How to disable updates on Xiaomi Redmi 9: the full guide

Owners of the popular smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face intrusive notifications about the release of new versions of the operating system MIUI. Despite the fact that the developers position the updates as an improvement in security and functionality, in practice they often lead to a decrease in autonomy, the appearance of bugs or slowdown of the device. That is why the question of how to disable updates on the xiaomi Redmi 9, remains one of the most popular among users who prefer the stability of the current build.

Xiaomi’s self-renewing shell system is aggressive and can download data packets in the background, consuming traffic and battery power. Completely blocking this process requires a comprehensive approach, since one switch in the settings menu is not enough. You will have to use several methods to guarantee that the update service will stop.

In this article, we will break down all the available locking methods, from simple interface settings to advanced methods through the computer. Completely disabling the system app Updater is the only way to ensure that the phone never updates itself. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid accidental errors.

Why you should limit automatic MIUI updates

Many users have wondered why they should interfere with the system at all if updates are bug fixes. However, the experience of owning Xiaomi devices shows that new versions of the firmware are often optimized for the latest hardware, ignoring the features of older models such as the Redmi 9.

In addition, updates often include ad modules or change the user interface, forcing the user to re-accustomed to navigation.Blocking updates allows you to lock the system in the state that you think is most convenient and productive, this is especially true for those who use specific settings or custom themes.

You should also consider the amount of space you take up. Update files can weigh several gigabytes and take up precious space in internal memory, which is better used for photos and applications. Stopping download will prevent the system partition from overflowing with temporary files.

⚠️ Note: By opting out of security updates, you may leave vulnerabilities in the system. Use this method only if you understand the risks and do not plan to store sensitive banking data on your device without additional protection.

Another important aspect is root rights, and if you've been granted superuser rights, any official MIUI update is likely to remove them, returning the phone to its original state, and blocking updates is a way to keep the modified environment intact.

Basic setting of loading parameters in the phone menu

The first step to limiting intrusiveness is to adjust the bootloader's internal settings, and while this doesn't shut down the service completely, it prevents heavy data packets from automatically loading without your knowledge.

Open the Settings menu and find the About Phone section. At the top of the screen, you'll see the MIUI version logo. Click on it a few times to go to the update menu, or find the MIUI version and tap it. In the window that opens, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Options.

Here you need to deactivate a few key options. Find the Autoboot switch and turn it off.This will prevent the phone from downloading update files over the mobile network or Wi-Fi without your direct confirmation. It is also recommended to disable the Notify Updates option so that the system stops annoying pop-ups.

  • πŸ“± Open the Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI.
  • πŸ”˜ Click on three dots in the corner of the screen.
  • 🚫 Turn off the "Stop" and "Notification" switches".
  • βœ… Check that the update is only selected via Wi-Fi (if the option is available).

Once you do this, the system will continue to check for new versions, but will stop downloading them in the background, a good compromise for those who want to stay up to date but control the installation process.

πŸ“Š How often does your Redmi 9 update itself?
Monthly
Six months
Never noticed.
Only after discharge.

Disabling the Updater system application through settings

A more radical method is to directly impact the system application responsible for the update process, which is simply called Updater in the MIUI shell, and to access it, you need to enable a display of hidden system processes.

Go to the Settings menu, then to the Apps section, and select All Apps. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and activate Show System Processes. Now, in the general list, look for the Updater app (may be called Component Update).

Once you enter the app properties, you will see the Stop button. Press it to complete the current process. Immediately after that, the Disable button will be active. Clicking on it will turn the application into inactive, and it will stop starting even after the restart.

Path to the menu: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ All applications β†’ (three dots) β†’ Show system β†’ Updater β†’ Disable

If the "Disable" button is inactive or not, it means that the user rights are limited by the manufacturer for this version of the firmware, in which case, move to the next section of the instructions, where we will discuss more powerful tools.

⚠️ Warning: Once you turn off the Updater app, the update icon may disappear from the About Phone menu. This is normal behavior. You can only get it back by resetting the settings to the factory.

