How to permanently disable MIUI updates on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Automatic MIUI updates are often a headache for Xiaomi smartphone owners, and the system insists on installing a new firmware version even if you are happy with the device’s current stability, and the problem is compounded by the fact that bugs, brakes, or unwanted interface changes can occur after the upgrade, especially for users who use custom firmware or modified versions of MIUI.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can disable updates, from standard settings to hidden methods for power users, and it’s important to understand that completely disabling updates can affect your device’s security, as critical patches will no longer be installed automatically, but if you’re consciously taking this step, our instructions will help you do it as correctly as possible.

Why do users want to disable MIUI updates?

The main reasons are several, and they are directly related to the features of the update policy of Xiaomi:

🔄 Instability of new versions. Frequently fresh builds MIUI contain bugs that interfere with the normal operation of the smartphone – from accidental reboots to problems with connecting to the mobile network.
📉 Productivity declines on weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 4X Redmi Note 5: New firmware versions may slow down due to increased resource requirements.
🔒 Block unlock bootloader. After some updates, Xiaomi closes the ability to unlock the bootloader, which is critical for those who plan to install custom firmware.
📱 Change the interface. Many users are getting used to a particular design. MIUI They do not want to put up with cardinal revisions of the menu or arrangement of elements.
🔋 Battery discharge: The process of downloading and installing updates in the background can significantly reduce battery life.

In addition, some updates cause user resets, such as changing standard file opening apps or resetting power saving settings, which is particularly annoying for those who have carefully customized the device to suit themselves.

📊 How often do you update your firmware on Xiaomi?

I always put the latest version in.

I update every six months.

Shut down the updates forever.

I only update when critical bugs are in place.

Method 1: Disable updates through standard MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in system options, which is suitable for most MIUI 12/13/14 devices and does not require superuser rights (root).

Instructions:

Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
Go to About Phone (usually at the bottom of the list).
Tap on the item Update MIUI (or Update system in new versions).
In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Settings.
Turn off the switch Automatic boot over Wi-Fi.
It is also recommended to disable Update Notices so that the system does not remind you of new versions.

This method does not block the updates from being fully verified, but it prevents them from automatically downloading and installing them, and the system will still periodically check for new versions, but will not download them without your confirmation.

☑️ Preparation before disabling updates

Make a backup copy of the dataRemember the current version of MIUICheck the free space on the deviceDisable mobile Internet during settings

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Block updates through background activity restriction

If standard shutdown doesn't work, you can go further and limit the system application that's responsible for updating, which is more radical, but doesn't require root rights.

How to do this:

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
In the search bar, enter the Update and select the System Update (or Updater) app.
Slip on the battery and select Limit background activity.
Go back and press Notifications, then turn off all switches.
For reliability, also prohibit the auto-run of the application in the Auto-Run section.

This method effectively blocks background update checks, but can cause some system notifications to stop coming, and once the device is restarted, the restrictions are sometimes reset, and you have to repeat the procedure.

What if the System Update app is not on the list?

In some versions MIUI Try searching for "com.android.updater" or use third-party file managers (such as MiXplorer) to search. APK-file.

Method 3: Remove updates via ADB (without root)

For more advanced users, there is a method to disable updates using Android Debug Bridge (ADB).It does not require superuser rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to a computer.

Step-by-step:

Download and install. ADB-computer-assist.
Turn on the smartphone Developer Mode (7 times tap the version of MIUI in Settings → About phone).
Activate Debugging by USB in the Developer section.
Connect your phone to your PC and in the command line (or Terminal on the PC) Mac/Linux) execute:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed)

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

This command completely disables the system update app for the current user. To get it back, use:

adb shell pm enable com.android.updater

💡

If you still get updates after you run the command, try to also disable the com.miui.systemAdSolution service, which is sometimes responsible for background checks.

