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

Why users want to disable updates on Xiaomi and when they really need to

Updates to the operating system MIUI and applications on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They are often a source of annoyance to users, and the main reasons are: sudden reboot of the device at the most inopportune moment, a decrease in free space on the internal drive due to downloading heavy update packages, as well as unstable operation of new firmware versions, which instead of improvements bring bugs and lags.

This is especially true for owners of devices with limited resources (e.g. Redmi). 4A, Redmi Note 5 or POCO F1), where each update can slow down the system even further, and some users fundamentally avoid updates because of the collection of additional data in new versions. MIUI In some cases, disabling updates is a necessary measure, for example, when firmware with a new version of Android breaks compatibility with critical applications (banking services, enterprise software).

But before you start shutting down, it’s worth assessing the risks: Without security updates, your device becomes more vulnerable to viruses and hacker attacks, and some apps (like Google Pay or SberBank Online) may require an up-to-date version of Android to work properly. In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to disable updates, from standard settings to deep changes to the system.

Method 1: Disabling Automatic Updates MIUI through system settings

The easiest and safest method is to use built-in options. MIUI. It is suitable for most modern models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 It's newer and doesn't require superuser rights:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some firmware it may be called About Device or Phone Information).
3. Slip on the item MIUI Update (or System Update).
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Settings.
5. Turn off the slider next to the option Automatic download updates via Wi-Fi.
6. It is also recommended to disable Notifications about new updates so that the system does not remind you of available updates.

This method does not block manual update checks — you can manually run them through the same section at any time, but the system will stop downloading update files in the background and notifying you of their availability.

Automatic downloading via Wi-Fi is disabled

Notifications for new versions are turned off MIUI

Are there any active downloads in the "System Update" section?

Whether important data is saved (in case of future manual updates)-->

Some of the firmware (especially older models like Redmi) 3S or Mi A1) The path to settings may be different. If you haven't found the points listed, try an alternative route:

Settings → Additional → System Update → Settings (⋮) → Auto Update

Method 2: Block app updates via Google Play and MIUI

System updates are only part of the problem, and many users also face automatic app updates through Google Play or Xiaomi’s GetApps store, which not only consumes traffic, but can also lead to unexpected changes in how programs work.

2.1. Google Play settings

• 📱 Open the Google Play Store and tap the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
• 🔧 Select Settings → Network and other settings → Auto-update of applications.
• ❌ Sett Never or Only over Wi-Fi (if you want to save mobile traffic).

2.2. GetApps store settings (for Chinese firmware)

• 🛒 Launch the GetApps app (Blue Package Icon).
• 👤 Go to profile (the person icon at the bottom of the screen).
• ⚙️ Press the gear (Settings) → Auto-update → Shut down.

Global background shutdown for all applications

If previous methods have not worked, you can block background activity for update services:

Settings → Apps → Application Management → Three Dots (⋮) → Special Access → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Find Google Play Market and GetApps → Select Restrict

This won’t eliminate the possibility of manual updates, but it will prevent the background download of updates without your knowledge.

Updates MIUI (firmware)

Updates to apps via Google Play

Background activity of system services

Notifications of new versions-->

Method 3: Use ADB Deeply disabling system updates

If standard settings do not give the desired result, you can resort to more radical measures using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and executing several commands, but it allows you to completely block the service updates at the system level.

Warning: misuse ADB This may cause a device to malfunction.We recommend that you pre-reserve the data.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 12, Redmi) K50 and later, after these commands are executed, some functions may cease to work MIUI, cloud services. Check compatibility with your firmware before using.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install. ADB Tools on your computer (Windows, macOS or Linux).
2. Turn on the Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About phone and 7 times tap on the item MIUI version.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
4. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (use the original cable for a stable connection).
5. Open the command line (or Terminal) on your computer and execute: adb devices If the device is defined, type: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.discover

These commands are off:

• 🔄 com.android.updater – the standard Android update service.
• 📦 com.miui.systemAdSolution – the module responsible for the background download of updates MIUI.
• 🔍 com.xiaomi.discover – a service that scans and offers updates for system applications.

