How to completely disable updates on Xiaomi: MIUI, applications and firmware

Xiaomi phones regularly receive MIUI updates, security patches and app updates — but not all users need it. Automatic updates can eat traffic, drain the battery in the background or even break the stable operation of the device after a failed release. If you want to completely block all kinds of updates — from system to apps from Google Play — this guide will help to do it safely and without consequences for the phone.

Unlike many of the "universal" tips on the web, here we'll take a look at all the possible update channels, from standard MIUI settings to hidden settings for power users, learn how to disable firmware, apps, Google services, and even block background updates from loading via the mobile network, and what to do if the system ignores your settings and why some methods do not work on all Redmi, POCO or Mi models.

⚠️ Important: Disabling security updates can increase the risk of vulnerabilities.If you use your phone to make payments, store sensitive data, or work with enterprise systems, weigh the pros and cons before blocking updates.

Why Xiaomi is imposing updates and whether it is possible to turn them off forever

Xiaomi is actively promoting its MIUI ecosystem, and regular updates are part of that strategy.

• 📱 Politics MIUI: By default, the system is set to automatically check and download firmware updates, even if you haven’t confirmed it manually.
• 🔄 Security Updates: Google requires Android manufacturers to have monthly patches, and Xiaomi keeps them up to date.
• 📦 Annexes from MIUI: Branded services (for example, Mi Video, Mi Browser, GetApps) are updated through Xiaomi’s own store, bypassing Google Play.
• 🌐 Regional features: On phones for China (CN-Updates may be installed forcefully, while global versions (Global/EEA) give more freedom.

Can we turn it off forever? Technically, but with reservations:

• ✅ Standard updates MIUI and apps are blocked through settings - but the system can reset them after resetting the phone.
• ⚙️ Full control will require root rights or system files modification (which voids the warranty).
• 🚫 Some critical security updates may be enforced if Xiaomi deems them mandatory.

If you're willing to compromise between security and stability, read on. We'll start with the simplest of methods and get to the advanced ones.

Method 1: Disabling MIUI updates through standard settings

The safest way is to use the built-in options, which is suitable for most Redmi, POCO and Mi models on MIUI 12-14.

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 three dots (⋮) and select Settings.
4. Turn off the sliders: 🔄 Automatic booting via Wi-Fi 📶 Automatic download via mobile network 🔔 Notifications of updates

⚠️ Warning: Even after disabling these options, the system can continue to check for updates in the background, just won’t download them.

If you still want to update your phone after doing this, you'll see that MIUI ignores your user settings on your model, and then you'll move to Method 3 (for power users).

Method 2: Blocking app updates from Google Play and Mi App Store

System updates are only part of the problem, and apps from Google Play and Xiaomi’s branded store (GetApps) can also update automatically.

For Google Play:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Network → Auto-update applications.
4. Choose Never.

For the Mi App Store (GetApps):

1. Open the GetApps app (the icon with the blue robot).
2. Go to Profile → Settings (cog icon).
3. Turn off the Auto Update Apps slider.

🔹 To prevent you from updating specific apps (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video), do the following:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the right app and tap it.
3. Turn off the Auto Update option (if any).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi system applications (such as Security or Mi Account) may be updated to bypass these settings through the services. MIUI. To block them, you will need to turn off background activity (see the next section).

Method 3: Disabling background update processes (for experienced)

If standard methods fail, the updates are run through MIUI system services, which can be blocked, but this will require deeper interventions:

Method 1: Limiting background activity

Some Xiaomi services are responsible for checking updates, and you can pause them:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search, type Updater (or Update in Russian).
3. Select the Updater app (the icon with the arrow down).
4. Slip the battery. → Limit background activity.
5. Also turn off AutoRun and Secondary Start (if any).

Method 2: Freeze system applications (without root)

With the help of the ADB tool, you can disable update services without superuser rights:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to version, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater
3. To block GetApps, use: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks

Method 2: Change DNS (to block Xiaomi servers)

Set up a custom DNS that will block Xiaomi domains:

1. Install the DNS Changer or 1.1.1.1 app.
2. Add domains to the blacklist: api.mi.com update.miui.com app.mi.com
3. Activate custom DNS (e.g. 94.140.14.14 for AdGuard).

🔹 Pros of the method: does not require changes in the system, it is easy to cancel.

🔸 Cons: Can block other functions MIUI (For example, synchronization of Mi Account).

💡

If Xiaomi’s branded services (e.g. cloud storage) have stopped working after DNS is blocked, return the standard DNS settings or add domains to exceptions.

Method 5: Completely disable updates through system file editing (root)

If you have root rights, you can permanently remove or freeze the components that are responsible for the updates, which is irreversible without re-running the phone, so only use it if you are confident in your actions.

Step 1: Remove the Updater via Magisk or TWRP

With Magisk or TWRP, you can remove the system APKs:

1. Install Root Explorer or Magisk Manager.
2. Go to /system/priv-app/Updater/.
3. Delete or rename the Updater.apk file (e.g., in Updater.apk.bak).
4. Reboot the phone.

Step 2: Freeze with Titanium Backup

If you do not want to delete files permanently, freeze them:

1. Install Titanium Backup (requires root).
2. Find Updater and GetApps in the list.
3. Choose Freeze.

⚠️ Note: Deleting system files can lead to loss of warranty and unstable phone operation.For example, without Updater, system recovery functions via Fastboot may stop working.

💡

Even with root rights, some updates (such as critical security patches from Google) can be installed to bypass your blockings through Play Services.

What to do if the updates are still going on

If you’ve tried all the methods, but your phone is still updated, here are the possible reasons and solutions:

🔹 Extreme method: If nothing helps, you can roll back the firmware to an older version MIUI It's on Fastboot:

• 🔧 Requires unlocking the bootloader (bootloader).
• 🔄 It can lead to data loss.
• ⚠️ Cancels the guarantee.

Look for the rollback instructions for your model on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling updates on Xiaomi