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How to Update Apps on macOS: 6 Easy Ways

Simple methods to update macOS apps

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Last updated: October 14, 2024

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TL;DR

To update apps on macOS:

  1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Click the i next to Automatic updates and turn on App Store updates.
  3. Click Done and enter your password.

Your Mac will now automatically install updates in the background.

Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.

With so much going on, updating Mac apps often gets pushed to the bottom of the list. Now, I am going to share quick tricks that can help you keep your apps updated without disrupting your routine.

6 Quick Ways to Update Apps on macOS

Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal verify badge We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.

Below, I’ll introduce you to 6 quick ways to update apps on macOS:

1. Enable Automatic Updates  on Mac

Automatically update your apps in the background by enabling the macOS automatic update feature. Here are the steps to enable automatic updates on Mac:

  1. Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
click the apple icon and select system settings
  1. Click General and select Software Update.
click general and select software update
  1. Click the small i icon next to Automatic updates.
click the small i icon next to automatic updates
  1. A new window will appear. Here, toggle on the Install application updates from the App Store switch.
toggle on the install application updates from the app store switch
  1. You can also enable the automatic installation of macOS updates, system files, and Security Responses updates. Once you have made your selections, click Done.
enable automatic updates of macos system files and security responses and click done
  1. Enter your Mac password to confirm.
  2. Now, your Mac will automatically check for and install updates in the background without any additional steps.

2. Update With Third-Party App

Use third-party apps to easily update your Mac applications, and for a one-click solution, try MacKeeper’s Update Tracker feature. Here’s how to use Update Tracker to update apps on macOS:

  1. Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
  2. Launch MacKeeper and click the Update Tracker tab in the left sidebar.
click update tracker under performance
  1. Click Scan for Updates.
click scan for updates
  1. MacKeeper will scan your Mac for outdated apps and display a list. To select an app, check the little box next to it or click Check All to select all apps.
select individual apps or click check all
  1. Click Update All.
click update all in update tracker
  1. Wait for the updates to complete. Depending on the number and size of the updates, this can take a while.
  1. You’ll get an Update Completed notification. Click Rescan if you want to update more apps. 
click rescan to run the scan again

3. Manually Update Apps from the App Store

Manually check and update apps through the App Store, putting you in control of when updates happen. Here’s how to update apps on macOS via the App Store:

  1. Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and select App Store.
click the apple menu and select app store
  1. Click the Updates tab in the App Store window.
click updates in the left sidebar
  1. If updates are available, you will see a list of apps that can be updated.
available app updates in app store 1
  1. Click the Update button next to each app that has an update available.
click the update button next to an app
  1. And just like that, you’ve updated an app on your Mac.
  2. Now, follow the same steps for all apps.

4. Use the In-App Update Option

Many apps, like Firefox, offer built-in options for updating directly from the app itself. Here’s how to use the in-app update option:

All apps don’t offer the in-app update option. I have used Firefox as an example.

  1. Open Firefox on your Mac.
  2. Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and select Settings from the drop-down menu.
click the menu icon select settings
  1. In the General tab, scroll down to the Firefox Updates section. Click the Restart to Update Firefox button if an update is available.
click the restart to update firefox button
  1. After the restart, your Firefox will be updated with the latest features and bug fixes.
  2. You can also check the Automatically install updates (recommended) option to allow Firefox to install updates in the background.
check the automatically install updates recommended option

5. Update Apps Downloaded From the Web

For apps downloaded outside the App Store, manually check for and install updates through the app or developer’s website. Here is how you can do it:

  1. Open the app you want to update.
  2. Click the app’s name in the menu bar, and select Check for Updates.
  3. If an update is available, click to install it.
  4. If encountering difficulty updating an application, access its About section and note its current version number.

6. Use Terminal Commands to Update Apps

Advanced users can use Terminal commands to manage and update apps through the command line quickly. Here’s how to update apps on macOS:

  1. Launch the Terminal application on your Mac. You can find it in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder.
launch terminal from utilities
  1. Type the following command and press Enter:
softwareupdate -i
type softwareupdate i command in terminal
  1. This will activate the Software Update Tool.
software update tool in terminal
  1. Type the following command and press Enter:
sudo softwareupdate -ia --verbose
type sudo softwareupdate ia verbose
  1. Type your Mac’s password and press Enter.

Remember, the password won’t show in the Terminal window.

enter your macs password in terminal
  1. You’ll get a Finding available software notification. Wait while the Terminal searches the macOS servers for available updates.
finding available software notification in terminal
  1. If updates are available, you’ll get a list of available updates. But if no updates are available, you’ll get a No updates are available message and return to the command prompt.
no updates are available message

Always Keep Your Mac Apps Up to Date

Apps crashing and Mac freezing are common when your apps or macOS are outdated. You’ll face fewer issues if your Mac is up-to-date. Here are some tips to keep in mind when updating your apps on macOS:

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check which apps are up-to-date on my Mac?

To check which apps are up-to-date on your Mac, open the App Store app and click the Updates tab. If there are no available updates, all your apps are up-to-date.

How often should I update apps on my Mac?

You should update apps on your Mac whenever updates are available to ensure smooth functioning and security. You can enable automatic updates or manually check for updates to keep your apps up-to-date.

Can I disable automatic updates on Mac?

Yes, you can disable automatic updates on Mac by toggling off the Install application updates from the App Store switch in the App Store Settings. However, enabling automatic updates is recommended to keep your apps updated with the latest features and bug fixes.

What to do if an app update causes issues on my Mac?

If an app update causes issues on your Mac, uninstall and reinstall the app to see if it resolves the issue. You can also try restoring the app to an earlier version. If the problem persists, contact the app developer for support.

Ojash

Author

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewer

Hello! I'm Hashir, a seasoned tech journalist with a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience. With a bachelor's in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and over a decade in the industry, I've built a reputation for demystifying complex Apple hardware. My work has been featured in top tech outlets like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac.

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