How to Block Automatic updates in Android Devices?
- August 8, 2019

Android devices deployed for work have multiple applications up and running on them to fulfill business tasks. Few organizations opt for applications from the Google Play Store while others publish enterprise apps on managed devices for business. Updates to the device operating system might generate compatibility issues also impacting the performance of applications. Till these apps present optimum compatibility and performance to the latest version of the operating system, it becomes a priority to delay the OS updates on Android devices used in an enterprise environment.
To mitigate the app performance issues, it is important to block the automatic updates on Android devices. Once the app performances are tested, the updates need to be rolled out to all the managed devices for the efficient functioning of these devices for business use.
Block Automatic Android Updates
Scalefusion MDM aids the company IT in taking total control over the OS updates in Android devices. IT teams can block automatic updates in Android devices and schedule the OS updates during a defined time period to ensure that the device performance is uninterrupted. With this feature, the system alerts for automatic updates will be restricted, offering a flawless user experience to the end user. Alternatively, the IT admin can also block status and notification bar in Android devices to ensure a seamless user experience.
How to Block Automatic Updates
Let’s have a look at the step-by-step process to block automatic updates in Android devices using Scalefusion Android Mobile Device Management.
1. Enroll devices on Scalefusion Android MDM. IT teams can choose Android Zero-touch enrollment for quickly enrolling multiple devices.

2. Navigate to the Device Management section on the dashboard. In this section, you can configure policies for the enrolled devices under the Device Profile section.

3. You can create a new profile or edit an existing profile. Remember to block automatic updates in Android devices, you have to create a profile in kiosk/agent mode.

4. Navigate to the OS Update Settings tab. In this section, you can configure the settings to block automatic updates on Android devices.

5. Choose the postpone option. The automatic OS updates in Android devices will be blocked for 30 days.

6. If you choose the None option in the System Update Policy settings, the OS update action will be under the control of the end user. The end-user can choose to update the device or choose to ignore the update.

7. Click on Create/Update profile. You can start applying the Device Profile to devices or Device groups.

Enforce Automatic Updates on Android device
If you choose the Automatic install update, the new version of the OS will be automatically downloaded and installed on Android devices.

Schedule Android Updates
You can also schedule the OS updates on Android devices in this section. This is useful for Android devices running in single-app mode as kiosks. The update can be scheduled at a time when the kiosk is not catering to business needs or is being used as digital signage. You can select a maintenance window and schedule the device OS to be updated in the defined duration.

With Scalefusion, IT can gain absolute control and ensure the performance and security of EMM devices while ensuring an impeccable user experience.