How to disable automatic updates on Apple TV

Apple TV apps

By default, the fourth-generation Apple TV automatically installs updates to tvOS and any installed apps. Shortly after Apple releases a system update or an app developer's changes are approved by the App Store, the new versions roll out. Some users aren't a fan of this feature, as it can bring unwelcome changes to familiar apps. Others like to see if a firmware update is reported to cause any problems before they install it on their device. Here's where switching to manual updates on the Apple TV comes into play.

System updates to tvOS and automatic updates to apps that are installed on the Apple TV must be disabled independently. Of course, one or both of these features can be left on if desired.

Follow these steps to stop tvOS from automatically installing system updates when they are released by Apple:

Disable automatic system updates on Apple TV

  1. Navigate to Settings -> System
  2. Stop tvOS updates Apple TV
  3. Select Software Updates
  4. Stop auto system updates Apple TV 4G
  5. Select Automatically Update
  6. Disable auto system updates tvOS
  7. Click once to toggle Automatically Update -> Off

Follow these steps to prevent installed apps from automatically downloading updates from the App Store:

Disable automatic app updates on Apple TV
  1. Navigate to Settings -> Apps
  2. Stop auto app updates Apple TV
  3. Select Automatically Update Apps
  4. Disable auto app updates Apple TV 4G
  5. Click once to toggle Automatically Update Apps -> Off

With both of the above options disabled, the Apple TV will wait to update tvOS and apps until they are manually updated in Settings.