How to permanently disable MIUI 12 updates on Xiaomi: working methods 2026

MIUI 12 updates on Xiaomi smartphones often bring not only new features, but also unpleasant surprises: slowdowns, bugs in the interface or forced installation of unnecessary applications. Many users want to block automatic updates to keep the firmware stable. However, the manufacturer does not provide a direct opportunity to disable updates – this feature has to be “bypassed” through hidden settings, developer tools or even system files.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to disable MIUI 12 updates on any Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO model, from simple menu changes to radical ADB and hosts editing techniques. Each method is tested on current 2026 firmware and is suitable for both global (Global ROM) and Chinese (China ROM) versions. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights — we’ll point out where it’s needed.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup. Disabling updates can affect device security, as you won't get critical patches. If your goal is just to delay the update, just turn off automatic download in the settings. If you want to completely block system access to update servers, read on.

1. Disable updates via standard MIUI settings

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in options.It doesn't block updates forever, but it prevents automatic downloads and notifications of new versions.It's suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models without root rights.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings app on the main screen.
• 🔍 Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device on some models).
• 🔄 Tap on item Update MIUI (or system update).
• ⚙️ In the upper right corner, click on the icon. ⋮ (three dots) and select Settings.
• 🔕 Turn off sliders: Automatic download via Wi-Fi Notify new updates Download automatically (if any)

After that, the system will stop downloading updates in the background and showing pop-up notifications. However, manually check for updates can still be done through the same section. If you accidentally click Check Updates, download will begin — so it is better to combine this method with others.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced) after resetting or restarting the device, update parameters may reset.

2. Blocking update servers via hosts file

A more radical method is to block the system from accessing the update servers by editing the hosts file. DNS: When a smartphone tries to contact Xiaomi servers to check for updates, the request is redirected to "nowhere." ADB.

How to edit hosts:

• 📲 Using root explorer: Use Root Explorer or Solid Explorer (with root access enabled), find the file along the way /system/etc/hosts, Open it in the text editor and add lines: 127.0.0.1 update.miui.com 127.0.0.1 api.account.xiaomi.com
• 🖥️ Through ADB: Connect your smartphone to your PC, open the command line and execute: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system echo "127.0.0.1 update.miui.com" >> /system/etc/hosts echo "127.0.0.1 api.account.xiaomi.com" >> /system/etc/hosts mount -o ro,remount /system

After editing, restart the device. Now, when you try to check for updates, the system will get a connection error, which is irreversible until you delete the added strings from the hosts.

⚠️ Note: Editing the hosts file may disrupt other Xiaomi services, such as Mi Cloud cloud storage or account sync. If you have problems following the changes, delete the added lines.

3. Removal of the UpdateService system application

The most drastic way is to remove the system application responsible for updates, which permanently disables the ability to check and install updates, but requires root rights and can lead to unstable device operation, suitable for advanced users who are prepared for potential risks.

Step-by-step:

1. Install a Root file manager (for example, FX File Explorer or Mixplorer) on your smartphone.
2. Turn on the display of system files in the Explorer settings.
3. Go to /system/priv-app/UpdateService or /system/app/Updater (depending on the model).
4. Delete the UpdateService folder (or rename it by adding.bak at the end).
5. Reset the device.

Once deleted, the MIUI Update will disappear from the Settings menu, and the system will completely lose the ability to check and install updates, which is irreversible without restoring deleted files through firmware.

4.Return to the old version of MIUI via Fastboot

If you have already upgraded to MIUI 12 and want to return to a previous version (e.g. MIUI 11), you can roll back via Fastboot mode.This method does not require root rights, but resets all data on the device and requires an unlocked bootloader.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Xiaomi and Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.
• 📥 Stock firmware (Fastboot) ROM) For your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).

The rollback process:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC via USB.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

Once rolled back, the device will be on the version of MIUI you choose, and updates can be blocked in one of the ways described above. Please note that rollback erases all data, including photos and apps.

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Before rolling back, check firmware compatibility with your model! Installing an inappropriate version can "brick" the device. Use only official ROMs from Xiaomi's site or trusted sources like Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

5.Use ADB to disable update services

If you don’t have root rights but have access to ADB (for example, via USB debugging), you can turn off the service updates by command.This method is temporary – after a reboot, the devices can be activated again, but it is useful for testing or short-term locking.

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and execute: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.updaterservice

After you execute the commands, the MIUI Update app will be disabled until the next reboot. To return it, use:

pm enable com.android.updater


pm enable com.miui.updaterservice

This method is suitable for temporary blocking, for example, if you want to prevent an update during an important task (for example, streaming or recording a video).

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Disabling through ADB does not require root rights, but only works until the device is restarted. For permanent effect, combine this method with editing the hosts file.

6.Alternative methods: TWRP and Magisk

For advanced users who have custom TWRP or Magisk restore installed, there are additional ways to block updates: They require an unlocked bootloader and firmware experience.

Method 1: Installation of a Magisk module

• 📥 Download the Disable module MIUI Updates from the Magisk repository.
• 🔧 Install it with Magisk Manager and restart the device.
• ✅ The module automatically blocks update services and edits hosts.

Method 2: Firmware patch through TWRP

• 📥 Find a patch for your model (for example, no_ota.zip) forum-like XDA Developers.
• 🔄 Reboot to TWRP And patch it like a regular patch. ZIP-file.
• 🔄 Reset the device.

These methods provide maximum control over the system, but require technical knowledge, and improper actions can lead to a loss of warranty or a "brick" of the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling MIUI 12 updates