The Google Play Store, formerly the Android Market, is a digital distribution service operated and developed by Google. It serves as the official app store for the Android operating system. Users can browse and download applications developed with the Android software development kit and published through Google.
Over the last few years, the Google Play Store has made its way to ChromeOS, making Chrome devices even more useful. Note that the Google Play Store isn't something you need to enable on your Chromebook; it’s already available on the device if you own a supported Chromebook. Check this link to see a list of older devices that support the store. If you purchased a Chromebook after 2017, the Play Store is available immediately.
Receive End-to-End Support on Your Google Journey with Promevo
How to Access the Google Play Store on Your Chromebook
If you have the Google Play Store on your device, accessing it is easy. At the bottom of your Chromebook window, you’ll see the icon displayed in the image to the right. If you don't see it, you can also find it in your list of applications, or you can go to play.google.com.
Clicking the icon will open up the store. You can search through applications, movies, music, books, games, and more. That’s how easy it is to access the Google Play store on your Chromebook! You can now download all sorts of exciting applications.
How to Update the Google Play Store and Android Apps
Once you start using the Google Play Store regularly, it’s important to perform regular updates. App updates give you the latest features and improve app security and stability.
If Google determines an app update fixes a critical security vulnerability, they may make certain updates automatically.
Here’s how to update an Android app:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- At the top right, tap the profile icon.
- Tap “Manage apps & device.” Apps with an update available are labeled “Update available.”
- Tap “Update.”
Here’s how to update the Google Play Store:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- At the top right, tap the profile icon.
- Tap “Settings,” then “About,” then “Play Store version.”
- Next, you’ll get a message that tells you if the Play Store is up to date. Tap “Got it.” If an update is available, it will automatically download and install in a few minutes.
Finally, here’s how to set up automatic updates for Android apps. Automatic updates ensure you have the latest version of the app, which may include security updates and improvements for the user experience:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- At the top right, tap the profile icon.
- Tap “Settings,” then “Network Preferences,” then “Auto-update apps.”
- Select an option:
- Over any network to update apps using Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Over Wi-Fi only to update apps only when connected to the Internet.
Benefits of the Google Play Store
The Google Play Store is a secure, easy way to download and use your favorite apps. If you haven’t explored this resource yet, here are some benefits:
- Consumer Choice - Google Play allows Google to offer Android as a free, open operating system. Unlike others in the industry, Google doesn’t charge high operating system fees, which means manufacturers can innovate and offer more to consumers. In fact, users have over 24,000 Android devices to choose from, with models starting at $50. Because of this, consumers can choose where they get their apps and games.
- Safety - Consumers trust Android and Google Play to uphold strict security measures. Google protects consumers by building protections into Google Play requiring developers to follow high safety standards before adding their applications. In addition, the automated Google Play Protect system scans over 125 billion apps daily to ensure security.
- Billing System - Users will enjoy a safe and trusted billing system, and developers on the Google Play Store can quickly process transactions with Google Play gift cards and locally-relevant forms of payment.
- Support Developers - The Google Play Store connects developers with billions of users worldwide and invests in the platform, tools, and marketing opportunities to support these apps and games. Developers are also given tools to run experiments, beta test, optimize store listings, analyze app performance, and more.
Chrome and Promevo
As a Google Partner, Promevo takes a holistic approach to your Google journey. From Chrome device solutions to Google Workspace management solutions—Promevo partners with you to provide end-to-end support. Whether you recently added ChromeOS devices to your organization or want to utilize this technology for the first time, we can help. Organizations choose Promevo as their Google partner for the competitive advantages we provide:
- Google at Our Core - Google is our expertise, and we are proud to share our knowledge as a 100% Google-focused technology and service provider.
- End-to-End Support - Promevo will provide holistic support from upfront consultation to implementation. As a result, you’ll save time and money with hardware, licensing, billing, management, and more.
- Agile Solutions - Promevo offers flexible and customized solutions and products to meet you where you are in your Google journey.
To get started, shop Chrome devices on our online store or get in contact with one of our sales advisors. If you need additional support or training, we are here for you. All Promevo customers get free support from our Google-certified specialists. You can search our Knowledge Base, talk to our support team, or schedule free training.
Shop Promevo’s Selection of Chrome Devices Today
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Google Play Store?
The Google Play Store lets you get apps, games, and digital content on your device. The Play Store app comes pre-installed on Android devices that support Google Play and can be downloaded on some Chromebooks.
Is the Google Play Store app free?
The Google Play Store app is free to download. However, developers on the app who offer a paid application or sell access to in-app digital goods are subject to a service fee.
What is the difference between the App Store and Google Play?
The App Store is the official application store for iOS devices, whereas Google Play is the official app store for Android devices. Both app stores are meant to make downloading and using apps on your device easy.
Is the Google Play Store safe?
Before an application can be available in the Google Play Store, it has to undergo rigorous security testing to ensure it’s safe for users. Google Play Protect scans 125 billion apps daily to ensure everything is secure, so when you download an app, you can trust it’s been checked.