---
url: /general-guides/stop-android-app-auto-updates-play-store.md
description: >-
  Step-by-step guide to stop automatic Google Play Store app updates on a rooted
  device by detaching apps with the Zygisk Detach module.
---

# How to Stop App Updates from Play Store (Detach Apps)

Tired of Google Play Store forcefully updating your apps? This guide shows you how to **detach apps from the Play Store** using Zygisk Detach, preventing unwanted automatic updates permanently.

## What is App Detaching?

App detaching removes the connection between installed apps and Google Play Store. Once detached, apps won't receive automatic updates or be recognized by the Play Store.

## Prerequisites

**Need root first?** Start with the [rooting guides](../rooting-guides/) and follow the instructions for your device.

**Required:**

* ✅ **Rooted Android device** (Magisk or KernelSU)
* ✅ **Zygisk enabled** in your root manager

## Method 1: Using GUI App (Easiest)

### Step 1: Install Zygisk Detach Module

1. **Download** [Zygisk Detach Module](https://github.com/j-hc/zygisk-detach/releases) (latest `.zip` file)
2. **Flash in Magisk/KernelSU:**
   * Open your root manager → Modules → Install from storage
   * Select the downloaded zip file
3. **Reboot** your device

### Step 2: Install Detach App

1. **Download** [Zygisk Detach App](https://github.com/j-hc/zygisk-detach-app/releases) (latest `.apk` file)
2. **Install** the APK on your device
3. **Open** the app and grant root permissions
4. **Select apps** you want to detach
5. **Apply changes** - done!

## Method 2: Using Terminal (Advanced)

### Step 1: Install Module (Same as above)

Follow Step 1 from Method 1.

### Step 2: Use Terminal Commands

1. **Open terminal** (Termux or similar)
2. **Run detach command:**
   ```bash
   su
   detach
   ```
3. **Select apps** from the list to detach
4. Changes apply immediately

*If command fails, try:*

```bash
su -c /data/adb/modules/zygisk-detach/detach
```

## Enable Zygisk (If Not Enabled)

**Magisk users:**

1. Open Magisk → Settings → Enable "Zygisk" → Reboot

**KernelSU users:**

1. Install a compatible Zygisk implementation if your setup does not include one → Reboot

## Verify Detachment

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Search for the detached app
3. Should show "Install" instead of "Update/Open"
4. ✅ App successfully detached!

## How to Re-attach Apps

**Using GUI App:** Open the detach app → Select detached apps → Re-attach

**Using Terminal:** Run `su` then `detach` → Select apps to re-attach

## Troubleshooting

**Module not working?**

* Ensure device is properly rooted
* Check Zygisk is enabled in your root manager
* Reboot after installing module

**Command not found?**

* Try full path: `su -c /data/adb/modules/zygisk-detach/detach`
* Verify module is installed and active

**Apps still updating?**

* Clear Play Store data: Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage → Clear Data
* Re-detach the apps

## Important Notes

⚠️ **Security Warning:** Detached apps won't receive security updates. Only detach apps you specifically don't want updated.

✅ **Best Practices:**

* Keep banking/security apps attached
* Manually check for important updates
* Backup data before detaching critical apps

## Related Guides

* [Zygisk modules and tools](../apps-and-modules/root-management#zygisk)
* [Rooting guides](../rooting-guides/)
* [Troubleshooting](../troubleshooting.md)