This article teaches you how to stop apps and Android OS from automatically updating on your Android smartphone, including Samsung devices.

What to Know

  • Tap Settings > Software Update > cog > Auto download & install > Do Not Allow to disable operating system updates.Tap Google Play Store > Profile Picture > Settings > Network Preferences to disable automatic app updates.It’s sensible to leave apps regularly updating for security and stability reasons.

How Do I Stop Android System Updates?

If you’d prefer to stop your Android from automatically updating, it’s fairly simple to do so once you know where to look. Here’s what to do to disable automatic Android system updates.

  • On your Android phone, tap Settings.
  • Tap Software Update.
  • You may need to scroll down to find this option.
  • Tap the cog.
  • Tap Auto download & install.
  • Tap Do Not Allow.
  • Tap Disable to switch off automatic updates.

How Do I Stop Android Apps From Automatically Updating?

If your issue is with your Android apps automatically updating, here’s how to stop them from doing so. 

Turning off Auto updates on a Pixel phone is slightly different than the instructions below. Instead, on a Pixel phone, you’ll need to enable developer options to find the Automatic system updates option so you can turn it off.

On your Android phone, tap Settings.

Tap Software Update. 

You may need to scroll down to find this option.

Tap the cog.

Tap Auto download & install.

Tap Do Not Allow.

Tap Disable to switch off automatic updates.

  • On your Android phone, tap Google Play Store.
  • Tap your Google account profile picture.
  • Tap Settings.
  • Tap Network Preferences.
  • Tap Auto-Update apps.
  • Tap Don’t auto-update apps.
  • Tap Done.

How Do I Stop Automatic Updates on Samsung?

If you have a Samsung smartphone, the process for disabling system updates is slightly different. Here’s what to do. 

On your Android phone, tap Google Play Store.

Tap your Google account profile picture.

Tap Settings.

Tap Network Preferences.

Tap Auto-Update apps.

Tap Don’t auto-update apps.

Tap Done.

  • On your Samsung phone, tap Settings.
  • Tap Software update.
  • Toggle Auto download over Wi-Fi to off.

Why Do I Keep Getting System Updates Android?

As with any technology, Android phones often receive regular updates, especially when they’re relatively new. System updates mean your Android operating system is up to date while app updates mean your apps are up to date. This can mean new features or security boosters, or simply enjoying a more bug-free experience than before. 

The process for disabling app updates remains the same as above.

On your Samsung phone, tap Settings.

Tap Software update.

Toggle Auto download over Wi-Fi to off.

Why Should I Keep My Apps and Software Updated?

There are a number of reasons why it’s important to keep your apps and operating system updated. Here’s a look at the key reasons.

  • Security. In a fast-changing world, exploits can be discovered within previously secure Android operating system builds. An update means this security flaw is fixed so no nefarious sources can take advantage of it, meaning your phone is safer than before.Stability. No operating system is perfect and over time, developers can figure out ways of making it more stable and less prone to freezes or crashes. An up to date operating system is generally more stable.New features. Operating systems are fluid with changes meaning you can often gain new features or benefits by keeping them regularly updated. It’s a similar story for apps.Compatibility. New apps need to be compatible with new operating systems and vice versa. By keeping both apps and Android up to date, the two will work better and more efficiently together.

  • How do I stop auto updates on a single Android app?

  • Choose the app you want to stop receiving automatic updates for from the Google Play Store. Use the search bar or find the app from Manage apps & device > Manage. Tap the More icon (three vertical dots) on the upper-right corner of the app page and uncheck the box beside Enable auto update.

  • How do I stop auto updates on an Android tablet?

  • Use the same steps above to disable automatic system and app updates on your Android tablet. To manually update your Android tablet operating system, go to Settings > Software Update > Download and install.

Choose the app you want to stop receiving automatic updates for from the Google Play Store. Use the search bar or find the app from Manage apps & device > Manage. Tap the More icon (three vertical dots) on the upper-right corner of the app page and uncheck the box beside Enable auto update.

Use the same steps above to disable automatic system and app updates on your Android tablet. To manually update your Android tablet operating system, go to Settings > Software Update > Download and install.

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