Android · System
Control automatic app updates from Play Store
Configures whether apps installed from the Play Store update automatically, and under what network conditions, so new versions install without manual action.
How to open Auto-update Apps Setting
- Open the Play Store app
- Tap your profile icon → Settings → Network preferences
- Tap 'Auto-update apps'
- Choose Over any network, Over Wi-Fi only, or Don't auto-update apps
What you should know
- Options typically include auto-update over any network, Wi-Fi only, or never
- Applies globally, with the ability to disable auto-update for individual apps
- Updates usually install in the background when the device is idle and charging
- Found in the Play Store app under Settings → Network preferences
Why it matters
Automatic app updates keep apps patched against security vulnerabilities and bugs without requiring users to remember to check manually, which is important since outdated apps are a common attack vector. At the same time, unrestricted auto-updates over mobile data can consume significant cellular data allowances, making the network preference choice meaningful for users on limited plans. This setting lets each user balance staying current against controlling data usage and update timing.
Best practices
- Set auto-update to Wi-Fi only if you have a limited mobile data plan
- Leave auto-update enabled for security-sensitive apps like browsers and banking apps
- Disable auto-update for specific apps where you want to control version changes manually
- Periodically check for manual updates if auto-update is fully disabled
Common problems and fixes
- Apps use unexpected mobile data for updates
- Change the network preference to Wi-Fi only in Play Store settings.
- An app didn't update despite auto-update being enabled
- Check if auto-update was individually disabled for that app on its Play Store listing page.
- Updates only happen very late at night
- This is expected, since updates are often scheduled for idle, charging periods to minimize disruption.
Tips and tricks
- Check the Play Store's 'Manage apps & device' section to see which updates are pending
- Use Wi-Fi only mode while traveling internationally to avoid roaming data charges from updates
Frequently asked questions
Does disabling auto-update stop security patches for apps?
Yes, apps won't receive new versions, including security fixes, until manually updated.
Can I auto-update some apps but not others?
Yes, individual apps can be excluded from auto-update on their Play Store page even with the global setting on.
Do system updates use this same setting?
No, this only controls app updates through Play Store; OS-level system updates are managed separately.
Related settings
- 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.
- App Download Network PreferenceDetermines 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.
- 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.
More System guides for Android
- 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.
- Baseband & Firmware Version InfoShows the baseband (modem/radio firmware) version and other low-level firmware identifiers separate from the main Android OS version, useful for diagnosing connectivity issues.