Find the downloaded file in your folder or notification shade. Tap the file and select Install . Alternative: Forcing an Automatic Update
Toggle on to allow installation of apps from outside the Play Store. Download a Compatible APK : Visit a trusted repository like APKMirror or Uptodown .
As of May 2026, the absolute latest versions of the Play Store (versions 50.x and 51.x) typically require or higher. For Android 5.1.1, the "latest" possible version you can reliably run is often a specific legacy build, such as version 35.2.19 , which supports Android 5.0 and above. How to Download and Install the APK Manually
If your Play Store isn't updating automatically, you can "sideload" the APK using these steps: : Open Settings > Security (or Security & Privacy ).