Minecraft remains one of the most popular games on Android, but many users are faced with the problem of an outdated version. This is especially true for those who did not download the game via Google Play, or who have automatic updates disabled. In this article, we will look at all the legal and safe ways to update your smartphone to the latest version, without the risk of catching viruses or losing progress. Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on your smartphone up to the latest version free, without the risk of catching viruses or losing progress.

It is important to understand: scammers often distribute “hacked” APK files with viruses or spyware. We will tell you how to update official —via Play Market, Amazon Appstore or even using APKMirrorif standard methods do not work. We will also look at what to do if the game does not update due to errors or device limitations.

1. Checking the current version of Minecraft on Android

Before updating, make sure that your version is really outdated. Latest updates Minecraft: Bedrock Edition they come out regularly - once every 1-2 months, and new mobs, blocks, and bug fixes are added to them. To find out the current version:

  1. Open the game and wait for the main menu to load.
  2. Click on the icon ⚙ Settings (gear) in the lower right corner.
  3. Scroll down to the section About the app —the version number will be indicated there (for example, 1.20.80).

Compare it with the latest official version on the website Mojang or in Play Market. If the numbers do not match, it's time to update. Please note: sometimes the game updates automatically, but due to glitches or lack of memory the process is interrupted.

📊 Where do you usually update games on Android?
Google Play
APK files
Amazon Appstore
I do not update myself

2. Updating through the Google Play Store (the safest method)

If you installed Minecraft from Google Play, then updating through the store is the most reliable and simplest method:

  • 📱 Open Play Market on your phone.
  • 🔍 In the search bar, enter Minecraft and select the official application from Mojang.
  • 🔄 If an update is available, instead green button Installed will appear Update - press it.
  • ⏳ Wait until the download is complete (update weight is usually 50-200 MB).

If there are no buttons, check: Update no, check:

  • 🔄 Auto-update: go to Settings → Automatic application updates and select Always or Only via Wi-Fi.
  • 📶 Internet connection: updates are not downloaded via mobile data if this is prohibited in the Play Store settings.
  • 💾 Free space: the device must have at least 500 MB free memory.

Check Wi-Fi connection

Free up space on your phone (minimum 500 MB)

Close the game and background applications

Disable VPN (may block access to the Play Store)-->

⚠️ Attention: If you have pirated version Minecraft, update via Play The market won't work. You will have to delete the game and install a licensed copy - otherwise you risk losing access to servers and multiplayer.

3. Update via APKMirror (if the Play Store does not work)

If for some reason Google Play does not offer an update (for example, due to regional restrictions or errors), you can download official APK from a reliable source - APKMirror. This site publishes original files without modifications. Instructions:

  1. Go to the website apkmirror.com through your phone browser.
  2. In the search, enter Minecraft and select the application from Mojang.
  3. Scroll down to the section All versions and find the latest (by date and version number).
  4. Download the file marked [Bundle] (this is the official format from Google).
  5. After downloading, open the file and allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).

Advantages of the method:

  • ✅ Security: APKMirror checks files for viruses.
  • ✅ Availability: works even if the Play Store is blocked.
  • ✅ Archive versions: you can roll back to the old version if necessary.
⚠️ Attention: Never download APK from dubious sites like minecraft-free-apk.ru or through torrents. Such files often contain mining bots or Trojans that steal bank card data.
What to do if APKMirror does not open?

If the site is blocked, try:

1. Use a VPN (for example, ProtonVPN or Cloudflare WARP).

2. Open through a browser with AdBlock disabled (sometimes ad blockers interfere with loading).

3. Download the APK to your computer and transfer it to your phone via USB.

4. Update via Amazon Appstore (alternative to Play Store)

If you have a device Amazon Fire or you prefer Amazon Appstoreyou can update Minecraft through this store. Important: the version of the game there is identical Play Market, but sometimes updates come out with a delay of 1-2 days.

Instructions:

  1. Install Amazon Appstoreif it is not there (you can download from official website).
  2. Open the store and log in (you will need an Amazon account).
  3. Find Minecraft in the search and click Update.

