In the Android ecosystem, the automatic application updates They're usually enabled by default. This means that, in most cases, as soon as you plug your device into power or it detects a stable Wi-Fi network, your apps update automatically, without any intervention from you. This feature is for your convenience, as it aims to ensure you always have the latest version of each installed app, which usually translates into Security improvements, new features, and bug fixes detected by developers.
However, although this sounds ideal, the reality is that Not all updates benefit all users equally.. There are times when an automatic update can cause unexpected problems, such as compatibility issues, unwanted interface changes, or even excessive power consumption. Mobile data. In addition, when an update proves problematic, many users would like to have more control to decide which apps to update and when to do it.
Managing updates manually allows you to evaluate each new version of an app, check other users' opinions about possible errors, delay applying patches until they are stabilized, and, ultimately, customize the use of your device according to your needs and habits. Below, we'll explain in detail how you can take control and disable automatic updates in different stores and scenarios, as well as manually manage your apps.
Why avoid automatic updates on Android?
Automatic updates exist to simplify the user experience and, above all, to protect your digital security ensuring that your apps and operating system are always up to date against emerging threats. However, there are legitimate reasons to prefer a manual control:
- Save mobile data: Especially if you don't have an unlimited plan, automatic downloads can consume a lot of megabytes without you noticing, especially if they're not limited to Wi-Fi.
- Avoiding errors in new versions: Some updates may arrive with bugs, incompatibilities, or unwanted changes that affect your experience.
- Maintain the stability of critical apps: If you rely on a specific version of an app for your work or studies, an update may alter its functionality or interface.
- Have full control over your device: Android allows for a high degree of customization compared to other systems, and deciding when to update each app is part of this freedom.
Disable automatic app updates in the Google Play Store
The most direct method to prevent all apps from updating automatically on Android is to do so through the official Google Play Store. This way, you can manually decide when and which apps you want to update. Follow these simple steps:
- Open the application Play Store on your Android mobile or tablet.
- Click on the your account icon in the upper right corner.
- Go to Settings in the drop-down menu.
- Access the section Network preferences.
- Choose Update apps automatically.
- In the pop-up window, choose the option Don't update apps automatically.
From now on, the Google Play Store will stop automatically checking for and installing new versions of installed apps. If you ever decide to return to the automatic system, simply repeat these steps and choose the appropriate option.
What happens if you use other app stores?
Nowadays, brands like Samsung (with Galaxy Store), Xiaomi or Huawei integrate into their devices own app stores In addition to Google Play, each usually has options for managing automatic updates:
- Samsung Galaxy Store: Open the app, tap the three-line or dot menu, go to Settings, and look for the auto-update option to disable it for all apps or individually.
- Xiaomi GetApps, Huawei AppGallery and others: The procedure is similar, always look in the store settings for the section relating to automatic updates and select Never or disable them according to your preferences.
Remember: If you have apps installed from multiple stores, you'll need to repeat this process on each one to maintain full control.
How to prevent automatic updates for only specific applications
Android also allows you to disable automatic updates. of individual applications, in case you are only concerned about keeping certain apps unchanged (for example, banking apps, messaging apps, or work tools):
- Open the Google Play Store and search for the specific app you want to manage.
- Go to the app page in the store.
- Click on the three point menu in the upper right corner.
- Uncheck the box Update automatically.
From that point on, that specific app will only update when you do so manually.
Control automatic updates of the operating system and system applications
The Automatic updates don't just affect regular apps., but also to the operating system and certain essential applications such as Google Play Services. Controlling these updates requires some extra caution, especially if you want to prevent them from updating without your consent. You can check this Guide to enable or disable OEM unlocking on your Samsung to better understand some system configurations.
- System updates: Go to Settings → System → Software updateSome models allow you to deactivate la automatic download and installation (Look for options like "Automatic Downloads" or "Wi-Fi Only"). Not all devices allow this, but if you have this option, use it to prevent your system from updating without your permission.
- Google Play Services and Google apps: Even if you disable automatic updates in the Play Store, Google Play Services may update when you open the store. It's not recommended to disable it completely because many basic functions of your device may stop working properly. But if you want to control it, you can check out how to manage data usage and updates to avoid unwanted updates.
How to manually update apps on Android?
Once you've disabled the automatic option, it's your responsibility to keep your apps updated as needed. There are several ways to do this:
- From the Play Store: Click on your account icon > Manage apps and device > Administrator. Here you will see the applications with available updates. You can update them all by clicking Update all or do it selectively by entering each one and pressing Update. To troubleshoot download issues, you can also check this Guide to resolve pending download in Play Store.
- Installing APK files manually: This is a more advanced method and is recommended only for users familiar with security risks. It involves downloading the APK file of the new version from a trusted repository and opening it using a file manager to install it over the previous version. This system gives you maximum control, because if an update fails, you can reinstall the previous version or try different versions, although always with caution to avoid installing infected apps.
Useful tips and tricks when disabling automatic updates
- Assess security risks: Keeping an app out of date can expose you to vulnerabilities. If you decide not to update an app, periodically check to see if the developer reports critical security patches.
- Manually check out what's new and what other users are saying: Before updating, you can read the changes and comments on the Play Store itself to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Take advantage of individual control: You don't need to disable automatic updates for all apps; you can customize and only disable them for those apps where you rely on a specific version or behavior.
- Set your device to update only over Wi-Fi if you don't want to disable it completely: This way, you'll avoid excessive mobile data usage without sacrificing convenience.
Customizing the update system is a reflection of the high degree of control that Android offers compared to other mobile operating systems. By managing when and how to update your apps yourself, you can balance the digital security with the stability and customization of the user experience, ensuring that every change to your device is tailored to what you really need and expect.
