How to disable auto-update on Xiaomi Redmi: Full Guide

Modern Xiaomi Redmi and Poco smartphones are based on the Android operating system with the addition of MIUI or the new HyperOS, which developers are constantly improving. Periodic updates are designed to eliminate security vulnerabilities, add new features and optimize the operation of the hardware of the device. However, for many users, the automatic process of downloading and installing new versions becomes a source of problems, as it can occur at the most inopportune time or lead to unstable operation of the gadget.

It often happens that after the next update, the interface starts to work slower, the usual functions disappear or application errors appear. That is why the question of how to forcefully stop this process remains one of the most pressing among Chinese smartphone owners. In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible ways to block updates, from standard system settings to advanced methods through ADB.

It’s important to understand that ignoring security updates completely can leave your device vulnerable to malware, so the decision to cancel auto updates should be considered.We’ll look not only at the methods of disabling, but also at the nuances of the update mechanisms in the shells from Xiaomi so that you can control your smartphone, not it you.

Reasons for refusing automatic system updates

Many users are wondering why they should turn off a useful feature that is designed to improve the device at all. The answer lies in the specifics of the MIUI shell and Xiaomi policy. Often new firmware versions come with changes that do not always positively affect the performance of older smartphones. For example, after an update, the Redmi Note 8 or Redmi 9 can start to work noticeably slower due to increased demands on CPU resources.

Another significant reason is the presence of bugs in early versions of updates. Developers do not always have time to test all use cases, and users are the first to face critical errors. Automatic updates can download just such a raw version, which will lead to constant reboots or problems with battery autonomy.

⚠️ Note: By disabling system updates, you take responsibility for data security.

Also worth mentioning is the intrusiveness of the process: notifications about the availability of a new version can appear at the most inopportune moment, overlapping the screen and requiring action. For those who value the stability of the current build and do not need new features, disabling auto-update is the only way to keep the familiar environment.

Disable automatic updates in MIUI and HyperOS settings

The first and most obvious step is to address the operating system’s standard settings. In recent Xiaomi shells, the menu has become more confusing, but the basic features remain available. You need to go to the Settings menu, then select About Phone and click on the system version logo or the System Update button.

Once you're in the update menu, you'll notice the three dots in the top right corner of the screen, and if you click on them, you'll see a drop-down menu where the key option is Update Options, and that's where the switch for automatic download and installation is located, but in the latest versions of the software, this item may be hidden or require additional actions to activate.

If the standard path didn’t work, try the following method: in the update options menu, look for Auto Update and uncheck it. It’s also helpful to turn off Notify of Updates so that the system stops bothering you with messages about the presence of a new firmware. Sometimes you need to do these actions twice, since the system may try to reset the settings on the next connection to Wi-Fi.

It’s worth noting that even after disabling all check boxes, the system can periodically check for new versions in the background, simply without installing them without your knowledge.This is normal behavior for Android, which allows Xiaomi servers to collect usage statistics.

Blocking updates through the settings of Google Play Store

The MIUI and HyperOS shells are closely integrated with Google services, and many system components are updated through the Play Store. To prevent automatic updates to system applications and services, you need to change the settings of the store itself. Open the Play Store app and click on your profile icon in the upper right corner.

In the menu that opens, select Settings, then go to Network Preferences, and here you will find the Auto Update option. By default, it can be in Wi-Fi Only or Always mode. You need to switch this option to Do not update apps automatically.

Once you change these settings, applications, including Xiaomi system components, will only be updated at your explicit request, giving you full control over which versions of programs are coming to your device, but remember that some critical security services may require up-to-date versions to allow banking applications to work properly.

Using Developer Mode and Debugging over USB

For more advanced users who want to ensure that the process stops, there is a method of disabling system services through developer mode. This method requires caution, since improper actions can lead to unstable operation of the system. First, you need to activate the developer mode: go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI or HyperOS version seven times.

After activation in the settings menu will appear a new section Advanced settings → For developers, find the Automatic System Debugging or USB-debugging and making sure they're turned off unless you're using them to debug apps. While this doesn't block updates directly, it limits background system processes.

A more radical method is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands from a computer, and by connecting a smartphone to a PC, you can execute a command to freeze or remove the component responsible for updating.

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

Executing this command completely disables the system app Updater, which is responsible for checking and downloading firmware.The smartphone will no longer see new versions, and notifications will disappear. To return everything back, use the command adb shell pm enable com.android.updater.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-commands require installed drivers and a customized environment on the PC. Inexperienced users are better off limited to software methods inside the phone.

Restriction of background activity and network access

One of the most effective and safest ways to (stop) an update is to prevent the update app from accessing the Internet. If the system service cannot connect to the Xiaomi server, it will not be physically able to download the firmware file. → Annexes → All applications.

In the list, find the System Update (or Updater) app. Go to its settings and select Traffic Control or Data Use. Here you need to uncheck Wi-Fi and Mobile Network. Now, even if you accidentally run update checks, the system will write about a connection error.

Alternatively, you can limit background activity. In the same app settings menu, find the Battery or Energy Saving section and select No Limits mode (so the system doesn’t wake it up) or, conversely, a hard limit to background work, if such an option is available in your Android version.

💡

Save the current firmware version! Before any manipulation of the system, back up important data and take a picture of the current build number in the About Phone section to know where to return in case of problems.

The good thing about this is that it's reversible, and it doesn't require root rights or a computer connection, and you can restore access to the network at any time, and it's possible to upgrade again, and it's ideal for those who want to just put the update off until a more stable version comes out.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Xiaomi Updates

💡

A comprehensive approach, including disabling settings, denying network access and ignoring notifications, gives a 100% guarantee that your Redmi smartphone will remain on the current firmware version.