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How to Disable Google Pixel Automatic App Updates

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Right out of the box Google’s new Pixel and Pixel XL are fast and smooth smartphones. Clean of bundled apps or carrier bloatware. However, after a few months of owning it users will fill it full of apps and games. With that in mind, below is a guide on how to manage and disable automatic app updates on the Pixel.

Google’s new phone is one of the best Android smartphones yet. The more we use it the more apps fill up the storage. Owners who don’t want to be bothered with constant app updates typically have a few questions about managing the Google Play Store.

Read: 17 Best Google Pixel Cases

Those that don’t want the Pixel updating on its own, or rather not be bothered by tons of notifications can change these settings. This guide is perfect for iPhone converts or a first-time Android user. Read on for more details on dealing with app updates.

pixel-screenmore

By default the Pixel (and most Android phones) will update apps automatically, which is the easiest way to leave things for most owners. That said, some owners want to control everything. Whether that’s to save data and update on WiFi only, or see and know what is being updated. Also, the Play Store automatically adds an icon for new downloads to the homescreen. That’s one more setting we can quickly disable.

Everyone has different needs, wants, or preferences for settings on a phone. Below we’ll explain where and how to change the Google Play Store to fit your needs.

Instructions

This isn’t an option in settings. Instead we’ll navigate to the actual Google Play Store app on your phone. Labeled as “Play Store” in the app drawer.

Once it’s opened 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.

pixel-store

Now the first option from the list is what we’re looking for. It says to automatically update apps. Tap here, and choose what works best for you. From only updating over WiFi, or do not auto update apps. This is a user preference. Some want everything done for them, others want to see and control everything.

Selecting “Do Not auto-update apps” means users will constantly be notified that updates are available. I chose this to be able to see what’s updating, look at changelogs, and know what’s going on with my device.

Then, as we mentioned above, in here you can also uncheck the option that automatically puts icons on the homescreen.

What Should You Choose?

Average smartphone users or those new to Android should just let the smartphone do everything for them. Some hate getting notifications for updates all the time, if so set it to auto. It’s all about user preference.

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

At the end of the day select what’s best for you, and enjoy. These steps are the same for essentially all Android smartphones and tablets with the Google Play Store.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Bernard

    04/02/2017 at 7:03 am

    I am a new Pixel owner. Sadly was an die hard old school flip phone user. Liked the Google Pixel and seems pretty easy to use. I am getting use to it and like it. Your information was very helpful. Thanks

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