While automatic updates ensure your iPhone always has the latest features and security patches, they can also drain your battery at inconvenient times, consume mobile data, or install a buggy new version of an app before you are ready for it. If you prefer to have full control over when your phone changes, you can easily disable automatic updates for both iOS and your installed applications.
What Are Automatic Updates on iPhone?
By default, Apple configures iOS to automatically download and install system updates (such as moving from iOS 16 to iOS 17) and application updates from the App Store. These processes typically occur overnight when the iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, locked, and plugged into a power source. The goal is to ensure that users have the most secure and feature-rich software without needing to manually check for updates.
Why Turn Off Automatic Updates?
Although automatic updates offer convenience, there are several compelling reasons why you might want to turn them off and switch to manual management:
- Avoiding Bugs: New software releases, especially major iOS updates, can occasionally contain bugs that affect battery life, cellular connectivity, or app compatibility. Waiting a few days allows early adopters to identify issues before you install the software.
- Managing Storage Space: iOS updates can be several gigabytes in size. If your iPhone is running low on storage, an automatic download can consume all your remaining free space.
- Conserving Mobile Data: While Apple restricts large updates over cellular networks, certain background processes and smaller app updates might still use your mobile data allowance if not configured correctly.
- Controlling the User Experience: App developers frequently redesign interfaces or remove features. Updating manually ensures you are not surprised by a completely different app layout when you open it in a rush.
How to Turn Off Automatic iOS Software Updates
This setting stops your iPhone from automatically downloading and installing operating system updates overnight.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on General.
- Tap on Software Update.
- At the top of the screen, tap Automatic Updates.
- Here, you will see several toggles. To disable automatic iOS updates, turn the following switches to the OFF position:
- Download iOS Updates: This stops the phone from pre-downloading the massive update files in the background, saving storage space and bandwidth.
- Install iOS Updates: This stops the phone from automatically restarting and installing the update while you sleep.
Important Note: It is highly recommended to leave the “Security Responses & System Files” toggle turned ON. This setting delivers critical, lightweight security patches that protect your device from vulnerabilities without changing your core iOS version or requiring a lengthy installation process.
How to Turn Off Automatic App Updates
This setting stops applications you downloaded from the App Store (such as social media apps, games, or productivity tools) from updating themselves in the background.
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down through the main menu until you find the list of system apps, then tap on App Store.
- Look under the “Automatic Downloads” section.
- Toggle the switch next to App Updates to the OFF position.
How to Manually Update Apps Afterwards
Once you disable automatic app updates, you will need to check for updates yourself to ensure your apps remain functional and secure. To do this:
- Open the App Store application.
- Tap your profile picture (or Memoji) in the top right corner of the screen.
- Scroll down slightly to refresh the page. You will see a list of apps with available updates under the “Upcoming Automatic Updates” or “Available Updates” section.
- Tap Update All to install everything, or tap the Update button next to individual apps to install them one by one.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The “Automatic Updates” toggle is greyed out: If you cannot change the settings, your iPhone might be managed by an organisation (like a school or workplace) that forces automatic updates via a configuration profile. Alternatively, check if Screen Time restrictions are preventing changes to your account settings.
Apps are still updating: Ensure that you have definitely turned off the setting in the App Store menu, not just the general iOS update menu. They are two separate systems that must be managed independently.