[Q] How can I disable updates for specific apps in the market? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

It used to be the market would separate apps that were approved for auto update from those that had disabled auto update set. One could then simply hit the Update All (for the group) button and it would update ONLY the apps that were auto update enabled. Over the past few months Play Store has changed their behavior in that it no longer separates the apps and will only enable auto updates for everything or nothing.
How can I hide or otherwise prevent these few apps that I do not want to update from being in the play store update list? As it is now, I have to selectively update each individual app from the list, skipping the few apps I do not want updated.
Thanks,
Currently on a Samsung GS3, rooted, stock.

implodeme said:
It used to be the market would separate apps that were approved for auto update from those that had disabled auto update set. One could then simply hit the Update All (for the group) button and it would update ONLY the apps that were auto update enabled. Over the past few months Play Store has changed their behavior in that it no longer separates the apps and will only enable auto updates for everything or nothing.
How can I hide or otherwise prevent these few apps that I do not want to update from being in the play store update list? As it is now, I have to selectively update each individual app from the list, skipping the few apps I do not want updated.
Thanks,
Currently on a Samsung GS3, rooted, stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you ever find a solution to this ?

Actually yes,... I think. I'd suggest making backups of your apps (TitaniumBU or other).
Open Play Store
Menu: Settings
Enable Auto Updates (Mine is set to when on WIFI only)
Go back to main Play store page.
Menu: My Apps
Under Installed, locate any app that you wish to change and select it, this opens the App Details page.
Menu: Auto-update untick the checkbox.
Still trying to confirm this condition: Seems that if you manually update an app that is not set to auto-update, it will possibly reset the auto-update flag to 'Enabled'

implodeme said:
Actually yes,... I think. I'd suggest making backups of your apps (TitaniumBU or other).
Open Play Store
Menu: Settings
Enable Auto Updates (Mine is set to when on WIFI only)
Go back to main Play store page.
Menu: My Apps
Under Installed, locate any app that you wish to change and select it, this opens the App Details page.
Menu: Auto-update untick the checkbox.
Still trying to confirm this condition: Seems that if you manually update an app that is not set to auto-update, it will possibly reset the auto-update flag to 'Enabled'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
Sorry to bump this old thread, but I am kind of fighting with a similar issue, my problem is,
the apps I don't want to auto update are google apps(Keep/Youtube/Gtalk), which are replaced
by black counterparts from Team Blackout(with exception of Gtalk, I just don't like Hangouts)
and of course there is no "disable auto update" option with google system apps.
As of this date, I can see no valid option for selectively update the installed app catalogue, this
might be a decision from Google's part to push out the obsolete apps by force, which is understandable,
but I think there should be an option to have this feature.
Now at this point I am updating the apps manually app by app, and of course
with about 200 plus apps installed a complete PITA.
Thanks for any answers at this point, and this is my first post here btw, please be kind.

Greg T Pal said:
Hi!
Sorry to bump this old thread, but I am kind of fighting with a similar issue, my problem is,
the apps I don't want to auto update are google apps(Keep/Youtube/Gtalk), which are replaced
by black counterparts from Team Blackout(with exception of Gtalk, I just don't like Hangouts)
and of course there is no "disable auto update" option with google system apps.
As of this date, I can see no valid option for selectively update the installed app catalogue, this
might be a decision from Google's part to push out the obsolete apps by force, which is understandable,
but I think there should be an option to have this feature.
Now at this point I am updating the apps manually app by app, and of course
with about 200 plus apps installed a complete PITA.
Thanks for any answers at this point, and this is my first post here btw, please be kind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found this thread looking for a way to selectively disable auto-update. I found that by going to the Play Store on my phone (under settings, I already had auto update on wifi only enabled), selecting apps/my apps, then choosing a specific app, then touching the soft menu key brings up a checkbox for auto -update. Uncheck to disable auto-update. This works for Google apps too like Hangouts, GMail (2 apps that I checked), etc.

speedlever said:
I found this thread looking for a way to selectively disable auto-update. I found that by going to the Play Store on my phone (under settings, I already had auto update on wifi only enabled), selecting apps/my apps, then choosing a specific app, then touching the soft menu key brings up a checkbox for auto -update. Uncheck to disable auto-update. This works for Google apps too like Hangouts, GMail (2 apps that I checked), etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Up until a day or two ago, I found the same thing - I could hit the soft menu button in the Play Store, and there would be an option to check or uncheck Auto-Update for that specific App. But I just checked again, wanting to take advantage of that, and it didn't come up any more.
Can anybody confirm that this functionality is gone again?
I'm on Verizon, with a Stock 4.2.2 Galaxy Note 3, non-rooted.
Thanks.
ETA: I rebooted my phone, and the ability to check/uncheck auto-update with the soft menu is back. Strange, but at least it's there again.

