Automatic updates on smartphones Samsung often become a headache for users. The system can download and install new firmware versions at the most inopportune moment: when you are playing, watching a movie, or have limited traffic. Even worse, some updates bring new bugs, slow down the device, or change the familiar interface. If you are tired of unexpected reboots and want to take control of updates into your own hands, this article is for you.

We will look at all the available ways to disable updates on Samsung Galaxy, including hidden settings One UI, methods for devices with root access, and even radical measures for those who want to block updates forever. It's important to understand that completely disabling updates has its own risks, from security vulnerabilities to application compatibility issues. But if you are ready to go for it, read on.

The instructions in the article are relevant for most modern models Samsung (from Galaxy S8 to S24 Ultra), as well as for tablets of the Tabseries. Separately, we will pay attention to the features of different versions of the shell One UI (from 2.5 to 6.1) and explain why some methods do not work on all devices.

Why does Samsung impose updates like this?

The company Samsung actively promotes a policy of regular updates, and for that there are several reasons:

  • 🔒 Security: monthly patches close critical vulnerabilities that hackers can use to steal data or install malware.
  • 📱 Compatibility: new versions of Android and One UI require updated drivers and libraries, otherwise applications may not work correctly.
  • 📊 Statistics: the more devices on the latest firmware, the better the company's reports to investors and partners look.
  • 💰 Marketing: updates often bring new features that Samsung can be used in advertising (for example, AI tools in One UI 6).

However, this policy has a downside: many users complain about forced updateswhich:

  • 🔋 Drains the battery while downloading in the background mode.
  • 📶 They eat up mobile traffic (especially important for owners of unlimited tariffs with a speed limit after the limit).
  • ⏳ They slow down the device due to the background activity of the service Software Update.
  • 🔄 They can “break” custom settings or remove root access.

This is why many are looking for ways to disable or at least limit updates. Next, we will look at all possible methods - from the simplest to the most radical.

📊 How often do automatic updates bother you on Samsung?
Every week
Once a month
Nearby, but do not interfere
Never noticed
I have them disabled

Method 1: Disabling automatic downloading of updates

The simplest and safest method is to disable automatic download updates, leaving the option to install them manually. This method does not require root access and is suitable for all devices on One UI.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings on your Samsung.
  2. Go to section Software update (on some models the path may look like Settings → Device maintenance → Software update).
  3. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
  4. Disable the switch Automatic download via Wi-Fi.
  5. Optional: disable also Auto-update while roamingif you travel frequently.

After this, the system will stop downloading updates in the background, but will notify you of their availability. You can install the update manually when you see fit.

Is downloading via phone disabled? network|

Is downloading disabled while roaming|

Does notification of new updates remain?

Does the antivirus block access to update settings-->

⚠️ Attention: On some devices with One UI 5.1 and later Samsung may reset these settings after a reboot. If you notice that updates are downloaded automatically again, repeat the procedure or try the next method.

Method 2: Disable update notifications

If you are annoyed by constant notifications about new firmware versions, but you don’t mind downloading them manually from time to time, you can simply turn off notifications. This will not block the updates themselves, but will get rid of annoying pop-ups.

You can do this in two ways:

Method A: Through notification settings

  1. Open Settings → Notifications.
  2. Find the application in the list Software update (or Software Update).
  3. Disable the switch Show notifications.
  4. For reliability, also turn off Sound and Vibration.

Method B: Through application settings

  1. Login in Settings → Applications.
  2. Find Software update in the list (may be called Software update or com.sec.android.fotaclient).
  3. Select Notifications and disable all available options.

After this, the system will stop reminding you about new updates, but you can check for them manually through Settings → Software Update → Download and install.

💡

If notifications continue to appear, try clearing the application cache Software update in application settings. This often helps to reset intrusive notifications.

Method 3: Blocking updates via ADB (without root access)

A more advanced method is to disable the update service via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not require root access, but will require connecting the phone to the computer and installing special drivers.

Advantages of the method:

  • ✅ Works on most devices Samsung (including new models with One UI 6).
  • ✅ Does not require unlocking the bootloader or root access.
  • ✅ Reversible - you can return everything back with one command.

Instructions:

  1. Enable on your phone Developer mode 7 times (go to Settings → About phone → Software information and click on Build number).
  2. Go back to Settings → System → Developer Mode and enable USB Debugging.
  3. Connect your phone to the computer and confirm permission for debugging.
  4. Download and install ADB Tools (or use ready-made assemblies like Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
  5. Open the command line (or terminal) in the folder with ADB and run the command: 
    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.sec.android.fotaclient

After executing this command, the application Software update will be disabled until the next reboot. To disable it forever, use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.fotaclient

To get everything back, run:

adb shell pm enable com.sec.android.fotaclient
⚠️ Attention: On some devices Samsung with One UI 4.0+ protection may work Knox, which will block the execution of ADB commands for system applications. In this case, try using the method with root access (method 4).

Method 4: Complete removal of the update service (root required)

If your device has root access (unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk or SuperSU), you can completely remove the system application responsible for updates. This is the most. a radical method that is guaranteed to block any firmware updates.

We warn you: this method has risks:

  • 🚨 May lead to system crashif you delete the wrong file.
  • 🔧 May disrupt the operation of other system services (for example, Samsung Knox).
  • 📱 Will deprive you of the ability to receive official security updates.

If you are ready for this, follow the instructions:

  1. Install any file manager that supports root access (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Navigate to the path: 
    /system/priv-app/FOTAClient

    or

    /system/app/FOTAClient
  3. Delete or rename the folder FOTAClient (for example, in FOTAClient_bak).
  4. Also delete or rename the file /system/priv-app/SamsungFOTAClient/SamsungFOTAClient.apk (path may differ depending on the model).
  5. Reboot the device.

