Owners of popular smartphones like the Redmi Note 7 often face the obsession of the MIUI system to constantly search for and install new versions of the software. This can be annoying, especially if the device is stable and new updates sometimes bring bugs or simply take up space in memory. Automatic updates are a feature useful for security, but not always desirable for power users who appreciate the current build.
Disabling this process completely requires a comprehensive approach, as Xiaomi developers have envisaged several mechanisms for returning to automatic boot. In this article, we will examine all available methods, from standard menu settings to advanced methods through system files and a computer.
Before you make any changes, it’s important to understand what you’re doing. By disabling the update system, you take responsibility for the relevance of security patches. However, for many Xiaomi users, it’s more important to keep the current firmware version that has been thoroughly tested and doesn’t have the bugs that are typical of recent releases.
Disconnection through the standard settings menu
The first and most obvious step is to set up the built-in System Update app, which standard methods don't block server verification completely, but prevent automatic download and installation of packets without your knowledge, which is a basic level of protection that needs to be set up first.
To start, open the Settings app and find About Phone. It's usually at the top of the list. Click on the MIUI icon or Check Updates button. In the window that opens, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings. Here, uncheck the boxes for Autoboot and Night Download.
☑️ Basic Update Setup
These actions will prevent files from being downloaded in the background, but the system will still periodically ask the server for a new version, and to achieve complete disregard for updates, you will need to more deeply manipulate the system services, which will be discussed below.
Blocking the Updater system application
The system application that's responsible for finding new versions of the software is called Updater or MIUI Updater, and even if you turn off the autoboot menu, the service itself can activate, and the most effective way is to force the process to stop and revoke permissions to access the network.
Go to Settings, then Apps → All Apps. Find System Update (may be called Updater) on the list. Click on it and select Stop. Next, go to Other Permits or Permissions and deny access to Wi-Fi and Mobile Internet. This will prevent the application from contacting the server.
⚠️ Warning: After restarting your smartphone or trying to manually check for updates, the system may automatically re-enable network access for that application.
Additionally, in the app menu, look for AutoStart and make sure it is turned off. Also in the battery settings, select No Limits for important applications, but for Updater, it is better to set a background activity limit if this option is available in your version of MIUI.
Using Developer Mode and Debugging
To get a better handle on the system, you can use the hidden developer menu, which allows you to turn off automatic system-level update checks, although it does not guarantee 100% lock without additional measures.
To activate the mode, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI Version. You will receive a message that you have become a developer. Then go back to the main settings menu, select Advanced Settings → For Developers. Find Automatic Update Installation (if available) and turn it off.
Why do you need a developer mode?
In the same menu, you should pay attention to the item Update components via Wi-Fi, it is also recommended to turn it off, this will prevent updating the system libraries and services of Google Play in the background, which indirectly affects the stability of the current build.
Blocking through hosts file (Requires Root or ADB)
The most radical and effective method is to block the domain names of Xiaomi update servers at the operating system level, which requires editing the hosts system file, which requires having Root rights or using a computer with an ADB tool.
The method is to redirect requests to update servers to a local address (127.0.0.1), making communication impossible. You will need a file manager with access to system partitions (such as Root Explorer) or a PC connection.
You need to add the following lines to /etc/hosts:
127.0.0.1 update.miui.com
127.0.0.1 update.intl.miui.com
127.0.0.1 update.cdn.miui.com
127.0.0.1 rom.miui.com💡
If you do not have Root rights, you can try to apply these changes through the ADB Shell, but without superuser rights, write to the system partition /etc The alternative is to use local VPN-applications that block these domains.
Once you make the changes, be sure to restart the device, and you can check the effectiveness by trying to access the specified addresses through the browser - the page should not load, which ensures that the phone cannot physically download the service pack.
Comparison of methods of disabling updates
The choice of blocking method depends on your skills and the availability of root rights. Below is a table that will help you determine the best option for your Redmi Note 7 use case.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Demands a Root. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu settings | Low. | Low (auto boot only) | No. |
| Disabling permits | Medium | Medium (reset) | No. |
| Developer mode | Low. | Medium | No. |
| Hosts file | Tall. | Maximum | Yes / ADB |
As you can see from the table, simple methods are good for prevention, but they don't guarantee that if you want to block reinforced concrete, then editing hosts is the only right solution, but remember that any manipulation of system files carries risks.
Possible risks and consequences
When you refuse to update, you need to be aware of the potential consequences. Security is the main aspect. Updates often contain patches that close vulnerabilities through which attackers can access your data. Staying on the old version, you theoretically put the device at risk.
Some applications may also eventually stop working properly on older versions of Android or MIUI. Software developers focus on current security standards and APIs. However, for the Redmi Note 7, which is already a mature device, this risk is minimal, as the main applications continue to support older versions of the OS for a long time.
⚠️ Note: If you decide to return to updates after blocking through hosts, remember to delete the added lines from the file. otherwise the phone will give a network error or will not be able to connect to the server even when the update is enabled.
Another thing is the compatibility of accessories and smart homes. Sometimes new ecosystem features require a current firmware version. If you’re actively using Xiaomi’s smart home, check the compatibility before you drop the updates long term.
💡
Disabling updates is a balance between the stability of your current work and potential new features or security patches.