How to Disable Automatic Updates in Android (OS and Apps)?

One of the best features of Android is that it updates the operating system automatically in the background. All your installed apps also get automatic updates silently. This helps to keep your phone up to date and use securely. While this feature has been beneficial for users, some users do not like it. If you are the one does not like automatic updates, then here is how you can disable in Android smartphones.

Why to Stop Automatic Updates?

There are many reasons for a user to disable automatic updates in Android:

The main reason is the bugs that come with new updates. Bugs are common with new versions of the software. So, some users would like to wait for some time for feedback. If that software version is bug-free, they may want to update the software with the latest version.
Sometimes, compatibility is an issue. A previous software version works fine on an old system, but an updated version does not. So, some users would continue using the old version of the software.
You do not like to consume internet bandwidth when you are doing other tasks on your smartphone.
Last is the privacy issue. You may want to know what is in the changelog of OS and app updates and choose to install them manually when you need.

Whatever is the reason, Android allows you to disable automatic updates and you can do it manually.

Disable Automatic OS Update in Android

The following process is for Google Pixel 3a running Android 12. It is anticipated that the procedure should be similar for other phones running Android 12. It, however, depends on the manufacturer of the phone.

Turn on ‘Developer options’

The feature to enable or disable automatic system updates is in the “Developer options” in Android settings. By default, Google disables “Developer options” in Android, and you need to manually enable this feature. If it is already enabled on your phone, you can skip this step and move on to next section.

Warning: Enabling the “Developer options” gives you access to some advanced options. If you misuse these options, it may damage the operations of your phone and can cause your phone to behave weirdly. Though this is an easy process, do it at your own risk.

Follow the given steps to enable the “Developer options” on your Android phone.

Open “Settings”, scroll down to find “About phone” label and tap on it.
On the next screen, scroll down to the bottom and you will find a label named “Build number”.
Tap “Build number” seven times and you will see a pop-up message while tapping.
The system will ask you to enter a PIN, pattern, or password, whatever you have set on your phone.
Again, open “Settings” and then tap “System” in the menu list.
Scroll down, and you will see “Developer options” in the list.
You now have access to “Developer options”.

Disable Automatic Updates for OS

Touch on “Developer options” to see its menu.
Scroll through the list and find “Automatic system updates”.
If it is enabled, turn it off.
If it is disabled, keep it intact.

Anytime you can toggle the setting back to enable automatic OS update again.

Turn Off Developer options

If, for any reason, you want to turn off “Developer options” on your phone, then follow the steps given below.

Open “Developer options”.
The first option is “Use developer options” with a switch button in front of it.
Turn it off and go back to the “System” menu.
The “Developer options” will disappear from the menu indicating it is disabled now.

How to Update Android OS Manually?

The latest updates carry bug fixes and security updates which are essential for the safety of your phone. If you decide to disable the “Automatic system updates”, it is advised to manually update the system regularly. The following is the procedure.

Open “Settings” and tap on “System” in the menu.
Select “System update” in the following menu.
The next screen will show the status of your system. It will show the current version of your Android. If it is already updated, it will display “Your system is up to date”. There is a blue button “Check for update” to check if any new update is available for your system. If an update is available, it will display, and you can update the system.

Disable Automatic Updates for Apps in Android

Similar to OS, automatic apps can also create problems for you like the developer removed the feature you frequently use. In order to avoid unforeseen problems, you can disable automatic app updates and do the manual update when needed.

Disable Automatic Updates for Apps

There is a different procedure to disable the automatic update feature for the apps in Android. “Google Play” manages the apps on Android phone. Hence, you can the “Auto-update apps’ feature in “Google Play” settings. The following procedure will disable the “Auto-update apps” feature.

Open “Google Play” and touch on your profile icon.
A menu list will open and tap on “Settings”.
Touch on “Network preferences” to expand the list.
Click on “Auto-update apps” to open the dialog box with three options.
Choose “Don’t auto-update apps” option and tap on “Done”.

Sometimes, you only want to stop automatic app updates through cellular data to save money. In this case, you can choose “Over Wi-Fi only” option to force the update happens only through wireless network and not on cellular connection.

How to Update Apps Manually on Android?

After disabling “Auto-update apps” on your phone, you can manually update the apps to utilize latest features.

Open “Google Play” and touch your profile button.
Tap “Manage apps & device” from the list.
The coming screen will show if updates are available for the apps under “Updates available” section.
You can touch “Update all” to update all the apps without checking the details.
Alternatively, touch “See details” to display the list of all the apps for which updates are available.
You can once again update individual apps of your choice or hit the “Update all” button to update all the apps.

How to Disable Automatic Updates in Android (OS and Apps)?

Why to Stop Automatic Updates?