How to Turn off Automatic Updates on Android

This article teaches you how to turn off automatic updates on your Android smartphone. It also explains how to stop the Play Store from auto-updating your apps.

How Do I Stop Automatic Updates?

While it's important to keep your Android phone up to date so you benefit from the latest security updates, it can be convenient to disable automatic updates so you're in full control. Here's how to stop automatic updates on Android:

1. Open the Settings app.

   If you're on a Pixel, enable developer options, then skip down to Step 4.

2. Tap Security and privacy.
   

   On some older Androids, you want to tap Software update instead.

3. Scroll down and choose Other security settings.

   You'll see the settings/gear icon on some phones. Select it.

4. Tap the toggle next to Galaxy system app update. Automatic OS updates are now disabled, so you'll need to install them manually in future.

   For Pixels, go to System > Developer options. Scroll down a little and tap Automatic system updates to toggle auto-updating off.

   If you don't see that option, go to Auto download & install > Do not allow instead.

How to Turn off Automatic App Updates on an Android Phone

Similar to the whole operating system, your individual apps receive updates as well. Turning off automatic app updates is a little different than how it works with system updates, but it's still very easy. You can turn off auto updating for all your updates or just specific ones.

Stop All Automatic Updates

Follow these steps if you don't want any of your apps to update on their own:

1. Open the Play Store.

2. Tap your profile image at the top.

3. Select Settings.

4. Tap Network preferences.

5. Tap Auto-update apps.

6. Tap Don't auto-update apps.

7. Tap Done or OK to disable automatic app installations.

Stop Automatic Updates for Specific Apps

Want to disable automatic updates for certain apps only? This can be useful if you rarely use a specific app and so you don't want to process updates all the time, or if you just really like the version you're currently using.

1. Tap your profile image at the top of the Play Store.

2. Select Manage apps & device.

3. Tap Manage.

4. Tap the app you wish to change auto-update settings on.

5. Tap the three dots in the top right corner.

6. Uncheck Enable auto update. 

Why Should I Keep My Phone up to Date? 

While it's possible to disable automatic updates for your phone and apps, it's not generally recommended. Here's a look at the pros and cons of using auto-updates.

• Your phone is more secure. With regular updates, your phone benefits from the latest security and privacy updates without any action needed from you. It's a much safer option than having to remember to do so manually.
• You gain new features. When an app or OS is updated, it often comes with new features and tools, meaning you get a superior experience. 
• Not updating helps avoid issues. Not updating can have advantages. If an app hasn't been fully tested or is buggy, stopping the update means you can avoid early issues. It's unlikely to be a problem but it's something to consider.
• Updates can be large. If you're low on space, you may not want your phone to be regularly downloading updates. Instead, it might be more useful to choose your priorities by manually picking out updates.