Most iOS apps get updated automatically, which is helpful for some users. However, if you pay for mobile data and are concerned about your gadget’s monthly bill or regular data usage, you most likely want to cut back on the costs and go without the automatic downloads.

Disabling Automatic Updates

According to experts who review and sell iPhones, if you’re forgetful, automatic downloads are heaven-sent because you don’t have to check your apps’ current versions every now and then. You don’t want to get stuck with the old versions, but you don’t want to be caught with so many updates to download all at once.

If you want updates to cost you less or avoid ending up with a queue of apps to update all the time, you can deactivate your gadget’s automatic updates. Disabling these automatic downloads on your devices is easy enough to do. And the best thing about it is that you still get the latest versions of your favorite apps via Wi-Fi connection when it is available.

Here is a list of what you have to do:

• Go to your home screen and tap “Settings”.

• Look for the “iTunes & App Store” on the left side of the screen and tap.

• Find the slider button on the right to “Update”.

This works similarly for music and books. Just disable the corresponding sliders. You would know

when you’ve disabled the slider button when it turns to white and gray. You also have the option to still get automatic downloads on Wi-Fi by tapping “Use Cellular Data”. Simply tap to enable or disable this feature.

Wi-Fi Assist on iOS 9

Wi-Fi assist is one of the features of iOS 9 that gets a lot of buzz – both positive and negative – from users. If your device is already running iOS 9, it has Wi-Fi Assist, which switches your connection to mobile data when your current Wi-Fi connection is weak or unavailable.

This feature ensures that you are always connected. For instance, if the connection signal of your iPhone suddenly weakens or abruptly stops, Wi-Fi Assist would prompt the mobile data of your device to turn on so you stay connected online.

This feature triggers your mobile data when Wi-Fi is not detected. Based on user reviews, it’s both a good and a bad feature. It’s the former because it guarantees that your iPhone always has an internet connection. It’s the latter because it activates mobile data, which if you’re not careful, can cost a lot. With this feature, it’s best you consciously stay within the Wi-Fi zone if you’re busy on your phone and do not want to pay for mobile data.

Here’s how to turn off the Wi-Fi Assist:

• Go to “Settings” and tap “Cellular”.

• On the Cellular screen, you will see the current data usage. The option for you to disable the apps that use up mobile data – apps you can do without automatic updating – is also visible.

• The turn-off button for the Wi-Fi Assist is at the bottom part of the screen.

Android users who prefer to limit their mobile data usage could also disable or enable their automatic updates.