Why should you never turn off automatic application updates on your phone?

However, that's a bad idea. You should at least set your apps to update automatically whenever you have a WiFi connection. Here are 6 reasons why you should not turn off automatic app updates on your device.

1. Your phone will be less secure

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An application can be completely protected from security vulnerabilities and exploits when it is first released. But new exploits and vulnerabilities may emerge over time. App developers will quickly address these new issues and release updates as soon as they are ready.

You need to install these new updates to secure your device in case any malicious actors decide to take advantage of existing exploits. Security patches are important in preventing hackers from entering systems and applications around the clock. Turn off automatic updates and you risk missing out on these important fixes.

2. Errors will not be corrected

Some features on a certain app may not work as expected. If a large number of app users encounter these errors, developers will debug their code to find the root cause, fix it, and submit an update on the respective app store.

An app with bugs will affect user experience and efficiency. To avoid these frustrations, keeping your app up to date will ensure you minimize the risk of using the app in a bad state. Bugs will be fixed before you have a chance to experience them.

3. The application may become unstable

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Like cars, applications need regular maintenance to perform at their best. Big changes like operating system updates can affect the way old apps run. For this reason, developers should always tweak their apps to improve performance and stability.

Developers will also continue to try to find ways to make their apps run smoother and faster for a better user experience or slower battery drain. Having the latest version of apps on your device means most of your apps will run better than before.

4. You will miss out on new features

Developers can find new ways to make apps perform better over time. They can remove unnecessary features, improve existing ones, or add completely new features that make the app much better. They can also redesign the app to make it look better or be easier to use.

You'll be able to enjoy the benefits of those changes as soon as they become available if you enable automatic app updates.

5. You may not be able to use the latest operating system features

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iOS and Android undergo major updates every year. These operating system updates often come with new and improved features, and older apps may not be able to take advantage of new operating system features unless the developer takes steps to necessary changes to them.

If you update your operating system, turning on automatic updates means your apps will be optimized as soon as developers work on them.

6. The application may stop working completely

For security reasons, sensitive applications such as banking applications and digital wallets may become outdated as soon as a new version becomes available. If automatic updates are turned off, you'll have to run manual app updates before you can use these apps.

Such applications may sometimes fail to inform you why they are not working and lead to unnecessary troubleshooting steps. Enabling automatic application updates will ensure you continue to use application services without interruption.

Kareem Winters

Update 11 October 2023