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Android Apps Not Updating from Play Store? 11 Fixes That Actually Work (2025)

 

It’s frustrating when Android apps refuse to update from the Google Play Store. You tap Update, but nothing happens. Sometimes downloads stay stuck at 0%, pending forever, or fail with an error message. In other cases, updates start and suddenly stop.

In 2025, Play Store apps not updating is a very common Android problem. It usually happens because of cache issues, storage limits, network problems, Google account sync errors, or system restrictions—not because your phone is broken.

The good news is that most Play Store update issues can be fixed easily without resetting your phone or losing any data. In this guide, you’ll learn 11 practical fixes that actually work on most Android devices.


Why Android Apps Don’t Update from Play Store

Before trying fixes, it helps to understand the common reasons:

  • Corrupted Play Store cache or data

  • Poor or unstable internet connection

  • Insufficient storage space

  • Google account sync problems

  • Play Store stuck on “Pending”

  • Background data restrictions

  • Battery saver or data saver enabled

  • System bugs after updates

  • Google Play Services issues

Once you know the cause, fixing the issue becomes much easier.

Fix 1: Restart Your Phone (Don’t Skip This)

A restart clears temporary system glitches that block updates.

Steps:

  1. Restart your Android phone

  2. Wait until the phone fully boots

  3. Open Play Store and try updating again

This simple step solves the issue surprisingly often.

Fix 2: Check Internet Connection (Wi-Fi vs Mobile Data)

Play Store needs a stable connection.

Try this:

  • Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data

  • Turn Airplane Mode ON for 30 seconds, then OFF

  • Avoid public or unstable Wi-Fi networks

If downloads work on one network, the other is the problem.

Fix 3: Free Up Storage Space (Very Important)

Low storage prevents app updates.

Recommended:

  • Keep at least 2–3 GB free space

  • Delete unused apps

  • Clear large videos or files

  • Empty trash or recycle bin

After freeing space, restart your phone.

Fix 4: Clear Google Play Store Cache

Corrupted cache is a top cause of update failures.

Steps:

  1. Settings → Apps

  2. Open Google Play Store

  3. Tap Storage

  4. Select Clear Cache

  5. Restart phone

⚠️ Do not clear data unless necessary.

Fix 5: Clear Google Play Services Cache

Play Services controls app updates in the background.

Steps:

  1. Settings → Apps

  2. Show System Apps

  3. Open Google Play Services

  4. Storage → Clear Cache

  5. Restart phone

This fix often restores stuck updates.

Fix 6: Check Data Saver & Battery Saver Settings

Android may restrict background downloads.

Disable temporarily:

  • Data Saver

  • Battery Saver

Go to:
Settings → Network / Battery → Turn OFF both → Try updating again.

Fix 7: Check Auto-Update Settings in Play Store

Sometimes updates are disabled accidentally.

Steps:

  1. Open Play Store

  2. Tap profile icon

  3. Settings → Network Preferences

  4. Enable Auto-update apps

  5. Choose Over any network

Manual updates should also start working.

Fix 8: Update Google Play Store App Itself

Yes, Play Store also gets updates.

Try this:

  • Open Play Store

  • Tap profile icon → Settings → About

  • Tap Update Play Store (if available)

An outdated Play Store app can break downloads.

Fix 9: Remove and Re-Add Google Account (Advanced Fix)

Account sync issues can block updates.

Steps:

  1. Settings → Accounts

  2. Select Google

  3. Remove account

  4. Restart phone

  5. Add Google account again

⚠️ Make sure you know your Google password before doing this.

Fix 10: Reset Network Settings (Safe Option)

This resets Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth only.

Steps:

  1. Settings → System

  2. Reset options

  3. Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth

  4. Restart phone

No apps or files are deleted.

Fix 11: Check for Android System Updates

System bugs can affect Play Store.

Steps:

  1. Settings → Software Update

  2. Install updates if available

  3. Restart phone

Manufacturers often fix Play Store issues silently.

Common Play Store Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using VPNs that block Google services
❌ Keeping storage almost full
❌ Ignoring system updates
❌ Using modded or unofficial Play Store versions
❌ Restricting background data for Play Services

Avoiding these keeps Play Store stable.

FAQs – Android Apps Not Updating from Play Store

Why do Play Store updates stay pending?

Pending updates usually mean network, storage, or cache issues.

Does clearing cache delete apps?

No. Clearing cache is completely safe.

Can Google account issues stop updates?

Yes. Account sync errors can block Play Store downloads.

Is Play Store down sometimes?

Yes. Temporary server issues can delay updates.

Should I factory reset my phone?

No. Try all fixes above first—reset is rarely needed.

Final Thoughts

Android apps not updating from the Play Store is annoying, but it’s rarely a serious problem. In most cases, clearing cache, freeing storage, checking network settings, or fixing Google account sync restores normal updates quickly.

If updates still don’t work after all fixes, the issue is usually temporary or related to Google servers—not your phone.


You may also find helpful our guide on mobile data not working on Android.

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