Cannot disable Auto Upload

I've seen a couple posts about this from years past, but no solutions...

I have an Edge 830 and an Epix2 and an iPhone 15 Pro on iOS 18.4. Garmin Connect app is installed and up to date.

I record my rides on both the Edge and the Epix2, but since the Edge does not sync my training load, it's primarily there as a backup or a dashboard for workouts. I'd like to be able to save my activities on the Edge, but not have them upload to GC just to delete them every time so that I don't double up on my training miles/hours in the app.

In the GC app under More > Garmin Devices > Edge 830 > General >  i have "Auto Upload Activities" set to OFF. I do not have any wifi settings on the Edge at all. However, every time I save an activity on the Edge, it uploads immediately to GC.

Disabling the phone connection to the Edge isn't an option as I want it to sync my workouts from my TP calendar.

I have removed the Edge 830 from GC and erased all pairing info on the Edge and my Phone and re added the Edge to GC with no change.

Someone must know why this feature is broken.

Thank you!