How to permanently disable auto updates on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Automatic updates on Xiaomi devices often cause users to feel discontent. The system can suddenly install a new version of MIUI or TV firmware at the most inopportune time - during an important call, watching a movie or playing. Worse, some updates lead to bugs, slowdowns or even loss of functionality (for example, the disappearance of root rights or locking the bootloader).

In this article, you will find current ways to disable auto updates for all types of Xiaomi devices: smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi, TVs (Mi) TV, Redmi TV), Tablets (Pad 6, Pad 5) and even smartwatches (Mi Band, Watch 2 Pro) will be analyzed as standard system settings and hidden methods for power users — including the most advanced ones. ADB-commands and editing configuration files.

We will focus on the risks of forced updates through Xiaomi servers, which can bypass your settings, and learn how to block such updates at the network level or even remove the system applications responsible for downloading them.

Why is Xiaomi pushing for auto updates?

Xiaomi is actively promoting its policy of regular updates, for several reasons:

• 🔒 Security: Closing vulnerabilities in Android and MIUI, which can be used by hackers to steal data or install malware.
• 📱 New features: Adding fresh features (e.g. HyperOS instead of HyperOS) MIUI 14), improved camera or performance.
• 📊 Statistics: Updates often contain tools to analyze device usage (even if you have disabled Send Diagnostics").
• 💰 Monetization: new versions of the software may include advertising in system applications (Mi Browser, Music, Themes).

But these arguments are not always convincing to users. POCO F1 Redmi Note 8 Pro has been updated to MIUI 12.5 caused the processor to overheat or reduce battery life. TV 4S After the updates, access to some streaming services disappeared due to changes in the DRM-protection.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling updates deprives you of important security patches. If you use a payment device (such as Mi Pay) or store sensitive data on it, regularly check for critical patches manually.

Method 1: Disable auto updates in MIUI settings (for smartphones)

The easiest method is to use standard system options, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12-14 or HyperOS.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Update MIUI.
3. Tap the three-point menu (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
4. Turn off the Auto boot switch via Wi-Fi.
5. It is also recommended to deactivate Update Notices so that the system does not remind you of new versions.

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global) may not have the option to completely disable auto-updates, in which case the system will only notify you of available updates, but not download them automatically.

Make sure the Autoboot switch is gray (inactive)

Check that update notifications are disabled

Reset the device to apply changes

Check the "Storage" section - old update files may take up space-->

Method 2: Block updates via ADB (for power users)

If standard settings don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to change system settings, which works on all Xiaomi devices with the bootloader unlocked or USB debugging enabled.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Path: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version → return to → For developers).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Steps:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and type:

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


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution

These commands disable the system applications responsible for the updates, so to get it back, replace the disable-user with enable.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 10) will stop manual update checks after that, and you'll have to temporarily return the updates to check the updates manually.

Method 3: Disable updates on Mi TV and Redmi TV

On Xiaomi TVs, auto updates can be particularly intrusive — the system often loads firmware in the background and suggests installing it every time you turn it on.

1. On the remote, click Settings (cog icon).
2. Go to About TV. → Updating the system.
3. Select Update Settings (or Additional Settings on new models).
4. Turn off the option of Automatic Update Check.
5. It is also recommended to deactivate Automatic boot over Wi-Fi.

On Android TVs (such as Mi TV Q1 or Redmi Smart TV X), the path may be different:

• 📺 Go to Settings. → The device → Update of the PO.
• 🔧 Select Settings → Auto-update → Disconnected.

If the system still offers updates after disabling, try resetting the network settings (this will delete the stored update server data):

1. Settings → Network and Internet → Network reset.
2. Confirm the action and restart the TV.

Smartphone (Redmi/POCO/Mi)

Television (Mi TV/Redmi TV)

Tablet (Mi Pad)

Smartwatches (Mi Band/Watch)

Router (Mi Router)

Other gadgets-->

Method 4: Remove system applications (root only)

If you have root rights (like Magisk), you can completely remove the apps responsible for the updates. This is a radical method, but it is guaranteed to solve the problem.

List of removal annexes:

Use Root Explorer or ADB with superuser rights to remove:

adb shell


su




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.updater




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.updater

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications may result in unstable device operation or verification errors OTA-Update. Before you do that, back up through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

💡

If after removing the updates, the system still offers to install them, check the presence of files in the folder. /cache/recovery or /data/ota_package. They can be removed manually through root conductor.

Method 5: Blocking Update Servers via Hosts or Firewall

If previous methods failed, you can block access to Xiaomi update servers at the network level, by editing the hosts file or using a firewall.

Method 1: Editing hosts (requires root)

1. Open /system/etc/hosts in the root-rights text editor.
2. Add the following lines at the end:

127.0.0.1 update.miui.com


127.0.0.1 ota.miui.com




127.0.0.1 api.io.mi.com




127.0.0.1 sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com

Method 2: Use NetGuard or AFWall+ (without root)

Install NetGuard from F-Droid and block internet access to:

• 📱 Update MIUI (com.miui.updater)
• 🌐 Mi Browser (sometimes downloads updates in the background)
• 🔄 Google Play Services (can initiate update checks)

This method does not require root rights and is reversible – it is enough to disable the lock in the NetGuard settings.

What if Xiaomi is forced to install an update?

In some cases, Xiaomi may force the device to flash without your settings.

• 🔄 Update closes a critical vulnerability (e.g. DirtyPipe or Stagefright).
• 📱 The device is involved in beta testing MIUI or hyperos.
• 🚫 The firmware contains changes that are mandatory for Google certification (for example, the Widevine update). L1 TV-wise).

To avoid forced renewal:

1. Turn off the internet on your device (Wi-Fi and mobile data) for a time when updates usually arrive (usually at night).
2. Use alternative DNSs that block Xiaomi servers:

1.1.1.3 (Cloudflare Family)


94.140.14.14 (AdGuard DNS)

If the update has already started:

• 🛑 Do not turn off the device – this can lead to a breeze (inoperability).
• ⏳ Wait until the process is complete (even if it takes hours).
• 🔄 If the device does not turn on after the upgrade, try to go to Fastboot (Power button). + Vol-) and flash the previous version through the Mi Flash Tool.

💡

Forced updates are most common on devices with unlocked bootloaders or custom firmware. If you use unofficial software, check forums (such as XDA Developers) regularly for locks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi auto updates