While Samsung is now updating numerous Galaxy phones to One UI 6.0 without issues, Google Play system updates are broken for many devices. A bug is preventing new Google Play system updates from reaching various Galaxy phones, including the S20, S22, S23, Z Fold 5, A33, and possibly others.
New Google Play system versions are often released alongside firmware updates. Other times, they roll out separately. Both methods are acceptable, but the issue is that many Galaxy phones are now a few months behind the schedule, and attempts at manual updates only lead to more problems.
Google Play system updates are broken on many Galaxy phones
For numerous Galaxy phone models (tested by our friends at Galaxy Club), the most recent Google Play system update is from July. Some phones are stuck on newer August or September GP system updates, while the Galaxy S20 has the May update. But things only get weirder from here.
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This unusual bug causes a few odd things to happen when users attempt to install new Google Play system updates manually. Users might get messages such as “Your device is up to date” and “Updates are temporarily unavailable.”
Worse yet, your Galaxy phone might start the update process, seemingly download a newer Google Play system version, and ask for a system restart.
However, once you complete this process, chances are that your phone will be on the same GP system update as before. And now, checking for new versions will result in an endless “Checking for update…” message.
Fortunately, phones don't get stuck on this screen, and users can return to the previous menu.
Furthermore, in collaboration with Galaxy Club, we found that Google Play system update levels can differ on the same phone model in different markets. It's not the same everywhere. For example, the Galaxy S22 might have the July GP system update or the October one, depending on your location or perhaps other unknown factors. But regardless of which Google Play system version the phone has, there's no known way to install newer ones.
Interestingly, this has happened with Galaxy phones before, and the issue went away eventually, seemingly on its own. Still, it's unclear if the problem originates from Google or Samsung.
If you want to check the Google Play system version on your Galaxy phone, open the Settings app, navigate to “Security and privacy,” and tap “Updates.” Then, to check for manual updates, tap “Google Play system update.”