Features:

  • 🎮 Supported cross-platform purchases (skins, worlds, coins are transferred from the Play Store).
  • 📱 On some devices (for example, Huawei without Google services) this is the only legal way.
Update method Pros Cons
Google Play ✅ Automatic updates
✅ Security		 ❌ Does not work without Google services
APKMirror ✅ Works without the Play Store
✅ Version archive		 ❌ Manual installation
❌ Risk of downloading a fake
Amazon Appstore ✅ Suitable for Huawei/Fire OS
✅ Legal		 ❌ Delays in updates

5. Manual update via a file manager (for experienced ones)

If standard methods do not work, you can try updating the game manually by replacing the files. This method is suitable if:

  • 🔧 You root access (optional, but simplifies the process).
  • 📂 You saved a backup copy of worlds (worlds) and resource packs.
  • 🔄 Previous update attempts ended in error.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download full APK the latest version from APKMirror (as in section 3).
  2. Uninstall the current version Minecraft (Settings → Applications → Minecraft → Uninstall).
  3. Install a new APK, allowing installation from unknown sources.
  4. After installation, check the integrity of the worlds in the folder /games/com.mojang/minecraftWorlds.
⚠️ Attention: When deleting a game saves may be erasedif they are not synchronized with your account Microsoft or not copied manually, be sure to back up the folder before deleting. minecraftWorlds!
💡

To avoid losing progress, export worlds before updating: open the game → Play → select world → World settings → Export world. The file will be saved in the folder Download.

6. Solving problems with updating

Sometimes the update fails due to errors. Considerable problems and ways to solve them:

🔴 "Insufficient memory" error

Even if there is free space on the phone, Minecraft may require 2-3 times morewhat the APK weighs (for example, 1 GB is needed for updating, although the file is 300 MB). Solution:

  • 🧹 Clear the game cache (Settings → Applications → Minecraft → Memory → Clear cache).
  • 🗑️ Delete unnecessary files or transfer them to the SD card.
  • 🔄 Reboot the phone and try again.

🔴 "Unable to update" error (code 924, 927)

These errors Play Market are related with cache conflicts. To fix:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Google Play Market → Storage.
  2. Click Clear cache i Clear data.
  3. Restart the device.

🔴 The game does not start after the update

If after the update Minecraft crashes or shows a black screen:

  • 🔧 Check compatibility: the latest version requires Android 8.0+ i OpenGL ES 3.0.
  • 📱 Update the phone firmware (go to Settings → System → Software update).
  • 🔄 Delete the game and install it again.
💡

If the game does not update due to an old version of Android, try downloading the APK from APKMirror for your architecture (arm64, armv7, x86).

7. How to save progress when updating

One ​​of the main concerns when updating is the loss of worlds, skins or achievements. To avoid this:

🔹 Synchronization with a Microsoft account

If you play on Bedrock Edition, link the game to your account Microsoft:

  1. Open Minecraft and click Login in the main menu.
  2. Enter your account information Microsoft (if not, register).
  3. Enable synchronization in settings (Profile → Synchronization of worlds).

After this, your worlds will be available on any device.

🔹 Manual backup of worlds

If synchronization does not work or you are playing offline:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager (for example, FX File Explorer).
  2. Go to the folder /games/com.mojang/minecraftWorlds.
  3. Copy all files with the extension .mcworld to a safe place (cloud, PC, SD card).

After updating, the worlds can import back: open Minecraft → Play → Import and select the saved file.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about updating Minecraft on Android

❓ Is it possible to update Minecraft without Google Play?

Yes, there are three alternatives:

  1. APKMirror —downloading the official APK.
  2. Amazon Appstore —if you have a device without Google services.
  3. Manual replacement files —for experienced users (see Section 5).

The main thing is to download files only from trusted sources!

❓ Why does the game ask you to buy it again after updating?

This happens if:

  • You uninstalled the game and installed a pirated version.
  • You are updating via Amazon Appstore, but originally bought it from Play Market (the link to the store gets lost).
  • Use another Google/Microsoft account.

Solution: log in with the same account through which you bought the game.

❓ How to roll back Minecraft to the old one version?

If the new version works with bugs, you can return to the previous one:

  1. Uninstall the current version of the game.
  2. Download the desired APK from APKMirror (section All versions).
  3. Disable automatic updating in Play Market.

⚠️ Risk: new worlds or multiplayer may not work in older versions.

❓ Is it possible to update Minecraft on a weak phone?

Latest versions Bedrock Edition require:

  • Android 8.0+ (for versions 1.18+).
  • 2 GB RAM (1 GB will be very slow).
  • OpenGL ES 3.0 (check in the application CPU-Z).

If the phone doesn't work, try:

  • Disable backgrounds, particles and anti-aliasing in the graphics settings.
  • Play on light maps (for example, Low Fire).
  • Install old version (for example, 1.16.220).
❓ Is it legal to download Minecraft from APKMirror?

Yes, APKMirror distributes original files without modifications. This does not violate the license if:

  • You download only updates for an already purchased game.
  • Do not distribute the APK further (for example, on torrents).
  • Do not use hacked versions (with mods for free multiplayer).

Mojang allows you to reinstall the game on your devices, but prohibits piracy.