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How to Disable App Auto Updates: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of your apps updating automatically, consuming your data and battery life without your permission? Automatic app updates, while convenient for some, can be a nuisance for others. They can drain your mobile data, especially if you’re on a limited plan, and they can sometimes introduce unwanted changes or even bugs. If you’re looking for more control over when and how your apps are updated, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to disable auto updates on both Android and iOS devices, giving you the power to manage your app updates according to your preferences.

Why Disable App Auto Updates?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why you might want to disable auto updates in the first place. There are several compelling reasons:

• Data Conservation: App updates can be quite large, especially for games and resource-intensive applications. Downloading these updates over a mobile network can quickly eat into your data allowance, leading to overage charges or reduced data speeds. By disabling automatic updates, you can choose to update apps only when connected to Wi-Fi.
• Battery Life: Downloading and installing updates in the background consumes battery power. Disabling automatic updates can help extend your device’s battery life, especially when you’re on the go and don’t have access to a charger.
• Control Over App Permissions: Sometimes, app updates introduce new permissions that you might not be comfortable granting. By manually updating apps, you have the opportunity to review the new permissions before installing the update.
• Avoiding Unwanted Changes: Not all updates are improvements. Some updates can introduce bugs, remove features you like, or change the app’s interface in a way you don’t prefer. Disabling automatic updates allows you to research an update before installing it, ensuring that it’s actually beneficial.
• Managing Storage Space: Installing updates consumes storage space on your device. If you’re running low on storage, you might want to control which apps get updated and when to avoid filling up your device.

How to Disable Auto Updates on Android

Android offers multiple ways to disable auto updates. You can disable updates for all apps globally, or you can disable updates for specific apps individually. Here’s how to do both:

Disabling Auto Updates for All Apps on Android (Google Play Store)

This method will prevent all apps from updating automatically through the Google Play Store.

1. Open the Google Play Store app. Look for the Play Store icon on your home screen or in your app drawer. It’s usually a colorful triangle shape.
2. Tap on your profile icon. This is usually located in the top-right corner of the screen. It might be your Google account profile picture or a default avatar.
3. Select “Settings”. A menu will appear with several options. Scroll down and tap on “Settings.”
4. Tap on “Network preferences”. This option controls how the Play Store uses your network connection.
5. Tap on “Auto-update apps”. A pop-up window will appear with different options for automatic app updates.
6. Choose “Don’t auto-update apps”. Select this option to completely disable auto updates for all apps on your device. You can also choose “Over Wi-Fi only” if you only want apps to update when connected to a Wi-Fi network.
7. Tap “Done”. This will save your changes and close the pop-up window.

Now, your apps will no longer update automatically. You will need to manually update them through the Play Store when you’re ready.

Disabling Auto Updates for Individual Apps on Android (Google Play Store)

If you only want to disable auto updates for specific apps, you can do so by following these steps:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Search for the app you want to manage. Use the search bar at the top of the screen to find the specific app.
3. Tap on the app’s name or icon to open its details page.
4. Tap on the three vertical dots (menu) in the top-right corner of the screen. This will open a menu with additional options.
5. Uncheck the “Enable auto update” box. If the box is already unchecked, then automatic updates are already disabled for that app.

Repeat these steps for any other apps you want to prevent from updating automatically.

Checking for Updates Manually on Android

Even with automatic updates disabled, you can still check for and install updates manually whenever you want. Here’s how:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap on your profile icon (top-right corner).
3. Select “Manage apps & device”.
4. Tap on “Updates available”. This will show you a list of apps that have updates available.
5. Tap “Update all” to update all apps at once, or tap “Update” next to individual apps to update them one at a time.

How to Disable Auto Updates on iOS (iPhone and iPad)

On iOS, the process for disable auto updates is slightly different but still straightforward.

Disabling Auto Updates for All Apps on iOS

1. Open the “Settings” app. Look for the gray gear icon on your home screen.
2. Scroll down and tap on “App Store”.
3. Toggle off the “App Updates” switch. This will disable auto updates for all apps on your iPhone or iPad.

Disabling Automatic Downloads for Apps Purchased on Other Devices (Optional)

In the “App Store” settings, you might also see an option for “Automatic Downloads.” This setting controls whether apps purchased on other devices linked to your Apple ID are automatically downloaded to your device. If you want to prevent this, toggle off the “Apps” switch under “Automatic Downloads” as well.

Checking for Updates Manually on iOS

To check for and install app updates manually on iOS:

1. Open the App Store app.
2. Tap on your profile icon (top-right corner).
3. Scroll down to see the “Available Updates” section.
4. Tap “Update All” to update all apps at once, or tap “Update” next to individual apps to update them one at a time.

Managing Mobile Data Usage with App Updates

Even if you choose to keep automatic updates enabled, you can still manage how they use your mobile data. Both Android and iOS offer settings to limit app updates to Wi-Fi only.

Limiting App Updates to Wi-Fi Only on Android

Follow the steps in the “Disabling Auto Updates for All Apps on Android (Google Play Store)” section, but instead of choosing “Don’t auto-update apps,” select “Over Wi-Fi only.”

Limiting App Updates to Wi-Fi Only on iOS

1. Open the “Settings” app.
2. Tap on “App Store”.
3. Under “Mobile Data,” toggle off the “Automatic Downloads” switch. This will prevent apps from being downloaded or updated over cellular data. Alternatively, make sure the “App Downloads” setting is set to “Ask If Over 200MB” or “Always Ask” for more granular control.

Potential Drawbacks of Disabling Auto Updates

While there are many benefits to disable auto updates, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks:

• Security Risks: App updates often include security patches that protect your device from vulnerabilities. Delaying updates can leave your device vulnerable to attacks.
• Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements: Updates also typically include bug fixes and performance improvements that can enhance your app experience. Delaying updates means you might miss out on these benefits.
• Compatibility Issues: Some apps might require the latest version to function properly. Delaying updates could lead to compatibility issues with other apps or services.
• Missing New Features: App updates often introduce new features that can enhance your productivity or entertainment. Delaying updates means you might miss out on these new features.

To mitigate these risks, it’s important to regularly check for and install updates manually. Set aside some time each week or month to review available updates and install the ones you need.

Best Practices for Managing App Updates

Here are some best practices to follow when managing app updates:

• Regularly check for updates: Even if you’ve disable auto updates, make it a habit to check for updates manually on a regular basis.
• Read the update descriptions: Before installing an update, read the description to see what changes have been made. This will help you decide whether or not the update is worth installing.
• Back up your device: Before installing any major updates, back up your device to protect your data in case something goes wrong.
• Consider beta programs: Some apps offer beta programs that allow you to test new features before they’re released to the general public. This can be a good way to get early access to new features and provide feedback to developers. However, be aware that beta versions might be less stable than official releases.
• Use a Wi-Fi connection: Whenever possible, download and install updates over a Wi-Fi connection to avoid using your mobile data.

Conclusion

Disable auto updates can be a useful strategy for conserving data, extending battery life, and maintaining control over your device. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily disable auto updates on both Android and iOS devices and manage your app updates according to your preferences. Remember to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks and establish a routine for checking and installing updates manually to ensure your device remains secure and up-to-date. Take control of your app updates today and enjoy a more customized and efficient mobile experience!

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