "Over any network" or "Over Wi-Fi only."

On Windows, open the Microsoft Store, click your profile icon, select "App settings," and toggle on "Update apps automatically." On Mac, click System Settings, select "General," click "Software Update," and check "Automatic updates." With automatic updates on, you will not see update notifications — the apps just update in the background when your device is idle.

What to do if an update will not install

If an update keeps failing, first check that you have enough storage space on your device. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap "General," and select "iPhone Storage." On Android, go to Settings, tap "Storage," and look at how much space is free. If you are running low, delete photos, videos, or apps you do not use. Then try the update again.

If you still have trouble, restart your device and try once more. Restart by turning it off completely, waiting ten seconds, and turning it back on. If the update still will not go through, try uninstalling the app and reinstalling it fresh from the app store. This usually fixes corrupted downloads that got stuck partway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my apps right away?

No, but security updates should go in within a week or two. Updates that fix crashes or add features can wait longer if the app is working fine for you. However, very old versions of apps may stop working entirely if the company stops supporting them.

Will updating an app delete my data or settings?

No. Updates preserve your data, passwords, and settings. The update only changes the code that runs the app, not the information you have stored inside it. Your photos, messages, or saved games will stay exactly as they were.

What if I do not want to update a specific app?

You can skip individual updates and only update the ones you want. On iPhone, tap "Update" next to only the apps you choose. On Android, do the same in the "Manage apps and device" section. You can always update later if you change your mind.

Can I update apps while using my phone or computer?

Yes, but the app will restart when the update finishes. If you are in the middle of using it, you may lose unsaved work. It is better to update apps when you are not actively using them, or to save your work first.

Why does an app update take so long to download?

Large apps with lots of features take longer to download, especially on slower internet. Video editing apps, games, and photo editors are often bigger than simple apps like calculators. If your Wi-Fi is slow, try moving closer to the router or switching to a faster network.