To get it back, replace the disable-user commands with enable.

Method 4: Disable updates via hosts file editing (without root)

Another effective method is to lock Xiaomi update servers at the network request level, by adding entries to the hosts file, which is responsible for redirecting domain names, the advantage of which is that it does not require root rights and is reversible.

Disadvantages: After resetting or updating the firmware, changes to hosts may reset, and some applications (such as Mi Home or Mi Cloud) may not work properly if their servers are also blocked.

Instructions:

1. Download any file manager with access to system folders, such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
2. Cross the path. /system/etc/hosts (You may need to provide access to the root folder).
3. Make a backup of the original hosts file (copy it elsewhere).
4. Open the file to edit 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 127.0.0.1 bigota.d.miui.com
5. Save the changes and restart the device.

These records redirect requests to update servers to a local address (127.0.0.1), effectively blocking them. If you need to return access to updates, simply delete the added lines.

💡

Before editing the hosts file, check if you have a backup. In the event of an error (such as improper formatting), the device may lose access to the network.

Method 5: Radical measures – removing system applications (root required)

For users with super-user rights (root), deeper methods are available to disable updates, one of which is the complete removal of system applications responsible for updates, which is an irreversible process, and after such an intervention, the only way to restore the functionality of updates will be by flashing the device.

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI, This method is recommended only for experienced users who are ready for possible consequences.

Which applications can be removed:

How to delete:

Removing system applications will require:

1. Install Root Explorer or similar file manager with root support.
2. Go to the file. /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.
3. Find folders with packet names (like Updater) and delete them.
4. Clear cache and data in Settings → Applications for remaining services.
5. Reset the device.

The alternative is to use the team. ADB:

adb shell


su




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

After deletion, it is recommended to “freeze” the associated services using Titanium Backup or App Quarantine to prevent them from being restored by the system.

Method 6: Alternative firmware (castom) ROM) To fully control the updates

If you need to not just disable updates, but get full control of the system, it is worth considering installing custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary services Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – firmware with the interface and features of Google Pixel.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS or CrDroid – custom ROM high-set.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ No forced updates from Xiaomi.
• ✅ Possibility of selective installation of updates.
• ✅ Lack of built-in software and advertising MIUI.
• ✅ Regular Security Updates from the Developer Community.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets all data.
• ❌ Possible bugs in the work of the camera, sensors or wireless modules.
• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).

How to install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install custom recovery, for example, TWRP.
3. Download the right firmware for your model from the XDA Developers or 4PDA forum.
4. Go to Recovery Mode (Switch Off the Phone) → Hold the Power. + Volume Up and pass ZIP-firmware.
5. Clear the cache and perform the first download (may take a while). 10-15 minute).

After installing custom firmware, you can only update manually, downloading new versions from official community sources.

💡

Custom firmware is the most radical way to get rid of Xiaomi updates, but it requires technical skills and can lead to a loss of warranty.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you turn off updates, users often face unexpected difficulties, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1 Updates continue to download despite the shutdown in the settings

Reason: Some versions MIUI Ignore user settings and force updates:

• 🔧 Use the method with ADB (Method 3) to shut down services completely.
• 📵 Turn off mobile data for the app Update MIUI traffic-setting.

2 After editing the hosts file, the Internet disappeared

Reason: a file syntax error or a critical server lockdown.

• 🔄 Restore the original hosts file from backup.
• 📋 Check the formatting – each line should end with a line translation (without unnecessary spaces).

3.The device stopped turning on after removing system applications

Reason: Critical component removed MIUI. Decision:

• 🛠️ Try booting up in Safe Mode (click Volume Down when you turn on).
• 🔧 If it doesn’t help, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool (you will need a PC and original firmware).

4 Mi Cloud or other Xiaomi services are not working

Reason: locking Xiaomi servers in a hosts file or removing related applications.

• 🔓 Restor access to api.account.xiaomi.com and cloud.mi.com domains in the hosts file.
• 📦 Reinstall remote applications through ADB:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.cloud

FAQ: Answers to popular questions