Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face intrusive notifications about the release of new versions of the operating system. Although developers are looking to improve security and functionality, for many users, these updates become a source of problems. The new firmware can slow down the device, change the familiar interface or completely deprive important features that were in the previous version.
MIUI is the default setup for automatic download and updates, which sometimes happens at the most inopportune moment. If you prefer the stability of the current build or expect a more reliable version, you need to know how to forcefully stop this process. In this article, we will discuss proven methods of blocking updates.
Disabling an automatic update doesn't require root rights in most cases, but it will require careful follow-up. It's important to understand that ignoring security updates completely can make a device vulnerable, but for power users, system control is often more important. Let's look at the basic ways to do this.
Why do users block MIUI updates?
Many users are wondering if they should fight the update system at all, and the answer lies in their individual experience. Often new versions of Android or the MIUI shell contain bugs that were not detected during the testing phase, which can lead to fast battery drain or unstable applications.
In addition, with each major update, the interface changes, disorienting people who are used to a certain location, some functions can be removed or moved to paid services, blocking updates allows you to maintain the current, stable environment of use.
There is also a risk of “firing” the device if the installation process is interrupted due to a network failure or battery drain. Although modern smartphones have recovery mechanisms, the risk of data loss or time remains, so many prefer to stay on the proven version of the software.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling security updates completely can leave your phone vulnerable to new viruses and exploits. Use this method only if you are aware of the risks.
Disconnection through standard MIUI settings
The first and easiest way is to use the built-in system constraints, which in some versions of MIUI can turn off automatic boot, although it is rare to completely disable checking for updates by this method, but this will reduce the frequency of notifications.
To start, go to the settings menu. Find the About Phone section and click on the MIUI version. In the window that opens, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Update Options. Here you can turn off the Auto Update and Wi-Fi Download option.
This method does not guarantee full lockdown, as system services may ignore these settings when critical security updates are made, but for the average user, it is the first line of defense against unwanted changes.
Stopping System Update Services
A more effective method is to force the system processes that are responsible for checking and installing the new version of the software, which is the responsibility of the MIUI Updater and Update Checker apps in Android, and we will prevent them from running.
Go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Find Settings (cog icon) or MIUI Updater. Go inside and click Stop. Immediately after that, activate Limit or Disable Autostart.
It's important to do this quickly and consistently, and if you just stop the process but don't stop auto-start, the system will activate the service again after a while, and you should also turn off data transmission for this application in the Traffic Control section.
☑️ Checking the stoppage of services
After these steps are completed, the phone will stop downloading service packs on its own, but notifications of a new version may still come as the server may be checked through other channels.
Using ADB for Deep Locking
The most reliable method, which does not require root rights, but involves using a computer, is the command line ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to completely freeze or remove the service pack for the current user.
To start, you need to enable USB debugging. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI build number seven times. Once you have become a developer, go back to the menu and find the Additional → For Developers section. Activate the USB debugging switch.
Connect your phone to your computer with a cable. The PC must have ADB drivers installed. Open the command line and type in the command to check the connection: adb devices. On the smartphone screen, you will see a request for debugging permission — click "Allow".
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.updaterThese commands disable the standard updater and the MIUI service. Once they run, the applications will disappear from the installed list (actually hidden) and stop working. This is the only guaranteed way to completely stop checking Xiaomi servers.
⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB Be careful when typing commands. A bug in the name of the package can cause other system components to function in an unstable manner.
Blocking through the hosts file (Root Requires)
If your Xiaomi Redmi smartphone has an unlocked bootloader and root rights (for example, through Magisk), you can block access to the update servers at the system level.
You need to open /system/etc/hosts with a root guide or a special editor, and you need to add lines to the end of the file that block the domains of Xiaomi servers, which will prevent any communication of the phone with the update center.
Add the following lines:
127.0.0.1 update.miui.com
127.0.0.1 api.miui.security.xiaomi.com
127.0.0.1 zhuti.market.xiaomi.comAfter saving the file and restarting the device, any attempts by the system to contact the server to check the version of the software will be blocked.The method is effective, but requires technical training and can be reset when you update the firmware manually.
Can I return updates after blocking through ADB?
Comparison of blocking methods
The choice of method depends on your technical skills and the availability of root rights. Simple disabling in the settings is suitable for those who just want to see notifications less often. Using ADB is the optimal balance between efficiency and security for advanced users.
Root methods provide complete control, but carry risks of breaches of warranty and security, and it is important to weigh the pros and cons before tampering with system files.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | I need a Root. |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI settings | Low. | Low. | No. |
| Stoppage of services | Medium | Medium | No. |
| ADB team | Tall. | Tall. | No. |
| Hosts file | Tall. | Maximum | Yes. |
💡
If you use ADB, save a text file with commands on your computer, which will allow you to quickly restore the updates if you need them in the future.
Possible problems and solutions
Once you block updates, you may encounter a periodic appearance of a notification icon that cannot be removed: this is the "ghost" of the old service, solved by clearing the cache of the Security app or stopping services again.
Sometimes the system can be forced to upgrade after resetting to factory settings, in which case all locks will fly, and the procedure will have to be repeated, so always keep instructions or saved commands at hand before resetting.
Some users note that after blocking updates, some system applications tied to the Mi Account cease to work correctly. In such cases, it is recommended to use selective blocking only through ADB, without affecting the account services.
💡
The safest and most effective method for most users is to use ADB commands, as it does not require superuser rights and is easily reversible.