How to Download Apps From the Google Play Store

The ability to download apps and services that extend the usefulness of our phones is what makes them smarter than ever before. Whilst every modern smartphone comes preloaded with apps that fulfill basic functionalities, users can enjoy an endless stream of services using third-party apps.

For Android devices, the Google Play Store is home to millions of apps and games, in both free and paid formats. If you’ve recently picked up your first Android smartphone and wish to explore everything that the humongous app store has to offer, this guide is all you need!

What Is the Google Play Store?

Known formerly as the Android Market, the Google Play Store is the default means of installing third-party apps on Android phones. Every Android smartphone, with a few regional exceptions, has the Google Play Store pre-installed.

Over the years, the Play Store has evolved into distributing more than just apps and games. You can buy and rent movies, books, and TV shows and even manage your subscriptions from within the Google Play app.

Apps and games can be found divided into categories, with a special Offers tab where you can explore deals on paid apps and games. Certain games can also be tried directly without the need for you to install the entire package. There are a handful of Google Play Store tips and tricks that let you make the most out of its mammoth app library.

In order to access the vast app library that the Play Store has to offer, you first need to set up a Google account on your phone.

How to Install Apps on Your Android Phone

Installing and uninstalling apps is a pretty straightforward process on Android phones.

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1. Open the Play Store app on your phone. You’ll find it either in the app drawer (swipe up from the bottom of the home screen) or on your home screen.
2. Tap on the search box at the top and type in the app or game you wish to download. Alternatively, you can explore the various sections of the Play Store to discover new apps.
3. Select the desired app from the search results, and tap on Install.
4. Depending on your internet speed and phone’s storage speed, the app might take a few seconds before it is downloaded and installed. Tap on Open or Play to access your newly installed app or game!

Certain apps and games for Android are paid and require you to set up a payment method on the Play Store before you can buy them. You can add a biometric authentication requirement to verify your purchases in the future, so you don’t accidentally splurge on an expensive game.

Similarly, to uninstall a previously downloaded app, you can either navigate to its app page on the Play Store and tap on Uninstall, or simply get rid of the app from the Settings app on your phone.

Updating Apps Using the Play Store

Since modern apps heavily rely on constant new updates to bring the newest features and to squish bugs, it is imperative that you regularly update the apps on your phone.

The Play Store does a decent job of keeping most of your apps up-to-date as and when required, but only if you’re connected to a solid Wi-Fi network. To manually check for app updates and install them:

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1. Open the Google Play Store on your phone.
2. Tap on your profile picture right beside the search box.
3. Select Manage apps and device from the popup.
4. Under the Overview tab, you will be prompted if any of the apps on your phone have updates available. Tap on Update All to install all existing app updates on your phone.
5. Additionally, you can tap on See Details and update individual apps.

Discover Apps and Games on the Play Store

Ranging from utilitarian apps to entertainment ones, there is nothing you cannot find on the Play Store. The sheer number of options also means that you will always find free alternatives to popular paid apps and services.

With ample storage space and a decent internet connection, you can play incredibly fun games on your Android phone as well. Exploring the depths of what the Play Store has to offer is a treat in and of itself.