Auto-updating only certain apps on your device can help manage storage and data usage while keeping essential apps up-to-date. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to selectively auto-update apps on Android and iOS devices, ensuring you maintain control over your app updates.
How to Auto Update Only Certain Apps on Android?
On Android devices, you can manage app updates through the Google Play Store. Follow these steps to auto-update specific apps:
- Open Google Play Store: Launch the Google Play Store app on your device.
- Navigate to "My Apps & Games": Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Manage apps & device."
- Select "Manage" Tab: Go to the "Manage" tab to view all installed apps.
- Choose the App: Find the app you want to auto-update and tap on it.
- Enable Auto-Update: Tap on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the app’s page and check "Enable auto-update."
By following these steps, you ensure only the selected apps receive automatic updates, conserving data and storage.
How to Auto Update Only Certain Apps on iOS?
For iOS users, the process is slightly different as iOS doesn’t allow selective auto-updates directly through the App Store settings. However, you can control which apps update by managing app settings:
- Open Settings: Go to your device’s "Settings" app.
- Tap on "App Store": Scroll down and select "App Store."
- Disable Automatic Updates: Turn off "App Updates" to prevent all apps from auto-updating.
- Manually Update Selected Apps: Go to the App Store, tap your profile icon, and manually update the apps you want.
While iOS doesn’t offer direct selective auto-update, this method gives you control over which apps receive updates.
Why Auto Update Only Certain Apps?
Auto-updating certain apps can be beneficial for several reasons:
- Data Usage Management: Automatic updates can consume a significant amount of mobile data. By selecting only essential apps for auto-updates, you can manage your data usage effectively.
- Storage Optimization: Some apps have large updates that can quickly fill up device storage. Selectively updating apps helps maintain available storage space.
- App Stability: Occasionally, updates can introduce bugs. By controlling updates, you can ensure only critical apps are updated immediately.
People Also Ask
How do I stop auto-updating apps on Android?
To stop apps from auto-updating on Android, open the Google Play Store, go to "Settings," and select "Network preferences." Tap on "Auto-update apps" and choose "Don’t auto-update apps."
Can I set specific apps to auto-update on Wi-Fi only?
Yes, on Android, you can set apps to auto-update over Wi-Fi only. In the Google Play Store, go to "Settings," select "Network preferences," and choose "Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only."
How do I manually update apps on iOS?
To manually update apps on iOS, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, scroll down to see pending updates, and tap "Update" next to each app you want to update.
What are the benefits of auto-updating apps?
Auto-updating apps ensure you have the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes, enhancing app performance and security.
How can I check which apps have automatic updates enabled on Android?
In the Google Play Store, go to "Manage apps & device," select the "Manage" tab, and check each app’s settings to see if auto-update is enabled.
Conclusion
Auto-updating only certain apps allows you to maintain control over your device’s data usage and storage while keeping essential apps current. Whether you’re using Android or iOS, understanding how to manage app updates effectively can enhance your device’s performance and longevity. For more tips on app management, explore our guides on optimizing device storage and improving app performance.
