The apps that you have installed on your Android Marshmallow device will eventually need to be updated. Whether this update is going to add additional features and functionality, or it is going to fix a problem that was discovered in the last version of the app, these updates are almost always a good thing.
However, there is a setting that controls how updates are handled in Android, and it is possible that your device is currently configured not to install updates as they become available. If you would prefer to let your phone handle all of your app updates automatically, then follow our guide below to see how you can enable that option through the Play Store app on your device.
How to Update Your Apps Automatically in Android Marshmallow
The steps in this guide were performed on a Samsung Galaxy On5 in the Android Marshmallow operating system. Note that these steps will cause your phone to automatically install app updates as they become available. You will have the option to only allow these updates to occur over Wi-Fi, or to let them occur over cellular as well. If you elect to allow the updates to take place when you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, you may incur data charges as a result.
Step 1: Open the Play Store.
Step 2: Tap the Menu icon at the left side of the search bar.
Step 3: Scroll down to the bottom of the menu on the left side of the screen and select the Settings option.
Step 4: Tap the Auto-update apps option at the top of the screen.
Step 5: Select how you would like your Android Marshmallow phone to handle automatic app updates.
Do you have a child with an Android phone and you would like to be able to control the types of content that can download? Learn about enabling parental controls in Android Marshmallow and see what sorts of options you have for restricting content and app download form the Play Store.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
