How to disable updates on Xiaomi 9: proven methods

The Xiaomi Mi 9, released in 2019, is still a popular device due to its balance between performance and cost.However, owners often face intrusive notifications about the availability of new versions of MIUI, which can not only annoy, but also slow down the gadget.

The problem is that standard methods in the settings menu cannot completely disable downloading files. Manufacturers specifically hide these options to keep the device fleet up to date. However, there are workarounds that allow you to effectively block the background processes of the system responsible for finding and installing updates.

In this guide, we will look at a comprehensive approach to solving a problem, from simple settings to advanced methods through the computer. Disabling the MIUI Updater service is the only way to guarantee a stop in the background. It is important to understand that each method has its own characteristics, and for the best result, it is better to combine them.

Why the system is constantly needing to be updated

Xiaomi’s policy is to regularly release security patches and interface improvements. The Mi 9 flagship has been supported by significant support, but with the release of new versions of Android, older devices may work less stable. The system automatically checks the servers, and if it finds a new version, it starts the background load, consuming traffic and battery power.

Often users want to stay on the current firmware version to maintain root rights or compatibility with certain modifications. In addition, new shells may contain bugs that were not in the stable version installed now, which is why blocking an intrusive service becomes a necessity for power users.

The update mechanism in MIUI is deeply integrated into the system, and it's not just an application, it's a system service that has a high priority, and it can resume after it's rebooted or cleaned up, unless you have a comprehensive set of measures to limit it.

Disconnection through notification settings

The first and easiest step is to limit the visibility of notifications, and although this won't stop the downloading of files in some cases, it will remove the visual noise from the lock screen and the curtain, you first need to find the application that is responsible for this process.

Go to the settings menu and select the Apps section. In the list of all programs, find System Update or MIUI bootloader. If the list is sorted by frequency of use, the icon can be hidden, so you'd better switch to displaying all the apps.

After entering the application menu, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Click on Notifications and completely disable the Allow Notifications slider».
• 🔒 Go to Other Permits and disable access to memory if such option is active.
• 🚫 In the "Stop" section, uncheck the box so that the service does not start itself.

These actions will create a primary barrier, but the system can ignore some limitations if it has access to the network, so it is recommended to use this method in conjunction with subsequent steps to achieve maximum effect.

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If you can’t find the System Update app, try searching for apps to type “updater” or “miui” – often hidden under the system name.

Blocking through the hidden developer menu

There's a special engineering menu in the MIUI shell that's only available after a certain sequence of actions has been performed, and that's where you have settings that you can't see for the average user, and you have to activate debugging mode to get there.

Open Settings, then About, and quickly press 7 times on MIUI Version. Once you have become a developer, go back to the main settings menu, and a new option will appear, Additional, and inside it, For Developers.

In this section, we are interested in a specific option that manages the behavior of updates:

1. Find the option “Select App for Update” or “MIUI Version”.
2. In the window that opens, click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
3. Select “Update Options”.
4. Turn off the “Check Updates” option.

This action disables automatic server verification, the phone will stop itself from initiating a connection to the download center, however, if the file has already been downloaded before, it can remain in memory.

Disconnection method through ADB (for advanced)

The most radical and effective way is to completely disable the system package through USB debugging, a method that requires a computer and an ADB driver installed. It allows you to freeze the service, making it inoperable until you decide to turn it on.

First, connect your smartphone to your PC with a cable. Make sure your phone is debugging over USB (as described in the previous section). On your computer, open the command line in the ADB folder and enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, you can proceed to disable the packet.

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

Once the command is executed, the System Update application will disappear from the installed program list and all its processes will be stopped, a guaranteed way that works even after resetting, since the package remains in the system but is in a disabled state.

Analysis of the effect on battery and memory

Blocking background services has a positive effect on the autonomy of the device. Xiaomi Mi 9 is equipped with a Snapdragon 855 processor, which is sensitive to background activity. Constant checking for updates keeps the modem and processor active, which leads to increased discharge.

Below is a table showing a comparison of resource consumption before and after the service is disabled:

As the data shows, disabling unnecessary services helps optimize the old but still powerful flagship, especially if you’re on standby for long periods of time.

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Disabling system update services can extend battery life by 5-10% per day by reducing the background activity of the radio module.

Possible risks and limitations

Despite the obvious benefits, blocking updates completely carries certain risks, especially security, patches that close vulnerabilities that allow attackers to access data, and staying on the old version, you need to be sure that the applications you install are reliable.

⚠️ Note: By disabling updates, you are refusing to receive critical security patches. It is not recommended to use banking applications on outdated, unsecured versions of Android without additional antivirus software.

It’s also worth remembering that some applications may require a minimum version of the system to work properly, and over time, compatibility may be compromised and you’ll encounter errors when you run new software.

Another important point is warranty and maintenance, and if you bring a phone to a service with a modified system or system components disabled, it may raise questions for technicians.

⚠️ Attention: When using the method ADB Be careful with the commands you type. Disabling critical system packages (not related to updater) can lead to a cyclic reboot).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)