Why Is iPhone Downloading Apps Automatically?
Your iPhone downloads apps by itself for one reason—automatic app downloads. When you use multiple iOS devices, any new apps you install on one device will also install on your other devices, provided that the automatic app downloads functionality is enabled.
Apps will install even when devices aren’t in use, making the process seamless. Your iPhone’s non-expandable storage is a valuable commodity. That’s why iOS is designed to offload apps whenever free space gets too low by design.
Only apps you install for the first time will download onto your other devices. Reinstalling old apps will not cause the automatic app download functionality to kick in.
However, the automatic app download functionality has its downsides. For example, your iPhone or iPad is low on storage — having apps downloading automatically will compound the problem. Or perhaps you don’t like that cellular data is used for those downloads. Maybe you do not need the same app across devices.
How to Stop Automatic App Downloads
Thankfully, it’s easy to stop your iPhone or iPad from downloading apps automatically.
Open Settings > App Store > disable App Downloads to prevent automatic downloads.
However, this setting does not apply to your other iOS or iPadOS devices. To stop apps from automatically downloading, turn off the functionality manually on each device.
Disable Automatic Downloads Over Mobile Data
Do this to retain the automatic app downloads functionality but want to stop it from consuming cellular data.
Open Settings > Mobile Service > disable the toggle for App Store.
Security Tip — Apple ID Compromised
If you don’t use any other iOS or iPadOS devices, or if you are absolutely certain that you didn’t download new apps on your other devices, your Apple ID might be compromised.
Start by looking into the list of devices tied to your Apple ID — tap your Apple ID within the Settings app, and scroll down the Apple ID screen. If unfamiliar devices are listed, remove them from your Apple ID.
To change your password, open Settings > Apple ID account name > Sign-in & Security > Change Password.
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Last updated on 24 July, 2024
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