Automatic updating of applications on Android is a convenient feature that ensures apps are up to date and secure. But what if you want to control this process? You may have noticed that background updates drain your battery, or even at the wrong time. For example, before an important call or during a game. eat up mobile traffic, drain the battery or even slow down the device at the wrong moment. For example, before an important call or during a game.

In this article we will look at all the available ways to disable auto-updates - from standard settings Google Play to hidden system parameters. You'll learn how to block updates for individual applications, how to control the process via ADB, and what to do if the settings are reset after a reboot. And also - why do some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Samsung) hide these options in non-obvious menus?.

Why should you disable auto-updates of applications?

At first glance, automatic updates seem harmless. But there are several good reasons to take control into your own hands:

  • 📉 Saving traffic: Updates can weigh hundreds of megabytes. If you have a limited tariff, this will quickly exhaust the limit.
  • 🔋 Battery conservation: Background activity Google Play Services and downloading updates drain the battery.
  • 🐢 Device performance: On weak smartphones (for example, Redmi 5A or Samsung Galaxy J2) simultaneous updating of several applications can cause lags.
  • 🔒 Version control: Some updates break functionality or change the interface (as happened in WhatsApp in 2023).

In addition, if you use modding (for example, Magisk or Xposed), automatic updating of system applications can lead to loss root access or failures in the firmware.

📊 How often do you update applications manually?
Every week
Once a month
Only with critical bugs
I never update

Method 1: Disabling auto-updates in Google Play

The simplest and most universal method is to use settings Google Play Market. It works on all devices, regardless of Android version (from Android 5.0 Lollipop to Android 14).

  1. Open the application Google Play Store.
  2. Tap on profile avatar in the top right corner.
  3. Select Settings → Network settings → Auto-update applications.
  4. Set value Do not update automatically.

If you want to allow updates only via Wi-Fi, select the appropriate option. Please note: on some devices (for example, Huawei without Google services) this path may differ.

☑️ Checking Google Play settings

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⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with employer profiles (for example, through Android Enterprise), the administrator can block changes to these settings. In this case, you will need to contact the IT department.

Method 2: Blocking updates for individual applications

Sometimes you need to block auto-updates only for specific apps - for example, for Facebookwhich is known for its "appetite" for resources. You can do this directly in Google Play:

  1. Find the application in Play Market (via search).
  2. Click on three points in the upper right corner of the application page.
  3. Uncheck the item Auto-update.

This method is convenient if you want to leave auto-update for most apps, but exclude a few "gluttonous" ones. For example, TikTok or Instagram are frequently updated without good reason.

Application Average update size Recommendation
Facebook 50–150 MB Disable auto-update
Google Chrome 30–80 MB Update only via Wi-Fi
WhatsApp 10–40 MB Leave auto-update
Games (PUBG, Genshin Impact) 100 MB–1 GB Disable auto-update
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If you often reinstall applications, use the service APKMirror to download old versions. This will help avoid forced updates.

Method 3: Disabling background Google Play activity

Even if you have disabled auto-updates in the settings, Google Play Services can continue to check for updates in the background. To completely stop this activity:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Google Play Market.
  2. Select Mobile traffic and disable Background data.
  3. Go back and tap Battery → Battery optimization.
  4. Find Google Play Market in the list and select Optimize.

On some firmware (for example, MIUI or ColorOS) the path may look different: Settings → Battery → Power saving mode → Applications without restrictions — here you need remove Play Store from exceptions.

⚠️ Attention: Completely disabling background activity may lead to delays in receiving notifications about new versions of applications. You will have to check for updates manually.

Method 4: Using ADB for deep shutdown

If standard methods do not work (for example, on corporate devices or smartphones with custom firmware), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting to a PC and enabling USB debugging.

Here are step-by-step guide:

  1. Install ADB Tools on your computer (you can download from the official site Android Developers).
  2. Enable Developer mode on the phone: go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times.
  3. Go back in Settings → System → For Developers and activate USB Debugging.
  4. Connect the phone to the PC and run in the command line: 
    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.vending

    This command will disable Google Play Market for the current user.

To return everything back, use: 

adb shell pm enable com.android.vending

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

Make sure that the drivers for your smartphone model are installed. On Windows, try using the app Zadig to replace the driver with libusb or WinUSB. On macOS/Linux, you may need to add rules for udev.

Method 5: Block via firewall (without root)

If you do not have rights root, but you want to completely block access Google Play to the Internet, you can use firewall applications such as NetGuard or NoRoot Firewall. They allow you to limit the network activity of individual applications without making deep changes to the system.

Instructions for NetGuard:

  1. Install NetGuard from Google Play or F-Droid.
  2. Open the application and find it in the list Google Play Store and Google Play Services.
  3. Disable the switches for Wi-Fi and mobile data.
  4. Save the settings and restart the device.

This method is effective, but has a side effect: you will not be able to install new applications or update them manually while the firewall is active. To temporarily unblock access, just disable restrictions in NetGuard.

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Firewall is the only way to completely block background Google Play activity without root access, but it requires manual control.

What to do if the settings are reset?

Some users are faced with the fact that after rebooting or updating the system, auto-update settings are reset. This is due to policies Google or firmware features (for example, on Samsung One UI or Xiaomi MIUI).

Here are some solutions:

  • 🔄 Use Tasker: Automate the repeated disabling of auto-updates after a reboot. This requires basic knowledge of working with Tasker or MacroDroid.
  • 📱 Install an alternative store: For example, Aurora Store (open source). It allows you to flexibly configure updates and does not depend on Google policies.
  • 🔧 Disable battery optimization for Play Store: Sometimes the system resets settings due to "optimization". Try adding Google Play to exceptions.

If the problem persists, check if it is installed on your device parental control application (for example Family Link or Kaspersky Safe Kids). Such apps can force auto-updates.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about auto-updating applications

You can Is it possible to disable auto-update for system applications?

Yes, but this requires root access or use ADB. System applications (for example, Google Chrome or YouTube) are often updated via Google Play, and they can be blocked in the same ways as regular apps. However, on some devices (for example Huawei or Xiaomi) system updates can be installed through proprietary services - in this case you will need to disable them separately.

Will the Play Store work after disabling auto updates?

Yes, Google Play Market will continue to function. You can manually check and install updates, download new applications and purchase content. The only limitation is the lack of background checks for updates.

How to find out which applications were updated automatically?

Go to Google Play → Profile → Manage applications and device → Updates. The history of recent updates is displayed here. You can also use monitor applications, such as AppOps or Network Logto monitor network activity Google Play.

Is it possible to roll back an application update after auto-update?

Yes, but this will require:

  1. Delete the current version of the application.
  2. Download the APK of the old version from a trusted source (for example, APKMirror).
  3. Disable auto-update for this application in Google Play.
  4. Install the downloaded APK manually (allowing installation from unknown sources).

Please note that rolling back may lead to compatibility or security issues, especially for system applications.

Why are some applications updated despite the ban?

This may happen for several reasons reasons:

  • The application is system and is updated through the manufacturer's proprietary services (for example, Samsung Galaxy Store or Xiaomi GetApps).
  • Installed on the device application for managing the device (for example, Device Policy Controller in corporate smartphones).
  • Happened reset settings after a firmware update.

In such cases, try disabling auto-updates in alternative stores or refer to the instructions for your smartphone model.