How to permanently disable updates on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: from simple ways to ADB

Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is one of the most popular budget smartphones with MIUI, but its aggressive policy of automatic updates often annoys users. The system can download gigabytes of data in the background, slow down the device or even install firmware with bugs that spoil the user experience. If you are tired of constantly notifying about new versions of the software or want to save traffic, this article will help completely block updates in all possible ways.

We'll look at both standard methods through the settings menu and advanced ones using ADB, system file editing, and even rollback to a stable version of MIUI. It's important to understand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, so approach the process consciously. If you're a beginner, start with the first three methods, they're safe and don't require deep technical knowledge.

Why Xiaomi is imposing updates and how it is dangerous

Xiaomi is actively promoting its MIUI shell, regularly releasing updates with new features, security patches and... new bugs.

• 📊 Statistical collection: Each update may contain new modules to collect device usage data (even if you have disabled Improvement). MIUI").
• 💰 Monetization: Newer versions often add ads to system applications or change banner display algorithms.
• 🔄 Ecosystem-based: Updates can block alternative launchers or app stores.
• 🛠️ Tech Experiments: Xiaomi is testing new features on mass-produced devices, which sometimes leads to critical errors (e.g., battery drain overnight).

The latest versions of MIUI 12/13/14 for the Redmi 8 Pro are particularly known for problems with:

• 🔋 Sudden overheating when charging after upgrading to MIUI 12.5.
• 📵 Network loss 4G/LTE on some firmware (especially operators) Tele2 yota).
• 🎵 Distortion of sound in headphones after upgrading to MIUI 13.
• 📸 Camera freezes when shooting in 48 MP format.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling updates deprives you of important security patches. If you store sensitive data (bank applications, passwords) on your phone, regularly check for critical patches manually through the site MIUI Downloads.

Method 1: Disable updates through standard MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in options of the system, which is suitable for most users and does not require root rights. MIUI 10–14:

1. Open the Settings app (cog on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Update MIUI.
3. Slip on three dots in the top right corner and select Settings (⚙️).
4. Turn off the sliders: 🔄 Automatic download of updates 📶 Downloading over mobile 🔔 Notifications of updates

Pause of updates

This method does not eliminate manual update checks – the system will still prompt you to install new versions of the premanual request. To completely hide the update section, more radical measures will be required (see methods 3-5).

Make a backup copy of important data|Check the current version MIUI on the telephone"|Connect your phone to Wi-Fi (for downloading tools)|Disable the antivirus (can block it) ADB-team)-->

Method 2: Remove the Update application (without root)

com.android.updater is responsible for checking and installing updates. It can be deactivated or removed without root permissions, but it will require ADB (Android Debug Bridge) – a method that works on all versions of Redmi 8 Pro, including global and Chinese firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.
2. Activate Debugging via USB: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable the USB Debugging Slider and confirm the resolution.

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed)

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

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

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

⚠️ Note: Once you delete the Update app, you will not be able to install official firmware through the standard interface.

💡

If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, install Google USB Driver drivers and restart the PC. On a Mac/Linux, you may need an adb kill-server command before connecting.

Method 3: Block updates via hosts file (requires root)

This method is suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and Magisk or other root solution installed.We will redirect requests to Xiaomi update servers to a non-existent address, which completely blocks the verification of new versions.

Instructions:

1. Install any file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/etc/hosts and back up the file.
3. Open the file in the text editor and add the following lines at the end: 127.0.0.1 update.miui.com 127.0.0.1 api.account.xiaomi.com 127.0.0.1 ota.miui.com
4. Save the changes and restart the device.

To check the working capacity of the method:

• Launch the MIUI Update app.
• If there is a connection error, the lock is triggered.
• If you still check for updates, add additional domains to the hosts file: 127.0.0.1 bigota.d.miui.com 127.0.0.1 intl.miui.com

Method 4: Reverse to a stable version of MIUI via Fastboot

If your Redmi 8 Pro has already upgraded to a problem firmware (e.g., MIUI 13 with a battery drain bug), the only radical way is to return to the previous stable version.This method requires an unlocked bootloader and installs a clean firmware, erasing all data.

Preparation:

• 🔗 Download the archive with the desired version MIUI Redmi 8 Pro (codenamed Olivelite) from Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
• 💾 Unpack the archive in a folder with the MiFlash tool (you can download here).
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power) + Vol− off-set).

Firmware process:

1. Run MiFlash.exe on behalf of the administrator.
2. Click Select and point the way to the folder with unpacked firmware.
3. Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) mode.
4. Press Refresh – your device should appear in the list.
5. Click Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

After the reboot, you will get a clean system without being tied to your Xiaomi account (if you have been through the global version).To avoid automatic updates in the future, immediately after you set up, follow Method 1 or 2 from this article.

⚠️ Note: Firmware through Fastboot resets DRM-Keys that could disrupt Widevine L1 (downgrade the quality of streaming in Netflix/Disney+ before 480p). Recovery will require a Magisk patch or official repair.

Method 5: Using a custom recap (TWRP) to block updates

Installing TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) provides access to advanced features, including the ability to freeze system applications or install modified firmware without updates, a method suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and working with custom images.

Steps to install TWRP:

1. Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (it can take up to 7 days to wait for confirmation from Xiaomi).
2. Download the latest version of TWRP for Redmi 8 Pro (olivelite) from twrp.me.
3. Translate your phone to Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-olivelite.img
4. Immediately after the firmware, go to the recovery (press Power + Vol+) to avoid overwriting with standard recovery.

Blocking updates via TWRP:

• 🔧 Install Magisk Module to Get Root Rights.
• 🧊 Use the Freeze feature in Titanium Backup or App Quarantine for com.android.updater.
• 📦 Install the Disabler patch for MIUI (forum-available XDA), Disables system-level update services.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Full control over system applications.
• ✅ The ability to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• ✅ Easy recovery after unsuccessful updates.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Risk of "brike" with incorrect firmware.
• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader was unlocked).
• ❌ Need for manual security updates.

💡

Using TWRP is the most flexible way to manage updates, but requires deep technical knowledge. If you are not sure about your skills, limit yourself to methods 1-3.

What to do if the update has already downloaded and requires installation

Sometimes the system has time to download the update in the background, and after the reboot, a screen appears with a suggestion to install it.

1. Do not press "Install" - wait for a timeout (usually 30 seconds), after which the system will boot in normal mode.
2. If the update starts to install automatically: Press Power + Vol+ to go to Recovery. Select Wipe cache partition → Reboot.
3. After downloading, delete the downloaded update file: Go to /data/ota_package/ or /cache/ Delete the file with the.zip extension (usually called the file manager). update.zip).

If the system is trying hard to install an update every time it restarts:

• 🛠️ Use Method 2 (ADB) to remove com.android.updater.
• 🔄 Perform a reset settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and reset, but it will delete all data.
• 📱 Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) and hide the Update icon MIUI" menu.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling updates on Redmi 8 Pro