Disable updates for specific app - COMPLETLY
Hello,
I found this thread - title says it all.
I have Google Maps 7.5.0 installed, therefore it's listed in "Updates" all the time.
I do not have automatic updates activated, but i like to use the "update all" button in the play store.
Is there a way to disable the listing of Google Maps in "Updates"?
Thanks!

Unnecessary post
Maniakk said:
Google maps is very necessary -,- :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Maps is - in my case - only an example.
I can't figure out the way your answer is helping anybody. -,- :good:

veaz said:
Google Maps is - in my case - only an example.
I can't figure out the way your answer is helping anybody. -,- :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you can disable that display in Google Play. It knows what apps you have and will let you know when there is an update for them, whether you want to know or not! The main thing is that you can generally decide whether you want the update or not. I prefer it that way. It gives me a choice.

speedlever said:
I don't think you can disable that display in Google Play. It knows what apps you have and will let you know when there is an update for them, whether you want to know or not! The main thing is that you can generally decided whether you want the update or not. I prefer it that way. It gives me a choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I like that it's reminding me of updates.
But the new version of the app is not working for me and if I hit the updated-all button on accident, I have to reverse the app again. Happens too often. Would be awesome to have a checkbox á la "Don't display updates for this app"

veaz said:
Yes, I like that it's reminding me of updates.
But the new version of the app is not working for me and if I hit the updated-all button on accident, I have to reverse the app again. Happens too often. Would be awesome to have a checkbox á la "Don't display updates for this app"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I've learned to be selective in my updates.

speedlever said:
Yep. I've learned to be selective in my updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... guess I'm will get used to it...

Titanium backup will help us. The option name is : "dettach/attach app from market" . This option do what it says. So no update offer from play store after.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

There is a screenshots
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Titanium backup works
cosma.m said:
Titanium backup will help us. The option name is : "dettach/attach app from market" . This option do what it says. So no update offer from play store after.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that does the trick perfectly

duckettmarc said:
Thanks, that does the trick perfectly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it did the trick for a while - and the app (Facebook app - the old version which did not have the annoying bugs) I detached from the market vanished from the available updates list. But the very next morning it was back in the same list :crying::crying:

That's right, it only works for a couple of hours. Haven't found another solution

cosma.m said:
Titanium backup will help us. The option name is : "dettach/attach app from market" . This option do what it says. So no update offer from play store after.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for reminding me of this feature. Much appreciated! :fingers-crossed::good:

Titanium backup only seems to work for a few hours or until the app is run again before showing up in the play store again.
Are there any other methods besides APKtool to resign?

Disable update method
mentalinc said:
Titanium backup only seems to work for a few hours or until the app is run again before showing up in the play store again.
Are there any other methods besides APKtool to resign?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I have found the simple answer:
1. In Google Play Store settings enable all applications to update automatically on wi-fi.
2. Next, individually click each of the apps you do not want to update automatically. On each app's update page, there is a menu button on the top right corner. Click it and deselect auto update for that app.
Now all these disabled apps will not auto update along with the other generally permitted apps.
Cheers.

