Why Android Smartphone Settings Are Changing Automatically: Explained

Are Android smartphone settings changing without your permission? Find out why this is happening, and how it impacts your privacy and phone performance.

 

Why Are Android Smartphone Settings Changing Automatically? Here’s What You Need to Know

 

KARACHI (August 25, 2025) – Recently, Android smartphone users have noticed some unexpected changes to their phone settings, leaving many worried about their privacy and phone performance. As Android smartphones are used by millions around the world, including Pakistan and India, this shift has sparked significant concern on social media platforms like X. But why are these changes happening, and what does it mean for users?

 

The Changes Users Are Noticing

 

Many Android users have reported that their phone interface, display, and design have been altered without their permission. Whether it’s the layout of the home screen, the appearance of settings, or even the way apps appear, these changes have left people confused and questioning what’s going on.

As one user put it, “My phone looks completely different now. What happened? Why did my settings change automatically?” This growing concern has led to discussions across social media, with many asking how their settings can change without any manual input.

IT Expert Kanwal Cheema Explains the Situation

 

To shed light on these changes, IT expert Kanwal Cheema appeared on the ARY News Morning Show and addressed the issues. According to Cheema, these changes are part of a software update rolled out by Google. While updates are common, this one has sparked more attention due to the visible and sometimes dramatic changes to the phone’s interface.

Cheema explained, “Google has updated the entire software, and companies continue to make such changes to make the user experience more friendly and intuitive. This has happened before, but this time the changes are more noticeable, which is why users are feeling the difference.”

 

Auto Updates: Why Did This Happen?

 

The main reason behind these unexpected changes is the auto-update feature in Android phones. For most users, updates are installed automatically, often without notifying the user. If your phone has auto-update enabled, these settings changes would happen without any prompt.

However, for those who have auto-update turned off, notifications were sent out requesting permission to install the update. In case you prefer the older settings, Cheema mentioned that you can always go into your phone’s settings and revert to the previous design by clicking on the “Go Back to Old” option.

 

Privacy Concerns: Are Your Personal Data at Risk?

 

One major concern among Android users is whether these updates could affect their privacy. Many users are wondering if the updates could give software companies access to their personal data.

Cheema put these concerns to rest, assuring viewers, “No software company can access your phone’s data during updates. These updates only affect the system and interface design. Your privacy is not compromised in any way.”

 

Impact on Phone Performance

 

While most updates aim to improve the phone’s battery performance, Cheema explained that some updates with new features may slow down older devices. The added features could demand more processing power, resulting in slower performance for older smartphones.

However, Cheema also pointed out that, in most cases, updates are designed to optimize battery life and improve overall efficiency.

 

What You Can Do

 

If you’re not happy with the new changes to your Android smartphone, here are a few things you can do:

1. Revert to old settings: Go to the settings menu and click “Go Back to Old” to restore the previous interface.

2. Turn off auto-updates: If you prefer to manually control updates, you can disable the auto-update feature in your phone’s settings.

3. Check for software updates regularly: Keep an eye on new updates and what changes they bring, so you're prepared for any future modifications to your device.