Automatic update of applications on Android 8.0 Oreo is a useful feature for most users, but not for everyone. Someone wants to save traffic, someone avoids bugs in new versions, and for others it is simply important to control every megabyte on the device. In this article we will look at all possible ways to disable updates - from standard settings Google Play to system tricks for experienced users.

The peculiarity Android 8 is that the classic settings are still saved here, which were simplified or hidden in newer versions. This gives more flexibility, but requires knowledge of the nuances. We will consider not only disabling updates through the app store, but also blocking background activity, limiting rights for individual apps, as well as radical methods for those who are willing to sacrifice convenience for complete control.

It is important to understand: some methods may affect system stability or security. For example, disabling updates for Google Services Framework may lead to service failures. Google. Therefore, before making changes, we recommend weighing the pros and cons.

1. Standard disabling of updates in Google Play

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in settings Play Market. This method works for 90% of users and does not require administrator rights or technical knowledge. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open the application Google Play Market.
  2. Tap on the profile icon (or three horizontal lines in older versions) in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Settings → Auto-update apps.
  4. Click Don't update apps automatically.

This method disables automatic updates for all applications, but you can update them manually as needed. Please note: on some firmware (for example MIUI or EMUI) the path to the settings may be slightly different.

Open Google Play Store|Go to Settings|Select "Auto-update applications"|Set "Do not update" automatically"-->

If after these steps the applications are still updated, check:

  • 🔄 Play Store Cache — sometimes a data failure leads to settings being ignored. Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Google Play Store → Storage → Clear cache.
  • 📶 Connecting to Wi-Fi —some firmware ignores auto-update settings if the device is connected to a “reliable” network.
  • 🔒 Administrator rights —if your device has apps installed to manage updates (for example, App Manager), they may override Play Store settings.
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If you want to disable auto-updates for specific apps only, go to page applications in the Play Store, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and uncheck "Auto-update".

2. Blocking updates through Google account settings

A less known but effective way is to manage updates through your account settings Google. This method works even if the standard Play Store settings are ignored by the system. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google.
  2. Select your account (if there are several).
  3. Tap Google account management - a browser with a web version will open settings.
  4. Go to the tab Security → Application settings → Device management.
  5. Find your device in the list and click Manage updates.
  6. Disable the option Automatic application updates.

This method is especially useful if you have installed corporate policies (for example, through Android Enterprise), which block changing settings directly on the device. Here you can also see a list of applications that have been recently updated, and roll them back if necessary.

Why can updates continue after being disabled?

Sometimes Google services (for example, Google Play Services) have their own update mechanisms that do not depend on the Play Store settings. In this case, only disabling background activity for these services or using the methods from the following sections will help.

Limitation of this method:

  • ⚙️ Does not work on all firmware (for example, on some devices Samsung c One UI this option may missing).
  • 🔄 Changes may be reset after rebooting the device if synchronization with Google servers is active.
  • 📱 Does not affect system application updates (for example, Google Chrome or YouTubethat are updated via Google Play System Updates).

3. Disabling background activity for Google Play and services

If the previous methods did not work, you can take a radical route - limit background activity for Google Play Store and related services. This will not only block automatic updates, but will also reduce battery consumption. However, be prepared for the fact that some functions (for example, update notifications) will stop working.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications and notifications → Show all application.
  2. Find Google Play Market and open its settings.
  3. Select Battery → Background activity.
  4. Disable the option Allow background activity.
  5. Repeat steps 2–4 for applications:
    • Google Play Services
    • Google Services Framework
    • Google Play Downloader (com.google.android.packageinstaller)

Important: disabling background activity for Google Play Services may cause problems with Google services, including Push notifications, geolocation and authorization in applications. If after these steps you no longer receive notifications from Gmail or YouTube, return the settings back.

Save traffic|Avoid bugs in new versions|Control changes in applications|Increase battery life|Other-->

An alternative option is to limit Internet access for Google Play Store:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Google Play Store → Mobile data.
  2. Disable Background data and Data transfer.
  3. For reliability, repeat the same in the section Wi-Fi.

This won't block updates completely (you can still update apps manually), but it will prevent updates from automatically downloading in the background.

4. Using ADB to block updates (for experienced)

If you are ready to use developer tools, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) will allow you to block updates at the system level. This method is suitable for users who want to completely prohibit changes in certain applications, including system ones.

Before you start, make sure that:

  • 🔧 ADB drivers are installed on your PC data-i="136">📱 Enabled on the smartphone and utility adb.
  • 📱 Enabled on the smartphone USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging).
  • 🔌 The device is connected to the PC via cable (wireless debugging is not suitable for this command).

To block updates for a specific application (for example, YouTube), run in command line:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.youtube

Replace com.google.android.youtube with the package identifier of the desired application. To find the ID:

  1. Install the application App Inspector from the Play Store.
  2. Open it and find the desired application in the list.
  3. Copy the value from the field Package Name.

To unlock updates, use command:

adb shell pm enable com.google.android.youtube
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The ADB method blocks not only updates, but also the operation of the application. If you only need to prevent updates, but leave the application working, use the following method.

Method limitations:

  • 🔄 After resetting the settings or updating the firmware, the blocking will be removed.
  • 🛠️ Requires developer rights and may disrupt the operation of some system systems functions.
  • 📱 Does not work on devices with a locked bootloader (for example, most smartphones Samsung or Xiaomi with stock firmware).

