How to Stop Android Apps from Updating Automatically

TL;DR: To prevent Android apps from auto-updating, open Google Play Store → tap your profile → Settings → Network preferences → Auto-update apps → select “Don’t auto-update apps.” For individual apps, open their Play Store page → tap three-dots menu → uncheck “Enable auto-update.” You can also use “Wi-Fi only” mode to balance convenience and control.

As an Android user, I’ve often found myself frustrated when a favorite app updates automatically and changes its interface, removes features, or starts consuming more data. If you’re like me and want to retain control over your app versions, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through multiple methods to disable automatic updates on Android, whether you want to stop all apps or just specific ones from updating.

Why Disable Automatic App Updates?

Automatic updates can be convenient, but they aren’t always desirable. Here’s why you might want to turn them off:

• Avoid unwanted changes: App updates sometimes remove features you rely on or alter the UI significantly.
• Save mobile data: Automatic updates can consume data without your knowledge, leading to unexpected charges^1.
• Preserve battery life: Background update processes can drain your battery.
• Control over version-specific functionality: Some older app versions might work better with your device or workflow.

According to Google Play’s default behavior, apps update automatically only when certain conditions are met: the device is on Wi-Fi, charging, idle, and the app isn’t running in the foreground^6. However, this isn’t foolproof, and updates can still occur over cellular data under some circumstances^6.

How to Turn Off Auto-Update for All Apps

Disabling automatic updates globally is the most straightforward approach. Here’s how I do it:

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap your profile picture or icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings from the menu.
4. Go to Network preferences.
5. Tap Auto-update apps.
6. Choose Don’t auto-update apps^2^8.

This setting will prevent all apps from updating automatically. You’ll need to manually update apps from the “Manage apps & device” section when you want to.

Using “Wi-Fi Only” Auto-Update

If you prefer a middle ground, select “Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only.” This allows updates when you’re connected to Wi-Fi, avoiding mobile data usage^1. It’s a good balance between convenience and control.

How to Disable Auto-Update for Individual Apps

Sometimes, you only want to stop one specific app from updating. Here’s my method:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for the app you want to “freeze” or go to its listing via My Apps.
3. On the app’s detail page, tap the three-dots menu (overflow icon) in the top-right.
4. Uncheck Enable auto-update (or similar wording like “Auto-update”)^4.

This tells Play Store not to update that particular app automatically. However, note that if you uninstall updates or sideload an older version, you may need to repeat this step, as Play Store might still flag it for update^4.

Step-by-Step: Disabling Auto-Update on Different Android Versions

Android settings can vary by OS version and manufacturer. Here’s a version-specific breakdown based on my experience:

For Android 10 and Higher

1. Go to Settings > System > Advanced > Software update.
2. Tap the three-dots menu > Settings.
3. Select Auto-update apps and choose your preference (e.g., Don’t auto-update or Wi-Fi only)^3.

For Android 9.0 and Lower

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps & notifications > Google Play Store.
3. Tap Mobile data & Wi-Fi and disable background data if needed, or use the Play Store method above.

Some devices, especially from Sony, Samsung, or others, may have additional “Software update” or “What’s New” apps that need auto-update disabled separately^3. Check your device’s support resources if the standard methods don’t work.

Pros and Cons of Disabling Auto-Updates

Before you decide, weigh these advantages and drawbacks:

Pros:

• Full control: You decide when and which apps to update.
• Data savings: Avoid unexpected mobile data usage.
• Version stability: Keep working versions without surprise changes.

Cons:

• Security risks: Outdated apps may have unpatched vulnerabilities.
• Manual effort: You must regularly check for and apply updates.
• Potential compatibility issues: Older apps might not work with newer OS versions or services.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Based on user reports and my own trials, here are pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Assuming “unlisted” apps won’t update: Even if you remove an app from your Play Library, it may still update if reinstalled or if auto-update is on globally^4.
• Not disabling all update sources: Some devices have multiple auto-update mechanisms (e.g., Play Store, Software Update app, manufacturer apps). Disable all relevant settings^3.
• Forgetting to re-disable after sideloading: If you downgrade an app by sideloading, immediately go to its Play Store page and disable auto-update, or it may update again^4.

Advanced Methods: For Power Users

If the standard options don’t suffice, consider these advanced tactics:

• Use an EMM/MDM solution: IT admins can use Enterprise Mobility Management tools to enforce update policies, like “Postpone mode” for critical periods^6.
• Self-sign the app: For a single app, you can repackage it with your own signature, which prevents Play Store from recognizing it as the same app^4. This requires technical know-how.
• Disable background data for Play Store: In Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Mobile data & Wi-Fi, turn off “Background data.” This may delay or prevent updates but could affect other Play services.

