Android · System
Set which networks can download large app updates
Determines whether the Play Store is allowed to download large app installations and updates over mobile data, Wi-Fi only, or asks each time for files above a certain size.
How to open App Download Network Preference
- Open the Play Store app
- Tap your profile icon → Settings → Network preferences
- Tap 'App download preference'
- Choose Over any network, Over Wi-Fi only, or Ask me every time
What you should know
- Configurable separately for app downloads versus updates in some Play Store versions
- Can be set to always ask before large downloads over mobile data
- Helps avoid unexpected data charges from large game or app installs
- Located in Play Store → Settings → Network preferences
Why it matters
Modern apps, particularly games, can be several gigabytes in size, and downloading them over mobile data without restriction can quickly consume a monthly data allowance or incur overage charges. This preference gives users direct control over when large data transfers are allowed to happen, which is especially valuable for users on metered, capped, or expensive mobile data plans. It complements the auto-update setting by specifically addressing the download size threshold rather than just the auto-update toggle.
Best practices
- Set large downloads to Wi-Fi only if your mobile plan has a low data cap
- Use the 'ask every time' option if you occasionally need large downloads on the go
- Review this setting before traveling internationally where mobile data may be expensive
Common problems and fixes
- A large app download is stuck pending
- Check if it's waiting for a Wi-Fi connection due to this network preference, and connect to Wi-Fi to resume.
- Unexpected mobile data usage from app downloads
- Switch the network preference to Wi-Fi only or ask-each-time to prevent future large downloads over cellular.
- Setting doesn't apply to a specific app install
- Some smaller apps fall below the size threshold and download regardless of network preference.
Tips and tricks
- Queue large game downloads while connected to home Wi-Fi overnight
- Check your carrier's data usage dashboard periodically if you frequently allow downloads over mobile data
Frequently asked questions
Does this affect app updates as well as new installs?
Yes, on many Play Store versions this preference applies to both new app downloads and subsequent updates.
What size threshold triggers this restriction?
The exact threshold can vary by Play Store version, but it generally applies to larger app packages rather than small updates.
Can I override the restriction for a single download?
Yes, when prompted you can typically choose to proceed over mobile data for that specific download.
Related settings
- Auto-update Apps SettingConfigures whether apps installed from the Play Store update automatically, and under what network conditions, so new versions install without manual action.
- Google Play System UpdateGoogle Play system update (Project Mainline) delivers security and consistency fixes to core Android components through the Play Store itself, letting Google patch critical system modules on a monthly cadence without waiting for a full manufacturer OS update.
- Storage & CleanupStorage settings show a breakdown of what's using space on your device — apps, photos, videos, and cached data — and offer one-tap tools to clear space safely.
More System guides for Android
- System UpdateSystem Update keeps Android current with the latest security patches and features. Google and your device manufacturer regularly release updates that improve performance and close security gaps.
- BatteryBattery settings show a breakdown of what's draining your charge, offer a Battery Saver mode to stretch remaining power, and let you restrict background activity for specific apps. A built-in health estimate also indicates how much capacity your battery has lost over time.
- Security Patch LevelThe security patch level shows the exact month a device's known vulnerability fixes were last updated — a separate, more frequent indicator than the overall Android version number.
- Carrier Software UpdatesCarrier software updates deliver network-specific fixes — like updated cellular radio firmware, VoLTE/Wi-Fi calling profiles, or APN settings — separately from the general Android operating-system update process.
- Manual Check for System UpdateLets you trigger an immediate check with Google or your carrier's update servers to see if a new Android OS version or patch is available, rather than waiting for an automatic notification.
- Scheduled System Update InstallsLets a downloaded system update install automatically overnight or at a chosen time instead of immediately, so the required restart doesn't interrupt active use of the phone.