With mobile apps evolving faster than ever, automatic updates can be a blessing for those who want to stay up-to-date without lifting a finger. But sometimes, you may prefer more control over when and how your apps are updated—especially for apps like TikTok. Maybe you’re saving data, minimizing storage space, or simply want to avoid bugs that sometimes come with newer versions. Whatever your reason, it’s useful to know how to turn off automatic updates for TikTok on both iPhone and Android devices.
Disabling Automatic Updates for TikTok on iPhone
Apple devices provide centralized controls for app updates. If you want to prevent your TikTok app from updating automatically, follow these simple steps:
- Open the Settings app: First, launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to App Store: Scroll down a little and tap on App Store.
- Turn off automatic downloads: Under the Automatic Downloads section, you’ll see a switch labeled App Updates. Simply toggle it off, and your iPhone will no longer auto-update any app, including TikTok.
If you only wish to disable automatic updates for TikTok specifically, Apple doesn’t currently provide a way to manage updates per app. However, you can still update TikTok manually whenever it is convenient for you:
- Go to the App Store and tap on your profile icon in the upper-right corner.
- Scroll down to find TikTok, and tap Update when you’re ready for it.
Pro Tip: If you’re wary about data usage while updating apps, ensure that the “Automatic Downloads” for app updates are only enabled over Wi-Fi in your settings.

Disabling Automatic Updates for TikTok on Android
Android devices offer more flexibility when it comes to updating apps. You can either stop all apps from auto-updating or disable auto-updates specifically for TikTok. Here’s how to do it:
Option 1: Disable Auto-Updates for All Apps
- Open the Google Play Store: Launch the app on your Android device.
- Go to settings: Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner and choose Settings from the dropdown menu.
- Modify update preferences: Under the Network Preferences section, tap on Auto-update apps.
- Select “Don’t auto-update apps”: From the pop-up menu, choose this option and tap Done.
This option stops all your apps (including TikTok) from updating automatically. However, if you’d like to make an exception for some apps, you’ll need to update them manually via the Play Store.

Option 2: Disable Auto-Updates for TikTok Only
- Locate TikTok in the Play Store: Open the Google Play Store and search for TikTok. Once you find it, tap on it to view its store page.
- Access update settings: Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Turn off auto-update: Uncheck the box next to Enable auto-update. This will prevent TikTok from updating automatically while allowing your other apps to continue receiving updates.
Android’s flexibility makes it ideal for managing app updates according to your specific preferences.
Why Would You Want to Turn Off Auto-Updates?
While automatic updates are convenient for ensuring your apps always have the latest features, there are valid reasons to disable them:
- Data preservation: Updates can consume significant mobile data, especially if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi.
- Avoid bugs: New updates sometimes introduce bugs or performance issues that were not present in older versions.
- Storage concerns: If your device is running low on storage, allowing TikTok or other apps to update could exacerbate the issue.
Having control over your app updates ensures you can make upgrades strategically, on your terms.

When Should You Manually Update TikTok?
Spontaneously updating apps like TikTok may not always be necessary, but there are situations when you might consider manually updating it:
- When TikTok introduces a new feature you’re excited to try out.
- To ensure compatibility with an OS update or new device.
- If you notice a bug fix was addressed in the latest release notes.
No matter your update preferences, having control over when and how TikTok updates can enhance your mobile experience. Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android, the simple actions outlined above will ensure you stay in charge of your app updates.