Can You Turn Off Automatic App Updates on iPhone?

The answer

Yes. Apple says go to Settings > Apps > App Store and turn off App Updates; you can then update individual apps manually.

Why

The iPhone User Guide describes the App Updates switch in Settings and the separate manual update path through App Store > account > App Updates. The current menu wording may differ on older iOS versions.

When it is usually OK

• You want to choose when downloaded App Store apps update.
• You can use the App Store’s manual update list when updates become available.

When you should not

• Do not confuse the App Updates setting with an app that cannot update at all.
• Do not assume turning off the switch installs pending updates manually.

Risks and exceptions

• With automatic updating off, you need to choose updates manually rather than expecting them to install automatically.

Best practice

Open Settings > Apps > App Store, disable App Updates, then use the App Store’s App Updates list when you want to update.

Alternatives

• Keep automatic updates on if you prefer not to manage them manually.
• Use Update or Update All from App Store when you choose to update.

Frequently asked questions

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