5. Uninstalling updates for system applications

Some applications (for example, Google Chrome, Gmail or YouTube) are system applications and are updated via Google Play System Updates. They cannot be completely removed, but they can be rolled back to the factory version, which will block further updates until you allow them manually.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings → Apps and notifications → Show all apps.
  2. Find a system application (for example, YouTube) and open its page.
  3. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Uninstall updates.
  4. Confirm the action.

After this:

  • ✅ The application will return to the factory version.
  • ❌ Automatic updates for it will be blocked (but you can update it manually).
  • ⚠️ Some functions may not work correctly if the application is very outdated.

For reliability, you can additionally:

  1. Disable auto-updates for this application in the Play Store (as described in the first section).
  2. Block Internet access for the application (in settings Mobile data and Wi-Fi).
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tachyon

Be careful: deleting system applications can lead to unstable operation of the device!-->

6. Using third-party tools (root access)

If you have root access, you can use specialized tools for complete control over updates. This method is suitable for experienced users, as it requires. modification of system files.

Popular tools:

  • 🛠️ Titanium Backup —allows you to “freeze” applications, blocking any changes, including updates.
  • 🔧 Lucky Patcher —can remove built-in updates and block their installation (security risk).
  • 📦 AppOps —manages system-level permissions, including installation access packages.

Usage example Titanium Backup:

  1. Install and open the application, provide root access.
  2. Find the desired application in the list.
  3. Tap on it and select Freeze!.
  4. Confirm the action.

"Freezing" an application makes it invisible to the system, but does not delete it. This is safer than deleting it completely, as the application can be easily unfrozen. However, be careful:

⚠️ Attention: Freezing system applications (for example, Google Play Services) can lead to bootloop (loopy reboot of the device). Before experiments, create a backup via TWRP or another custom recovery.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔒 Full control over updates, including system applications.
  • 🔄 Ability to roll back to the factory version in one click.
  • 📱 Works even on outdated firmware, where other methods are useless.

Disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Risk of disrupting system stability.
  • 🔧 Requires root access, which voids the warranty and can complicate receiving OTA updates.
  • 🛡️ Increases the device's vulnerability to malware (if unofficial firmware is used).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To It was easier for you to decide, we have collected the key characteristics of each method in the table:

Method Complexity Do you need root access? Blocks system updates? Risk to stability Reversibility
Google Play settings ⭐ ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes
Google account settings ⭐⭐ ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes
Limitation of background activity ⭐⭐ ❌ No ❌ Partially ⚠️ Average ✅ Yes
ADB commands ⭐⭐⭐ ❌ No ✅ Yes ⚠️ Average ✅ Yes
Removing updates ⭐⭐ ❌ No ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Yes
Third-party tools (root) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ⚠️⚠️ High ✅ Yes

For most users, the first two methods are sufficient. If you need to block updates for system applications, try ADB or uninstalling updates. Root methods should be used only as a last resort if other methods have not worked.

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after disabling auto-updates, users encounter unexpected difficulties. Let's look at the most common of them:

Problem 1: Applications are updated despite the settings being disabled.

Solution:

  • Check whether they are installed on the device MDM policies (management of mobile devices through an employer or educational institution).
  • Clear cache and data Google Play Store and Google Services Framework.
  • Try disabling synchronization with your Google account in the device settings.

Problem 2: After rolling back the system application, it is automatically updated when connected to Wi-Fi.

Solution:

  • Block Internet access for this application in the settings Mobile data and Wi-Fi.
  • Use ADBto disable the application for the current user (as described in section 4).
  • Install firewall application (for example, NetGuard) and block network activity for this package.

Problem 3: I can’t find auto-update settings in the Play Store.

Solution:

  • Update Google Play Market to the latest version.
  • Check whether the settings are hidden due to mode for children or corporate policy.
  • Try to open the settings through the web version of the Play Store (play.google.com/settings) in the browser.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme or FuntouchOS from Vivo) manufacturers modify Google Play settings. If standard methods do not work, refer to your device's documentation or use alternative methods from this article.
Is it possible to disable updates only for individual applications?

Yes. To do this, open the application page in Google Play Store, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and uncheck Auto-update. You can also block updates via ADB or roll back the application to the factory version (for system applications).

What happens if you disable updates for Google Play Services?

This may lead to service failures Google, including:

  • Stopping Push notifications (for example, from Gmail or YouTube).
  • Problems with geolocation and maps Google Maps.
  • Inability to authorize in some applications.

If you still want to limit updates for this component, use the method with limiting background activity (section 3), but do not disable it completely.

How to return auto-updates after disconnect?

To enable automatic updating again:

  1. Open Google Play Store.
  2. Go to Settings → Automatic application update.
  3. Select Auto-update at any time or Only via Wi-Fi.

If you used ADB or root tools, execute the reverse commands (for example, adb shell pm enable to unlock the application).

Why did auto updates turn on again after resetting?

When resetting to factory settings, all user configurations (including settings Google Play) are returned to default values. To avoid this:

  • Create a backup copy of the settings via Titanium Backup (root required).
  • Use ADB to apply the settings automatically after a reset.
  • Record the sequence of actions and repeat the settings manually.
Is it possible to disable updates for all users on the device (if there are several of them)?

Yes, but for this you will need root access or ADB. Standard settings Google Play apply only to the current user. To block updates globally:

  1. Use Titanium Backup to freeze applications for all users.
  2. Or run an ADB command specifying all users (for example, for the user 10: adb shell pm disable-user --user 10 com.android.vending).

Be careful: this may disrupt the operation of other users' profiles.