How to turn off auto updates for games on PlayStation 4

Auto updates for games make life a lot more convenient when you don't need to manually keep track of them, but a lot of people still would rather this feature be turned off completely. Whether it's because a new update causes a game to unintentionally crash or you don't want to go over your data cap, here's how to turn off auto updates on PlayStation 4.

How to turn off auto updates for games on PlayStation 4

  1. From the home screen (as seen above), navigate nearly all the way to the right to Settings, just before the Power options.
  2. Then scroll all the way down to the bottom and choose System (NOT System Software Updates).

  1. Now choose Automatic Downloads.
  2. Finally, uncheck the box next to Application Update Files.

This will stop all automatic updates for games and apps. Once this is done you can turn off your PlayStation 4 or put it in Rest Mode. Updates should no longer download without your knowledge.

Updating manually

Now that you have turned off automatic updates, you will need to do so manually. After all, the games still need these updates to play, but now you have control over which games update and when they do.

To update manually, go to your notifications, hit options on your controller, and then scroll to downloads. From here you can see what games and apps are installed and which have updates ready for them. You can then choose to update as you see fit.

Render Dualshock 4 black

Render Dualshock 4 black (Image credit: Sony)

DualShock 4 Wireless Controller ($43 at Amazon)

Sometimes one controller isn't enough. Pick up a second DualShock controller to make your life easier.

danyee ethernet

danyee ethernet (Image credit: DanYee)

DanYee Cat 7 Ethernet Cable ($9 from Amazon)

The braided cord and premium connectors make the DanYee Cat 7 cable a great choice for your PlayStation 4 and PC needs. The better your internet connection, the better your gaming experience will be.

James Bricknell
Since the days of the HTC Hero James has had two or three Android phones stuffed into pockets. James is always on hand to offer advice on phones, apps and most recently, PlayStation, especially VR, It's now something of an obsession. Find him @keridel wherever Media Socials itself.