Question

I have an app on the android market, which I periodically update with new versions. On my android handset, i often see “update available” notification for many apps, including google maps, skype, opera, etc. However when I upload a new version of my own app, I never see this notification for my own app.

I just did a clean test: uninstalled the app from my phone completely, then install the app from the market. After this I uploaded/activated/saved new version and waited until it’s available (i.e. the app’s page indicates the new version). Now, on the handset, I open “market”, navigate to “my apps”. A couple of apps (skype and opera) are showing that update is available, however mine is not.

I then search for my app and select its details. I can install it from there and it replaces the previous version, keeping the data – so the actual update process works correctly.

So, what controls this “update available” notification for an app? I’d like users of my app to see that updates are available.

Thanks in advance.

Edit: I do update versionCode and versionName in my manifest.

Answer 1

Not quite sure what the problem was, however now the update notification is showing correctly. I re-uploaded old apk to the market and reactivated it. I then waited a day and uploaded the new apk and activated it. After a day or so the update notification is now showing.

Thanks to all that replied.