Stop automatic updates for one App Store app on managed iPadsSolved

Participant
Discussion
1 day ago Sep 29, 2026

Is there a way to stop just one App Store app from automatically updating on managed iPads? We have a specific app that has caused issues after the last few updates, so we want to keep it installed but prevent Hexnode from automatically pushing every new version. I could not find a per-app auto-update toggle in the app settings. If we stop automatic updates, how would we manually update that app later when we are ready?

Replies (3)

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Hexnode Expert
1 day ago Sep 29, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

Yes. For a specific App Store app deployed through a Required Apps policy, you can stop automatic updates by removing that app from the Required Apps policy. Before removing it from the policy, make sure the following option is disabled: Remove app from the device on policy removal.

This is important because if that option is enabled, removing the app from the policy may also remove the app from the managed iPads. Once the option is disabled, the app can remain installed on the devices while no longer being maintained as a required app through that policy.

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Participant
16 hours ago Sep 29, 2026
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That makes sense. If it is removed from Required Apps, what is the best way to update it later? Can we trigger an update manually for all iPads when we decide a version is safe?

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Hexnode Expert
19 minutes ago Sep 30, 2026
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Yes. When you are ready to update the app manually, you can push it again from the Hexnode portal. Go to: Manage > Device Groups > select the required iOS device group, such as All iOS Device Groups > Actions > Install Application.

Then select the app and push it to the devices. This sends the install/update command to the selected device group, allowing you to control when the app update is rolled out instead of having it update automatically through the Required Apps policy.

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