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How to Disable Galaxy S5 Automatic App Updates

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When it comes to using a smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy S5 there are tons of features, options, advanced controls and more, and sometimes it can get a bit confusing. For those new to Android, something as simple as enabling (or disabling) apps from updating automatically can be a challenge.

For those with a new Samsung Galaxy S5 that don’t want to be bothered every few days with a notification to update applications on the Google Play Store, you can simply set them to auto-update. On the flipside, many user want total control, so here we’ll go over how to enable, or disable automatic app updates.

Read: How to Take a Screenshot on the Galaxy S5

If you hate being bothered by tons of notifications to update apps on your Galaxy S5 there’s an easy way to solve the problem. The Google Play Store has a few simple and easy to find settings to do this, but if you’re new, we’ll go through the detailed instructions below.

Screen Shot 2014-09-17 at 1.05.33 PM

It is extremely easy to set up the Samsung Galaxy S5 to update all your apps automatically, without any interaction from you. Users can even set it to update over WiFi only, to save the limited data they may have on any carrier plans as well. Whether or not you should do this is up to you, and here’s how.

Instructions

This is a setting that isn’t in the Galaxy S5 system or phone settings, and instead has everything to do with the Google Play Store where you get games, apps, or music. Simply head to the Google Play Store by tapping the icon on your homescreen, or by finding it in your application tray.

Once you’re in the Google Play Store users will need to tap the top left (3-lines) menu button next to the “Play Store” writing. This retrieves a slide-out settings menu from the left, and this is where you’ll head to settings for the Google Play Store. Tap the slide-out menu, then select “Settings” from the list of options.

GS5-appupdates

From here you’ll instantly see where you need to go. Under the General settings you’ll see the second option listed is “Auto-update apps” and you’ll want to select this. You’ll then see a popup appear with three options. Likely it’s set to automatically update apps, which is nice, but if you want to disable that you can do so here as well.

Simply tap to select “Do not auto-update apps” and you’ll have to manually update apps moving forward. However, this means you’ll constantly get notifications that new apps need to be updated, and it won’t do it automatically. I prefer to control what apps update, and when, so this is the setting I use.

Screenshot_2014-09-17-13-02-21

You’ll also notice an option to auto-update apps whenever, no matter what connection you’re using. This will use your 1, 2, or 5GB data plan, and could have you reaching your limits if you download music, movies, or big games. This confirms data charges may apply, so you’d probably want to set it for WiFi only. That is, unless you don’t have WiFi access.

It’s best to update apps over WiFi to save data, not to mention many home internet connections or WiFi spots have faster speeds than your smartphone.

What Should You Choose?

Casual smartphone users or those new to Android may just want to let the smartphone do everything for them. I know my parents hate getting notifications for updates all the time, so they have it set to auto. I’d rather control what update, and look at changelogs and permission requests, so I do it all manually.

If you use auto-update you won’t know what’s new, because you didn’t read it when updating the app. You’ll just notice changes to popular apps like Facebook, YouTube, or even games you may play.

In the end it’s all about personal preference. How much time you want to spend messing with apps and manually updating apps, or just let your phone do all the work for you. Select what’s best for you, and change it as you see fit.

11 Comments

11 Comments

  1. kai

    02/23/2015 at 8:13 am

    The stupid thing still auto updates even with the ‘do not auto update’ option selected. It’s really bothering me coz it’s the apps I don’t even use with gets auto updated. Argh. What do I do then?

  2. Brian

    03/07/2015 at 11:12 am

    Yes I have auto update switched to off also and it is ignored and updates everything I don’t want when I turn wi-fi on.

  3. Samsung and Google Suck

    03/27/2015 at 4:33 pm

    I agree. They auto update, track, etc whenever they want. Google is soooo invasive cannot wait to switch to iPhone only to get away from these companies. Never had an apple product but they don’t seem to have to know you’re every move, I could be wrong.

  4. Samsung and Google Suck

    03/27/2015 at 4:34 pm

    your

  5. hales

    06/21/2015 at 11:23 am

    im so glad I switched to iPhone I never have these problems anymore

  6. Gurjeet

    08/01/2015 at 10:05 am

    For Samsung galaxy devices there are two places to download install apps. First is Google app store and stopping updates is written above. Second is normal go to apps from home screen and find “galaxy apps”
    and open it, in menu go to settings and make second option auto update “turn off”. Read other options too and turn on off accordingly.
    First of all one should understand Google’s android is running on 270 or more different cell models unlike apple’s OS running on 3-4 models. Point is when major companies( Samsung HTC) use android for their devices they don’t use stock android( one that’s found on nexus series), they put their own designed android. So in case of Samsung we have regular Google store plus additional Galaxy apps store which has apps designed specifically for that model. So turn off auto updates from just Google play store if your phone has stock android with no company mods (like nexus). and in case of other branded phones turn off from Google play store & Galaxy apps. Sorry to say people who are not even little tech savvy, turn down Samsung and run for iPhones.

    • KC

      04/13/2016 at 12:51 pm

      The Galaxy apps are set up slightly different. There are two items: Auto update Samsung Galaxy Apps and Auto update apps. The Auto Update Samsung Galaxy apps only give you two choices; Whenever available or Via Wi-Fi Only. The Auto update apps gives you three choices; Turn off, Via Wi-Fi only, and whenever available.
      I switched the first one to Via WiFi and the Second one to Turn Off. Along with the change in Google play store I hope this turns off all the auto updates. It is draining my data every month. I have a S5 now, I use to have a Note and I have the same amount of data. When I had my note I didn’t even use all my data, my S5 uses all the data in 5 days and I am sure it is because of all the auto update settings. Wish me luck! :)

  7. Soozie

    09/29/2015 at 10:30 pm

    Thanks Gurjeet and Cory. Hopefully that will save all of my data allowance getting gobbled up in a few days.

  8. Gwen

    11/12/2015 at 4:54 am

    The stupid thing still auto updates even with the ‘do not auto update’ option selected. It’s really bothering me because it’s the apps I don’t even use which gets auto updated and then it puts them pack on the device instead of leaving them on the SC Card “WHERE I WANT THEN”.
    Argh. What do I do then?
    I agree. They auto update, track, etc whenever they want. Google is soooo invasive, iPhone is looking better and better to get away from these invasive companies that don’t even stand behind their product.

  9. Luke Constantino Remax At The Slope

    11/16/2015 at 4:44 am

    I’m almost positive the auto updates are for apps to get out information on usage, location, etc. WHAT APP NEEDS TO UPDATE EVERYDAY?!?!?! Come on… lets get real.

  10. Richard

    04/17/2016 at 4:33 pm

    Us sheep( customers) are only looked at as meat
    (Profit) and Sheep cant talk (potential ideas to boost profit.) We are the commodity.

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