Automatic updates on Xiaomi Poco smartphones are often a headache 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, especially for the Poco F, Poco X and Poco M lines, where MIUI sometimes behaves too intrusively.
In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to disable auto-update, from standard settings to hidden commands via ADB. We will break down the nuances for different versions of MIUI 13/14/15, explain why the system can ignore your settings, and give recommendations for security. Importantly, some methods require developer rights or root access, which we will highlight separately.
Why is Xiaomi Poco pushing for updates?
Xiaomi has an aggressive policy of updates for three reasons:
- 📊 Activity statistics: The more users on the latest version MIUI, the higher the brand rating in analytical reports.
- 🛡️ Security: Closing vulnerabilities in old firmware reduces risks to the ecosystem (e.g., data breaches via Mi Account).
- 💰 Monetization: New versions MIUI often contain advertising modules and integrated services (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Browser).
In practice, this translates into:
- 🔄 Background download of updates even when Wi-Fi is turned off (via mobile Internet).
- 📥 Automatic installation at night if the phone is connected to charging.
- 🚫 Blocking the rollback to the previous version MIUI standardized.
Interestingly, the Poco F5 Pro and Poco X6 Pro with global firmware (EEA/Global) are less likely to receive updates than the Chinese (CN) or Indian (IN) versions, due to local software certification requirements.
Method 1: Standard disabling in MIUI settings
The simplest method that works on all Poco models (including the Poco C65, Poco X5 and Poco F4 GT) has a limitation, however: the system can reset settings after a reboot or update to Google Play Services.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14.0.4+) Auto Update may not be available, in which case proceed to Method 2.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → About the phone → Update MIUI.
- Stick to three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Turn off the switches: 🔄 Automatic booting via Wi-Fi 📥 Automatic installation of updates 🌙 Installation at night (if any)
Verification of updates
Cancellation
After this, the system will stop downloading updates, but notifications about new versions of MIUI will come. To disable them, you need to block notifications from the system update application (com.android.updater).
☑️ Verification of Auto-Renewal Disablement
Method 2: Disconnection through "Special Opportunities" (hidden method)
This trick works on MIUI 13-15 and allows you to block background activity Updater. Suitable for models Poco X3 Pro, Poco F3 and later.
Algorithm:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Special Opportunities Services.
- Turn on the MIUI Update (yes, that sounds counterintuitive!).
- Go back to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the update. MIUI, Open the Permits and turn off the Permits: 📶 Mobile data 📶 Wi-Fi 🔔 Notifications 🔄 Auto-start
Battery → Optimizing the battery
Limit background activity
MIUI Update
After this action, the update application will lose access to the network and will not be able to download firmware, but it will remain in the system and will take up ~ 50 MB of memory.
💡
If you have a no connection error in MIUI update after you shut down, it works. It's okay, the system won't be able to check for updates.
Method 3: Blocking through ADB (without root)
For advanced users who are ready to work with ADB. The method does not require root rights, but you need debugging over USB. Suitable for all Poco on Android 10-14.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 📱 Included Debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
- 🔌 Cable USB (better-than-original).
Instructions to enter in cmd (in order):
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater
adb shell dumpsys deviceidle whitelist -com.android.updater
adb shell cmd appops set com.android.updater RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND denyTranscript of commands:
| Team team. | Action. |
|---|---|
| pm disable-user | Disables the MIUI Update application for the current user. |
| dumpsys deviceidle | Remove the application from the list of "allowed in standby mode". |
| appops set RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND | Blocks background activity. |
⚠️ Warning: After flashing or resetting the settings, the commands will have to be re-run, and some banking applications (such as SberBank Online) may scold the disabled Updater as “non-standard firmware".
How to return updates after ADB-team?
Method 4: Remove Updater via TWRP (root only)
A radical method for users with an unlocked bootloader and TWRP installed. Suitable for Poco F1, Poco X2 and other models with support for custom firmware.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Complete removal of the update application (released) ~100MB).
- ✅ No background activity and notifications.
- ✅ It works even after resetting the settings.
Instructions:
- Download TWRP for your Poco model.
- Download your phone to Recovery (Power + Volume Up)
- Go to Mount → System and connect your phone to your PC.
- Delete files: /system/priv-app/Updater/Updater.apk /system/priv-app/Updater/Updater.odex (if any)
Wipe → Cache
Once removed, the MIUI Update will disappear from the settings, and you'll have to reflash the system through Fastboot to return it.
💡
Removing Updater via TWRP is the only way to get rid of auto updates forever, but it requires unlocking the bootloader and voids the warranty.
Method 5: Firewall Blocking (NetGuard/AFWall+)
If you don’t want to delete Updater, but you need to securely block it from the network, use a firewall, which works on all versions of MIUI and doesn’t require root (but with root it gives you more control).
Recommended annexes:
- 🛡️ NetGuard (no root, but you need to include it) VPN-regime).
- 🔥 AFWall+ (Only with root, more possibilities).
Setup in NetGuard:
- Install NetGuard from Google Play.
- Open the app and find the MIUI Update (com.android.updater) in the list.
- Turn off the switches for: 📶 Wi-Fi 📡 Mobile data 🔄 Roaming
Activate the protection (the shield icon at the top).
The problem is that NetGuard works through VPN, This may conflict with some applications (e.g., banking or geolocation services).+ root-access.
What to do if the update has already been downloaded?
If the system has downloaded the firmware but hasn't installed it yet, you can manually delete the update file.
/data/data/com.android.updater/app_upgrade/Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root access (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Click the path above and delete the file with the.zip extension (commonly called the.zip file extension). update.zip or miui_*.zip).
- Clear the cache of the MIUI Update app (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Storage → Clear the cache).
If you’re concerned about security, manually update every 3-6 months, checking out the reviews on the forums (e.g. XDA or 4PDA).