How to disable updates on Xiaomi: the full guide

Many users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones face a situation where, after another automatic MIUI update or a new HyperOS, the device starts to run slower, discharge faster or intrusive banner ads appear. Developers are constantly improving the software, closing vulnerabilities and adding features, but for experienced users or owners of older models, these changes often become a problem. There is an urgent need to stop this process and fix the current, stable version of the firmware.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the available methods for blocking updates, from simple settings inside the menu to advanced ways through ADB and router configuration. You’ll learn which system services are responsible for loading data packets, how to prevent them from activating, and what to do if your phone has already started downloading a firmware file. Understanding these processes will allow you to maintain control over your device and avoid unpredictable changes in the interface.

It is worth noting that completely disabling updates can carry certain security risks. However, if you use trusted applications and adhere to digital hygiene, the risk is minimal, the main thing is to act consistently and understand what method is suitable for your model and version of the operating system.

Disconnection through standard system settings

The easiest and most affordable way to prevent automatic downloading updates is to change the settings in the menu of the smartphone itself. In the latest versions of the shells from Xiaomi, developers hid a direct shutdown button, but left the ability to limit the background activity of system applications, you need to find the system service responsible for updates in the list of applications and deny it access to the network.

To start, go to Settings, then select About Phone. Here, search for the MIUI version and click on it a few times to see the available updates, but don't install them. We need a different menu. Go back to the main settings menu and select Advanced Settings or Additional, then go to System Update. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Update Settings.

Here you'll see the option "Autoload Updates." Make sure it's turned off. However, this is only a half measure, since the system can still notify you of a new version. A more efficient method is to work with application rights. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ All applications. Find System Update (or System Updater) in the list.

β˜‘οΈ Checking the update settings

Done: 0 / 4

Inside the app menu, find Network Access (or Data Use) and disable connection via both Wi-Fi and mobile networks. It is also recommended that you clear the app's data to reset the check cache.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove the System Update app by standard methods unless you are sure of your actions.This may lead to errors in the interface or persistent error notifications.

Blocking Updater and MIUI Daemon System Services

If standard methods don’t work, you need to influence deep system processes. Updating in Xiaomi devices is not only responsible for visible applications, but also hidden services such as MIUI Daemon and Updater.

You will need the Appendix section again. β†’ All applications. In the menu (three dots in the corner), turn on the system process display. MIUI Daemon, Updater, SecurityAdd. For each of them, follow the following steps:

  • 🚫 Click on Stop if the button is active.
  • πŸ”’ Select Permissions and disable all available rights, especially access to memory and network.
  • πŸ“‰ In the paragraph "Battery" or "Energy saving" select "No restrictions" (so that the system does not wake up the process) or, conversely, a strict restriction of background activity, depending on the version. MIUI.

Pay special attention to the SecurityAdd service. It is often responsible for (push) notifications about new features and security, which are in fact disguised ads for updates.

What is MIUI Daemon?
MIUI Daemon is a system telemetry service that collects device usage data and sends it to Xiaomi servers, often through which commands come to check for updates, and disabling it does not affect the basic functionality of the phone, but increases privacy.

After performing these manipulations, it is recommended to restart the device, which ensures that all the changed settings will take effect, and the background processes will be restarted with new restrictions. If after a few days you notice that the service is again active, the procedure will have to be repeated, as the system may try to regain its rights.

Using ADB to force shutdown

The most reliable method that works even on the latest versions of HyperOS is the use of debugging by the user. USB tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method allows you to freeze or completely remove system service packs for the current user without compromising the integrity of the system partition. USB.

First, activate the developer mode on the phone. To do this, go to About Phone and quickly press 7 times on the build number (version). MIUI). Then, in the extended settings, turn on USB-You plug your smartphone into your PC and install the drivers. ADB, If they're not already installed, open the command line on your computer in the folder with ADB.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.misys




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.daemon

Executing these commands will disable the packets com.android.updater (standard bootloader), com.miui.misys (MIUI system services) and com.miui.daemon. After that, the update checkpoint will disappear in the phone interface, and the background data transfer will cease.

πŸ“Š What is the most reliable way to block?
Through network settings
By disabling applications
With ADB teams
Through blocking hosts in the router

It's important to know how to get it back if you need to. Use commands to restore functions, replace disable-user with enable. For example: adb shell pm enable com.android.updater. This will return the ability to manually update through the settings menu.

⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB Disabling critical system components (not related to updates) can lead to a bootloop (cyclic reboot) of the phone. Enter the commands exactly as instructed.

Blocking through hosts and DNS file

Another effective method is to block the phone from accessing update servers at the network request level, which can be done in two ways: by changing the hosts file on the device itself (root access is required) or by setting the lock at the router level, the second option being preferable, since it does not require superuser rights.

The method is to redirect queries to Xiaomi server domains to a local address 127.0.0.1 or a non-existent IP. When the phone tries to check the firmware version, it will be rejected or not send a request.

  • 🌐 update.miui.com
  • 🌐 update.c.mi.com
  • 🌐 api.vip.miui.com
  • 🌐 fr.app.miui.com

If you have access to router settings (like Keenetic, MikroTik, or OpenWrt routers), look for the DNS filter or Hosts section. Add the domains listed. For users without a router with these features, you can use the Blokada app or configure a private DNS (Private DNS) on Android by specifying the address of the server blocking ads and trackers (like dns.adguard.com), although this can block other advertising services.

The good thing about this is that it works globally, and even if you reset the phone, the lock will remain active at the network level until you change the router's settings, and it creates a strong barrier between the device and the manufacturer's servers.

Comparison of blocking methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have organized all the methods described in a table, each method has its advantages and disadvantages depending on your technical background and goals.

MethodDifficultyEfficiencyRisks.
Application network settingsLow.MediumMinimum
Disconnection of system servicesMediumTall.Possible notification failures
ADB teamTall.MaximumIt requires caution.
DNS/Hosts BlockingMediumTall.It may affect other services.

For most users, the best solution is a combination of methods: disabling autoboot in settings plus denying network access for the System Update app, which gives a 90% guarantee without having to go into code or configure the router.

πŸ’‘

Before performing any blocking actions, make sure to back up important data. Although the risk of data loss is minimal, reinsurance is never superfluous when interfering with system settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it safe to completely disable updates on Xiaomi?
Yes, it's safe for power users, but you'll stop receiving security patches, which could theoretically make your device vulnerable to new viruses through a browser or questionable apps. If you don't visit suspicious sites, the risk is minimal.
Can I remove the Updater app permanently?
Without root rights, it cannot be completely removed, but it can be frozen through ADB, which is equivalent to deleting for the user. With root rights, deleting is possible, but not recommended, as it can disrupt the system components that depend on it.
Will the lock drop after resetting to factory settings?
Yes, a full Wipe Data reset will return all system applications and settings to their original state, and you will have to re-ban network access or execute ADB commands after you initially set up your phone.
Why does the phone still write β€œUpdate available”?
This can be a cached notification, try to clear the Security and System Update app data, and if it doesn't work, it means that the network access lock is not fully implemented, and one of the domains is still available.

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way is a comprehensive approach: deny network access for system applications and, if possible, block update domains at the router level.

To sum up, Xiaomi updates are completely in the hands of the user. Knowing which services are responsible for this process and how to limit their rights, you can enjoy the stable operation of your current version of MIUI or HyperOS without intrusive interventions. Remember that technological progress does not always mean improving the user experience, and sometimes the best version of firmware is the one that is already installed and running steadily.