How to disable MIUI update on Xiaomi: Full Guide 2026

Automatic MIUI updates on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are often a headache for users. The system downloads gigabytes of data without warning, drains the battery in the background and can irreversibly break the device’s performance after a failed update. Especially a problem for owners of older models (for example, the Redmi Note 4X or Mi A1), where new versions of the firmware work with lags or are not supported at all by hardware.

In this article, you will find 5 working ways to disable updates, from standard settings to hidden commands for power users, we will learn how to block automatic downloads, delete downloaded update files, and even roll back the system if the update is already installed, all methods tested on current versions of MIUI 14/15 (including HyperOS) and are suitable for 90% of the brand devices.

Why MIUI is Forced Updated and Why It's Dangerous

Xiaomi is aggressively pushing for updates for three reasons:

• 📊 Statistics collection - new versions MIUI contain additional analytics tools that transmit data about smartphone usage.
• 💰 Monetization – in fresh firmware, advertising banners and partner services (for example, Mi Credit or GetApps) are more likely to appear).
• 🔄 Forced iron upgrades – old devices artificially slow down to make users buy new models.

Consequences of uncontrolled updates:

• 🔋 Reduce battery life by 15-30% (due to optimization for new processes).
• 🐢 Slowing down the interface on weak chipsets (e.g., the Snapdragon 625 in Redmi Note 5).
• 🚫 Loss of root rights or unlocking the bootloader after the update.
• 💥 Critical bugs: from camera failure to "eternal" boot).

⚠️ Note: If your device is released before 2019 (such as Mi 8 or Redmi 6), upgrade to MIUI 14+ This can lead to irreversible productivity decline. Check the feedback on forums before updating (for example, check the reviews on the forums, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Method 1: Disabling updates through standard settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in options of the system, and it is suitable for users who do not want to dig into the technical details.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ (gear) in upper right corner.
3. Turn off the “Automatic boot over Wi-Fi” switch.
4. Turn off Auto Update (if the option is available).
5. Return to the main update screen and click Remove the downloaded package (if any).

Limitations of the method:

• 🔄 On some firmware (MIUI 12–13) Auto Update option may not be available.
• 📥 The system will still check for updates when manually starting the System Update section.
• 🔄 After resetting settings or updating via Mi PC Suite Auto Update Could Turn on Again.

Method 2: Blocking through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard settings don’t work, you can block the update service with the help of ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the smartphone to the computer, but is guaranteed to turn off background activity.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Turn on your smartphone Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line in the ADB folder and type:

adb devices


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




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

To return the updates, use the command:

adb shell pm enable com.android.updater

⚠️ Attention: After disconnection through ADB The system update section in the settings will become unavailable. To return it, you will have to manually turn the services back on or reset the settings.

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If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers or using another USB-cable (original).

Method 3: Manually Delete Update Files

Even after disabling auto-updates, MIUI can secretly download update files in the background, and can be found and deleted through the file manager.

Where to look:

• 📁 folder /data/ota_package/ — Downloaded update packs are stored here (root rights required).
• 📁 folder /cache/ — Temporary files related to updates.
• 📁 folder /sdcard/Downloaded_rom/ — hand-downloaded.

How to delete:

1. Use Root Explorer or FX File Manager (with superuser rights).
2. Move to the /data/ota_package/ Delete all files with the.zip extension.
3. Clear /cache/ folder (conveniently via Settings → Memory → Clear cache).
4. Reset the device.

If root rights are not available, you can try to delete files via ADB:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/ota_package/*




rm -rf /cache/update*




exit

Method 4: Reverse the firmware if the update has already been installed

If an unwanted update has already taken effect, you can return the old version of MIUI. This process is risky - if you make a mistake, the device can turn into a "brick".

Preparation:

• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 60%.
• 💾 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 📥 Download the desired firmware version from the official Xiaomi website or from the 4PDA.
• 🔧 Install the Mi Flash Tool on PC.

Instructions for rollback:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the downloaded firmware file (.tgz or.zip format).
4. Press Refresh, then Flash.
5. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: Reverse to an older version MIUI may lead to: 🔒 Lock the bootloader (on new Anti-Rollback devices). 📵 Poose. IMEI or mobile network data. 🛑 The constant mistake "This" MIUI Before the procedure, check the firmware compatibility with your model in the forums!

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Firmware rollback is a last resort, and if the device is stable, it is better to use other ways to block updates.

Method 5: Use of third-party utilities (without root)

For users who don’t want to mess with ADB or manual file deletion, there are special apps that block access to Xiaomi update servers by changing the hosts file.

Top.-3 utility:

Instructions for Disable MIUI Updates:

1. Download and install the app.
2. Open it and press Disable Updates.
3. Reboot the phone.
4. Check if the System Update section has disappeared in the settings.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 Doesn't require root rights.
• 🔄 Easy to cancel (remove the application is enough).
• 🛡️ Blocks not only updates, but also the collection of statistics.

What to do if nothing helps

If all methods are useless, radical measures remain:

1. Installation of custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS completely replace MIUI and deprive Xiaomi of control over the device.

• 🔧 Requires unlocking the bootloader (can be done officially via Mi Unlock Tool).
• 📵 There may be problems with the camera or sensors (especially on older models).
• 🔋 Loss of warranty if the device is new).

2. Physical blocking of the Internet for update services

On some firmware, you can use Settings → Applications → Application Management to find System Update and turn off Internet access for it.

1. Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find System Update (or com.android.updater).
3. Slip "Mobile Data" and "Wi-Fi", select "Disable".

3. Appeal in support of Xiaomi

In rare cases, you can officially ask to disable updates for your device.

1. Write to the support chat on the Xiaomi website.
2. Specify the phone model and MIUI version.
3. Conclusions about performance issues after updates (this will increase the chances of a positive response).

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If you use Xiaomi for work, consider buying an Android One device (like the Mi A3). They don't have MIUIs, and updates come less frequently and more stable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI updates