Automatic MIUI updates are often a headache for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO users. The system is stubbornly reminding of new firmware versions, consumes traffic in the background and sometimes installs updates without the owner’s consent, especially on older models where fresh updates slow down the device.
In this article, you will find all the current ways to disable updates, from standard MIUI settings to hidden commands for power users. We will look at methods for different versions of firmware (including MIUI 14), explain the risks and give security recommendations. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which we have highlighted separately with the warnings.
If you just want to temporarily suspend updates, the first two methods are enough. The system-level shutdown requires more in-depth settings. All instructions are tested on current devices (2023-2026) and do not violate warranty unless root methods are used.
1. Standard disabling of updates in MIUI settings
The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in system options, which works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, including Redmi and POCO. The main drawback is that the system will still check for updates, but will not automatically download them.
To limit background activity:
- Open Settings → About the phone → Update MIUI
- Slap the icon. ⚙️ (gear) in upper right corner
- Turn off the switches: 🔄 Automatic booting via Wi-Fi 📶 Automatic download via mobile network 🔔 Notifications of updates (optional)
Check for updates
Put off
This method does not block the updates from being checked completely – the system will show notifications for new versions, but will not download them without your confirmation.
Disable automatic download over Wi-Fi and mobile network
Delete downloaded update files in Settings → Memory → Files → MIUI
Disable notifications from the "Update" application
Backup of important data
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2. Disconnection through "Special Features" (without root)
The method works on MIUI 13/14 and allows you to block the background activity of the com.android.updater application responsible for the updates, which will not delete the service itself, but will significantly reduce its activity.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Special Opportunity Services
- Turn on MACRODROID (if not installed, download from Google Play)
- Create a new macro with the condition: App launched → com.android.updater
- Add Action: Close the App → com.android.updater
- Save the macro and activate it.
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If MACRODROID doesn’t find an update app, try manually specifying the path: /system/priv-app/Updater/Updater.apk. This method works on 80% of Xiaomi 2020-2023 devices.
3. Blocking through ADB (for advanced users)
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method allows you to disable the system-level update service without obtaining root permissions. Suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models based on Android 10 and later.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (shap 7 times on version, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers)
- Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your debugging permission
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and type: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater
- To check, do: adb shell pm list packages -d The list must appear com.android.updater
To return the updates, use the command:
adb shell pm enable com.android.updaterWhat if the ADB can’t see the device?
⚠️ Attention: Disconnection through ADB It can cause some system functions to malfunction if you use custom firmware. MIUI The risk is minimal, but make a backup copy through Settings before executing commands. → Additionally. → Backup.
4. Remove updates via TWRP (requires unlocking the bootloader)
For users with an unlocked bootloader and TWRP Recovery installed, a radical method is available – the physical deletion of update files – which completely blocks the ability to check and install new versions of MIUI.
Instructions:
- Download TWRP for your model (check compatibility with XDA Developers)
- Boot to recovery (turn off the phone, then pinch Power + Volume up)
- Go to Advanced → File Manager
- Delete the following folders: 📁 /system/priv-app/Updater 📁 /system/priv-app/UpdaterProvider 📁 /data/data/com.android.updater
Reset the device
After this procedure:
- ✅ Item “Update MIUI" fade away
- ✅ The system will stop checking new versions
- ⚠️ Possible problems with OTA-Security updates (if they were a separate package)
| Method of disconnection | Need root? | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | ❌ No. | ⭐ | Partial | No. |
| Special facilities | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐ | Medium | Minimum |
| ADB-team | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Tall. | Average. |
| Removal via TWRP | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Complete. | Tall. |
| Modification of build.prop | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Complete. | Critical |
5. Edit build.prop (power users only)
The most radical method is to change the build.prop system file, which contains the configuration of the device. OTA-updates, but requires root rights and may cause the device to fail in case of an error.
Step-by-step:
- Get root rights (via Magisk or SuperSU)
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer)
- Open /system/build.prop file in text editor
- Add the following lines to the end of the file: ro.build.type=user ro.ota.type=none ro.miui.otaupdate=0
- Save the file and restart the device
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing build.prop can lead to bootloop ( looped download).Before changes, make a full backup through TWRP And make sure you have access to fastboot for recovery. On some Xiaomi models (like the Mi 11 Ultra), this can block access to banking apps.
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Editing build.prop is the most effective method for completely disabling updates, but also the riskiest. Use it only if other methods have not worked and you are prepared for the possible consequences.
Alternative methods and workarounds
If the standard methods didn’t work or you don’t want to risk system settings, consider these options:
Using VPN to block update servers:
- 🌍 Install. VPN-Application (e.g. 1.1.1.1 or AdGuard)
- 🔗 Add to the blacklist domains: update.miui.com ota.miui.com api.io.mi.com
- 🔄 Reset the device
Restrictions through Firewall:
- 🔥 Install NetGuard or AFWall+ (root)
- 🚫 Block Internet access for the com.android.updater app
- 📡 Disable background data transfer for system applications
Installation of custom firmware:
Firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS do not contain built-in mechanisms for forced updates from Xiaomi.
- ⚠️ Loss of official guarantee
- 🔧 Requires unlocking the loader
- 📱 Possible problems with the camera or sensors (depending on the model)