How to completely disable auto-update on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all methods of 2026

Automatic updates on Xiaomi Redmi 8 can be a real headache: unexpected reboots, wasting mobile traffic and even the risk of “bricking” the device if the firmware fails. Especially a problem for users who prefer to stay on a proven version of MIUI or use custom firmware. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable auto-update – from standard settings to hidden functions and ADB commands.

It's important to understand that the manufacturer is deliberately making this process more complicated: Xiaomi is interested in regular updates for security and new features. But if you're determined to take control of your device, we have solutions. We've tested all methods on Redmi 8 with MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions), so the instructions are relevant for 2026.

Why you should turn off auto-update on Redmi 8

At first glance, automatic updates seem like a convenient feature, but in practice, they bring more problems than benefits.

• 🔋 Unpredictable battery discharge – background download updates eat up to 15% charge per night.
• 📶 Mobile Traffic Spending – The Update Package Weighs 1.5-3 GB, which is critical at a limited tariff.
• 🔄 Forced reboots – the device can be updated at the most inopportune time (during a call or game).
• 🛠️ Risk of “bricking” – 3% of Redmi 8 users face bootloop after updates 4PDA).
• ⚙️ Resetting – Some updates reset custom camera settings or gestures.

The problem is especially acute for owners of Redmi 8 with an unlocked bootloader or installed TWRP. Incompatible updates can lead to the loss of root rights or even the need for a complete reset via Fastboot.

If you fall into one of these categories of users, the following instructions will help you permanently disable automatic updates without losing the functionality of the device.

Method 1: Standard shutdown via MIUI settings

The simplest method, which works on all versions of MIUI 11 to 14, is suitable for users who do not want to go into technical details:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap on the item Update MIUI (or Update system in new versions).
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Settings.
4. Turn off the Auto boot switch via Wi-Fi.
5. Below, turn off Automatic Update (if the item is available).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 8 firmware (especially Chinese ones) may not have Automatic Update.

Make sure the device is charged at least 50 times%|

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network|

Backup important data |

Remember the current version. MIUI (Settings → The phone)-->

This method only disables background update downloads, but does not block notifications of new versions. To completely get rid of reminders, you will need to use one of the following methods.

Method 2: Blocking through ADB (for power users)

If standard settings don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a deep customization tool for Android, which works on all versions of Redmi 8, including devices with a locked bootloader.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 🔌 USB-cable (original or quality)
• 📱 Included debugging by USB phone-on

Steps to disable auto-renewal:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times) Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.
2. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.
3. Download ADB Tools and unpack into any folder.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Linux/macOS) In this folder, type: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater This command disables the system application "Update" MIUI".
5. To block the background update service, run adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution

⚠️ Warning: After these commands are executed, the Update app will disappear from the menu and the background update verification processes will stop:

adb shell pm enable com.android.updater

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If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers or using another USB-Original cables from Redmi 8 often have data transmission problems.

Method 3: Using a Hidden Menu of Engineering Settings

Redmi 8 still has a hidden engineering menu that allows you to turn off some system services, including updates, which does not require root rights, but does not work on all firmware.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Disable Auto Update (may be called Auto Update Disable) block.
4. Slap it on it and confirm the action.

If this method didn’t work, try an alternative combination for the engineering menu:

##284##

In some regional firmware Redmi 8 (for example, Indian or European) this menu contains additional options for managing updates.

Method 4: Disconnecting through Google Play Settings

Many people don’t know that some of the updates on Xiaomi are distributed through Google services, and even if you have disabled MIUI updates, the system can continue to download security patches through Google Play Services.

To block this channel completely:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Play Services and open it.
3. Slip on the Notifications and turn off all switches.
4. Go back and select Mobile Data → Background → Limit.
5. For reliability, disable auto-update in Play Store: Play Store → Profile Avatar → Settings → Network settings → Auto-update applications → Never

Critical information: Some Redmi 8 firmware (especially Chinese ones) don’t have Google services, and in this case, this method doesn’t apply – use ADB or disable via TWRP.

Method 5: Radical solution – removal of system applets (requires root)

If you're willing to go to extreme lengths and you have root rights, you can completely remove the components responsible for the updates, a method that is guaranteed to disable all kinds of automatic updates, but requires caution.

You'll need:

• 📱 Root access (for example, via Magisk)
• 🛠️ File Manager with support for root (such as Root Explorer or Mixplorer)
• 🔄 Backup of the system (required!)

Instructions:

1. Open root manager and follow the path: /system/priv-app/Updater/
2. Delete or rename (add.bak) the following files: Updater.apk Updater.odex com.android.updater.xml
3. Reset the device.
4. To block the background service, delete /system/app/SystemAdSolution/ (in some firmware, the path may be different)

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly deleting system files can lead to a bootloop ( looped reboot).Be sure to have a working backup before doing these steps. TWRP Or the ability to flash the device through Fastboot.

Additional measures: how to prevent accidental updates

Even after you turn off auto-update, you still have the risk of accidentally installing a new firmware, and here's how to minimize that risk:

• 🔒 Disable mobile data for "Update" MIUI": Settings → Annexes → Update MIUI → Mobile data → Ban background regime
• 📵 Blocking notifications: Settings → Notifications → Update MIUI → Disable all notifications
• 🛡️ Use a firewall: Apps like NetGuard or AFWall+ (requires root) may block access "Updates" MIUI" net.
• 🔄 Regular check: After major updates MIUI You can reset your settings. Check them once a month.

For custom firmware users (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.) it is recommended:

• Remove the Updater app via TWRP or Magisk
• Shut down. OTA-updates in custom firmware settings
• Use the DisableFlagSecure module in Magisk to block system notifications

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The most reliable way is a combination of methods: disabling through ADB + locking in the firewall + removing applets (if there is root), which is guaranteed to prevent any automatic updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling auto-update on Redmi 8