Many Xiaomi smartphone users are faced with a situation when after another automatic update the interface becomes unusual and the device begins to work slower. Often new versions of MIUI or HyperOS bring not only bug fixes, but also new advertising modules or changes that are not everyone’s favorite, which is why the question of how to completely prohibit the system to download and install packages on its own remains extremely relevant for owners of Chinese brands.
The deactivation process is not always obvious, as developers are trying to keep users on the current version of the software. Standard settings suggest only to postpone the installation, but not to cancel it forever. To really stop this process, you will need to apply an integrated approach that affects several layers of the system.
In this article, we’ll break down the proven blocking methods that work on most current models, including the Redmi Note and POCO series.You’ll learn how to hide the update icon, disable the bootloader’s background services, and even block access to update servers at the router or host level.
Disabling Automatic Checking in Standard Settings
The first and obvious step that every Xiaomi smartphone owner needs to take is to check the basic parameters of the system. While this does not provide a 100% guarantee of stopping the process, this method cuts off most background attempts of the system to communicate with the server.
To start, go to the Settings menu and find the About Phone section. This usually shows the current version of MIUI. Click on the version icon or three dots in the corner of the screen to reveal the additional menu. This is where the automatism switch is hidden.
- 📱 Click on Auto Update or the gear icon in the update menu.
- 🚫 Find the option to Download updates automatically and move the slider to the position Off.
- ⏸️ If the Night Install option is available, also deactivate it so that your phone doesn’t update while you’re asleep.
⚠️ Warning: Even after disabling these settings, the system may periodically wake the bootloader to check for critical security patches.
Once you do this, the system will stop downloading files in the background, but the notification icon may appear periodically to remind you of the new version, and you will need to do more manipulation to get rid of it completely.
Hiding the update icon through the application settings
If you're annoyed by the constantly hanging notification of a new version, it can be hidden visually.This method doesn't stop checking servers, but removes visual noise from the interface, making phone use more comfortable.
To hide the red indicator, go back to the system update menu. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen and select Settings (or the gear icon) in the list that opens, look for Hide Update Notifications or Hide Update Notifications.
Activation of this feature causes the interface to ignore the signals about the availability of new software. It is important to understand that the firmware file itself can continue to download if the corresponding download option is not disabled, so this method is better used in conjunction with the previous one.
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Periodically check for updates manually every six months to avoid missing critical security patches that close system vulnerabilities.
Stopping Updater and Security System Services
A more radical method involves forcing the system processes responsible for finding and installing updates to stop, which is the responsibility of the updater and Security apps on Android, and shutting them down prevents the validation scripts from running.
Go to Settings → Applications → All Apps. In the list, find the System Update app (may be called Updater). Click on it and select the Stop option. After that, click O Use Data and disable data transfers over both Wi-Fi and mobile.
A similar procedure is required for the application Security (green shield icon), which is the system module that often initiates background update checks, disable its Internet access and clear the cache.
☑️ Checklist of stoppage services
The system can periodically restart these services on its own. If you notice that the ban has ceased to apply, repeat the procedure. On some versions of Android, it also helps to remove updates for the System Update application itself, if such a button is active.
Blocking access to servers through hosts file
The most effective way to do this at the network request level is to block domain names from Xiaomi servers, so by adding special entries to the hosts system file, you physically prevent the phone from connecting to the update center.
You need root rights to edit system files, and if your phone isn't rooted, you can do this by changing your settings. DNS on the router or using a local VPN-filter, such as AdGuard or Blokada. In the ad blocker settings, add the following domains to the blacklist:
update.miui.com
update.c.mi.com
api.io.mi.comIf you have root access, you can edit /system/etc/hosts by adding domain redirect lines to the local address 127.0.0.1. This is guaranteed to block any attempts to connect to the update servers, regardless of the settings inside the system.
| Server domain | Appointment | Recommended status |
|---|---|---|
| update.miui.com | Main server of MIUI firmware | Lock down |
| api.io.mi.com | Statistics and telemetry collection | Lock down |
| data.mistat.xiaomi.com | Analytics server | Lock down |
| resolver.msg.xiaomi.net | Push notifications | Leave (otherwise, notices will disappear) |
⚠️ Note: Blocking system domains may disrupt some services MIUI, For example, themes or widgets, only block domains associated with updates and telemetry.
What to do if the Internet stops working after blocking?
Using ADB for Advanced Blocking
For users who do not want root rights but want to maximize the impact, there is a method using USB debugging and the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) utility, which allows you to freeze or completely remove the system components of updates for the current user.
First, activate the developer mode. Go to About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI build number 7 times. Then, in the advanced settings, turn on Debugging over USB. Connect the phone to your computer and type the following command to disable the component in the command line:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updaterThis command forcibly shuts down the service pack, and the phone will think the app is deleted, even though the files will physically stay in place, which is a secure method that can be canceled at any time.
To get things back to normal, use the adb shell pm enable com.android.updater command, which is ideal for those who are afraid to make changes to system files directly, but want a result close to root rights.
Possible risks and consequences of disconnection
Before you finally block updates, it is worth weighing all the pros and cons. Failure to receive new versions of software carries both advantages in the form of stability and certain risks that should not be forgotten.
The main risk is the absence of security patches, Android vulnerabilities are closed through monthly or quarterly updates, and if you use mobile banking or store sensitive data, ignoring security updates can make the device a target for malicious users.
- 📉 Lack of optimization: Newer versions often include battery consumption fixes for specific models.
- 🔒 System vulnerability: without security patches, phone becomes more susceptible to viruses.
- 📱 Incompatibility: Some new apps may require a minimal version of Android that you can’t upgrade to.
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Disabling updates completely is a trade-off between the stability of the current version and data security, and only choose this path if you are fully satisfied with the current build.
On the other hand, many users have been living on older versions of HyperOS for years and feel great, and if the phone is used as a second device or media player, the risks are minimal, and the key is not to install apps from questionable sources.