Google Play is Google’s distribution platform for Android apps, games and other digital content. Users can discover and update software there, while developers use the platform to publish apps and manage listings, testing and payments.
Google Play is Google’s main distribution service for Android apps and games. On supported devices, users can discover software, install updates and manage purchases through one account. Content and features differ by country and device type.
In fact, contrary to what many people think, the play store isn’t just an App Store. Content such as movies, games, books, and music is also available on the Play store.
Is Google Play Store pre-installed in Android smartphones?
No, the Google Play Store is only pre-installed in smartphones that come with Google Mobile Services (GMS), which is actually the vast majority of phones available. Android is an open-sourced platform, and manufacturers are not required to install Google Mobile Services.
The Google Play Store offers a variety of content to its consumers, from apps and games to music, books, and movies. Acting as a hub of content for its consumers, the Play store initially launched for Android smartphones, but its usage has grown since then. Today, many people use the store to get the latest books or the newest music.
While you can install apps from somewhere else, Google recommends that all your Android apps need to be downloaded from the Play Store. These apps go through a rigorous process to make their way to the Play Store. The company ensures these apps aren’t bringing malware to the store.
On the other hand, there are reliable third-party stores that you can explore to download apps. You just need to ensure you’re careful about your choice, and the apps don’t end up bringing in malware to your smartphone. Stores such as Huawei’s AppGallery and Samsung’s Galaxy Store are renowned stores that consumers can turn to download legitimate Android apps. However, it’s important to note that some of these certain apps allow you to access features that Google will typically not allow.
How do I update apps via the Google Play Store?
If you want to update your apps through the Play Store, you’ll be glad to know it’s quite simple. In fact, you don’t even need to do this manually since your phone is required to update apps automatically by default. All that’s needed is for you to be connected to Wi-Fi for your phone to check for updates automatically. If this is the setting you prefer, you don’t need to do anything else.
On the other hand, if you prefer manual updates, then you need to go to your Play Store and disable the automatic updates option. Your phone will notify you when an update is available, after which you can go to your Play Store’s menu and select the ‘My Apps and Games option’ to check if any updates are available.
How do I uninstall apps via the Google Play Store?
Google Play Store offers you the option of uninstalling apps from the same menu that’s used to update them. All you need to do is open the app and then the hamburger menu on the left. From this, you need to open the ‘My app and games’ option. In the installed tan, you can either choose to open the app or uninstall it. From here, you can also sort apps according to the newest ones, access their reviews, see how much storage they’re using, etc.
Conclusion
The Play Store combines discovery, installation, updates and account controls. Its catalogue and policies have changed since the March 2020 figure quoted in the original article. Users should rely on current store listings and Google support pages for availability and device requirements.
Store features and policies keep changing
The original guide explains the Play Store as it operated in 2020. Interface labels, content availability, developer fees and safety controls may differ by device, account and country today. Users and developers should confirm current requirements in Google’s official help and policy pages before relying on a launch-era detail.
