How to Stop Apps From Updating Automatically

Automatic app updates can eat through your data plan, introduce bugs, or change features you rely on before you’re ready. This guide shows you how to disable auto-updates on Android and iPhone, and how to control updates on Windows and Mac, so you decide when an app changes.

What You’ll Need

Your device (Android phone/tablet, iPhone/iPad, Windows PC, or Mac)
Access to the device’s settings (no special tools required)
For Android: the Google Play Store app
For iPhone/iPad: the Settings app and the App Store
For Windows: the Microsoft Store
For Mac: the App Store or System Settings

Step-by-Step

On Android (Google Play Store)

Open the Google Play Store app.
Tap your profile icon (top-right corner).
Tap Settings.
Tap Network preferences (or Auto-update apps on some devices).
Select Don’t auto-update apps.
Tap Done (if prompted).

To stop updates for a specific app only, open the app’s page in the Play Store, tap the three-dot menu (top-right), and uncheck Enable auto-update.

On iPhone/iPad (App Store)

Open the Settings app.
Tap App Store.
Under Automatic Downloads, toggle off App Updates.

This stops all automatic updates. You can still update manually by opening the App Store, tapping your profile icon, and tapping Update next to each app (or Update All).

On Windows (Microsoft Store)

Open the Microsoft Store.
Click your profile icon (top-right).
Click App settings.
Under Updates, toggle off Update apps automatically.

Note: This setting is per-user. If you’re signed in with multiple accounts, repeat for each.

On Mac (App Store)

Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
Click App Store.
Under Automatic updates, uncheck Install app updates.

If you want to keep other automatic updates (like macOS system updates), leave those checked.

Common Mistakes

Turning off updates for the wrong store: On Android, you might disable updates in the Play Store but still have updates from other sources (like Samsung Galaxy Store). Check all app stores you use.
Forgetting about individual app settings: Some apps (like those with their own update mechanisms) may still update themselves. Check each app’s settings.
Disabling updates for system apps: On Android, you cannot disable auto-updates for system apps (like Google Play Services) – they update via the system, not the Play Store.
Not realizing that manual updates are still needed: Disabling auto-updates means you must remember to update apps to get security patches and bug fixes.

Tips

Set a reminder: If you disable auto-updates, schedule a weekly reminder to check for updates manually.
Use Wi-Fi only for updates: On Android, you can choose Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only instead of turning off entirely – this saves data but still keeps apps current.
Read update notes: When you update manually, you can see what changed and decide if you want the new version.
Keep critical apps updated: Even if you disable auto-updates, consider updating security-sensitive apps (banking, password managers) promptly.
On iPhone, use Offload Unused Apps: This removes unused apps but keeps their data – it doesn’t update them, but it can free space.

Troubleshooting

Apps still update after disabling

Check all stores: On Android, open the Galaxy Store or other app stores and disable their auto-update settings too.
Check app-specific settings: Some apps (like Google Chrome) have their own update mechanisms. Look in the app’s settings for an “Auto-update” option.
Restart your device: Sometimes settings don’t apply until a restart.
On Windows, check group policy (Pro/Enterprise): If you’re on a managed device, your IT department may force updates. Contact them.

Can’t find the setting

Android: The path may vary by manufacturer. Search in the Play Store settings for “auto-update” using the search bar inside Settings.
iPhone: If you don’t see “App Updates” under App Store settings, make sure you’re running a recent iOS version (updates are in Settings > App Store).
Mac: On older macOS, the setting is in System Preferences > App Store. On newer versions, it’s in System Settings > App Store.

Updates still happen on cellular data

On Android, if you selected “Don’t auto-update apps,” it should block all auto-updates. If not, check if you have “Auto-update over Wi-Fi only” selected – that still updates over Wi-Fi, which may be what you’re seeing.
On iPhone, if you toggled off App Updates, it should stop all automatic updates, but some apps (like Apple’s own) may still update for security reasons – Apple doesn’t allow turning off security updates for iOS itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I stop getting security updates if I disable auto-updates?

Yes, you will not get app security updates automatically. You’ll need to update manually. For your device’s operating system, security updates may still be installed separately (especially on iPhone and Windows).

Can I stop updates for just one app on Android?

Yes. Go to the app’s page in the Play Store, tap the three-dot menu, and uncheck “Enable auto-update.” This overrides the global setting for that app.

Will disabling auto-updates save battery life?

Possibly – updates can run in the background and use battery. But the effect is usually small. The main benefit is saving data and avoiding surprise changes.

If I disable auto-updates, can I still update apps manually?

Yes, absolutely. You can update any app at any time by going to the store and tapping “Update” or “Update All.”

Do apps update when I’m not using them?

With auto-updates on, apps can update in the background, often overnight when connected to Wi-Fi. With auto-updates off, they won’t update until you manually start the update.

Why do some apps update even after I turned off auto-updates?

Some apps have their own update mechanisms (like web browsers or apps that download content). Also, on Android, system apps and Google Play Services update via the system, not the Play Store. Check the app’s settings for an update option.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →