This guide explains how to disable automatic app updates on the Galaxy Note 8 and why you might want to. Automatic updates happen behind the scenes, and you don’t get notifications that they’re available every day. However, you don’t know what changed, when and how, nor do you know how those changes will affect your device.
When you first get the Galaxy Note 8, there will be dozens of apps that need updating. Then, more updates will surface as you continue to use the device and download apps or games.
There are several important reasons why you might want to manually check for updates on your smartphone. Turning off automatic updates can help the Galaxy Note 8 use less mobile data. Before accepting the update, you will find out what is happening on your device and see the change logs. It can also help keep the phone’s notification center organized.
Galaxy Note 8 How to Disable Automatic App Updates
In case you didn’t know, most Galaxy Note 8 phones actually have two auto-updating app stores. Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Apps. We can quickly manage and disable automatic updates on both platforms.
First, we will reveal the Google Play Store, which has received the most updates. Next, switch to Samsung’s Galaxy App store.
From here you can choose between auto-updating apps, auto-updating apps anytime (enabled by default), or auto-updating apps over Wi-Fi only. Choose the most suitable option for you. Select Do not auto-update apps to avoid automatic updates.
Note that the Google Play Store can quickly run out of your monthly data cap if you keep the automatic feature turned on. Especially if big games or lots of apps are getting updates. Not to mention that you won’t be aware of possible changes. If this is not important to you and you want to get rid of notifications, choose to update apps over Wi-Fi only. We recommend that most users choose to update over Wi-Fi only. This means you don’t have to do anything and you don’t have to worry about data usage.
While in the Google Play Store settings menu, the second setting automatically adds app icons to the home screen after downloads. Uncheck the box to turn this off and keep your phone clean and tidy.
We turn off automatic updates. That way I know what’s new, what’s changed, and what to look for. Instead of being surprised when my favorite apps or games suddenly change.
Galaxy App Store Updates
As we said above, don’t forget the Samsung Galaxy App Store. Most of the special features or camera enhancements you love on the Galaxy Note 8 come from the Galaxy App Store. These include the Always-on display, Edge apps panel, Samsung’s browser, additional camera features, and the S-Pen bundle.
Samsung improves these over time, so it’s good to keep them on. However, the same rules apply to not knowing what has changed. It is worth noting that some carrier models of the Note 8 do not have the Galaxy App Store. If you don’t see it in the app tray, skip this area and you’re done. Otherwise, here’s how to disable automatic app updates on Samsung’s side.
The Samsung Galaxy App Store only updates apps when on a WiFi connection like at home, so data usage shouldn’t be an issue. You can then choose between allowing apps to update anytime and anywhere, or turning them off entirely.
If you turn them off, you’ll get notifications about app updates from time to time and you manually choose what to do and not update.
Turn off auto-update in both Google and Galaxy app stores to have full control over your device.
Other details
Note that if you disable automatic updates in both stores, you will receive notifications almost daily that apps have updates, which is annoying sometimes. You have to choose between constant notifications or apps that update on their own. If so, follow the same steps above and turn automatic updates back on. We recommend updating settings over Wi-Fi only to make sure you’re not using your monthly data cap.
Note that if you enable auto-update, you won’t be able to know what’s new or changes in your favorite apps. You’ll notice changes to popular apps like Facebook, YouTube, and even your favorite games. It’s all a personal preference, so choose what works best for you. While you’re here, take a look at these 25 best Galaxy Note 8 cases.
