One of the questions that haunts the minds of many users is whether they should keep mobile applications updated. Normally it is thought that it is usually a good idea for a security issue, for example. However, updates can also bring numerous side effects that we do not want , and that we can also make our mobile device less functional than before.
Although improving the security of our mobile with future updates is one of the main reasons why it should be done. At other times, when we talk about specific applications, it would not be so recommended since some of them change in some aspects that we do not like. In addition, an update requires more space in the internal memory of our terminal and taking into account that many models no longer have a microSD slot, the memory space has become more and more valuable.
Update… yes or no?
Updating apps is not always the best option , since it is quite common for many users to complain about changes that have been made in various applications due to updates, and that they do not like it. Something that has happened on several occasions with Twitter, which has changed the different functions it offers to its users countless times.
And not only this, but there is also a problem that is becoming more and more widespread, and it is the fact of those applications that limit their use on old devices, such as WhatsApp. In addition, if this were not enough, there are others that force us to update them, thus occupying more space on the mobile . It can even happen that after updating an application it stops working or supports an older device.
Apps that lose functions
Although it is true that, in some apps such as those related to banks or payment, their future updates can solve the security holes they had, others related to leisure or social networks, simply add new functions, remove old ones or modify its interface, causing us to stop liking it and finally uninstall it. Therefore, it is always advisable to look closely at what is specifically modified with this new update. In addition, it is very easy to see it, since this information is available from the application page itself in the Play Store and breaks down, point by point, what it consists of and what changes this update will bring.
Performance issues
After updating an app on our mobile, two things can happen to us. If in our case we had performance problems with the app, updating it could end that problem, since the developers have made sure to put an end to the performance problem . On the other hand, if the app works well and with great performance always, after updating it sometimes the performance may not be optimal, causing it to close unexpectedly, not charging well or even consuming much more energy in our mobile. Therefore, it is not always advisable to update an app that works well for us.
Block automatic app updates
To avoid the previous point, we can always choose to block automatic updates of the apps in our terminal. Something that is totally easy to do, since it will hardly take time to achieve it and you will only have to follow a small series of steps. Therefore, if what you want is that the apps are not put in the latest version, you will have to configure it as follows:
- With your mobile device, enter the Google Play Store .
- Pull down the menu on the left and go to Settings.
- Go to Update applications automatically and press no.
Once you have marked this option, you will be the one who will manually control which apps you want to be updated . Of course, I recommend that you frequently monitor everything that is pending, since it will be important, although we will explain why later.
Can you go back to a previous version?
If in your case it turns out that you updated an app to its latest version inadvertently, since your mobile did it because you had the automatic update activated, and it stopped working or changed something that you do not like at all, do not worry, you can go back to the previous version and continue to use it.
The first thing you should do is uninstall the application that is crashing or does not work well in your terminal. After this, and following the previous steps, we will deactivate automatic updates in the Google store. Then, from the page of the application in question, you will have to press the three dots located in the upper right and remove the option Update automatically. However, it is important to know that previous versions cannot be accessed from Google Play, so you will have to search for them in alternative stores or application repositories.
Of course, sometimes there are developers who apply a forced update , which consists of checking the version of the application that you have installed at the time of opening it and if it detects that it is old, it restricts or prohibits its use. So, if this happens to us, we will have no choice but to update said app.
Points in favor of updating apps
Apps have security holes
One of the problems, which we have already been commenting on, is that having certain applications without updating on our mobile device is closely related to the security of the device. That is, a virus or malware sneaks through the application that can completely infect the terminal.
So, in most cases, when these updates are given it is because the manufacturers have decided to release certain patches to fix security holes. Therefore, a good option to not be aware of your updates is to have the automatic updates option activated. Since cybercriminals can exploit security holes , system failures that allow breach of system security leading by carrying out a series of attacks such as information theft, identity theft or loss of privacy.
Possible performance improvement
The fact of not updating an application can also leave us without enjoying the full experience because the different functions that have been implemented are not activated until it is updated. Even the performance of an application can be affected, something that has also become a key point for every user.
We all like apps to respond as quickly as possible when we interact with them, so if we perceive that with its use the mobile is slower or consumes more battery than usual, we may consider looking for another app to replace it. Therefore, many updates solve this , although sometimes the opposite happens and we return to the clear example of why the apps on our mobile device should not be updated.
