How to completely disable auto-update system on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Automatic MIUI updates on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are often a source of annoyance for users. The system downloads gigabytes of data without warning, drains the battery in the background and can install firmware with bugs at the most inopportune moment. Worst of all, after a reboot, the device sometimes “hangs” on the logo for 10-15 minutes - that is how long it takes to install the update.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable auto updates, from standard settings to hidden developer and ADB command settings. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models. You will learn how to block downloads of updates via Wi-Fi and mobile network, as well as how to delete already downloaded firmware files to free up space.

Important: some methods require developer rights or PC connectivity. If you're a beginner, start with the first two, which are the safest and don't require technical skills. For advanced users, we've prepared advanced instructions using ADB and modifying system files.

Why Xiaomi is imposing auto updates and how it is dangerous

Xiaomi has been actively promoting regular updates, arguing that it improves security and stability, but in practice, users face a number of challenges:

• 🔋 Battery discharge: Background firmware download (especially major updates to the 2-3 GB can eat up to 20% night-time charge.
• 📶 Mobile network traffic: On models with MIUI 13+ The system is still downloading updates even through 4G/5G, if the connection is stable.
• 🐌 Slowdown: During the installation of the update, the smartphone may slow down, and some functions (for example, the camera or the camera) NFC) temporarily inaccessible.
• 🔄 Unstable firmware: New versions MIUI Often contain bugs, from minor interface glitches to critical errors (e.g. Bluetooth problems in the Internet). MIUI 14.0.5).

The biggest inconvenience of auto-updates is the limited memory-enabled Redmi 9A, POCO M3, which takes up to 4GB of downloaded firmware in the /cache folder and doesn’t delete automatically after installation, which leads to reports of memory shortages even if you haven’t installed anything.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro with a MIUI 14) after disabling auto-updates through standard settings, the system can still download firmware in the background, due to the operation of the service com.miui.systemAdSolution, which ignores user restrictions. ADB or disable the service through PM.

Method 1: Disabling Auto Updates through Standard Settings

The simplest method that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14 is suitable for users who do not want to go into technical details. The instructions are relevant for the Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4, Xiaomi 11T/12T models and others.

Steps:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select the About Phone section.
3. Tap on the item "MIUI Update" (or "System Update" on some firmware).
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select "Settings».
5. Turn off the slider next to the option “Automatic boot over Wi-Fi”.
6. Also deactivate Auto Update (if there is such a item).

Some devices (such as the Xiaomi Mi 10 with MIUI 13) may have checkboxes instead of sliders, in which case uncheck all checkboxes associated with automatic download and installation.

Once you do this, the system will stop automatically downloading updates, but notifications about the availability of new versions will still come. To get rid of them, go to Method 2.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI Global (especially for the European region) may be notified after auto-updates are disabled, "Updates disabled. Turn them on for security." This message can be ignored - it does not affect the operation of the smartphone. ADB (see method 4).

Method 2: Restricting background activity for the MIUI Update

Even after auto-updates are disabled, the system can continue to download firmware in the background, because the MIUI Update (com.android.updater) app has a privileged status, in order to completely block its activity:

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type “MIUI Update” and select the appropriate application.
3. Slip on the battery (or energy consumption).
4. Select the “Limited” mode (or “Forbidden” on some firmware).
5. Go back and click on “Mobile Data”, then turn off the “Background Mode” slider.
6. Repeat the same for Wi-Fi.

This will prevent the application from downloading data in the background, but it will still be able to check for updates when manually running, and to fully deactivate the service, you will need to use ADB (see Method 4).

If you still download updates after these steps, check for updates for the security app (com.miui.securitycenter), which sometimes overwrites the restrictions settings.

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To check if the system is downloading in the background, open Settings → Network Status → Traffic Use and see the statistics for the MIUI Update app.

Method 4: Completely disabling updates via ADB (for experienced)

This method blocks all automatic updates, including new version checks, 100%, and is suitable for users who don’t plan to upgrade or want to manually control the process, requiring a computer with ADB drivers installed and USB debugging enabled on their smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification “You’ve become a developer!” appears.

USB-debugging

• Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• Activate the slider "Debugging by USB".
• Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute commands: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.updater

The first command disables the MIUI Update app, the second one deletes it for the current user (without deleting system files).

• 📵 The item “Update” will disappear MIUI» customized.
• 🚫 The system will stop checking and downloading updates.
• ⚠️ No notifications of new firmware will appear.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 13 Ultra after use ADB protection may work MIUI, The application will recover after restarting, in which case you will need to repeat the command or use Method 5 (modification of system files).

Method 5: Manually delete update files (memory free)

If the system has already downloaded the firmware, but you don't want to install it, the update files can be manually deleted. 3-4 GB of memory in the section /cache. This is true for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi. K50, POCO F4 Xiaomi 12 Lite.

How to delete:

1. Open any file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to the folder: /data/ota_package/ or (on some firmware): /cache/ota/
3. Delete all files with the.zip extension (e.g, miui_*.zip).
4. Clean the cart and restart the device.

If /data or /cache folders are not displayed, you will need to obtain root rights or use ADB:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/ota_package/*




rm -rf /cache/ota/*

On MIUI 14+ firmware, update files can be stored in an encrypted partition, in which case they cannot be deleted without root rights, and the alternative is to reset the settings to factory settings, but this will lead to data loss.

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Deleting update files does not prevent auto-updates. To prevent re-downloading, use Methods 1-4.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you turn off auto updates, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔄 Updates are downloaded despite the shutdown: Reason: com.miui.systemAdSolution ignores settings.Solution: Use ADB (Method 4) or disable the service through PM: adb shell pm disable-user com.miui.systemAdSolution
• ⚠️ “Updates disabled” notification appears: Reason: System Warning MIUI. Solution: Disable notifications for the Security app (Settings) → Annexes → Security → Notifications).
• 📱 After rebooting, settings are reset: Reason: MIUI It restores default parameters. Solution: Use it. ADB to permanently shut down (Method 4) or install Magisk with Disable module MIUI Updates».

If none of the methods worked, check if your device has a MIUI beta installed. On beta firmware (MIUI Beta or Developer ROM), auto updates are only disabled via ADB or modification of system files.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions