How to disable updates on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro

Owners of the Redmi 8 Pro smartphone often face intrusive notifications about the release of a new version of MIUI, which can slow down the device or take up precious space in memory. The system automatically downloads update packages in the background, spending traffic and CPU resources, which is especially noticeable on models of past years. Many users prefer to stay on a stable version of the firmware, where all functions work correctly, without the risk of bugs after the update.

Disabling this process requires a comprehensive approach, since Xiaomi does not provide one simple “Stop” button in the standard settings menu. You will have to use a combination of methods: from disabling system services to blocking access to servers through network settings, which will completely stop the device from trying to contact the update center and download a new firmware file.

In this article, we will look at all the available methods that are relevant to current versions of the MIUI shell. We will look at both safe methods through the developer menu and deeper settings through the ADB that guarantee the result. It is important to understand that each step affects the operation of the system, so follow the instructions carefully.

Why you should block automatic MIUI updates

The main reason Redmi 8 Pro users are looking for a way to stop updates is to keep the gadget running smoothly.Newer firmware versions often contain not only security patches, but can also introduce bugs that were absent from previous builds. If your device is working perfectly, a forced upgrade can disrupt that idyll, causing autonomy or app compatibility issues.

Another important factor is the limited amount of internal memory. Update files can weigh between 1 and 3 GB, and their automatic download is able to critically fill the storage. MIUI Updater constantly consumes battery power even when the screen is off.

Some users also fear the loss of root rights or the possibility of unlocking the bootloader after switching to a new version of the software. Xiaomi periodically closes vulnerabilities used by enthusiasts, so fixing on a certain version of Android becomes a necessity for system modification.

⚠️ Caution: By disabling updates, you stop receiving critical security patches, which can make your device vulnerable to new viruses or network attacks if you frequently connect to open Wi-Fi networks.

Disconnection through the developer settings

The easiest and safest method that doesn’t require a computer connection is to use hidden system settings. First, you need to activate the developer mode if it’s not already on. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly press 7-10 times on the MIUI version until you have a message about successful activation.

Then a new section will appear in the settings menu called “Developers For” and search the “Enable MIUI Update” (or “MIUI Auto Update”) item in the list, and switch to “Off” position, which prevents the system from automatically checking for new versions when connecting to Wi-Fi.

However, this method does not always work 100%, as the MIUI Updater system service can ignore this flag if you have already downloaded it. Therefore, it is recommended to further clear the update application data. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find in the list “Component Update” or “System Update”.

  • 📱 Click on the “Clear” button and select “Clear All” to reset cache and data.
  • 🚫 In the permissions menu that opens, disable Wi-Fi and mobile data access for this system application.
  • 🔒 If possible, click “Limit” or “Freeze” the application to prevent it from running.

☑️ Checking the developer's settings

Done: 0 / 5

Once you do this, the system will stop initiating version checks on its own, but if you accidentally open the System Update application manually, the check may still occur.

Blocking through hosts file and DNS

A more reliable way to stop a smartphone from communicating with Xiaomi servers is to block the domain names responsible for distributing firmware, which requires access to editing the hosts system file, which is only possible on devices with superuser rights (Root). If your Redmi 8 Pro is not broken, this method will require you to use the device. DNS-service.

The method is to redirect requests to update servers to the local address 127.0.0.1. When the system tries to link to the update center, it will be rejected.

127.0.0.1 update.miui.com


127.0.0.1 update.intl.miui.com




127.0.0.1 rom.miui.com




127.0.0.1 rom.intl.miui.com




127.0.0.1 data.mistat.intl.xiaomi.com

For users without Root rights, using the DNS66 app or setting up a private DNS in the network menu is a great solution. Android settings (version 9 and above) can prescribe a DNS address that blocks trackers and update servers. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Private DNS and enter the address of the provider blocking ads and telemetry, such as dns.adguard.com.

