Getting More Out of Google Play
Most Android users open the Play Store, search for an app, install it, and leave. But Google Play has a surprising number of features that can save you time, money, and storage space — if you know where to look. Here are seven underused features worth knowing about.
1. Google Play Pass
Google Play Pass is a subscription service that unlocks a curated library of premium apps and games without ads or in-app purchases. If you regularly spend money on apps or games, it's worth checking whether the titles you want are included before buying them individually. The library rotates, so it's worth browsing even if you've checked before.
2. Family Library Sharing
If you've purchased apps, games, or movies, you can share them with up to five family members through Google Play's Family Library feature. Set it up under Account → Family → Sign up for Family Library. Each person uses their own Google account, but eligible purchases are shared — no need to buy the same app twice.
3. Pre-Registration for Upcoming Apps
The Play Store lets you pre-register for apps and games before they launch. When the app goes live, you'll get an automatic notification. This is particularly useful for anticipated game releases or apps you've been waiting on. Look for the "Pre-register" button on an app's Play Store listing.
4. Data Safety Section
Before installing any app, scroll down to the Data Safety section on its Play Store page. This shows what data the app collects, whether it's shared with third parties, and whether it can be deleted on request. It's not a perfect privacy guarantee (it's self-reported by developers), but it gives you a useful starting point for evaluating an app's privacy practices.
5. Play Store Wish List
Found an app you want but aren't ready to install yet? Tap the bookmark icon on any app listing to add it to your wish list. Access your full wish list from your Play Store library. This is a clean way to track apps you're considering without cluttering your device with installs.
6. Automatic Updates (and How to Control Them)
By default, Play Store updates apps automatically. But you can control this per-app. On any app's Play Store page, tap the three-dot menu and toggle "Enable auto-update" on or off for that specific app. This is useful if a recent update broke your favorite app and you want to stay on an older version.
7. Checking App Version History and Changelogs
Every Play Store listing includes a "What's New" section showing the latest update notes. While developers often write vague changelogs ("bug fixes and performance improvements"), checking this section after an update notification can tell you whether the changes are worth the download — or whether you should wait for user feedback before updating.
Bonus: Use the Play Store Website on Desktop
Many users don't realize you can browse and remotely install apps from play.google.com on your desktop browser. Sign in with your Google account, find an app, click Install, choose your device, and the app will appear on your phone automatically the next time it connects to Wi-Fi. Great for finding and installing apps without typing on a small keyboard.
Make the Play Store Work Harder for You
The Play Store is more than a simple download hub. From family sharing to privacy tools to wish lists, taking five minutes to explore its settings and features can meaningfully improve how you discover, manage, and secure your apps.