Keeping your apps updated on your Android Marshmallow device can save you a lot of headaches. Updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and new features that can enhance your user experience. Luckily, enabling automatic app updates is a straightforward process. All it takes is a few taps within your device’s settings, and voila! Your apps will update themselves whenever updates are available.
Step by Step Tutorial: Enabling Automatic App Updates in Android Marshmallow
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand what we’re aiming to achieve here. By the end of this tutorial, your Android device will be set up to automatically download and install app updates whenever they are released. This means less manual work for you and a more up-to-date phone or tablet.
Step 1: Open Google Play Store app
Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
The Google Play Store is where all the magic happens. It’s the hub for all the apps you use, and it’s also the place where you can manage your app updates.
Step 2: Tap on the Menu icon
Tap on the Menu icon, which is represented by three horizontal lines at the top-left corner of the screen.
This menu is your gateway to various settings and options in the Play Store. It’s where you can adjust your preferences for how apps are managed on your device.
Step 3: Select ‘Settings’
From the menu, select ‘Settings’ to access the Play Store’s settings.
The ‘Settings’ section is where you can fine-tune how your apps interact with your device, including their update settings.
Step 4: Tap on ‘Auto-update apps’
In the settings menu, tap on ‘Auto-update apps’ to set your automatic update preferences.
This is the option that directly controls whether or not your apps will update automatically.
Step 5: Choose your preferred auto-update setting
You will see options such as ‘Do not auto-update apps,’ ‘Auto-update apps at any time. Data charges may apply,’ and ‘Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only.’ Choose your preferred setting by tapping on it.
Selecting ‘Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only’ is a great way to ensure that updates don’t consume your mobile data.
After completing these steps, your Android Marshmallow device will automatically update your apps according to your selected settings. This means that you won’t have to worry about manually updating each app, which can be time-consuming and easily forgotten.
Tips for Enabling Automatic App Updates in Android Marshmallow
- Always connect to a Wi-Fi network before updating your apps to avoid data charges.
- Regularly check your app preferences to ensure that your auto-update settings are still in place.
- Consider manually updating apps with large file sizes to manage your device’s storage space effectively.
- Keep an eye on your device’s battery life; try to update apps when your device is charging.
- Remember that some app updates may introduce new permissions; review these before updating if you have privacy concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I only want to update certain apps automatically?
You can manage individual app settings by going to ‘My apps & games’ in the Google Play Store, then selecting the app and tapping on ‘More’ to access the auto-update option.
Will enabling automatic updates use a lot of data?
If you choose the ‘Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only’ option, it will not use your mobile data. However, if you select ‘Auto-update apps at any time,’ it could use your data plan.
Can I reverse automatic updates if I don’t like the new version of an app?
While you can’t reverse an update, you can uninstall the updated app and then reinstall the older version from an APK file sourced from the internet, though this is not recommended for security reasons.
What happens if I don’t update my apps?
Not updating your apps can lead to security risks, as updates often include patches for vulnerabilities. Additionally, you might miss out on new features and improvements.
How do I ensure that my updates are safe?
Updates from the Google Play Store are generally safe as they go through a review process. However, always read the update notes and reviews from other users before updating if you have concerns.
Summary
- Open Google Play Store app
- Tap on the Menu icon
- Select ‘Settings’
- Tap on ‘Auto-update apps’
- Choose your preferred auto-update setting
Conclusion
By now, you should be a pro at enabling automatic app updates in Android Marshmallow. It’s a simple task that can save you time and ensure that your device is always running smoothly with the latest app features and security enhancements. Just remember to select the update setting that fits your needs, whether that’s updating over any network or just Wi-Fi to avoid data charges.
With auto-updates on, you can sit back, relax, and let your Android device handle the rest. Keep in mind that while automatic updates are convenient, it’s still crucial to periodically check what’s new with your apps, especially when it comes to permissions and privacy settings. So go ahead, enable automatic app updates, and enjoy a seamless and up-to-date Android experience.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.