Modern Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS are set to automatically download and install the latest software versions by default.This feature, conceived by developers to ensure security and add new features, often becomes a source of annoyance for power users. Automatic reboot at the wrong time or installing a “heavy” update that can reduce autonomy, leads many to look for ways to fully control this process.
There are several proven methods to block the background work of the system updater. You can restrict network access for system services, use hidden engineering menus, or apply more radical methods through the computer. The choice of the particular method depends on your version of the Android operating system and the level of access to the device settings.
It is important to understand that completely disabling updates deprives you of security patches that close the system vulnerabilities.Blocking the system application Updater does not delete its files, but only limits its activity in the background.Before you start manipulating, weigh all the risks, as some security features will cease to update automatically.
Disconnection through Updater app settings
The easiest and safest way for every smartphone owner to do this is to change the settings inside the update app itself, which doesn't require root rights or a PC connection, but its effectiveness can vary depending on the firmware version, so you'll need to find the standard System Update app in the program list or through settings search.
Once you open the app, click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen and select Settings. Here you are interested in the section responsible for automatic booting. You need to switch the slider to the Off position for the option “Autoload Updates.” This action will prevent the phone from downloading firmware files over Wi-Fi or a mobile network without your knowledge.
In the same settings menu, find Notify Updates and deactivate it, which will save you from the constant pop-up prompting you to update that appears every time you connect to the Internet if a new version is already found by the server.
However, this method has a significant drawback: the system can ignore your settings when you have critical security updates or after resetting, so it is best used in conjunction with other blocking methods described below.
Blocking network access for system services
A more effective method is to ban network activity for a particular system process. Since downloading updates requires an Internet connection, blocking the communication channel for the update service effectively stops the process. → Annexes → All applications.
In the list of applications, look for System Update (or Updater). Go to Data Usage or Mobile Data and Wi-Fi. Here you'll see two switches: for mobile and for Wi-Fi. Turn off both switches. Now, even if the service tries to start, it won't be able to connect to the server to receive the firmware file.
The good thing about this method is that it works at the level of Android network rules and does not require deep intervention, but in some versions of MIUI, the system can forcefully restore these permissions after restarting or routinely checking the integrity of system files.
⚠️ Attention: Blocking network access for system applications may cause incorrect display of date and time or errors in the operation of Google services if they are tied to the same network permissions.
It’s worth noting that newer versions of HyperOS may have a deeper path to these settings or require developer mode to be enabled. If you can’t find the System Update app in the general list, try sorting apps by name or using a search at the top of the app settings screen.
Using ADB to disable a component
For users who want to get a guaranteed result and are not afraid to work with a computer, there is a method to disable the component through the Internet. ADB (Android Debug Bridge.This method requires connecting your smartphone to your PC via a computer. USB-cable and availability of installed driver and tools ADB computer-based.
The first step is to activate USB debugging mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the build number (MIUI Version) seven times until you see the words “You became a developer.” Then, in the “Additional” or “Extended Settings” menu, find the “Developer” option and turn on “Debugging on USB” there.
☑️ Preparation for work with ADB
After connecting the phone to your computer, open the command line or terminal in the ADB folder and enter a command to check the connection:
adb devicesThe screen will show a request for debugging permission, which must be confirmed. Once paired successfully, execute a command to disable the service pack. The name of the package may vary depending on the version of the system, but most often it is com.android.updater or com.miui.updater.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updaterThis command freezes the update app for the current user, disappears from the application list and stops running. To get it back, use the adb shell pm enable com.android.updater command.