Automatic MIUI updates on Xiaomi Redmi 9 are often a headache for users. The system stubbornly reminds you to install new versions, consumes traffic in the background and sometimes leads to unexpected bugs after the upgrade. If you are tired of constant notifications or want to keep a stable version of the firmware – this guide will help you completely disable updates without losing the functionality of the smartphone.
It's important to understand that Redmi 9 (codename lancelot) runs on MIUI, where update mechanisms are integrated deep into the system. There's no simple switch in the settings - you'll have to use a combination of methods. We'll look at 4 working methods, from basic to advanced, including hidden options from the developer and ADB commands. Each method has been tested on current versions of MIUI 12-14.
Before you start, remember that disabling updates doesn't prevent you from manually installing firmware through Recovery or Fastboot. You just take control of the process. And now get to the point.
Basic method: disabling update notifications
The easiest way to reduce system intrusion is to block notifications from the update service, which won’t stop files from loading in the background, but at least eliminates the constant pop-ups.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management
- 🔍 In the search box, type "Software Update" (or "com.android.updater")
- 🔔 Tap on "Notifications" and turn off all switches
- 🚫 For reliability, click "Show Notifications" and select "Blocked"
This method works on all versions of MIUI, but has a limitation: the system will continue to download updates in the background, taking up space in memory.
2. Limit background activity through battery settings
MIUI aggressively optimizes background processes, but paradoxically, the update service often remains on the whitelist, and we can manually limit its activity, which will stop automatic downloading of files.
Step-by-step:
- Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management
- Select "Select Apps" (or "High Consumption Apps")
- Find the "Software Update" (com.android.updater) in the list
- Set a limit: "Limited background" or "Sleeping"
- Confirm the changes and restart the device
After this manipulation, the update service will lose the ability to download files without your knowledge, but it will still check for new versions when connecting to Wi-Fi.
💡
If the list of applications does not include "Software Update", try to find it through a search by system processes. In some versions of MIUI, it is hidden under the name "System Update" or "Software Update".
3. Advanced method: disabling through ADB (no root)
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to manage hidden MIUI settings without getting root permissions, which is the most reliable method and works even after resetting.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
- 📦 Google's Platform Tools utility
- ⚙️ Included debugging by USB smartphone
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and Tap the MIUI Version 7 times
- Return to the main settings, open "More" → For developers" and include "Debugging by USB"
- Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and confirm your trust in the device
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with the platform-tools
- Follow the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Enter the command to disable automatic updates: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater
- Reboot your smartphone
Once you have done this, the update service will be completely deactivated. To return it back, use the command:
adb shell pm enable com.android.updaterUSB debugging enabled
Installed ADB drivers on PC
Smartphone connected in file transfer mode
The command line is open on behalf of the administrator-->
4. Radical method: Update removal via MIUI Optimized
For users willing to make deeper changes, there is a MIUI Optimized module (formerly known as "MIUI Tweaks") that allows you to disable system components, including the update service, without obtaining root permissions.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Complete removal of background updates
- ✅ Maintaining the ability to manually install firmware
- ✅ There is no need for ADB post-tuning
Installation instructions:
- Download the latest version of MIUI Optimized (only from the official Telegram channel!)
- Install. APK-smartphone
- Open the application and provide all the permissions requested.
- Go to the "System Components" section
- Find Updater (com.android.updater) and turn it off.
- Confirm the action and restart the device
Important: After disabling through MIUI Optimized, the update service will disappear from the settings menu. To return it, you will need to re-activate the component in the application or reset the smartphone settings.
What to do if MIUI Optimized is not working?
5. Alternative approach: Firewall lock
If you don't want to interfere with system components, you can block the service's access to the Internet, and any firewall, such as NetGuard (does not require root), or built-in MIUI tools, will do.
Instructions for NetGuard:
- Install NetGuard from Google Play
- Open the app and give access to the VPN (necessary to work)
- In the list of applications, find "Software Update"
- Turn off both switches: Wi-Fi and mobile data
- Activate the protection in the top panel of the application
For the built-in MIUI firewall:
- 📵 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data
- 🔒 Select "Background Limitation" and add "Software Update" to the list of blocked
This method does not remove the update service, but makes it useless – without access to the network, it will not be able to check or download new versions of the firmware.
💡
Firewall locking is the only method that can be quickly reversed without rebooting the device, allowing network access in the application settings again.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
Each method has its pros and cons, and we've put together a comparison table to help you determine the best option for your situation.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Reversibility | PC required | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disabling notifications | ⭐ | ⚠️ Partial | ✅ Easy to return | ❌ No. | Takes up a place in memory |
| Battery limitation | ⭐⭐ | ⚠️⚠️ Medium | ✅ Easy to return | ❌ No. | It may not work on all versions. |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Complete. | ✅ Including team | ✅ Yes. | It requires care. |
| MIUI Optimized | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Complete. | ✅ Through the app | ❌ No. | It may be in conflict with MIUI updates. |
| Firewall lockdown | ⭐⭐ | ✅ Complete. | ✅ Easy to return | ❌ No. | Requires constant firewall operation |
For most users of Xiaomi Redmi 9, the best solution will be a combination of the two. ADB-commands (to completely disable) and firewall locks (for additional protection). If simplicity is important, limit yourself to turning off notifications and limiting the background through battery settings.
What to do if the update has already been downloaded?
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a new version of MIUI is already downloaded to the device, but you do not want to install it, in which case you can delete the downloaded update file and prevent it from being re-uploaded.
Instructions for removal:
- Open any file manager (e.g., standard Files or Solid Explorer)
- Cross the path: /data/data/com.android.updater/app_update Or an alternative way: /sdcard/Download/rom
- Delete all files with the.zip extension (these are firmware archives)
- Clear the cache of the application "Software Update" in the settings
To prevent rebooting, immediately after deleting files, turn off the Internet (or use the methods from the previous sections). If the update has already begun to install, it is highly recommended not to interrupt the process - this can lead to a device blink (inoperability).
💡
If you accidentally delete the wrong file, don't worry: the system will recover critical data the next time you restart.