Managing software updates is a critical part of maintaining your Samsung device, and knowing how to turn off automatic updates on Samsung phones or tablets gives you control over when data is used and when interruptions occur. While automatic updates ensure you receive the latest security patches and features immediately, there are valid reasons to pause this process, such as limited data plans or the need for a stable environment during important tasks.
Why You Might Want to Disable Updates
The primary reason users search for how to turn off automatic updates on Samsung devices is to manage their mobile data usage. Large operating system updates can consume hundreds of megabytes or even gigabytes, which can quickly add up if you are on a restricted plan. Additionally, some users prefer to test updates on a specific device before rolling them out fleet-wide, or they may have experienced issues with a previous update that caused instability or battery drain.
Disabling Automatic Updates via Device Settings
For Software Update Service
The most direct method involves navigating to the specific service that handles firmware downloads. This process prevents the background download of large files while keeping your device functional.
Open the Settings app on your Samsung device.
Scroll down and tap Connections , then tap Software update .
Tap the three dots in the top right corner to open the menu and select Download update only via Wi‑Fi to restrict cellular data usage.
To completely stop the background process, return to the menu and tap Update service .
Toggle the switch to Off to disable the automatic checking and downloading of patches.
For Google Play System Updates
It is important to distinguish between the main firmware and the security patches delivered via Google Play, as these often update independently. If you want to stop these specific component updates, you need to adjust your Google Play settings.
Launch the Settings app and select Apps .
Tap the three dots in the top right corner and choose Special app access .
Select Install unknown apps or look for App permissions depending on your Android version.
Find Google Play System Updates or Play Services and restrict the background data to prevent automatic refreshes.
Using the Samsung Members App
Samsung provides a dedicated application for managing device care, and within it lies a straightforward toggle for update scheduling. This interface is often the easiest for novice users when learning how to turn off automatic updates on Samsung Galaxy devices.
Open the Samsung Members app from your app drawer.
Tap the Device care tab located at the bottom of the screen.
Select Software update and then tap the three dots in the top right corner.
Choose Update settings and uncheck the option for Automatic updates to disable the feature entirely.
Post-Update Management and Re-enabling
Once you have disabled the automatic check, you might wonder how to manually update the device when you are ready. The process is simple and ensures you can install critical security fixes without keeping the automation active.
To check for updates, navigate back to Settings > Connections > Software update .
Tap Download and install to search for available patches.