β˜‘οΈ Verification of application deactivation

Done: 0 / 4

Using ADB to Deeply Lock Services

The most effective and professional way is to use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) debugging tool, which allows you to remove or β€œfreeze” the system service pack for the current user, which effectively completely blocks the possibility of updating the Xiaomi Redmi 9.

To start, you need to turn on Developer Mode. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone and quickly press the MIUI build number 7 times until the message β€œYou’re a developer” appears. Then go to Advanced Settings β†’ For Developers and turn on the USB Debugging Toggle.

Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-The PC needs drivers installed. ADB. Open the command line or terminal in the tool folder ADB and enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

You'll see a debugging permission request on your phone screen, confirm it. If the console displays the device's serial number, the connection is set. Now type in the command to delete the service pack:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.updater

Once the command is successfully executed, you will receive a Success message.The update application will be removed from the user space and the system will not physically be able to start the process of checking or installing new versions.

  • πŸ’» Connect your phone to your PC in file transfer mode.
  • πŸ”§ Turn on "Debugging by" USB" developer-menu.
  • ⌨️ Enter the uninstall command in the command line ADB.
  • πŸ”„ Restart the device to apply changes.
How to return the update app back?
If you want to restore the updates, connect your phone to a PC with USB debugging enabled and type in the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.updater.

Restriction of background activity and network access

As an additional protection, you can restrict the update application’s access to the Internet and background activities, even if the service is not completely disabled, without access to the network, it will not be able to download firmware files.

Go back to the application management menu (Settings β†’ Apps β†’ All Apps β†’ Updater). Find Traffic Control or Data Use. You must prevent the application from using both mobile network and Wi-Fi. You should also turn off background activity.

This method is less reliable than ADB, as MIUI system processes can sometimes bypass restrictions or request temporary access under certain conditions, but when it comes to disabling notifications, it creates a serious barrier.

Locking methodEfficiencyDifficultyRisks.
MIUI settingsLow.MinimumNo.
Disabling the applicationMediumLow.Minimum
ADB TeamsTall.MediumDemands a PC.
Blocking hostsTall.Tall.It's hard to set up

By combining these methods, you create layered protection, for example, an application that is disabled through ADB, which also has access to the network, is guaranteed to fail to perform its function.

Possible problems and ways to solve them

When you block updates on Redmi 9, users may encounter a number of typical problems, often when you reboot, you reset, or the system is forced to turn the service back on, which is a MIUI security mechanism that requires constant monitoring.

Sometimes, after disabling the update, errors may appear in the operation of other system components, depending on the relevance of the library versions. If you notice unstable phone operation, you may want to temporarily allow the update of critical security components, leaving the lock on major versions of Android.

Also worth mentioning is the reset, and if you decide to do a full Wipe Data reset, all the restrictions will be removed and the phone will start offering updates again, and you'll have to repeat the setup process again.

πŸ’‘

Use locking applications like NoRoot Firewall to visually monitor and disable any network requests for system processes without having to use a computer every time.

⚠️ Attention: When using methods with ADB Be careful when typing commands. A mistake in the name of the package can lead to the removal of an important system component, which will cause a cyclic reboot (bootloop).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it safe to remove Updater completely through ADB?
Yes, it's safe for the hardware of the device. You delete the application only for the current user, the system files stay in place. If necessary, the component can be easily restored by install-existing.
Will the warranty disappear after disabling the updates?
By itself, disabling updates by software method is not grounds for loss of warranty, since you do not open the case and do not change the IMEI. However, if a critical error occurs due to outdated software, the service center may refuse free repairs, citing a violation of the operating conditions of the software.
Can I update my phone manually after locking?
Yes, you can always manually download a firmware file from the official site, place it in the root of internal memory and start the installation via the file selection menu in the update app (if it is not deleted completely) or through Recovery mode.
Does blocking updates affect the operation of banking applications?
Banking applications require a certain minimum version of Android and security certificates. If your current version of MIUI meets these requirements, the apps will work stably.

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way to stop updates on Redmi 9 is by combining disabling the Updater app through settings and uninstalling the package via ADB, eliminating background activity and manual activation.