How to permanently disable Android updates on Xiaomi: working methods for 2026

Automatic MIUI updates on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are often a source of inconvenience: unexpected reboots, reduced performance after an upgrade or loss of root rights. Many users want to completely disable Android updates, but standard system settings do not always allow this. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways – from simple changes to menus to deep system edits, including methods for devices with an unlocked bootloader.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi is actively opposed to disabling updates, so some methods may stop working after the release of new versions of MIUI. We tested the instructions on the firmware MIUI 13-14 (Android 11-13) and took into account the features of popular models — from Redmi Note 10 Pro to flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra. If you are looking for a way to permanently block updates without consequences for the system, read further.

Why are users turning off Xiaomi updates?

The reasons for not using automatic updates range from technical to subjective, and the most common are:

• 🔋 Productivity declines – new versions MIUI They are often optimized for new models and on older devices (Redmi). 4X, Mi A1) slow down.
• 🔒 Loss of root rights – after the update, access to Magisk or SuperSU is lost, and re-unblocking the bootloader resets data.
• 📴 Unstable work – bugs in new firmware (for example, problems with the GPS into MIUI 14.0.5. POCO F3).
• 📶 Traffic Limit – Download updates “eat” mobile Internet (up to) 2-3 GB for update).
• 🛠️ Custom firmware – LineageOS or Pixel Experience users don’t want to go back to stock MIUI.

According to a survey of Xiaomi owners in 2023, 42% of respondents turned off updates for fear of losing functionality, and 28% for the usual version of the interface.

Method 1: Disable updates through standard MIUI settings

The simplest method that works on most root-free devices is suitable for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO on MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (you will be notified "You became a developer").
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → For developers.
4. Find the Automatic System Update option and turn it off.
5. Then go to Settings → System Update and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
6. Select Update Settings and deactivate Autoboot via Wi-Fi.

This method does not block notifications of new updates, but prevents them from automatically downloading. On some devices (for example, the Redmi Note 9 Pro) after rebooting, settings may be reset, in which case you will need to repeat the steps.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later Xiaomi may hide the "Developers" item after resetting. If the option is lost, try resetting the network settings in Settings → Connections → Resetting the network.

Method 2: Block updates via ADB (without root)

If the standard method didn’t work, you can use USB debugging and ADB commands. This method doesn’t require superuser rights, but will require a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and ADB utility installed.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

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


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

These commands disable the system updates. To get it back, use:

adb shell pm enable com.android.updater


adb shell pm enable com.miui.updater

The advantage of the method is that updates stop loading even after restarting. The disadvantage is that when you reset your phone to factory settings, you will have to repeat the procedure. Some devices (for example, the POCO X3 Pro) may have a notification that the system application is malfunctioning, which you can ignore.

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If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, try reinstalling the drivers via the Mi Flash Tool or using an alternative Mi PC Suite utility.

Method 3: Remove the updater via TWRP (unlocked bootloader required)

For users with an unlocked bootloader and customized recap (TWRP) installed, there is a radical method — physically deleting update files — the only way to permanently get rid of updates, even after resetting, but it requires caution.

Step-by-step:

1. Load the phone to TWRP (press Power + Volume up when the device is off).
2. Go to Mount → System and connect the system partition.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and, through ADB or file manager in TWRP, delete the following folders and files: /system/priv-app/Updater/ /system/app/Updater/ /data/data/data/com.android.updater/ /data/data/data/com.miui.updater/

Reset the device.

After this procedure, the system update application will be removed and MIUI attempts to restore it through the OTA will end in error.

• ⚠️ On some devices (such as the Xiaomi Mi 11), this can lead to a cyclical reboot.
• ⚠️ Without updater files, you can not install official firmware through recovery.

⚠️ Note: Before deleting files, be sure to backup the system partition in TWRP (backup → In case of problems, you can restore the original firmware.

Method 4: Change hosts file (block update servers)

This method intercepts requests to Xiaomi servers that are responsible for checking updates, works on root-righted devices or through ADB (on some firmware).

How it works:

1. Download any file manager with root access (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/etc/hosts.
3. Open the file in the text editor and 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.account.xiaomi.com

Save the changes and restart the device. Now all requests to the update servers will be redirected to the local host, and the system will not be able to check for updates.

An alternative option for rootless devices is to use ADB:

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




echo "127.0.0.1 update.miui.com" >> /system/etc/hosts




echo "127.0.0.1 ota.miui.com" >> /system/etc/hosts




mount -o ro,remount /system




exit

This method does not remove the update app, but makes it inoperable.Cons: after resetting settings or updating the firmware through Fastboot, changes to hosts will reset.

Method 5: Using Magisk Modules to Block Updates

For users with root rights through Magisk, there are dedicated modules that block system-level updates.

To install the module:

1. Download the file with the.zip extension.
2. Open Magisk Manager and select Modules → Install from Storage.
3. Reset the device.

The advantage of modules is that they are saved after reboot and are often updated by developers. However, on devices with MIUI 14 and later, Xiaomi can block the operation of some modules through Anti-Rollback.

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Magisk modules are the most reliable way to disable updates on rooted devices, but require regular updates to the modules themselves to bypass new MIUI protections.

What to do if the update has already been downloaded?

If the system has managed to download the update, but you do not want to install it, there are several ways to delete the update file:

• 📁 File Manager: Go to the /data/ota_package/ or /cache/ and delete the file with the.zip extension (usually called update.zip).
• 🔄 Through TWRP: Load into the Recavator and select Advanced → File Manager, then delete the folder /cache fully.
• 📱 Through ADB: Use the command: adb shell rm -rf /data/ota_package/*

If the update has already started to install, but the phone is getting stuck on the MI logo, try:

1. Press Power + Volume down for 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
2. If the device doesn’t respond, connect it to your PC and use Fastboot to flash boot: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: Interrupting the update process during the installation phase (when the progress bar is in progress) may lead to a device blink. EDL-Mode with the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling Xiaomi updates