An app may not update in the store because your device is low on storage, the network or account has a problem, or the update is being rolled out gradually and has not reached your device yet. A stuck download, a payment or region issue, or auto update being turned off can also stop it. Freeing space, checking your connection, and signing out and in fixes most cases.
Why this happens
- Not enough storage. Updates need free space to download and install, sometimes more than the app's own size. A nearly full device blocks the update.
- Network problems. A weak or restricted connection, or a store set to update only on wifi, can stop or stall a download.
- Staged rollout. Developers often release updates to a small share of users first. If you are not in the current batch, the update simply has not reached you yet.
- Account or payment issues. A signed out account, a problem with your store account, or an unresolved payment on your account can pause updates.
- Auto update turned off. If automatic updates are disabled, apps wait until you update them manually.
- A stuck or corrupt download, or a region restriction. A pending download that will not finish, or an app not offered in your country, prevents updating.
- Device compatibility. If your system version is too old for the new release, the store will not offer it.
Is this normal?
Waiting a while for a new version is normal, especially with staged rollouts, so not every device gets an update on the same day. An update that never appears or repeatedly fails to install is not normal and needs troubleshooting.
Does it cause any problems?
Running an old version means you miss fixes and features, and eventually some apps stop working with servers until updated. It does not harm the device, but staying current is worth doing for security and stability.
How to fix or check it
- Check free storage and clear space if the device is nearly full.
- Confirm a stable connection, and check whether the store is set to update only on wifi if you are on mobile data.
- Restart the device to clear a stuck download, then open the store and try again.
- iPhone: open the App Store, tap your profile picture, and pull down to refresh the pending updates list, then tap Update.
- Android: open Google Play, tap your profile, Manage apps and device, and check for updates. If needed, go to Settings, Apps, Google Play Store, Storage, and clear its cache.
- Sign out of your store account and back in to refresh it, and confirm there are no unresolved payment or account warnings.
- Turn on automatic updates in the store settings if you want future updates to install on their own.
- Confirm your system version meets the app's requirements, and update the operating system if it is too old.
- If an update is stuck, cancel the download, wait a moment, and start it again, or reinstall the app to get the latest version.
Frequently asked questions
Why do others have the new version but I do not?
Most likely a staged rollout, where the developer releases the update in batches. Your device may just be in a later batch. Checking again in a day or two usually brings it through.
Will updating delete my app data?
No. Updating replaces the app while keeping your data and settings. Data loss only happens if you uninstall the app, and even then account based data usually returns when you sign back in.
How do I force an app to update now?
Open the app's page in the store directly and tap Update there. If no update shows, the new version has not reached your device yet, so no method will force it earlier than the rollout allows.