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Automatic app updates on Android can be a convenient feature, but they often occur at inopportune times. The reporter found that Google Play's auto-update settings offered more control over when updates happen, allowing them to choose which apps update automatically and which ones they preferred to update themselves. Automatic updates provide benefits like adding features, fixing bugs, improving stability, and patching security holes.

However, the reporter didn't want every app to update immediately as soon as a new version was available. They preferred to have more control over updates to avoid unexpected changes in interfaces, features, or the introduction of bugs. Additionally, the reporter was concerned about using mobile data for updates when not on Wi-Fi, as multiple updates could quickly consume data.

Google Play's network preference offered several options to manage automatic updates without opening each app's settings. The reporter chose the Wi-Fi-only updates option for the easiest control. They also learned they could set auto-update preferences for individual apps, which was convenient for apps that required manual review before updating.

For critical apps like Google Docs, which handles sensitive information, the reporter decided to keep auto updates on to ensure security and stability. They acknowledged that turning off auto updates didn't freeze the app in time, as developers could still update it, and they would update it when needed. The reporter emphasized that turning off automatic updates didn't mean ignoring updates, as critical security updates would still be installed.

They checked for updates regularly in the Play Store to install important updates promptly while still having control over when updates occurred.