After this, the update service will be completely deactivated. To get everything back, just rename the folders back or restore the deleted files from a backup.

What to do if after removing FOTAClient the phone stops booting?

If the device goes into a bootloop (cyclic reboot) after deleting system files, try:

1. Enter Recovery Mode (usually Power + Volume Up) and do a wipe cache.

2. If that doesn’t help, flash the original firmware via Odin.

3. As a last resort, use the Emergency Recovery function in the Samsung Smart Switch app (requires a PC).

Method 5: Blocking through a firewall (without root access)

Another effective method is to block the application's access to the Internet. service, but will make it useless, since it will not be able to check and download updates. Software update to the Internet. This will not remove the service, but will render it useless as it will not be able to check for and download updates.

To do this, you can use firewall applications, such as:

  • 🔥 NetGuard (does not require root access, but you need to enable VPN mode).
  • 🛡️ AFWall+ (requires root access, more reliable).
  • 🌐 NoRoot Firewall (works without root, but less stable).

Instructions for NetGuard:

  1. Install NetGuard from Google Play.
  2. Open the application and enable protection (click on shield icon at the bottom of the screen).
  3. Find in the list Software update (or com.sec.android.fotaclient).
  4. Disable access to Wi-Fi and Mobile data (swipe to the left on both switches).
  5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

Now the update application will not be able to connect to the servers Samsung, but will remain in the system. This method is reversible - just allow access to the server again. NetGuard.

💡

Blocking through a firewall is one of the safest methods, since it does not affect system files. However, some updates (for example, critical security patches) can be installed through other services Samsung.

Method 6: Using custom firmware (for advanced)

The most reliable way to get rid of updates forever is install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Evolution X). This will completely replace the stock firmware Samsung with an alternative one, where only you control updates.

Pros of the method:

  • ✅ Full control over updates (you decide when and what to install).
  • ✅ No intrusive services Samsung (like Knox or Bixby).
  • ✅ Performance and battery life are often better.

Cons:

  • ❌ Complicated installation procedure (you need to unlock the bootloader, flash TWRP, make backups).
  • ❌ The risk of the device being "bricked" in case of an error.
  • ❌ Loss of warranty (if the device is new).
  • ❌ Some functions Samsung (for example, Dex or Secure Folder) may not work.

If you decide to take this step, follow the official instructions for your model on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA. Usually the process looks like this:

  1. Unlock the bootloader via OEM Unlock in the developer settings.
  2. Flash custom recovery (TWRP) via Odin.
  3. Make a full backup of the current firmware.
  4. Flash custom firmware and GApps (if Google services are needed).
  5. Configure the system and disable automatic updates in the custom firmware settings.
⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware on devices Samsung s Knox 3.0+ (all models after 2017 year) leads to irreversible activation of the flag Knox (0x1). This means that some functions (for example, Samsung Pay or Secure Folder) will stop working forever, even after returning to stock firmware.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to decide, we have compiled a comparison table of all methods:

Method Difficulty Requires root Reversibility Efficiency Risks
Disable auto downloading ⭐ ❌ No ✅ Yes ⚠️ Partial Minimal
Disable notifications ⭐ ❌ No ✅ Yes ❌ Low No
ADB commands ⭐⭐ ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ High Average (failures are possible)
Removal via root ⭐⭐⭐ ✅ Yes ⚠️ Conditional ✅ Full High (risk bootloop)
Firewall ⭐⭐ ❌ No (but better with root) ✅ Yes ✅ High Low
Custom firmware ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✅ Yes ⚠️ Partial ✅ Full Very high

For most users, the optimal solution will be a combination of methods 1 and 2 (disabling auto-download + blocking notifications). If you are ready for more radical measures, try ADB or Firewall. Custom firmware and deleting system files are recommended only for experienced users who understand the possible consequences.

Frequently asked questions

Can I disable updates on Samsung without a computer?

Yes, methods 1, 2 and 5 (firewall) do not require connection to a PC. Methods 3 (ADB) and. 4 (root) need a computer to execute commands or obtain root access.

Will the phone work normally without updates?

Yes, the phone will work, but problems may arise over time:

  • 🔓 Security vulnerabilities (if you do not install patches).
  • 📱 Incompatibility with new versions of applications (for example, banking applications may require fresh firmware).
  • 🔄 Possible bugs in the operation of some functions (for example, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi).

If you are satisfied with the current firmware version, you can do without updates for years.

How can I get updates back if I change my mind?

It depends on the selected method:

  • For methods 1 and 2: just turn back the settings in the updates or notifications menu.
  • For method 3 (ADB): run command adb shell pm enable com.sec.android.fotaclient.
  • For method 4 (root): restore deleted files from a backup or flash the original firmware.
  • For method 5 (firewall): unblock network access for the application Software update.
  • For method 6 (custom firmware): return to stock firmware via Odin.
Why do they turn on again after disabling updates via ADB?

On devices with One UI 4.0 and later Samsung can automatically reset ADB settings after a reboot or security update. To avoid this:

  1. Use the command with the flag --user 0 (as in the instructions above).
  2. Install application Shizuku + ADB AppControl for more reliable management of system applications.
  3. Try the firewall method (method 5) - it is less prone to resets.
Is it possible to disable updates only for specific applications (for example, Samsung Apps)?

Yes, but this is a separate setting for system applications Samsung (like Galaxy Store or Bixby):

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select the desired application (for example, Galaxy Store).
  3. Click on three dots (⋮) and select Disable automatic updates.

For regular applications from Google Play:

  1. Open Google Play Store.
  2. Go to Settings → Auto-update applications.
  3. Select Never or Only via Wi-Fi.