Related

2 Small Issues

I'm experiencing two small issues with my HTC One. I'll say up front that it is stock and running the latest OTA from T-Mobile. I'm holding off on rooting as long as possible.I can say that after owning so many phones I haven't ran into issues this simple that I haven't been able to fix.
Issue #1: Homescreen
Whenever I download an app from the Play Store, it automatically adds an icon to the homescreen. Whether I'm using the stock launcher, Nova or Action Launcher. Of course I've already unchecked the box in the Play Store settings, that usually stops the icons from showing up. Unfortunately that doesn't work. I've cleared the cache and app settings for the play store and unchecked the auto add widgets box again, and still I'm getting icons.
This isn't a big issue, just a minor annoyance.
Issue #2: Gmail notifications
After updating to the newest gmail from the app store, my gmail notifications have stopped. I've tried unchecking then checking the notifications box and nothing changes. I've tried clearing app data and cache and nothing. I've tried uninstalling and using the old version and my notifications work again. But once I update to the new one again, they stop. Has anyone experienced this?
iamtimmah said:
I'm experiencing two small issues with my HTC One. I'll say up front that it is stock and running the latest OTA from T-Mobile. I'm holding off on rooting as long as possible.I can say that after owning so many phones I haven't ran into issues this simple that I haven't been able to fix.
Issue #1: Homescreen
Whenever I download an app from the Play Store, it automatically adds an icon to the homescreen. Whether I'm using the stock launcher, Nova or Action Launcher. Of course I've already unchecked the box in the Play Store settings, that usually stops the icons from showing up. Unfortunately that doesn't work. I've cleared the cache and app settings for the play store and unchecked the auto add widgets box again, and still I'm getting icons.
This isn't a big issue, just a minor annoyance.
Issue #2: Gmail notifications
After updating to the newest gmail from the app store, my gmail notifications have stopped. I've tried unchecking then checking the notifications box and nothing changes. I've tried clearing app data and cache and nothing. I've tried uninstalling and using the old version and my notifications work again. But once I update to the new one again, they stop. Has anyone experienced this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For number one there is a setting in the Play store. Deselect Auto-add widgets from the play store settings.
stevedebi said:
For number one there is a setting in the Play store. Deselect Auto-add widgets from the play store settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Steve, but I've done that. That's what has me confused. I've Deselected that box, but it still puts them on my homescreens.
iamtimmah said:
Thanks Steve, but I've done that. That's what has me confused. I've Deselected that box, but it still puts them on my homescreens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I don't have them on my home screens after install. I'll have to think about it. I recall that this setting is what stopped it for me.
Shot in the dark, but if you're using Nova Launcher it also has the same setting that can be toggled. Threw me off for a bit.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
Issue 1: If you're running nova launcher their is a new option in settings that installs apps on homepage. Just toggle that off.
Issue 2 : Go ..settings> accounts & sync > Google.... And make sure gmail is checkered. Also make sure you have background data enabled. Also make sure you are not in power saver mode.
drewgalyen said:
Shot in the dark, but if you're using Nova Launcher it also has the same setting that can be toggled. Threw me off for a bit.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
magicriggs said:
Issue 1: If you're running nova launcher their is a new option in settings that installs apps on homepage. Just toggle that off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that worked!
magicriggs said:
Issue 2 : Go ..settings> accounts & sync > Google.... And make sure gmail is checkered. Also make sure you have background data enabled. Also make sure you are not in power saver mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still can't quite figure out the GMail issue.

[Q] Uninstalling Bloatware

I recently rooted my GS4 using the steps outlined in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
First, a big THANKS to all those responsible for this latest root process. The vast majority of us have no idea the lengths in which you go in order to stay on top of the rooting process. My deepest respect.
Now, I would like to uninstall some of the bloatware installed on this phone. I understand there is a school of thought which dictates one should simply "freeze" an unwanted app instead of uninstalling it. In my opinion, as long as the app will never be used AND will not cause a system meltdown if uninstalled, it should be uninstalled. That being said, I would like some objective opinions on the following apps. The main app I would like removed is Knox. In addition...
- All Amazon related apps, save the main Amazon app
- Audible
- Caller Name ID
- Flipboard
- Google (appears at the bottom of the recent apps screen)
- Google+
- IMDb
- All Verizon related apps
- Optical Reader
- NFL Mobile
- All Google Play related apps save the Play Store
- Polaris 5
- TripAdvisor
- WatchON
Again, what is (are) the ramification(s) of uninstalling one or more of these apps? What is the best way to uninstall a bloatware type app? If using Titanium Backup to simply "freeze" the app is best, what are the steps in doing this?
senselessvictory said:
What is the best way to uninstall a bloatware type app? If using Titanium Backup to simply "freeze" the app is best, what are the steps in doing this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not know if this option was available before root but if you go to the list of apps and click the menu button (lower left of phone), you will see a "Hide Applications" option. Once clicked, a check box will appear next to each app. Once you select each application you want to hide and click Done, you will be left with only the applications you want to use. This includes Knox.
I do not know well this will work going forward but, for now, I am good. Does anyone know if this will permanently restrict Knox?
check this tool out just make sure you read and then re read lol http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2313341

[Q] Is there an alternative Google Play client?

