Last updated: July 24, 2026
Explains how to block or delay OS updates on managed iOS and Android devices to avoid app compatibility issues, bandwidth strain, or bugs. iOS devices must be supervised and running iOS 11.3 or later, while Android devices must run Android 6.0 or later and be provisioned as Device Owner. Administrators create an OS update policy specifying a delay of up to 90 days, and for Android can also schedule update windows or set a Freeze Period to suspend updates entirely during critical business periods.
As IT administrators, there are several scenarios where OS updates are to be restricted in iOS or Android devices. Some of the possible cases are:
Here's how you can block OS updates on managed Android and Apple devices. Follow the steps given below to restrict OS updates:
The following pre-requisites need to be met to restrict OS update in iOS and Android devices
Mobile Device Manager Plus allows admins to create a policy to automate the OS updates on mobile devices. While configuring the policy, you can decide the number of days the OS update must be blocked for. After the OS update is available, the user will not be able to manually install the OS update for the specified number of days.
NOTE: The OS update can only be restricted upto 90 days, after which the users can manually update the OS on the devices. For more information on automating OS updates, refer this document.
Mobile Device Manager Plus allows admins to automate and schedule OS updates for Android devices. While configuring the policy, you can decide the number of days for which the OS update must be blocked for. After the OS update is available, the user will not be able to manually install the OS update for the specified number of days. After which, the OS update will automatically be installed on the devices based on the configured schedule.
In addition to setting an OS update delay, administrators can configure a Freeze Period to completely suspend OS updates during critical business periods such as holidays, peak operational hours, or academic exams. This ensures uninterrupted device performance when stability is paramount.
Example: In the education sector, freeze periods can be configured during exam seasons to ensure learning platforms continue functioning without disruptions.
Freeze periods are especially useful in environments where uninterrupted access to enterprise apps and services is critical.
Note: The OS update can only be restricted upto 30 days, after which the users can manually update the OS on the devices. We do not recommend permanently blocking OS updates, as this prevents critical security patches from reaching devices. To restrict updates completely, disable the following packages (strongly recommended to re-enable them once the critical issues are resolved):
If the apps are not available in the inventory app list, add them under Inventory > Apps > Add new app, enter the required details, and then proceed with disabling them.
Blocking OS updates helps avoid issues such as critical enterprise apps not fully supporting the latest OS, enterprise network bandwidth strain when many devices update at once, or bugs in the new OS breaking enterprise app functionality.
iOS devices must be supervised and running iOS 11.3 or later; Android devices must run Android 6.0 or later and be provisioned as Device Owner.
OS updates can be delayed for up to 90 days using the update policy; after that, users can manually install the update. A Freeze Period, which fully suspends updates during critical periods, can only be set for up to 30 days.
A Freeze Period completely suspends OS updates during critical business periods — devices won't receive update notifications, security updates won't install, and users can't manually install updates — rather than just delaying the update prompt.