How to prevent WhatsApp from updating on iPhone?

How to prevent WhatsApp from updating on iPhone - briefly?

To prevent WhatsApp from updating automatically on your iPhone, you can disable automatic app updates in your device's settings. Go to Settings > App Store and turn off the toggle for "App Updates." This will ensure that WhatsApp does not update without your explicit approval.

How to prevent WhatsApp from updating on iPhone - in detail?

Preventing WhatsApp from automatically updating on your iPhone can be achieved through several methods, each with its own set of steps. Below is a detailed guide on how to disable automatic updates for WhatsApp:

Method 1: Disable Automatic Updates in the App Store Settings

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Navigate to the App Store section. You can find this by scrolling down the list of settings or using the search function at the top.
  3. Tap on "App Store".
  4. Under the Automatic Downloads section, you will see options for Apps, App Updates, and Music, Books & Audiobooks.
  5. Toggle off the switch next to "App Updates". This setting prevents all apps from updating automatically, including WhatsApp.

Method 2: Restrict App Updates Using Screen Time

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Go to "Screen Time". If you haven't set it up yet, you will be prompted to do so.
  3. Tap on "Content & Privacy Restrictions".
  4. Enable the toggle for "Content & Privacy Restrictions" if it isn’t already enabled. You might need to enter your Screen Time passcode.
  5. Under the "iTunes & App Store Purchases" section, tap on "Apps".
  6. Choose "Don't Allow" for the In-App Purchases and App Updates options. This will prevent any apps, including WhatsApp, from updating without your explicit permission.

Method 3: Turn Off Automatic Updates in iTunes & App Store Settings (iOS 12 and earlier)

If you are using an older version of iOS:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Go to "iTunes & App Store".
  3. Under the Automatic Downloads section, toggle off the switch next to "Updates".

Method 4: Disable Background Data for WhatsApp

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Navigate to "WhatsApp". You can find this by scrolling down the list of settings or using the search function at the top.
  3. Tap on "Background App Refresh".
  4. Toggle off the switch next to WhatsApp. This will prevent WhatsApp from refreshing in the background and potentially updating itself.

Method 5: Delete and Reinstall WhatsApp

If you prefer a more manual approach, you can delete WhatsApp and reinstall it when you are ready for an update:

  1. Long press on the WhatsApp icon until it starts to jiggle.
  2. Tap the small "x" that appears in the corner of the app icon.
  3. Confirm that you want to delete WhatsApp.
  4. Go to the App Store, search for WhatsApp, and download it again when you are ready.

By following one or a combination of these methods, you can effectively prevent WhatsApp from updating automatically on your iPhone, giving you more control over when updates occur.