Automatic app updates on iPhone are a helpful feature for many users. They keep apps current with the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes without needing manual approval. However, not everyone wants their apps to update without notice. Some users prefer more control over when updates happen, especially to save mobile data, protect battery life, or avoid unexpected bugs from new versions.

If you’re tired of apps updating on their own, don’t worry. Turning off automatic updates on your iPhone is simple, and this guide will show you how step-by-step.

What Are Automatic App Updates on iPhone?

Automatic app updates are a setting in iOS that allows apps downloaded from the App Store to update automatically in the background. When connected to Wi-Fi, your iPhone checks for available app updates and installs them without notifying you.

By default, most iPhones have automatic updates turned on to make app management easier. But sometimes, users notice apps changing behavior or draining more battery after an update they didn’t expect.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off Automatic Updates

There are several good reasons to disable automatic app updates:

• Save Mobile Data: Even when using Wi-Fi mostly, some updates may sneak through on mobile networks, especially large ones.
• Preserve Battery Life: Background updates use system resources and can cause faster battery drain.
• Avoid Buggy Updates: Sometimes new versions of apps have bugs. Waiting lets you avoid early problems.
• Keep Manual Control: You decide when and if you want to update an app.
• Prevent Updates on Limited Wi-Fi: Not all Wi-Fi connections are unlimited or fast enough for heavy downloads.

Turning off automatic updates gives you full control over your apps.

How to Turn Off Automatic App Updates on iPhone

Follow these simple steps to disable automatic updates:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap App Store.
3. Find the Automatic Downloads section.
4. Turn off the toggle next to App Updates.
5. Close the Settings app — the changes are saved automatically.

Once you turn this off, your apps will stay at their current version until you manually update them.

How to Manually Update Apps After Disabling Auto Updates

After turning off automatic updates, you will need to update your apps manually when needed. Here’s how:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
2. Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Scroll down to the Available Updates section.
4. Tap Update next to an app you want to update, or tap Update All to update everything at once.

Manual updates give you the freedom to decide which apps get updated and when.

What Happens When You Turn Off Automatic App Updates?

When you disable automatic updates, your iPhone will stop checking for new versions of apps in the background. Apps will stay as they are until you manually decide to update them.

While this gives you more control, it also means you must be more responsible about checking for important updates. Missing security patches or new features could expose your device to risks if updates are ignored for too long.

Troubleshooting: What If Settings Don’t Save?

If the automatic app updates toggle turns itself back on, or the settings don’t seem to stick, try these fixes:

• Make sure Low Power Mode is not enabled, as it can interfere with App Store behavior.
• Restart your iPhone after changing settings to refresh system processes.
• Update your iOS to the latest version to fix bugs related to the Settings app.

If problems continue, resetting network settings might also help, but usually, the above steps work.

Bonus: How to Turn Off Automatic iOS Updates

If you’re turning off app updates, you might also want to disable automatic iOS updates. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General, then Software Update.
3. Tap Automatic Updates.
4. Turn off Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates.

This way, your iPhone won’t download or install system updates without your permission either.

How to Manage Data Usage Without Turning Off Updates

If you only want to control updates on mobile data but still allow them over Wi-Fi, you can tweak the settings instead of fully disabling automatic updates:

• Go to Settings > App Store.
• Under Cellular Data, turn off Automatic Downloads.
• Leave Wi-Fi updates enabled if you want background updates only when connected to a secure network.

This setup lets you enjoy automatic updates without worrying about mobile data overages.

Conclusion

Turning off automatic app updates on iPhone is quick and gives you full control over your apps. You can save data, extend battery life, and prevent unwanted app changes by following the simple steps outlined here. Just remember to check the App Store manually from time to time to stay current and safe.

If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with friends or leave a comment below with any questions or tips you might have!