Google Play Store Not Showing Android/Pixel App Updates
- In what could be a bug or behaviour change,the Google Play Store is not showing available updates for system-level apps if you have automatic updates disabled.
- Update 1/22/26: Here's a list of common Google apps that don't appear in the Pending downloads list, but will show an "Update" when you visit the Play Store...
- Alternatively, you can go to Play Store settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps and select anything besides "Don't auto-update apps."
In what could be a bug or behaviour change,the Google Play Store is not showing available updates for system-level apps if you have automatic updates disabled.
Update 1/22/26: Here’s a list of common Google apps that don’t appear in the Pending downloads list, but will show an “Update” when you visit the Play Store listing directly:
Alternatively, you can go to Play Store settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps and select anything besides “Don’t auto-update apps.”
Android System Intelligence, Google Partner Setup, and Settings Services no longer face this issue due to Settings app > Google (tap the first item in the list with your name on Pixel) > Privacy & security > System services page.
Update 9/4/24: This issue continues and we’ve now seen it impact YouTube, wich is a pre-installed app, on multiple devices.While we received a Play Store notification that a new update is available, going to the Pending downloads screen reveals that there is nothing to install. When you visit the app listing directly, it’s available to update.
Update 7/11: This is once again happening with Google Partner Setup:
Google Partner Setup is a required submission for devices that run Google Mobile Services (https://www.android.com/gms/)
- This app is pre-installed by the device manufacturer to ensure proper device functionality on all android devices with Google Mobile Services; it cannot be disabled or deleted.
- Google recently moved this app to the Play Store so that bug fixes, improvements, and critical updates for your device can be delivered faster. No other changes have been made consequently of this Play Store listing.
- If your device is running Android 7 or an earlier version, it will not receive an update for this app. This app may indicate that it is not compatible with your device, but this does not mean that the app is malfunctioning or causing your device to malfunction.
Update 7/1: If a Play Store notification today says you have one more update that’s not appearing in the Pending downloads screen,that missing app is Google’s Data Restore Tool:
This system app helps you to restore data from your old phone using a cable or a cloud backup. The app is already installed on your Android device.
It can only be accessed and updated by a direct google Play link. The app also does not appear in the Installed li
Google Rolls Out February 2024 Play System Updates
Google began releasing the February 2024 Play System Updates on February 6, 2024, bringing a collection of improvements and fixes to Android devices. These updates, delivered thru the Google Play Store, enhance security, privacy, and device functionality without requiring a full operating system update.
What’s New in February 2024
- Security Improvements: The February update includes the February 2024 Android Security Patch, addressing vulnerabilities and bolstering device security.
- Privacy Enhancements: Updates focus on strengthening user privacy controls and data protection. Specific details regarding these enhancements were not disclosed by Google.
- device Compatibility: The updates improve compatibility across a wide range of Android devices.
- Google Play Games Services: Improvements to Google Play Games Services are included, enhancing the gaming experience.
- User Experience: Updates aim to improve overall system stability and performance.
How to check for Updates
Users can check for Play System Updates by navigating to Settings > About phone > Google Play system update on their Android device. Updates typically roll out in phases, so it may take several days for the update to appear on all devices.
Source: 9to5Google