Case Study: Preventing ES File Explorer from Updating

A user on Stack Exchange shared their struggle with ES File Explorer^4. They:

1. Removed the app from My Apps in Play Store.
2. Uninstalled the new version and sideloaded the old one.
3. Disabled auto-update for that app in Play Store.

Yet, the update still appeared. The solution was to ensure auto-update was off both globally and for the individual app, and to self-sign the app for a permanent block. This highlights that persistence and multiple steps are sometimes needed.

FAQ

Can I stop auto-updates for system apps?

Most system apps update via Play Store or system updates. You can try disabling auto-update in Play Store, but some may require root access or advanced modifications to fully block.

Will disabling auto-updates affect app functionality?

Not immediately, but over time, outdated apps may lose compatibility with services or Android OS versions. You might miss new features or security patches.

How long can I defer updates?

For individual apps, unchecking “auto-update” lasts until you re-enable it. Some EMM solutions allow postponing updates for up to 90 days^10.

Does “Wi-Fi only” auto-update use mobile data?

No, it restricts updates to Wi-Fi networks only, safeguarding your mobile data^1.

Can I automate manual updates?

Yes, you can periodically check “Manage apps & device” in Play Store and update all with one tap, or use batch update tools if available.

What if the three-dots menu doesn’t show “auto-update” for an app?

Ensure the app is installed via Play Store. Some sideloaded apps or system apps may not show the option. Try the global auto-update disable method instead.

Checklist for Disabling Auto-Updates

• Open Google Play Store → Profile → Settings → Network preferences → Auto-update apps → Select “Don’t auto-update apps.”
• For individual apps: Open app page in Play Store → three-dots menu → uncheck “Enable auto-update.”
• Check device Settings → Software update → disable auto-update if available.
• Verify no manufacturer-specific update apps (e.g., “What’s New”) are enabled.
• Consider “Wi-Fi only” mode if you want limited auto-updates.
• Monitor for security updates manually periodically.

Glossary

• Auto-update apps: A setting allowing apps to update without user intervention.
• Sideloading: Installing an app from outside the Play Store, often via APK files.
• EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management): Tools for managing mobile devices in organizations, including update controls.
• Network preferences: Play Store settings related to data usage for downloads and updates.

Conclusion

Disabling automatic app updates on Android gives you full control over your device’s functionality and data usage. Whether you choose to turn it off entirely, use Wi-Fi-only updates, or block updates for specific apps, the methods above should help you achieve that. Remember to periodically update critical apps manually to maintain security and compatibility.

Ready to take control? Open your Play Store now and adjust those auto-update settings to suit your needs!

References

Step-by-Step: Preventing Updates for a Single App

I've found that sometimes I only want to stop one specific app from updating, while keeping others current. Here's how I do it:

1. Open the Google Play Store app on my Android device
2. Search for the app I want to freeze at its current version
3. Open the app's detail page
4. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner
5. Uncheck the 'Auto-update' option^4

This method works well for most apps, but I've noticed some limitations. Certain system apps or apps managed through enterprise policies might still update despite this setting^6.

Pros and Cons of Disabling Auto-Updates

After testing both approaches, here's what I've discovered:

Pros of disabling auto-updates:

• Complete control over when updates occur
• Avoids unexpected data usage charges^3
• Prevents unwanted feature changes or interface redesigns
• Allows me to research update changes before installing

Cons of disabling auto-updates:

• Requires manual checking for security updates
• Potential security vulnerabilities if I forget to update
• May miss critical bug fixes
• Some apps eventually stop working without updates

Comparison: Individual App vs. Global Settings

When deciding between disabling updates for all apps versus specific ones, I consider these factors:

Approach	Best For	Limitations
Individual app control	Apps I want to keep at specific versions	Some apps may still update through system processes
Global disable	Complete update control	Requires manual management of all updates
Wi-Fi only updates	Balancing convenience and data control	Still allows automatic updates when on Wi-Fi

I typically use a hybrid approach: disable global auto-updates but enable Wi-Fi-only updates for most apps, while specifically blocking updates for apps where I want to maintain a particular version^8.

Advanced Techniques

For particularly stubborn apps that keep updating despite these settings, I've found additional methods:

• Using EMM/enterprise controls: If available through work or school management, I can set specific apps to 'Postpone mode' which prevents updates for extended periods^6
• APK management: For apps I've sideloaded, I make sure to keep the APK file saved so I can reinstall the preferred version if needed
• Network restrictions: On my router, I can sometimes block update servers for specific apps, though this requires technical knowledge

Remember that completely preventing updates indefinitely isn't always possible or advisable, especially for security-sensitive applications^1. I make sure to periodically review my update settings and manually update apps that need security patches.