Automatic updates on the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite are often a headache for users.The smartphone, released in 2018 under the Android One program, initially received regular security patches, but over time, updates began to bring more problems than benefits. Owners complain about slowing down after updates, incompatibility of applications with new versions of Android, and unauthorized rebooting of the device at the most inopportune moment.
The Mi A2 Lite is a pure Android without MIUI, which limits the standard ways to disable updates. However, there are both software methods (through system settings) and technical workarounds (using ADB or custom recovery). In this article, we will discuss all current methods, including their pros and cons, and warn about possible risks to the stability of the device.
Itβs important to understand that turning off updates completely deprives you of critical security patches. If you use your smartphone for payments, sensitive data or corporate tasks, weigh the risks. For most users, delayed updates or manual versioning of the software will be the best solution.
Before you start the instructions, check the current firmware version: go to Settings β System β About Phone β Android version. This will help you choose the most suitable method.
1. Standard disabling updates through settings
The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in Android tools. On the Mi A2 Lite with the original Android One firmware, the algorithm is different from devices on MIUI, but also effective.
Open the Settings menu β System β Additional β System Update. Here you will see the three dots in the upper right corner β click on them and select Settings. The window that opens will have the Auto Download Updates switch. Turn it off.
But this method has a limitation: it will still notify you of the updates available, it will not automatically download them, and it will require additional adjustments to hide the notifications completely:
- π± Go to Settings. β Annexes and notifications β Show all applications
- π Find the Software Update (or Software Update) in the list)
- π Turn off the option to show notifications
- π« For reliability, click Stop (forced app stop)
This method does not require superuser rights and does not affect the warranty, but after rebooting the device or resetting the settings, notifications may appear again.
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If after disabling notifications continue to appear, clear the cache of the application Update in the storage settings.
2. Disconnection via ADB (no root)
For users who are ready for deeper settings, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable, which does not require root rights, but requires a computer and drivers installed.
First, activate the developer mode on your smartphone:
- Go to Settings. β The phone.
- 7 times click on the item Build Number (the notification "You became a developer")
- Go back to the main settings menu and open the System β
- Turn on USB Debugging.
Now plug in the Mi. A2 Lite to PC via Lite USB-cable (use the original cable for connection stability) Open the command line (Windows) or terminal on your computer (macOS/Linux) enter:
adb devicesIf the device appears in the list, execute the command to disable the update service:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.gsf.update.SystemUpdateService
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.gsf.update.SystemUpdateActivity
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.gsf.update.SystemUpdateUpdaterActivityThese commands completely block the system processes responsible for checking and installing updates. To get it back, replace disable-user with enable.
Install drivers ADB PC-only|Enable debugging on USB smartphone|Connect the original USB-cable|Check the visibility of the device by the adb device command|Make a backup copy of the data-->
3.Using Custom Recovery (TWRP)
For power users willing to sacrifice a warranty, there is a radical method β install custom recovery (such as TWRP) and manually remove system updates β which is suitable if you plan to upgrade to custom firmware or fully control updates.
Warning: Incorrect installation of recovery can lead to a "brick" of the device (completely inoperable).The Mi A2 Lite with the locked bootloader will require pre-unlocking through the official Xiaomi tool.The unlocking process takes up to 72 hours and erases all data!
If you are prepared for risk, follow the instructions:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website
- Download the current version of TWRP for Mi A2 Lite (codename daisy) from twrp.me
- Install recovery via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- Go to the TWRP menu for Advanced β File Manager
- Delete files: /system/priv-app/SystemUpdate/system/app/Updater
After that, the system will stop checking for updates, but remember that without regular security patches, your device becomes vulnerable to exploits. For example, in 2023, a critical vulnerability CVE-2023-20954 was discovered in older versions of Android, which allows you to remotely execute code.
Standard settings |ADB-commands |Castom recovery |I don't know, need a consultation-->
4. Uninstall updates via Magisk (root)
If your Mi A2 Lite already has Magisk installed, you can use modules to block updates, a method that is more secure than manually deleting system files, as it allows you to roll back.
The most popular module is DisableForceEncrypt (although it is originally designed for other purposes, it can be adapted), an alternative is the Universal SafetyNet Fix module, which indirectly blocks some system checks.
Installation instructions:
- Download the DisableForceEncrypt module (version for Android 9/10)
- Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section
- Click Install from Storage and select the downloaded file
- Reset the device
Downgrade will require:
- Unlocked loader
- Firmware from Xiaomi Firmware Updater
- Mi Flash Tool for Windows
The process takes 10-15 minutes and resets all data. On the Mi A2 Lite, a downgrade from Android 11 to Android 10 is only possible through a complete clean-all partitioning flash.
6. Risks and consequences of disabling updates
Before you block the updates, assess the possible negative consequences:
| Type of risk | Effects of consequences | Probability. |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Vulnerabilities for viruses, data theft, attacks via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi | Tall. |
| Compatibility | New apps (banks, instant messengers) stop working on older versions of Android | Medium |
| Productivity | Over time, the system may slow down due to lack of optimizations. | Low. |
| Functionality | Some features stop working (e.g. Google Pay on Android < 8.1) | Tall. |
Security updates are particularly critical. For example, in 2022, Dirty Pipe (CVE-2022-0847) was discovered, allowing attackers to gain root access on Android devices up to version 12. If your Mi A2 Lite was left on Android 9/10 without patches, it is vulnerable to such attacks.
Alternatively, selectively install updates: download firmware manually from Xiaomiβs site, check user reviews on forums (such as 4PDA or XDA-Developers), and install only stable versions.
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Disabling updates is only advisable if: 1) your current version of Android is stable; 2) you do not use your smartphone for critical tasks (banking, corporate mail); 3) you are ready to manually monitor critical security patches.
Frequent Questions (FAQ)
β Can I turn off updates without a computer?
β Will updates return after resetting settings?
β How to check if updates are disabled?
β Can I turn off updates only for specific applications?
β What to do if after disabling the updates, the smartphone began to slow down?
If none of these methods work or you are afraid to risk device stability, consider manually monitoring updates. download firmware only after checking reviews on thematic forums and install them manually through recovery. This will avoid unexpected problems while keeping security up to date.