How to update apps you installed from an APK

What happens after a sideload

Android records which installer put an app on the device. Google Play updates apps it installed and, on many devices, also apps whose package it recognises and whose signature matches the Play build. Apps signed with a different key, or apps Play does not carry in your country, are ignored, and nothing else on the phone checks for updates.

Updating manually

A newer version installs straight over the old one as long as the signature matches and the version code is higher. Data is kept. Download the new build from the app's version page, open it, and confirm Update in the installer. For a bundle, install it with an XAPK installer; installing only the base APK of a bundle over a full install breaks the app.

If the installer refuses with App not installed, the signature differs (see the package conflict guide) or the file is a lower version.

Letting Google Play take over

Open the app's Play listing. If Play shows Update or Open, it has adopted the app and will update it from now on, provided the signature matches. This is the simplest option for mainstream apps you sideloaded once for a region or version reason. It also means Play will move you off an older build you chose deliberately; turn off auto-update for that app in the listing's menu to prevent it.

Tools that watch for updates

• Aurora Store checks Play for newer versions of everything installed, including sideloaded apps, and installs them.
• Obtainium watches developer release pages (GitHub, F-Droid, direct URLs) and is ideal for apps distributed outside Play.
• F-Droid updates apps it installed.

Checking what you have

Before updating, note the installed version name and code (see finding the version code) so you can return to it if the new build causes trouble. The version pages here keep the earlier builds available.