Why Xiaomi is so intrusive in offering updates โ and how to stop it
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners regularly face the same problem: the system literally bombards with notifications about available MIUI updates. These alerts appear in the curtain, pop up like banners on the lock screen, and sometimes even interrupt the application.
Itโs about company policy: Xiaomi is actively promoting the latest firmware to give users new features, security fixes and optimizations. However, for many owners, automatic updates are an inconvenience: they take up traffic, drain the battery during boot and sometimes break the stable operation of the device. In addition, on older models (for example, Redmi Note 5 or Mi A2), new versions of MIUI can run slower due to lack of resources.
In this article, weโll look at all the possible ways to disable update notifications, from official settings to hidden commands for power users. Importantly, some methods require root rights or USB debugging, so first evaluate your technical skills.
Method 1: Disable notifications in system settings (without root)
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools.It is suitable for most models, including Xiaomi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO F3/F4/F5. The main plus: does not require superuser rights and works on any version of Android (from 10 to 14).
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
- Go to the About Phone section. โ Updating the system.
- Tap the three-point menu (โฎ) in the upper right corner and select Update Settings.
- Turn off the switch Automatic boot over Wi-Fi.
- Go back and press again. โฎ โ Notifications of updates โ Choose Never.
โ ๏ธ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for European Region) may not be available for Update Notification, in which case proceed to Method 2.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings โ About the phone
Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged.
Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (if you need to download files)
Backup important data (in case of failure)
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Method 2: Block notifications through the application menu
If the first method didnโt work, you can block notifications directly in the System Update settings, which is universal and works even on custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience installed on Xiaomi.
Step-by-step:
- ๐ฑ Open the Settings. โ Annexes โ Application management.
- ๐ In the search bar, enter System Update (or Updater in English firmware).
- ๐ Slip on the Notifications. โ Turn off the switch Show notifications.
- ๐ก๏ธ For reliability, also disable auto-start: return to the app menu โ Battery โ Choose Limit.
๐ก Useful tip: On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi) 10T or POCO X3 Pro) annex System updates may be called MIUI Updater or System Update. If you don't find it, check hidden system applications through Settings. โ All applications โ Show system-based.
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If notifications continue to appear after disabling, try clearing the System Update app cache in its settings.This will reset temporary data, but will not delete the downloaded firmware files.
Method 3: Use ADB-Teams (for advanced users)
If standard methods donโt work, you can use USB debugging and ADB commands. This method is suitable for all Android devices, including Xiaomi, but requires a computer and minimal knowledge of working with the console.
What you need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Xiaomi drivers.
- ๐ฑ Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI โ 7 times tap to unlock the developer's settings).
- ๐ Cable USB (preferably original).
- ๐ ๏ธ Utility. ADB (Download from the official Android website).
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
- Open the command line (or terminal) in the ADB folder.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Execute the command to disable notifications: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater For some firmware (e.g. MIUI EU) you may need: adb shell pm hide com.miui.updater
- Reboot the phone.
โ ๏ธ Warning: After these commands are executed, the System Update app will disappear from the menu and stop working. To return it, use the command:
adb shell pm enable com.android.updaterOr MIUI:
adb shell pm unhide com.miui.updaterWhat if the ADB canโt see the device?
Method 4: Remove updates via TWRP (root only)
This method is suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and installed custom TWRP recavator. It allows not only to disable notifications, but also completely delete update files, freeing up space in memory.
Important: Mistakes in TWRP can lead to a device being "bricked" and only use this method if you are confident in your actions and have made a backup.
Step-by-step:
- ๐ง Put the phone on mode. TWRP (usually clamping power + Loudness up).
- ๐ Go to the Advanced section โ File Manager.
- ๐๏ธ Delete the following folders (if they exist): /cache/updater/ /data/updater/ /system/priv-app/Updater/
- ๐ Go back to the main menu and select Wipe. โ Advanced Wipe โ mark Dalvik/ART Cache and Cache โ swipe for cleaning.
- ๐ Reset the device.
โ ๏ธ Note: Deleting system files may disrupt the work OTA-If you want to update your firmware in the future, you'll have to do it manually through Fastboot or TWRP.
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TWRP is the most radical method, but also the most effective, and is suitable for users who never plan to update firmware through standard means or prefer to install custom ROMs.
Method 5: Change settings through system file editor (root)
For root-right users, there is another way to edit the system files that handle notifications, a method that requires caution but allows for flexible customization of MIUI Updater behavior.
Instructions:
- Go to /system/priv-app/Updater/Updater.apk or (for newer versions of MIUI): /system/app/Updater/Updater.apk
๐ก Alternative: Instead of deleting, you can edit the file /system/build.prop, line:
ro.miui.has_updater=falseThis will trick the system into thinking that the update module doesn't exist, but after you reset your settings or update your firmware, you'll have to make the changes again.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make it easier for you to determine, we have collected the main pros and cons of each method in the table:
| Method | Difficulty | Need root? | Reversibility | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| System settings | โญ (simple) | โ No. | โ Yes. | All models, MIUI 12-14 |
| Blocking notifications | โญ (simple) | โ No. | โ Yes. | All models, including custom firmware |
| ADB-team | โญโญ (middle-of-the-road) | โ No. | โ Yes. | Advanced users, all versions of Android |
| Removal via TWRP | โญโญโญ (difficult) | โ Yes. | โ Partially. | Users with an unlocked bootloader |
| Editing system files | โญโญโญโญ (difficult) | โ Yes. | โ No. | Experienced users who are ready for risk |
๐น The bottom line: For most users, the first two are enough. If they don't work, try it. ADB. Ways with root and TWRP Use it only if you know exactly what you are doing and are prepared for the consequences.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you turn off update notifications, many users face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
- ๐ซ I can't find the Updater app on the list, MIUI Solution: Use search for all applications or ADB.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you use Xiaomi with a locked bootloader (most official devices), then try root or install it. TWRP Without unlocking, you will have to make a hard brick before you manipulate the system, check the bootloader status in Fastboot with the team:
fastboot oem device-infoLook for Device unlocked: true. If it's false, unlock the bootloader through Xiaomi's official tool.