How to disable updates on Xiaomi Redmi: hidden settings and alternative methods

Automatic MIUI updates on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are often a source of annoyance: they consume traffic in the background, drain the battery and sometimes lead to unstable device operation after installing a new firmware. This is especially true for owners of Redmi Note 10/11/12 or Redmi 9/10 models, where updates are not always optimized for hardware. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable updates from standard settings to hidden ADB functions and modification of system files.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi actively resists users’ attempts to block updates, so some methods may require unlocking the bootloader or root rights. We will indicate which options are safe for beginners and which are only suitable for advanced users.

Why users want to disable updates on Redmi

The main reasons why Xiaomi Redmi owners are looking for ways to stop automatic MIUI updates are:

• 🔋 Battery discharge in the background – the process of downloading firmware (weighing 1.5-3 GB) significantly reduces battery life.
• 📶 Unauthorized use of mobile traffic – updates can be downloaded even when you connect to the mobile network 3G/4G, unless the restriction is set.
• 🐢 Slowdown after updates – new versions MIUI They often contain bugs, especially on budget models (Redmi). 9A, Redmi 8).
• 🚫 Imposing unnecessary features – for example, advertising in system applications or forced security updates that do not improve, but worsen the user experience.

According to a survey of Xiaomi owners in 2023, 68% of users experienced problems at least once after installing an update, and 42% of them did not know how to turn off automatic firmware download.

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 all Redmi models (including the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and Redmi A2) and does not require additional rights. However, it has a limitation: Xiaomi can reset these settings after a reboot or after a few days.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap on the item Update MIUI (or Update system on new versions).
3. In the upper right corner, press on ⋮ (three-point) → Settings.
4. Turn off the automatic download slider via Wi-Fi.
5. Also deactivate Auto Update (if the option is available).

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for the global version) may not have Auto Update, so you can only turn off the download, but the system will still check for new versions and notify them.

⚠️ Note: Even after you disable automatic boot, Xiaomi can force critical security updates to be installed.To block this process completely, you will need methods from the following sections.

Method 2: Block updates through background activity restriction

If a standard shutdown doesn’t work, you can strip the MIUI Update (com.android.updater) of the rights to work in the background, a method that doesn’t require root rights, but may not work on all versions of MIUI (especially on Chinese firmware).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, enter the Update and select the MIUI Update.
3. Slip on the battery → Limit background activity.
4. Choose to Restrict (or Disallow, depending on version).
5. Go back and press Notifications → turn off all sliders.

Additionally, you can prohibit the application from accessing mobile data and Wi-Fi:

• 📵 In the same app menu, go to Mobile Data and Wi-Fi → shut down.
• 🔒 In the Permits, revoke all rights except mandatory (for example, the Warehouse may be needed for manual installation of firmware).

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If, after limiting background activity, the MIUI Update app stops opening, reset its settings in the same menu (Storage → Clear Data).

Method 3: Use ADB to disable updates completely (without root)

More radical method: disabling the system application com.android.updater via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This does not require unlocking the bootloader, but requires a computer and USB-The method works on all Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro. 5G redmi K50.

Warning: Incorrect ADB commands may disrupt the system. Follow the instructions carefully.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap the MIUI version 7 times until the notification appears You became a developer!
2. Turn on USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate the USB Debugging Slider and confirm the resolution.

Command line.

Terminal

adb devices

(Series numbered device should appear. If not, check the drivers.)

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

Once you have completed the command, the MIUI Update app will disappear from the menu and stop working. To return it back, use:

adb shell pm enable com.android.updater

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14+ Xiaomi blocks system applications from being disabled through ADB. If the command fails, try an alternative root method (Section 5).

Method 4: Remove updates via TWRP (requires unlocking the bootloader)

For experienced users willing to sacrifice the warranty, there is a method of completely removing the MIUI Update application through the TWRP custom recavator. This is an irreversible process - after removing the system APK, it can only be restored by flashing it.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Complete removal of the update mechanism (including forced renewal).
• ✅ Liberation. ~50–100 MB of system memory.
• ✅ No risk of accidental firmware installation.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires unlocking the bootloader (resets all data!).
• ❌ Violates the terms of Xiaomi’s warranty.
• ❌ It may cause problems with OTA-future updates.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (the official Xiaomi utility).
2. Install TWRP for your model (download from twrp.me).
3. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
4. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
5. Delete files: /system/priv-app/Updater/Updater.apk /system/priv-app/Updater/Updater.odex (if any)

Reset the device.

💡

Removing via TWRP is the only way to get rid of updates forever, but it is only suitable for users willing to take risks and lose warranty.

Method 5: Modification of the hosts file (blocking Xiaomi servers)

An alternative method is to block the smartphone from accessing Xiaomi update servers by editing the hosts file, which requires root rights or using apps like AdAway (for Magisk devices).

List of domains responsible for MIUI updates:

How to edit hosts:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
2. Go to /system/etc/hosts.
3. Open the file in the text editor and add the lines: 127.0.0.1 update.miui.com 127.0.0.1 api.io.mi.com 127.0.0.1 bigota.d.miui.com
4. Save the changes and restart the device.

This method blocks network-level update verification, but does not remove the MIUI Update application itself, but it is reversible: just delete the added strings from hosts.

What to do if the update has already downloaded, but not installed

Sometimes Xiaomi Redmi downloads the firmware in the background but doesn’t install it right away. The update file takes up space in memory (usually in the folder). /cache or /data/ota_package) It can interfere with the operation of the device:

1. Open any file manager (such as Mi File Manager).
2. Go to Internal Storage → Cache (or MIUI → ota).
3. Find a file with a type name miui_*.zip (weight) ~1.5–3 GB) and remove it.
4. Clear the basket.

If the file is not deleted, try:

• 🔄 Restart the device and try again.
• 🛠 Use it. ADB For forced removal: adb shell su -c "rm -f /cache/ota/miui_*.zip"

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from the folder /system or /vendor — This can lead to bootloop (locked smartphone switching on).

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling updates on Xiaomi Redmi