The procedure involves preventing applications installed on a device running Google’s Android operating system from updating to newer versions without explicit user intervention. This setting alteration redirects the application update process from an autonomous function executed by the operating system or Google Play Store to a manual process, requiring the device owner to initiate updates individually.
Controlling application updates offers several advantages. It conserves mobile data, particularly beneficial for users with limited data plans. Managing updates can also prevent unexpected changes to application interfaces or functionality that a user may dislike. Historically, automatic updates were implemented for user convenience and security; however, individual control can optimize device performance and data usage based on specific user requirements.