Forced software update

Royce Fickling · Jul 10, 2020

I am fed up with being forced to accept software updates to my Android devices. My devices are stable, so why should I be forced to accept updates that may screw up my experience?

My sense is that this done so Google or Samsung can stick even more ads in my face. Why does Google and Samsung want to anger users?

Hadron · Jul 10, 2020

Are you American? I ask because forcing updates is something that US carriers tend to do with their phones, but is very rare elsewhere. On most Android devices you might get annoyed by a software update notification, but at worst you can ignore it (my wife's phone has had an update pending for several years now...

).

There are exceptions: after the Note 7 fiasco Samsung did send out updates that would install forcibly (originally to limit the charging, then finally to shut the devices down if you hadn't complied with the recall of the phones). But apart from a few control-freaky service providers, mainly in the US, forced system updates are not the norm.

Of course if any of these are work devices managed by your IT department they may set an update policy. That would be something entirely separate from Google or Samsung.

MrJavi · Jul 10, 2020

I have an older Samsung but check your settings for "system update" and look for "update automatically" and if it is checked uncheck it.

Rgarner · Jan 6, 2021

Royce Fickling, I couldn't agree more. If we paid for them, or even if were given or FOUND them, they are OURS and that's that. If we want to up, down, or sidegrade them, it's up to us. They should learn not to bite the hands that feed them.

The_Chief · Jan 7, 2021

Many of these updates are security patches that are important, as they protect against new/emerging threats. Malware developers are always trying to work around protections in firmware: so the updates patch vulnerabilities as they are identified. Newer devices will get monthly patches, while older devices will get quarterly updates until end-of-life and support ends.

mikedt · Jan 7, 2021

Royce Fickling said:
I am fed up with being forced to accept software updates to my Android devices. My devices are stable, so why should I be forced to accept updates that may screw up my experience?

My sense is that this done so Google or Samsung can stick even more ads in my face. Why does Google and Samsung want to anger users?

I'm pretty sure it's not Google forcing updates, unless they do it for their own Nexus, Pixel, and Android One devices? And AFAIK Samsung has only ever forced battery neutering updates for the recalled Galaxy Note 7.

However, I've read about some US carriers forcing updates on their own locked and customised phones, like Verizon and Sprint.

Rgarner · Jan 7, 2021

This one seems to be Motorola's fault. Lord knows I don't need this phone to be any more vulnerable than it already is. Can I somehow upgrade security while retaining control over MY phone and avoiding bloatware?

The_Chief · Jan 7, 2021

Bloatware is easily removed in Settings -- Apps -- (upper three dots) Show system apps -- and scroll to the offending app. If you can't uninstall it, you can at least disable it. It won't appear in the app drawer or use any system resources.

Rgarner · Jan 7, 2021

That's a relief. However, isn't it still eating up storage space? I'd rather use that for important, useful things.

The_Chief · Jan 8, 2021

No, it's only a little bit of code in the OS so if you enable it, the app can load up again.

Rgarner · Jan 8, 2021

I guess the only thing without root is to disable and leave it that way. What`s the difference between disable and force stop? These things should be required to be included as a manual with the phone.

ocnbrze · Jan 8, 2021

Rgarner said:
I guess the only thing without root is to disable and leave it that way. What`s the difference between disable and force stop? These things should be required to be included as a manual with the phone.

the difference is that disable means that the app will nor run unless you re-enable it. force stop only temporarily stops the app from running. it will run again when you launch the app.

and there is no need for a manual.....you have us

Rgarner · Jan 9, 2021

Thanks, I do appreciate that. The weird thing is that I got this horrible message that the update had occurred (clearly without my permission) but later I got stuck with another pitch for restarting the phone and allowing this desecration to happen. Which, if either, is true?

ocnbrze · Jan 9, 2021

Rgarner said:
Thanks, I do appreciate that. The weird thing is that I got this horrible message that the update had occurred (clearly without my permission) but later I got stuck with another pitch for restarting the phone and allowing this desecration to happen. Which, if either, is true?

usually what happens is that an update will be downloaded first. the next question your phone will ask is if you want to install it. so there are two different parts to update your phone. one to download and the next to install.

Rgarner · Jan 9, 2021

What I want to know is if this phone has been compromised. As far as I know I have shut down as much of these things as I can. Am I safe or not?

ocnbrze · Jan 9, 2021

no reason that i can think of that would indicate that you have been hacked. when in doubt you can do a hard reset, change your passwords and set up two step verification on all of your accounts (where applicable).

Rgarner · Jan 9, 2021

I don't mean that, and I'm sorry for any confusion. What I do mean is how do I protect this Moto G FROM Motorola itself, and from other such "legitimate" attacks. We shouldn't have to go through all this just to keep our phones to ourselves.

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