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Jason Cipriani/CNET
The Google Play Store app is frequently updated in the background, without you ever realizing it. Updates to the Play Store have included everything from random bug fixes to streamlining the application permission dialogue box. No matter the case, it’s always nice to know you’re running the latest version of the app.
Because of how the Play Store is updated on Android, you can’t check for updates using the same method you do for other apps installed only your device.
But thanks to a post on Android Central, we now know how to force the Play Store app to check for updates. The process is almost too simple.
Launch the Play Store, slide out the menu and tap on Settings. From there, scroll to the very bottom of the list where you will find a “Build Number” entry – tap on it.
If an update is available, you’ll receive a prompt like the one above. Conversely, if one isn’t available the prompt will let you know the app is current. The update isn’t downloaded immediately, but it does eventually install itself without alerting you.
