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This is how you make sure your apps only update over WiFi

Usually, your apps update automatically, but it’s good to check.

FOR THE MOST part, updating apps and your phone is important. Not only will you get improvements to your apps and bug fixes, but it can also mean security updates too.

It’s recommended that you update your apps as soon as they arrive, but you only want to do that when you’re connected to WiFi. Some apps, especially games, are large and updates for them can really eat into your data usage.

In certain cases, your phone is automatically set to update apps but if you want to check and make sure mobile data isn’t being used, you can.

On iOS, go into Settings and scroll down to iTunes & App Store. Here you will see some options. The first is automatic downloads which include Music, Apps, Books & Audiobooks and Updates.

Underneath it is the option to use mobile data and if you turn it off, the above will only update on WiFi. If you keep it on, downloads are limited to a file size of 100MB or lower but that can still eat into your data allowance.

IMG_1382 (1)

On Android, you need to go into Google Play itself. Swipe out the left-hand menu and go into settings. Here you will see Auto-update apps at the top of the screen. Tapping on it will give you the option to update via WiFi only or do it at any time.

Scrolling further down will show you other options like adding new apps to the home screen automatically or notifications for when updates are available. You can turn these off if you wish to keep your home screen and notifications uncluttered.

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5 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mickmc
    Favourite mickmc
    Report
    Mar 20th 2016, 11:47 AM

    I get that much data allowance from Vodafone now over use of Data is no longer an issue.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karol Doran
    Favourite Karol Doran
    Report
    Mar 20th 2016, 1:22 PM

    Well whoopdy do for you

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Padraig
    Favourite Padraig
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    Mar 20th 2016, 11:15 AM

    Fun fact – Irish Australian electrical engineer John O’Sullivan is credited with the invention of WIFI.
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_O%27Sullivan_(engineer)

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Arthur
    Favourite Joe Arthur
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    Mar 20th 2016, 11:17 AM

    It’s pronounced wee fee

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gareth Stewart
    Favourite Gareth Stewart
    Report
    Mar 20th 2016, 3:25 PM

    I’ll never again have a tariff that doesn’t include unlimited broadband. Cpl years back, I was shopping for a new phone, had the guy in the shop explain ‘you’ll never use 30 gigabytes in a month.’ I practically laughed in his face.

    4
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