IOS downloads update when automatic update is off

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Level 1

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IOS downloads update when automatic update is off

I have automatic updates turned off on my iPad, but the update gets downloaded anyway.

The problem is that this locks up my iPad so that I cannot do anything while its downloading - can't even send or receive texts. Even the estimated time remaining does not appear.

I've tried the trick of turning off wifi, going into airplane mode, and then killing the download app, but that process often takes 20 to 30 minutes to appear - all the while my iPad is unusable. And once I kill that, the download will start again at some point.

Below you can see that automatic update is off, but it is trying to download regardless.

Is there a way to stop the download from ever starting?

Thanks,

dhb

Posted on Feb 20, 2020 11:50 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,996 points

Feb 20, 2020 11:56 AM in response to dhberger

Automatic Updates is about installing updates, not just downloading them. The iOS device will download an update and notify you that it is available, but will not automatically install it. You can delete the update, but it will only download it, or at least begin to download it if the device is connected to wi-fi, power, and the screen is locked. After that, if you do not wish to update the iOS, you can delete the update, however the next time you are connected to wi-fi, power, and the screen is locked, like you would when charging overnight, it will download it again if you don't install it.

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Answer 2

dhberger Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 20, 2020 12:14 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

Thanks, but is there a way to stop the downloads from starting? I was using the iPad when suddenly everything locked up and was unable to use it.

Also, the iPad was not charging (plugged in) at the time.

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Answer 3

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,996 points

Feb 20, 2020 12:18 PM in response to dhberger

Install it? I'm not sure exactly why it would have done what you say it did? I'm not doubting what you say, but I don't know how it could have started an iOS update download when it was not connected to wi-fi. However, there is no way that I am aware of to prevent it from downloading as I described earlier, except to install the updates when you are notified of them.

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