Hi,

I've recently (within the last month) bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab A tablet to replace a cheaper, older tablet that ouldn't work very well. So far I'm very happy with it.

However, today I've run into a problem.

The Galaxy Tab A just recently downloaded a software update on its own, that I didn't want it to download. It is currently on Android 5.0.2 and works fine. It wants to update to Android 6.0.x.

I've found the option for automatically checking for updates, which I've just disabled, but it still brings up the update notification, with only 2 options: install now, or install later (delay up to 3 hours). I don't want either, I don't want it to install at all.

I can't force stop the "Software Update" process as the option is greyed out.

I am not rooted and don't know how to root (plus it would void warranty, which isn't really an option for a 2-3 week old tablet), if that helps.

Any help on getting this tablet to stay on Android 5.0.x would be recommended!

As the saying goes... if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Thanks.

Android 6.0.1 offers some notable security and performance enhancements so I'm surprised you are so reluctant to install it. Have other owners had issues with the update? Ironically, one of Marshmallow's features is far better control over app notifications...

If you really want to suppress it try Methods 2 & 3 here.

I am baffled by the update auto downloaded this evening. What a mess. I can no longer find an option to move apps to an SD card. Apps manager virtually useless.

Picture cropping was quick and easy now its messy

Thumbnails at bottom of screen annoying not at all usefully as they are so small on a tab A device

Wish I could have avoided this horrible and pointless so called upgrade.

PS. I also now have to swipe as well as enter my pin number. Before I simply entered the pin number. Having both swipe and pin together is pointless.
Last edited by malcom : 07-06-2016 at 00:51

I have now discovered how to select to move to SD card. This upgrade is far from user friendly. Lollipop version was far more logical and easy to find options in apps manager.

Is there a way of preventing version upgrades ? I am quite new to android devices. Needless to say I don't suppose it's possible to revert back to lollipop.

Samsung put their own skin on Android (called Touchwiz) - see tour on another Tab device here. What you can do is install another launcher to change your experience (luckily Android is very customisable) - such as Google Now Launcher and switch using Settings, Home. See this article. You can pretty much tailor your Android experience to your taste.

This is why I have been a bit hesitant, in case it messes up anything I am used to, as well as possibly adversely affecting performance, battery life etc. And yes, once you've installed Marshmallow, you can't go back to Lollipop (certainly not without rooting and reinstalling the OS that way, which I have no idea about).

It's the same reason why I've kept my S4 on Jellybean 4.2, as I don't like 4.4 (SD card restrictions for apps) and I've heard that both 4.4 and 5.0 could reduce battery life.