The regular Google Play client is very thin on features. Specifically when it comes to automatic update one can either enable or disable it. I'm looking for a way to have my apps automatically updated unless they're on an auto-update blacklist. I basically want mark specific apps to not be auto-updated. This way I can be sure that applications that are important to me only get updated manually, typically after I get a chance to read reviews from early adopters and confirm that the new version is not broken or crippled.
Bumping an old thread.
I am looking for something similar.
I don't like that GP can install and update APKs remotely and without my input, however I cannot find a proper market replacement for Google Play yet.
oren_b said:
The regular Google Play client is very thin on features. Specifically when it comes to automatic update one can either enable or disable it. I'm looking for a way to have my apps automatically updated unless they're on an auto-update blacklist. I basically want mark specific apps to not be auto-updated. This way I can be sure that applications that are important to me only get updated manually, typically after I get a chance to read reviews from early adopters and confirm that the new version is not broken or crippled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oehr said:
Bumping an old thread.
I am looking for something similar.
I don't like that GP can install and update APKs remotely and without my input, however I cannot find a proper market replacement for Google Play yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, you can choose specific apps to auto-update, and you a general setting for all apps whether to auto-update on Wifi-Only, anytime, or never. You can then go to each app and press the menu button and you'll find an "Auto update " option with a check mark.
However, if you don't like Google Play, then the best alternative is Aptoide. You can find all apps on it, you can add other stores created by users other than the official Aptoide one and find more apps on them. However, you can't be sure that the version you have is the latest version. It can be the latest but on this store only. You can open Aptoide.com and search for the app you want if you didn't find it on the Aptoide app. It will then get you the latest version on all of the Aptoide stores and you can simply scan a QR code to get the app.
AAbounegm said:
First of all, you can choose specific apps to auto-update, and you a general setting for all apps whether to auto-update on Wifi-Only, anytime, or never. You can then go to each app and press the menu button and you'll find an "Auto update " option with a check mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for this tip! Here's what I now do:
1. Make sure WiFi is disabled, then enable the option to Auto Update apps over WiFi only
2. Go through all my apps and uncheck the ones that I don't want to auto update (basically everything critical that I can't afford to break).
3. Enable WiFi
4. Remember to blacklist new apps if they ever become mission critical
That's good, but you don't have to disable your WiFi. And if you check Do not Auto-update apps, it will send a notification every once in while telling you that there are apps that have updates and you can choose which ones to update. I think this way is much easier than going through every app and unchecking auto-update. And I have 2 questions: 1- What is that Blacklist you are talking about? I have no such thing. 2- What version of the Play Store do you have?
AAbounegm said:
That's good, but you don't have to disable your WiFi. And if you check Do not Auto-update apps, it will send a notification every once in while telling you that there are apps that have updates and you can choose which ones to update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I don't disable WiFi before enabling this feature and unchecking ("blacklisting") apps, then it'll just start downloading updates for apps which I don't want to update. Disabling WiFi (temporarily) prevent this.
I think this way is much easier than going through every app and unchecking auto-update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not if I want most of my apps to auto-update and only a handful to require manual approval.
And I have 2 questions: 1- What is that Blacklist you are talking about? I have no such thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Blacklist" is a term used for marking some items where an action which occurs normally should not for selected items. For example blacklisting a sender in an email client would allow most email in but block email from this sender. Similarly, unchecking this Google Play option for specific apps would also auto-update for most apps, except those marked (in other words, those "blacklisted").
2- What version of the Play Store do you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Play Store 4.6.17 on Android 4.1.2 (Galaxy Note 2).
imo, blacklisting and all the stuff you described just doesnt cut it for me. I am reluctant to give any software su access, especially stuff like google play.
I checked out Aptoide. its okay i guess, but doesnt provide up to date apps...
I wonder why most freeware devs arent providing their APKs on their own websites and open source devs add their software to f-droid or provide a repository to be added there.
Android is so far away from what made linux nowadays...

Only one google account ? (4.4.2)

