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How to Disable Galaxy S8 Automatic App Updates

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If you don’t want to be bothered by daily notifications or want to control what apps actually get updated, this guide will explain how to disable automatic app updates on the Galaxy S8.

When you unbox the Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+ it will have multiple apps that need to be updated on the Google Play Store. Then, in the weeks and months following your first days with it, more updates will surface.

There are multiple reasons to manually control updates on your smartphone. Turning off automatic updates can help the Galaxy S8 use less mobile data. It can show users what changes are included in each update. It can also help keep the phone’s notification center organized.

How to Disable Galaxy S8 Automatic App Updates

There are two stores on the Galaxy S8 that will update apps without notice. The Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Apps. We can quickly manage and disable automatic updates on both platforms.

Google Play Store Instructions

  • Find and open the Google Play Store from your home screen or app tray
  • Tap the top left (3-lines) menu button where it says “Google Play”
  • Select Settings from the slide-out menu
  • Under General settings click Auto-update apps
  • Now select one of the three options

Galaxy S8 owners can decide between do not auto-update apps, auto-update apps at any time (enabled by default) or auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only. Choose the option that works best for you.

Having apps update at any time can quickly use up mobile data, which can be a big problem if you’re on a limited data plan. Not to mention you won’t be aware of any potential changes. If that’s not a concern and you want to get rid of the notifications, select to update apps over Wi-Fi only.

While you’re in the Google Play Store settings menu, the second setting automatically adds app icons to the home screen after downloads. Uncheck the box to turn this off and keep your phone clean and organized.

Disable Galaxy Apps Automatic App Updates on Galaxy S8

Users will notice some apps still update on their own after following the steps above. That’s because a second app store is installed by Samsung to manage pre-installed apps and special features on the Galaxy S8. Like the Always-on display, Edge apps panel, Samsung’s browser, and add-on camera features. We need to disable automatic app updates here too. It’s worth noting that some carrier versions may not have the Galaxy Apps Store, like Verizon.

Instructions

  • Find and open Galaxy Apps in the app tray
  • Tap the (3-lines) menu button near the top right of the screen
  • Select Settings from the pop-up menu
  • Click the first option labeled Auto-update apps
  • Now select Turn Off or choose another option

Out of the box, the Galaxy App store only updates applications while on Wi-Fi so data usage isn’t a concern. Those that select whenever available will see app updates at any moment, and it will use your data plan. Turn off auto-update apps to have full control over your device.

Other Details

By disabling this option on both app stores you will get notifications almost daily that apps need to be updated, which can also be frustrating. You need to choose between constant notifications or apps updating on their own. If so, follow the same steps above and turn automatic updates back on. We recommend settings both to update over Wi-Fi only, to ensure you don’t use your monthly data limit from carriers like Verizon or AT&T.

Keep in mind that if you enable auto-update you won’t know what’s new, or changing in your favorite apps. You’ll simply notice changes to popular apps like Facebook, YouTube, or even games you enjoy. It’s all a personal preference, so choose what works best for you.

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Tracey Taylor

    08/19/2017 at 5:06 am

    Thank you for that info. I hadn’t realised there was a Galaxy app upate option too so thank you. I much prefer to see the updates before accepting them as I like to see the comments people have made as so often you see ‘It was fine until the last update ‘. Happy now cheers!

  2. Virginia Smith

    01/30/2018 at 7:26 pm

    Thank you. Do you do other problems, too?

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