To keep app updates off mobile data, set the app store to update over Wi-Fi only. On Android, change the Google Play auto-update setting; on iPhone, turn off automatic app updates. Samsung Galaxy users who use Galaxy Store should change its update setting separately.
Android: Set Google Play to update over Wi-Fi only
This setting applies to apps updated through Google Play. It keeps automatic updates enabled when Wi-Fi is available, without using mobile data for Play Store updates.
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- Open the Google Play app.
- Tap your profile icon.
- Go to Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps.
- Select Update over Wi-Fi only.
If you would rather choose when each app updates, select Don’t auto-update apps instead. Google also lists an option called Update with limited amount of mobile data, but says it is available only to a limited group; it may not appear on your device. See Google Play Help: How to update apps on Android.
Stop automatic updates for just one Play Store app
- In Play Store, go to Manage apps & device > Manage.
- Select the app, then open its details page.
- Tap the three-dot menu and turn off Enable auto update.
iPhone: Turn off automatic App Store updates
- Open the iPhone Settings app.
- Tap Apps > App Store.
- Turn off App Updates.
This stops automatic app updates; you can still check for and install updates manually in the App Store. Apple lists Cellular Data as a separate control: turning it off restricts App Store cellular access more broadly, and can affect other App Store activity over cellular, including manual downloads. Apple’s guide explains the App Store settings on iPhone.
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Samsung Galaxy: Check both app stores
Google Play and Galaxy Store have separate auto-update controls. If you use both, set each one so apps from either store do not update over mobile data.
- Set Google Play to Update over Wi-Fi only using the steps above.
- Open Galaxy Store and tap Menu > Settings > Auto update apps.
- Select Using Wi-Fi only.
Samsung says screens and options can vary by model and country, and some apps may require manual updates. Its Galaxy app update instructions also caution that downloading updates over mobile data may use your plan or lead to extra charges.
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Choose Wi-Fi-only or manual updates
| Choice | What happens | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi-only automatic updates | Automatic updates continue when the phone is connected to Wi-Fi; the store does not use mobile data for those updates. | You do not need to check for every update, but updates wait until Wi-Fi is available. |
| Manual updates | Automatic updates are disabled; you decide when to check for and install updates. | You have more control, but must check for updates yourself. |
| Disable App Store cellular access (iPhone) | App Store cellular use is restricted more broadly than automatic updates alone. | It can also affect manual downloads and other App Store activity over cellular. |
What these settings do—and do not—control
These options govern updates handled by the selected app store. They do not necessarily control operating-system updates, downloads inside apps, media auto-downloads, or updates managed by another store or installation source. On Galaxy phones, check both stores if you use both.
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