Hi guys,
I have Amlogic S812 streamer Xtreamer Wonder and it's running on 4.4.2 Android.
In the Settings menu there is no possibility (no menu at all) to add another Google account in addition to the one that was created initially. As a result all Google apps such Play Market, Gmail, Drive etc, working with one and only account without ability to switch to another one if needed. It's especially limiting with Paid apps which was bought under different accounts...
I tried to search all over the internet for the similar issue, but surprisingly did not found any ...
All the rest functionality is as usual, I also have root, thanks to the Rooting Guide by C3C076
Any help is very appreciated!
This is how Settings menu looks like :
Unfortunately, this firmware disable this feature.
So, to change google account, you have to use adb tool and remove /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db file (if box is root) and add another account.
If box isn't root, you have to factory reset this box to add new account
water275 said:
Unfortunately, this firmware disable this feature.
So, to change google account, you have to use adb tool and remove /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db file (if box is root) and add another account.
If box isn't root, you have to factory reset this box to add new account
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer water275, but is what you mean is just removing existing and adding a new one, but there still will be only one account ?
I tried to use few different apps which can manage existing accounts and I had there the option to remove account, but not to add. So in order to remove i think i can use this way, instead of adb. But what about to have multiple accounts? Absolutely impossible ?
What is interesting is that those account management apps allowed me to go into sync options for existing accounts. So it looks like the Xtreamer just hiding required functionality (menus) and not completely removed them. I was thinking in direction of xml files which are responsible for menu layouts, but i have not too much knowledge with them...
You can use Gmail. When you slide left panel in, there's an arrow next to your profile name. When you expand it you will see "Manage accounts" menu option.
Alternatively you can use my simple app (attached) I created for this purpose.
C3C076 said:
You can use Gmail. When you slide left panel in, there's an arrow next to your profile name. When you expand it you will see "Manage accounts" menu option.
Alternatively you can use my simple app (attached) I created for this purpose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You right :good::good::good:
Gmail not allowing to add account guys. There is no such option. If it could be this way then it would be simple
See attachments from Gmail and from C3C076's app :
Launch my app as a normal one.
C3C076 said:
Launch my app as a normal one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry mate, what do you mean ? 2nd and 3rd screenshots is from your app. Where 2nd one is straight after I launch your app and 3rd one if I choose google account and then click on options on the right side.
7eva said:
Sorry mate, what do you mean ? 2nd and 3rd screenshots is from your app. Where 2nd one is straight after I launch your app and 3rd one if I choose google account and then click on options on the right side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, you are right. I got confused because of launching that app on my phone which runs lollipop. It unfortunately behaves differently on KitKat.
I'll try your app on my android stick in car, there is also 4.4.2 just to compare, but as i said earlier even that menu that your app shows is not available from the usual settings menu, so it seems like Xtreamer just hiding these menus for some reasons.
7eva said:
I'll try your app on my android stick in car, there is also 4.4.2 just to compare, but as i said earlier even that menu that your app shows is not available from the usual settings menu, so it seems like Xtreamer just hiding these menus for some reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. But the screenshot above is a result of launching app on lollipop. Looks like the same call yields different results on KitKat.
C3C076 said:
Yeah. But the screenshot above is a result of launching app on lollipop. Looks like the same call yields different results on KitKat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For some reason on my Android stick in the car your app can't be installed. I have Install and Cancel buttons, but Install not clickable. I'll try similar app from the store later.
Found solution !
The reason is that Xtreamer installed custom Gmail app that is not asking for update and installed as a system app (you can't uninstall it in usual way). This app have no option to add/manage account as I shown on the screenshots above.
Thanks to ROOT i was able to remove that app completely from /system/apps , and installed official Gmail app from the store. In the official app there is full managing functionality for accounts and i was able to add multiple gmails there.
I highly recommend to uninstall pre-installed Drive and Youtube apps too.
In the general settings menu of Android there is still no manage account section, but at least I can get there through Gmail now.
Thanks to everybody for your help !

MM download notification

I have a notification to download and install the update. How do I permanently get rid of the notification? I have titatium backup..is there something I should freeze?
Thanks in advance.[emoji1]
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app
osubeavs said:
I have a notification to download and install the update. How do I permanently get rid of the notification? I have titatium backup..is there something I should freeze?
Thanks in advance.[emoji1]
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you long press on the notification, you will see a little "info" icon. Click that and "show no notification from this app"
Also as a backup, every time I see a notification, the first thing I do is make a nandroid backup. One time I let my sister use my phone to make a call and she accidentally clicked install and bricked it... If you make an immediate nandroid backup, you'll have a "checkpoint" to restore to in case you do install by accident.
When I long press it it shows "Google Play Services" as being the owner of the notification. I went ahead and disabled notifications anyway.
Also, I'm trying to figure out what is downloading the OTA on my phone. I did a search, including system apps, in titanium backup for OTA and found nothing. I did a google search and some said to disable LGFOTA.apk and other apks but I couldn't find any of them on my phone.
I am on stock rooted and depend on root daily with the apps I use so I hope it doesn't force me to update. I've heard of that happening on other phones. My most recent notification wouldn't let me press "Later" anymore and was now a persistent notification.
So, will I not be able to root, if I update to the official 6.0?
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app
I think you **may** have to freeze the update center. I searched for "update" in my equivalent of TB ( I'm too poor to be able to afford TB pro after paying for the phone lol) & it showed the update center, which I went ahead & froze. That seemed to make my notification disappear. Hope this helps! :fingers-crossed:
mircury said:
When I long press it it shows "Google Play Services" as being the owner of the notification. I went ahead and disabled notifications anyway.
Also, I'm trying to figure out what is downloading the OTA on my phone. I did a search, including system apps, in titanium backup for OTA and found nothing. I did a google search and some said to disable LGFOTA.apk and other apks but I couldn't find any of them on my phone.
I am on stock rooted and depend on root daily with the apps I use so I hope it doesn't force me to update. I've heard of that happening on other phones. My most recent notification wouldn't let me press "Later" anymore and was now a persistent notification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

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