How to stop TikTok auto-updates on iPhone and Android is a common question for users who want more control over their apps. Automatic updates can use up data, change app features, and sometimes cause bugs you didn’t expect. If you prefer to update TikTok only when you’re ready, there’s a simple way to turn off this setting. Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, the steps are quick and easy to follow. No extra apps or tech skills needed.
Read on to learn how to stop TikTok auto-updates and manage your app your way!
Why Control Automatic App Updates?
Automatic app updates are convenient, ensuring you always have the latest features and security patches. However, they aren’t always ideal for everyone or every app. For an app like TikTok, which can be updated frequently, automatic updates might:
- Consume significant mobile data if not restricted to Wi-Fi.
- Take up storage space with each new version, which can be an issue on devices with limited capacity.
- Introduce unwanted changes or features you might not like.
- Potentially cause temporary glitches or bugs immediately after an update.
- Impact battery life as the device downloads and installs updates in the background.
Taking manual control allows you to choose when and if you want to update TikTok, letting you wait for reviews of a new version or simply manage your data and storage more effectively.
Understanding How App Updates Are Managed
Generally, app updates on smartphones are managed by the operating system’s official app store – the App Store for iPhones and the Google Play Store for Android devices. While some apps might have internal settings related to updates (less common for consumer apps like TikTok), the primary control point is within your device’s system settings or the app store application itself.
Disabling automatic updates doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to update the app. It simply means you’ll need to visit the app store periodically to manually check for and install available updates for TikTok and other apps.
Stopping TikTok Auto-Updates on iPhone
On an iPhone, automatic app updates, including for TikTok, are controlled via the main Settings app, not within the TikTok app itself. Here’s how to turn them off:
Adjusting App Store Settings
Follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on App Store.
3. Look for the section titled “Automatic Downloads.“
4. Find the toggle switch next to App Updates.
5. Tap this toggle switch to turn it Off (it will turn gray).
By disabling App Updates here, you turn off automatic updates for *all* apps downloaded from the App Store, not just TikTok. There isn’t a system setting to disable auto-updates for a single app on iOS. You can also disable Automatic Downloads for Apps themselves if you don’t want new apps purchased on other devices to download automatically. Below the Automatic Downloads section, you’ll also see options for Cellular Data Downloads.
Ensure App Downloads is set to Ask First or Always Ask if you want to prevent automatic downloads/updates when not on Wi-Fi.
Stopping TikTok Auto-Updates on Android
Android devices manage automatic updates primarily through the Google Play Store app. You have a bit more granular control here, including the option to restrict updates to Wi-Fi only or disable them entirely for all apps.
Adjusting Google Play Store Settings
Here’s the process:
1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap on your profile icon (usually in the top right corner).
3. Tap on Settings.
4. In the Settings menu, tap on Network preferences.
5. Tap on Auto-update apps.
6. You will see three options:
- Over any network (Uses mobile data or Wi-Fi)
- Over Wi-Fi only (Updates only when connected to Wi-Fi)
- Don’t auto-update apps (Disables automatic updates completely for all apps)
7. To stop TikTok from updating automatically altogether, select Don’t auto-update apps.
8. If you only want to prevent it from using mobile data, select Over Wi-Fi only.
9. Tap Done to save your selection.
Similar to iOS, this setting applies globally to all apps managed by the Google Play Store. While Android allows more per-app control in some areas, auto-updates are generally an all-or-nothing setting via the Play Store preferences.
Considerations After Disabling Auto-Updates
While stopping automatic updates gives you control, remember it means you are now responsible for checking for updates manually. To update TikTok after disabling auto-updates:
- On iPhone: Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and pull down to refresh the list of available updates. Find TikTok and tap “Update.”
- On Android: Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, tap “Manage apps & devices,” go to the “Manage” tab, find TikTok, and tap “Update.”
Keep in mind that missing out on updates means you won’t receive the latest security fixes, bug patches, or new features. Running significantly outdated versions of apps can sometimes pose security risks or lead to compatibility issues over time.
Taking control of TikTok’s automatic updates on your smartphone is a straightforward process, managed through the device’s primary app store settings rather than within the app itself. By following the steps for either iPhone or Android, you can prevent unexpected data usage or storage consumption and decide exactly when you want the app to update. Remember that disabling auto-updates means you’ll need to perform manual updates to get the latest features and security improvements for TikTok.
Final Thoughts
Turning off TikTok auto-updates on your iPhone or Android is a small change that can make a big difference. It helps you save mobile data, avoid unexpected changes in the app, and stay in control of how TikTok looks and works on your phone. Some updates may bring new features you’re not ready for, or even bugs that affect your experience.
By stopping auto-updates, you can choose the best time to update based on reviews or your own needs. It’s a smart and easy way to manage your apps better. Now that you know how, take a minute to turn off TikTok auto-updates and enjoy a smoother, more controlled TikTok experience!