Locking methodDemands a Root.EfficiencyDifficulty
Developer settingsNo.Low.Low.
Restriction of the rights of the annexNo.MediumLow.
Editing by hostsYes.Tall.Tall.
Private DNSNo.Tall.Medium
List of domains to block
Complete list of servers MIUI It also includes region-dependent addresses, such as update.miui.ru for the Russian Federation or update.c.mi.com for global versions. Blocking only one domain may not be enough, so it is better to use a comprehensive approach through the Internet. DNS-filter.> Use of the ADB The most professional and clean way to disable updates on Redmi 8 Pro without obtaining root rights is to use the Android debugging bridge (ADB). This method allows you to “freeze” or completely remove the system application updater for the current user without affecting the system partition, USB-cable and installed drivers ADB. First, turn on the debugging. USB In the Developer menu on your smartphone, connect the device to your computer and open the command line (CMD) or PowerShell in a folder with ADB. Make sure your computer sees the phone by entering the adb device command. You'll see a request for debugging permission on your smartphone screen, confirm it. You'll need to find the exact name of the update package, usually com.android.updater or com.miui.updater. To disable it, type the following command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.updater If the command is successful, the application will disappear from the installed list and the system will no longer be able to start the process of checking for updates. This action is reversible: to return functionality, it is enough to execute the command adb shell pm enable. --user 0 com.miui.updater or reset your phone settings. ⚠️ Note: Be extremely careful when typing commands ADB. Disabling critical system components (non-updater) can cause an unstable interface or a cyclic reboot. 8 Pros can be left behind by previously downloaded firmware packs, which take up space in the "Other" section, and can be used by the system to install them as soon as possible, and to free up memory, you need to find and delete these files manually. Open the standard Files Explorer or any file manager with access to system folders. Go on the path of Internal Memory → download → downloaded_rom. This is where the update archives are stored, and if the folder is empty or missing, the new files haven't been downloaded yet. MIUI → downloaded_rom root-storage. Deleting these zip archives is safe and will not damage the operating system’s current operation. After cleaning, it is recommended to restart the device so that system processes reset cached paths to the files. 🗑️ Delete only files with the.zip extension that are in the folder downloaded_rom. 📂 Do not delete other system files in the folder MIUI, This can cause the ringtones to fail. 🔄 After deleting, check the space in the memory settings – it should increase. The possible risks and limitations of the method of completely disabling updates on Xiaomi carries certain risks that every user should be aware of, first of all, the absence of security patches. Android vulnerabilities and MIUI Close regularly, and ignoring updates leaves your phone open to exploits, especially if you use banking apps. Second, some applications may stop working properly if they require a certain minimum version. API For example, newer versions of Google Pay or banking customers may block older versions of Android that have not received the necessary security certificates through system updates. In addition, in rare cases, aggressive blocking of system processes can lead to increased battery consumption, the system can constantly try to restart the updater service, encounter a failure and try to start it again, creating a background activity cycle. If you notice a quick discharge after applying locking techniques, try using softer settings. DNS Instead of completely shutting down the packets. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Can I completely remove the update application without a computer? Without root rights and a computer, you can't completely delete the system application, but you can disable it through application settings, restrict rights and use it. DNS-locking, which will give almost the same result — updates will stop coming and installing. ADB? No, pm disable-user doesn't affect personal data, photos or contacts, it only hides the application and prevents it from running for the current user, all your data will remain intact. What if the phone itself has enabled the update after blocking? This is possible after a major security update to Google Play Services or reset network settings. You will need to repeat the locking procedure: check your settings. DNS, Re-restrict the rights of the Update app and clear its cache. MIUI Google Play at work? No, the Google Play app store works independently of Xiaomi's system updater. You can continue to download and update regular apps as normal. Is it safe to stay on the old version of MIUI in 2026-2026? For basic use (calls, messengers, photos) - yes, safe. However, if you actively use mobile banking or store sensitive data, the absence of security patches in recent years can become a risk.