Android keeps all your apps up to date with minimal effort. Unfortunately, the update process can be intense and may use all of your mobile data.
Most Android apps are at least 60MB in size and can take up several gigabytes for games. Before you know it, these auto-updating apps can wipe out your mobile data limit.
By default, most Android phones are configured to automatically fetch the latest app updates when connected to mobile data or a Wi-Fi network.
Luckily, it’s possible to set your phone to only download updates over a Wi-Fi network. Here’s how to take back control of how your phone uses mobile data.
How to disable Google Play Store’s auto-update function
Android handles system updates and app updates differently. System updates include new Android versions, updated security definitions to keep your phone safe from viruses, etc. By default, these updates are set to only downloads over Wi-Fi and you must never turn them off.
However, apps, including those pre-installed, are updated using the Google Play Store or any manufacturer-specific app stores you may have. Turn off automatic Wi-Fi app updates by following these easy steps:
Step 1: Tap the Google Play Store app on your phone.
Step 2: Tap on your Profile Picture located at the top right of the screen.
Step 3: Select the Install option.
Step 4: Select Network Options.
Step 5: Tap Auto-update apps to open the update settings menu.
Step 6: Select Don’t auto-update apps from the list and then click Done.
It’s all about disabling auto-update for apps. That said, please note that you should never completely disable the feature. App updates often contain performance fixes and security patches that help keep your data safe. Some apps may even stop working properly if you don’t update them for a long time.
You can avoid these problems by selecting Over Wi-Fi Only in the Auto-update apps menu. This way you can prevent app updates from using your Mobile Data.
These steps apply to apps you’ve downloaded from the Google Play Store. However, manufacturers like Samsung also install their app stores and device-specific apps to receive updates through them.
How to disable Samsung Galaxy Store’s auto-update function
The steps to turn off automatic updates in the Galaxy store are similar to those outlined above.
Step 1: Launch the Galaxy Store app on your phone.
Step 2: Tap the Options Menu located at the top left of the screen.
Step 3: Tap the Gear Icon to the right of your profile picture to open the Settings screen.
Step 4: Select the Auto-update apps option.
Step 5: Select Use Wi-Fi only to prevent updates from using Cellular Data or Never to disable the feature entirely.
Disable auto-update for pre-installed and side-loaded apps
Pre-installed apps added by your phone manufacturer or mobile carrier will usually receive their updates through your device’s app store. If you turn off auto-update features for Google Play, Galaxy Store, or other stores packaged by the manufacturer, that will also prevent them from being updated.
When it comes to side-loaded apps, auto-updates aren’t usually an issue. They are installed manually, using APK files, and are not associated with the app store. This means they will never automatically update unless you start the process from within the store.
Prevent specific apps from using mobile data in the background
Changing your app store settings will stop all downloaded apps from updating. However, you may only want to prevent certain apps, such as games, from using up your data plan. You can do this by following these steps:
Step 1: Open Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down until you see Apps and select it.
Step 3: Navigate to the app that you want to prevent from updating and tap on it. Step 4: Select App Info to view your installed apps
Step 5: Go to Cellular Data, under Usage.
Step 6: Turn off the option Allow background data to be used.
This will prevent the app from using mobile data when not in use. Keep in mind that it will also prevent apps like Google Drive from syncing over your mobile data connection. However, the app will still use the data plan if you open it manually.
Avoid turning off auto-updates completely
App manufacturers and developers release software updates to ensure your phone is protected in terms of performance and security. Disabling them completely can leave your device vulnerable to attacks by individuals who want to steal your data.
So keeping your apps up to date will keep your phone away from any possible performance or security issues. If you are experiencing high mobile data consumption, use the steps above to turn off background data usage for your games and cloud storage apps. That way, you can keep your apps and games from downloading updates only over Wi-Fi and not over mobile data.
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