How to Disable Moto X Pure Edition Automatic App Updates

Right out of the box the new Moto X Pure Edition won’t have too many apps that need to be updated, and that’s because there’s no carrier bloatware or addition app junk like we get from Samsung or other companies. However, after a few months of owning it users will fill it full of apps and games. For those that don’t want to constantly be bothered with update notifications, or want to control what gets updated, here we’ll explain how to manage or disable automatic app updates on the 2015 Moto X.

Motorola’s new smartphone runs stock Android and has hardly any pre-installed apps out of the box, but eventually owners will fill it up. When they do, they’ll be constantly getting notifications for app updates, or they’ll update automatically. We continuously get asked questions about how to disable this, and below we’ll explain how.

Read: 5 Quick Chargers for the Moto X Pure Edition

Those that don’t want the Moto X updating on its own, or rather not be bothered by tons of notifications to update apps on a daily basis have a few easy ways to solve this problem. This is great for iPhone converts or first-time Android owners, and it’s only a few clicks in the Google Play Store settings to change things how you’d like.

By default the Moto X PE will update apps automatically, which is the easiest way to leave things for most, but at the same time, many users want to control what updates and when. This could be to save data and update on WiFi only, or to control what apps actually get updated. The Play Store also adds an icon for new downloads to the homescreen, and we can disable that obnoxious feature in this settings menu as well.

Whether or not you should do this is up to you, and everyone has different wants or preferences. Those that want total control will want to follow the steps below.

Instructions

The settings we’ll be changing here today are in the Google Play Store where you get games, apps, or music. Not on the phone. Navigate to the Google Play Store by tapping the icon on your homescreen, or by finding it in your app tray.

Once in the Google Play Store users can select the top left (3-lines) menu button next to the “Google Play” search bar. From here just scroll down to “Settings” and select that as shown below.

From here users will be in the general settings for the Google Play Store. In this menu the first option listed is “Auto-update apps” and you’ll want to select this. From here select what works best for you. By default it will be set to automatically update apps over Wi-Fi, which is what most users should leave it on. No one wants apps updating while using data, as that will use a full 2-4GB data plan too quick and cause overage fees from a carrier. Instead select “Do not auto-update apps”.

This option means users will constantly be notified in the notification tray that apps need to be updated, rather than just updating on their own. However, this gives owners the control to see what is being updated, check changelogs to know what’s new, and stop updates. I never update Textra, my text message replacement app, as I like an older version than what’s available right now. If auto was enabled, it would update and I’d lose the version I enjoy most.

It’s best to update apps over WiFi to save data, and WiFi is typically faster and will save battery life and time. Then, as we mentioned above, in here you can also uncheck the option that automatically puts icons on the homescreen whenever an app is downloaded. This is nice, but if you download a lot you’ll quickly fill up all those homescreens with icons.

What Should You Choose?

Average smartphone users or those new to Android should just let the smartphone do everything for them. My parents hate getting notifications for updates all the time, so they have it set to auto. Personally, I’d rather control what updates, and look at changelogs and permission requests first, so I have it set to manual.

Owners that use auto-update won’t know what’s new, because they didn’t see the “What’s new” changelog. Users will simply notice changes to popular apps like Facebook, YouTube, or even games you may enjoy.

In the end it’s all about personal preference. Do what fits your needs, what’s easiest for you, and enjoy the new Moto X Pure Edition.