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How to Stop Apps From Updating Automatically on Android

Turn off Google Play auto-updates for every app or an individual app, then install updates manually when you choose.
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To stop apps managed by Google Play from updating automatically, open the Play Store and go to profile icon > Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps, then choose Don’t auto-update apps. You can also disable auto-updates for individual apps. These controls apply to Google Play updates, not necessarily updates from other stores or device-management services.

Turn off automatic updates for all apps in Google Play

  1. Open the Google Play Store.
  2. Tap your profile icon.
  3. Tap Settings, then Network preferences, then Auto-update apps.
  4. Select Don’t auto-update apps.

Menu wording or placement can vary slightly by app version or language. If you do not see the listed options, check that you are changing settings in Google Play rather than another app store.

Turn off automatic updates for one app

  1. Open Google Play and tap your profile icon.
  2. Tap Manage apps & device, then Manage.
  3. Select the app to open its details page.
  4. Tap More and turn off Enable auto update.

Choose when Google Play can update apps

If you want updates to happen automatically under specific conditions rather than stop altogether, the Auto-update apps menu may offer options for updates over Wi-Fi or mobile data, over Wi-Fi only, or using a limited amount of mobile data where available. Choose the policy that fits your data connection; these options still allow automatic updates.

Update apps manually

With automatic updates disabled, you can still check for and install updates yourself:

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  1. Open Google Play and tap your profile icon.
  2. Tap Manage apps & device.
  3. Review the available updates and update apps individually, or choose Update all.

Some updates may require a device restart or ask for new permissions.

What this setting does—and does not—control

The instructions above govern updates managed through Google Play. They do not establish a universal Android switch for other app stores, a manufacturer’s update service, new app installations, or updates controlled by an organization. If an app still changes after you disable auto-updates, identify which store or service installed it and whether the device is managed.

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There is also a security exception: Google says it may push certain app updates that fix a critical security vulnerability regardless of the app or device update settings. See Google Play’s automatic update guidance.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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