Method 4: Change the hosts file (requires root)

For root-right users, there is a radical method of blocking update servers through editing the hosts file, which completely stops any attempts by the system to contact Xiaomi servers to check for updates.

Instructions:

Install any file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
Go to /system/etc/hosts and back up the original file.
Open the file for editing 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

Save the changes and restart the device.

This method is guaranteed to block all attempts to update, but has a number of disadvantages:

⚠️ May disrupt other system services associated with Xiaomi account.
⚠️ After resetting the settings or updating the firmware, the hosts file will return to its original state.
⚠️ Some banking applications may perceive the changed hosts as a sign of rooting and block work.

💡

Host file editing is the most reliable way to block updates, but it is only suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader and root rights.

Method 5: Using Custom Recovery (TWRP)

If you use TWRP or other custom recovery, you can physically delete the files responsible for the updates, which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires manipulation of system partitions.

How to do this:

Boot to TWRP (usually by clamping Power + Volume up when turned on).
Go to Advanced → File Manager.
Delete the following files and folders: /system/priv-app/Updater//system/app/Updater/ (if any) /data/data/com.android.updater/

Reset the device.

After this procedure, the system will completely lose the ability to check and install updates.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting system files can lead to unstable device operation or even a "brick" (breaking the firmware). TWRP!

Comparison of Disabling MIUI Updates

To choose the best method, we offer a comparative table of all the described methods:

Method	Difficulty	Need root?	Efficiency	Risks.
Standard settings	⭐	❌ No.	Medium	Updates are still being checked.
Limitation of background activity	⭐⭐	❌ No.	Tall.	They may reset after rebooting.
ADB-team	⭐⭐⭐	❌ No.	Very high.	Requires PC and debugging over USB
Editing by hosts	⭐⭐⭐⭐	✅ Yes.	Maximum	Could break system services
Removal via TWRP	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	✅ Yes.	Maximum	High risk of "brick"

For most users, the best solution will be a combination of standard settings. + If you're willing to take risks for the sake of total control, use methods that are not ADB or editing hosts.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after disabling updates, users sometimes face unexpected difficulties.

🔄 Updates keep downloading. Check if Auto Update over Mobile is enabled in the update settings. Also make sure you turn off background activity for all Xiaomi-related system applications (MiuiDaemon, SystemAdSolution).
📥 Update notifications don't go away. Try clearing the cache and app data. Update system in the app settings. If it doesn't work, use it. ADB-crew.
🔧 After the update, the settings reset. Unfortunately, this is standard behavior. MIUI. To avoid problems, before any manipulations with the firmware, do a backup through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
🚫 You can't turn off updates on the locked bootloader, and then you just have to limit background activity or use it. ADB. Complete removal of update files is possible only after unlocking the bootloader.

If neither method worked, consider alternative firmware, such as Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS. These often offer more flexible update management settings.

💡

On some devices (such as POCO F1 or Mi 9T) after disabling the updates, the Mi Cloud service may stop working. In this case, try manually adding a Xiaomi account in the sync settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Can I turn off updates on Xiaomi without root?

Yes, the first three methods from the article are suitable for this: standard settings, background activity restriction and ADB-They don't require superuser rights, but they have limitations on effectiveness.

What happens if you completely remove the System Update app?

Removing a system application can cause the device to run unstable, especially if it is integrated into other MIUI services. At best, you simply won’t be able to check for updates manually, at worst, you’ll have errors when you boot the system.

How to get the ability to update after blocking?

If you've used ADB, run adb shell pm enable com.android.updater. If you've edited hosts, return the original file. Recover files deleted through TWRP will require you to reflash the device.

Why did security notifications stop coming after the updates were turned off?

Some security notifications (such as new versions of Google Play Services) come through the same channels as MIUI updates, and to return them, you will have to partially unlock background activity for system applications.

Will the updates be disabled after the factory reset work?

No, all changes (except editing hosts in the system partition) will reset. After reset, you will have to repeat the shutdown procedure again.