How to Disable Automatic Android Apps Update on Your Android Phone

The use of automatic updates keep your apps and device secure and stable. However, they can also consume data, change app features without notice, and drain battery in the background. Which is usually the primimary reasons many prefers to disable automatic Android apps update on phones nowadays.

Well, if you prefer full control over when and how your apps update, you can disable automatic app updates directly from the Google Play Store.

In this guide, you will learn exactly how to disable automatic Android apps update on your Android phone, how to stop updates for specific apps, and when you should keep updates enabled.

All instructions below reflect the current interface of the Google Play Store.

Where Auto Updates Are Managed

You manage automatic app updates inside your Play Store settings:

1. Open the Google Play Store
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner
3. Tap Settings
4. Tap Network preferences
5. Tap Auto update apps

From here, you can disable or customise updates.

How to Disable Automatic App Updates on Android

I have listed below 3 methods to disable automatic app updates. Simply read through the steps, then pick which of the methods you want to adopt, then follow these steps carefully.

However, understand that you can always undo any settings made by simply going through the the same processes to undo the changes. Let’s go…

Method 1: Turn Off Automatic Updates for All Apps

This stops every app from updating automatically.

1. Open the Google Play Store
2. Tap your profile icon
3. Tap Settings
4. Select Network preferences
5. Tap Auto update apps
6. Choose Do not auto update apps
7. Tap Done

You have now disabled automatic Android apps update completely.

Method 2: Disable Auto Update for Specific Apps Only

If you only want to stop updates for selected apps, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Play Store
2. Search for the app you want to control
3. Open the app’s page
4. Tap the three dots in the top right corner
5. Untick Enable auto update

That specific app will no longer update automatically. Other apps will continue updating based on your global settings.

Method 3: Restrict Updates to Wi Fi Only

This method will be preferred if your concern is mobile data usage rather than control, choose this option. What happens is that it prevents updates from using your mobile data.

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Tap profile icon
3. Tap Settings
4. Tap Network preferences
5. Select Auto update apps
6. Choose Over Wi Fi only

Start updating Only the important Apps You Need

No apps can only update when you initiate it. using the steps below. However, it is important to delete those applications you are not using or may be needing them later; then only install those apps when you want to make use of it.

This is how you can update manually, no more auto app updating;

• Open Play Store
• Go to Manage apps and device
• Tap Update all or update manually
• Or clear Play Store cache from App info

Conclusion

You now know how to disable automatic Android apps update on your Android phone. You can stop all updates, restrict updates to Wi Fi, or disable updates for specific apps.

Use this control wisely. Protect your data and battery, but do not ignore security updates for too long. Stay in control of your device while keeping it safe and stable.