What’s the Best Way to Update Your Phone’s Apps?
Why Keeping Your Apps Updated Matters More Than You Think
Updating your apps might not be at the top of your to-do list. It can feel like a small thing—just another pop-up or notification to ignore. But keeping your apps up to date is one of the most important things you can do to protect your phone, your personal information, and your overall experience using technology.
At TechPals, we work with people every day who are frustrated because their apps are glitchy, slow, or just not working the way they should. In many cases, the fix is as simple as installing an update. It’s fast, it’s free, and it could save you hours of future headaches.
If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t need that update” or “I’ll do it later” — this guide is for you.
What Do App Updates Actually Do?
App updates may seem small or technical, but behind the scenes, they often include critical improvements to how your apps work. Here’s what they usually contain:
1. Bug Fixes
No app is perfect. Developers regularly find issues — crashes, freezing, display errors, and other bugs — and push updates to fix them. If your favorite app isn’t working properly, a recent update might already have solved the problem.
2. Security Patches
Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to steal data or hack into devices. When security flaws are discovered, companies release updates to patch them. If you don’t install those patches, you’re leaving the door open to potential threats.
3. New Features and Improvements
Many updates add new features or improve how the app looks or functions. Whether it’s easier navigation, more customization options, or a faster interface, updates can improve your experience and give you more control.
4. Compatibility Fixes
As your phone’s operating system (iOS or Android) updates, apps need to keep up. An outdated app may not work properly with a newer version of your phone’s software.
In short: Updates keep your apps safe, functional, and useful.
How to Manually Update Apps on iPhone
If you use an iPhone, you can check for updates anytime by following these steps:
Open the App Store
Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner
Scroll down to view any apps that have pending updates
Tap Update All to update everything at once, or tap Update next to each app if you prefer to do them individually
That’s it. Your phone will download and install the updates in the background. You don’t need to do anything else.
Want Automatic Updates on iPhone?
You can also have your phone update apps for you:
Open the Settings app
Scroll down and tap App Store
Toggle on App Updates
This tells your phone to automatically update apps when new versions become available. It usually only happens when your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and charging.
If you’re worried about storage space or data usage, you can always check what’s updating and adjust your settings accordingly.
How to Manually Update Apps on Android
If you’re using an Android phone, the process is similar but uses the Google Play Store:
Open the Google Play Store
Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner
Tap Manage apps & device
You’ll see a section labeled Updates available
Tap Update all to install everything at once, or tap See details to choose apps one by one
Updates usually install in the background, but you’ll be able to see progress bars showing what’s downloading.
Want Automatic Updates on Android?
Here’s how to enable them:
In the Play Store, tap your profile icon again
Tap Settings
Tap Network preferences
Tap Auto-update apps
Choose either:
Over Wi-Fi only (safest if you have limited data)
Over any network (updates will install even if you’re on mobile data)
Once this is on, Android will handle your updates automatically — you won’t have to think about it.
Common Questions About App Updates
Will updating apps use a lot of data?
If you’re on Wi-Fi, you don’t need to worry. But if you’re using mobile data, it could add up. That’s why we recommend turning on “auto-update over Wi-Fi only.”
Can updates slow down my phone?
Usually, the opposite is true — updates fix bugs and improve performance. But if your phone is very old or running out of storage, it might feel slower. TechPals can help you figure out what’s going on.
What if I don’t like the new version of an app?
In most cases, there’s no easy way to go back. However, you can give feedback to the developer or adjust your settings to better match your preferences.
Why do some apps update all the time?
Apps that are constantly improving — like social media platforms, streaming apps, or games — may release new versions weekly or even more often. That’s normal.
Why People Avoid App Updates — And Why That’s a Problem
We get it. There are a lot of reasons people put off updates:
You’re worried the update will change something you like
You don’t want to deal with notifications or settings
You’re not sure what an update will do
You assume your phone is already doing it for you
You’re nervous about pressing the wrong thing
But delaying updates can lead to real problems. You might experience crashes, security vulnerabilities, or features that stop working entirely. That’s frustrating — and avoidable.
At TechPals, we hear from people all the time who spent hours trying to fix a broken app, only to discover that all they needed was a simple update.
How App Updates Protect You from Scams
Here’s something many people don’t realize: Outdated apps are one of the easiest ways for scammers and hackers to get access to your device.
When security researchers discover a vulnerability in an app — like a glitch that allows someone to steal your data or take over your camera — developers release a patch. That patch is delivered through an update. But if you don’t install it, your phone stays open to that risk.
Scammers often use these outdated versions to:
Steal passwords or credit card information
Trick users with fake login pages
Take control of your app settings or data
Send malware to other people through your account
You can avoid all of that by keeping your apps current. And if you’re ever unsure about an update, reach out to help@techpals.org — we’ll help you figure it out safely.
What Happens If You Never Update Your Apps?
If you ignore updates for a long time, you might start to notice problems like:
Apps that crash as soon as you open them
Buttons or features that don’t work properly
Warnings that the app is no longer compatible with your phone
An inability to log in or access your account
Security alerts or blocked access
In some cases, app developers may stop supporting old versions entirely. That means you won’t be able to use the app at all until you update.
In very rare cases, not updating an app can also affect other apps on your phone, especially if they share login systems or data.
Best Practices for Managing App Updates
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Here’s how to make app updates part of your regular routine:
1. Set a Reminder Once a Week
Pick a day and time — like Sunday evening — to manually check for updates and install them. It only takes a few minutes.
2. Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible
Updating apps on Wi-Fi avoids data charges and is usually faster and more reliable.
3. Turn On Auto-Updates for Apps You Trust
If there are apps you use every day — like your bank, a fitness tracker, or your messaging app — set them to update automatically.
4. Read the Update Notes
Before installing, take a moment to read the update description in the App Store or Play Store. It’ll tell you what’s new or what’s been fixed.
5. Restart Your Phone After a Big Batch of Updates
Sometimes apps run better after a reboot. It’s not required, but it can help things run more smoothly.
Apps You Should Always Keep Updated
While it’s good to keep all apps up to date, some are more critical than others. Here are the top categories to watch:
Banking and payment apps (Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, your bank’s app)
Email and messaging apps (Gmail, Outlook, iMessage, WhatsApp)
Security tools (password managers, antivirus apps, 2FA apps)
Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)
Navigation and travel apps (Google Maps, Uber, airline apps)
Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube)
These apps often involve your personal or financial information — and keeping them up to date means keeping that information safe.
TechPals Can Help You Set It All Up
If updating apps still feels confusing or stressful, you’re not alone. Many people — especially those who didn’t grow up with smartphones — feel overwhelmed by settings, notifications, and tech lingo.
That’s why TechPals exists.
We’re here to help you:
Check for updates safely
Turn on (or off) automatic updates
Delete apps you don’t use anymore
Free up storage so updates install smoothly
Understand what each update is really doing
Visit techpals.org for easy how-to guides, or email us at help@techpals.org and we’ll walk you through it step by step — no pressure, no tech jargon, just friendly help.
Final Thoughts: Small Updates, Big Impact
You don’t have to be a tech expert to take care of your phone. Something as simple as updating your apps regularly can make a huge difference in how well your device runs, how secure your data is, and how enjoyable your day-to-day tech experience feels.
App updates are:
Fast
Free
Important
Easy to manage with the right support
So the next time you see a little “update available” message, don’t swipe it away — see it as a chance to protect your device and make things better.
And if you ever feel unsure, remember: TechPals is just one click or email away. Visit techpals.org or email help@techpals.org — we’re here to help you make technology feel simple, safe, and stress-free.
