The Google Play Store, formerly known as Android Market, is one of the leading digital distribution services, developed and operated by Google LLC.
Google Play Store is the official app store for the devices that run on the “Google Certified” Android operating system, allowing users to search for apps and update them based on the Android software development kit (SDK) and published via Google.
Google Play also works as a digital media store, as it offers a multitude of books, movies, music, and television programs at affordable prices.
Isn’t it ironic? The app that lets you update and install apps also needs periodic updates!
Google Play is an app like any other. It has now reached version 20.8.12, which is available in several variants.
Updating The App
Google Play typically updates itself, but in some cases, it fails to do so.
If that happens, you can proceed to manually update it as you would do with any regular Android app that misbehaves.
Open Google Play, go to Settings -> apps -> application manager -> installed apps.
A list that contains all your apps should open. Locate Google Play and tap on it.
Tap on Clear Storage / Clear Data, and restart your Android device. Then, the Play Store will update itself automatically as it usually should.
Alternatively, you can download and install an apk for Google Play, but if you choose to do so, make sure that you download it from safe, trustworthy sources.
Failing to do so might result in severe problems that will ultimately impact your app experience drastically.
Also, installing apps from unknown sources exposes you to hackers and generally malicious software.
