iDeviceVerify
Open Block OTA
iPhone settings guide

How to disable automatic updates on iPhone

If you want to keep an iPhone on its current iOS version, start with the built-in Software Update controls. This guide shows the current path to turn off automatic downloads and installations, then explains what to do if an update has already been downloaded.

Reviewed July 19, 2026
View the stepsReview Block OTA
01 / Manual setting

Turn off automatic updates in iPhone settings

For most users, this is the correct first step. Apple places the controls inside the Software Update screen, where you can stop iOS from automatically downloading and installing new releases in the background.

  1. 01

    Open the Software Update screen

    On the iPhone you want to keep on its current version, open Settings, tap General, then open Software Update.

    Settings > General > Software Update
  2. 02

    Open Automatic Updates

    Tap Automatic Updates. On some iOS versions, Apple may group these controls under a slightly different label.

    Software Update > Automatic Updates
  3. 03

    Disable automatic download and install

    Turn off the toggles that allow iOS to download and install updates automatically. If there are separate download and install options, turn off both.

    Download iOS Updates > Off / Install iOS Updates > Off
  4. 04

    Confirm the device will stay manual

    Return to Software Update and confirm the phone is no longer set to install updates overnight.

    Software Update > Review current status
02 / Cleanup

Delete an iOS update that was already downloaded

Turning the toggle off does not always remove a package that iOS downloaded earlier. If your iPhone still looks ready to install a release, clean up the existing file and then check Software Update again.

  1. 01

    Check iPhone Storage

    If iOS already downloaded an update before you changed the toggles, open storage settings and look for the update entry.

    Settings > General > iPhone Storage
  2. 02

    Delete the downloaded update

    Open the update item and remove it so the phone does not keep using the downloaded package.

    iPhone Storage > iOS Update > Delete Update
  3. 03

    Re-check Software Update

    Go back to Software Update and verify there is no pending download left.

    Settings > General > Software Update
03 / Expectations

Understand what disabling automatic updates actually does

What it does

It usually stops your iPhone from automatically downloading new iOS versions and installing them overnight while charging.

What it does not do

It does not guarantee that every update prompt disappears, and it does not act as the same thing as a dedicated Block OTA profile. Apple can also change update labels and behavior in later iOS releases.

When to use the Block OTA route

If the built-in toggles are not enough, review the Block OTA guide. Check the source and removal path before installing a profile.

Open Block OTA guide
04 / FAQ

Questions about disabling automatic updates on iPhone

Does turning off Automatic Updates completely block every iPhone update?

No. It usually stops automatic download and overnight installation, but Apple can still show update notices. Labels can also change across iOS versions.

Why is my iPhone still showing an update after I disabled automatic updates?

The update was probably downloaded before you changed the setting. Delete it from iPhone Storage, then check Software Update again.

When should I use a Block OTA profile instead?

Use a Block OTA profile when the built-in toggles are not enough. Check the source, payload, and removal steps first.

Related guide

Still seeing update prompts?

Start with the built-in setting. If update prompts keep coming back, compare it with the Block OTA page before changing the device profile.

Compare with Block OTABack to home