How to permanently disable auto-update on Xiaomi: instructions for MIUI 12-14

Why are Xiaomi Auto Updates annoying users?

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their aggressive update policy, not only regularly checking for new firmware versions, but also automatically downloading them in the background, taking up precious memory space and traffic. For many users, this becomes a problem: updates come at the wrong time, interrupt work or even cause failures after installing unstable builds.

This is especially true for owners of devices with limited memory (such as Redmi 9A or POCO M3), where every megabyte counts. In addition, some MIUI updates are not always optimized: after installing them, users complain about increased battery consumption, lags or the disappearance of familiar features. Unsurprisingly, the question “how to disable auto-update on Xiaomi?” remains one of the most popular on forums.

In this article, we’ll look at all the options available, from standard settings to hidden developer settings. It’s important to understand that Xiaomi isn’t interested in users refusing to upgrade, so some methods will require additional manipulation.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in options of the system. It is suitable for most models (Redmi Note 10/11/12, Xiaomi 11T/12/13, POCO F3/X3, etc.) and does not require superuser rights.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (usually at the bottom of the list).
3. Tap on the item Update MIUI (or Update system on new versions).
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Settings.
5. Turn off the switches: 🔄 Automatic download over Wi-Fi (downloading updates in the background) 📱 Update notifications (to avoid getting annoying alerts) 🔋 Update in standby mode (if there is such a point)

After this, the system will stop downloading updates on its own, but you can still check them manually, but there is a caveat: on some firmware (MIUI 13+), these settings may be reset after a reboot or update to Google Play Services.

Method 2: Limit background activity through application settings

If the standard shutdown didn't work, you can go further and block the background activity of the system application responsible for the updates, which works on all versions of MIUI, but requires manual adjustment:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type the MIUI Update (or Updater in English firmware).
3. Select the app and go to Battery (or Charge Consumption).
4. Set a limit to limit background activity.
5. Go back and in the Mobile Data section, turn off Internet access (both over Wi-Fi and over mobile network).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi) K50) after-use ADB This is not critical, but it can block access to Mi Account for 24 hours.

Method 4: Manually Delete Update Files

Even after disabling auto updates, previously downloaded firmware files that occupy from 1 to 3 GB can remain in the phone’s memory.

1. Connect your phone to your PC or use any file manager (such as Mi File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /sdcard/DownloadedRom (or /storage/emulated/0/DownloadedRom).
3. Delete all files with the.zip extension (these are firmware archives).
4. Clear the folder. /cache (root rights are required or ADB-Adb shell su -c"rm -rf /cache/*").

If you don’t have a DownloadedRom folder, check:

• 🔍 /sdcard/MIUI/DownloadedRom (older versions MIUI)
• 🔍 /data/ota_package (Root rights are required)

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from the folder /system or /vendor — This can lead to a device blink (completely inoperable).If you are not sure, use only the safe paths from the table above.

Method 5: Disconnecting through developer settings (hidden method)

MIUI has hidden parameters that allow you to completely block the update check.

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the item Disable automatic system update (in English firmware - Disable auto system update).
4. Activate it and restart the phone.

Not all devices have this option, but if you don't have one, try an alternative way:

• 🔧 Enter the Settings → Search for Automatic Update.
• 🔧 Use Activity Launcher (from Google Play) to find hidden activity com.android.updater/.settings.UpdateSettingsActivity.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of the above methods do not work, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 Firmware with a modified core (for example, customized) MIUI-build-ups).
• 📱 Operator policies (some mobile providers are forced to update through their services).
• 🔧 Failure to work MIUI (Helps to reset the settings to the factory).

In such cases, radical measures remain:

1. Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where there are no forced updates.

Before you resort to these methods, weigh the risks: loss of warranty, possible bugs in the phone and the difficulty of rolling back changes. If your model supports MIUI without forced updates (for example, Xiaomi for the global market), consider reflashing to the official European version.

💡

On devices with a locked bootloader (most Xiaomi for Russia), custom firmware installation requires unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to 720 hours of waiting (according to the rules of Xiaomi 2023).

FAQ: Frequent questions about auto updates on Xiaomi