By default, the Google Play Store is configured to automatically download and install updates for your applications in the background, usually when your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and charging. While this ensures you always have the latest security patches and features, it can also lead to frustrating scenarios. You might open an app you rely on daily, only to find the user interface completely redesigned without your permission, or discover a new bug introduced in the latest version. If you prefer to manually review what changes are coming before you update, you can disable automatic updates entirely.
How to Disable Auto-Updates Globally
This method will stop all applications on your Android device from updating in the background without your explicit permission.
- Open the Google Play Store application on your Android phone or tablet.
- Tap on your profile picture (or initial) located in the top-right corner of the search bar.
- From the pop-up menu, tap on Settings.
- Tap on the Network preferences section to expand its options.
- Tap on Auto-update apps.
- A small dialogue box will appear with three options. Select Don’t auto-update apps.
- Tap OK to confirm.
From now on, you will need to occasionally open the Play Store, tap your profile picture, select Manage apps & device, and manually tap the “Update All” button (or update specific apps individually) to get the latest versions.
How to Disable Auto-Updates for a Single App
If you want most of your apps to update automatically, but there is one specific app you absolutely refuse to update (perhaps an older version of a game, or an app whose new update is known to crash), you can disable updates on a per-app basis.
- First, ensure your global auto-update setting (from the steps above) is set to allow updates (e.g., “Over Wi-Fi only”).
- In the Google Play Store, use the search bar to find the specific app you want to restrict.
- Tap on the app’s name to open its detailed store listing page.
- In the top-right corner of the listing page, tap the three vertical dots (Menu).
- You will see a checkbox labelled Enable auto-update. Tap the checkbox to uncheck it.
Now, even if you tap “Update All” in your main app list, this specific application will be ignored and will remain on its current version until you manually open its store page and tap “Update”.