How to allow auto-update of selected applications on Android

I’m sure it has happened to you, where you open some app and see an update icon pop-up. You might wonder what is the need for an update if the app is working fine. Well, that’s where you are mistaken because updates have much more meaning than the occasional UI change you see. For example, each new release might include new features or bug fixes from previous versions.  

So, updating your apps keeps you safe from the breaches that a previous unpatched app might cause. By default, if an app has an update, android auto-updates it. The problem with this is that sometimes updating apps is not desirable.   

In the cases where there is a limit on data usage, the auto-update of an app at the wrong time may lead to undesirable data usage costs. Auto-updates can also cause irregularities in the corporates, as sometimes different devices receive updates at different times. Some new updates may themselves be faulty, in such cases, auto-updating to such version can hamper security and productivity. So, google offers you an option to disable auto-updates altogether. However, this can sometimes be counterproductive, as some apps you might want to be auto-updated.  

Allow auto-update of selected applications  

Step 1: Disable Auto-updates for all apps  

• Open Google Play Store App on your device.  
• Tap on the Menu option on the top left corner of the screen.  
• Click on Settings.  
• Under Network preferences, tap on ‘Auto-update’ apps and select the Do not auto-update apps option to disable apps installed on your device from auto-updating.  

Step 2: Auto-update Settings for Individual Apps  

• Open Google Play Store App on your device.  
• Tap on Menu option on the top left corner of the screen.  
• Tap on My Apps and Games.  
• Under Installed tab, select the app you wish to change the auto-update option.  
• Click on More option on the top right corner of the App Home Screen.  
• Check the ‘Auto-update ‘option on the prompt.