How to cancel updates on Xiaomi Redmi completely: disable MIUI Updates once and for all

MIUI updates on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are often a headache for users. New firmware versions can bring not only improvements, but also critical bugs, performance declines or unwanted interface changes. This is especially true for owners of devices with 4/64 GB of memory, where each update eats up precious megabytes. In this article, we will discuss all working ways to disable automatic updates on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other models – from standard settings to hidden methods through ADB.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi is aggressively pushing for updates: it can ignore your settings, download packages in the background or even force them to install after a reboot. We tested all methods on MIUI 14.0.6 and MIUI 15 (Global/EEA) — some solutions work universally, others require unlocking the bootloader or root rights. If you’re willing to sacrifice some features for stability, read on.

1. Standard disabling of updates in MIUI settings

To start with, the basics are the official options on the smartphone menu, which is suitable for Redmi on MIUI 12-15 and doesn’t require any additional manipulation, but it has a significant drawback: the system can ignore your settings when you next connect to Wi-Fi.

Go to: Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI → ⚙ (gear-plate) → Update settings

There are three key options for you:

🔄 Automatic boot over Wi-Fi – disable this switch to prevent packets from downloading in the background.
🔔 Update Notifications – Deactivate to Avoid Getting Intrusive Alerts.
📥 Downloading automatically is the most important item, even if it's off, MIUI Sometimes this restriction is avoided.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 10 Pro) after disabling these options, the system will still download the update when the next connection to charging and Wi-Fi. This is due to Xiaomi’s policy of forcing the distribution of critical patches.

If after these manipulations updates continue to download, proceed to the next method.

📊 What Redmi model do you use?

Redmi Note 10/11/12

Redmi 9/9A/9C

Redmi 8/8A

Redmi 7/7A

Another model

2. Limitation of background activity of the Update application

The com.android.updater app (or com.miui.updater in global firmware) is responsible for checking and installing updates, and can be pacified through battery and permission settings, which runs on MIUI 13-15 without root rights.

Instructions:

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
In the search, type "Update" (or Updater in English localization).
Select the application and go to Permissions.
Turn it off: 📶 Mobile data and Wi-Fi (limiting network access). 🔋 Auto-start (prevents work in the background). 🔔 Notifications (hidden alerts).

Battery → Background Limitation

These actions will not delete the service packs that have already been downloaded (they are stored in the service packs). /data/ota_package), But they'll prevent new downloads, to clear the update cache:

☑️ Cleaning up the update cache

Open "Settings → Memory"Select "Other Files"Find the file "ota_package" (≈500–1500 MB)Delete its contentsReboot the phone.

Done: 0 / 5

On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14.0.4 For the Redmi Note 11) folder ota_package To see it, you'll need a file manager with root access or a PC connection. ADB.

3. disable updates via ADB (no root)

If the standard methods don’t work, it’s time to go. ADB-This method doesn't require unlocking the bootloader, but it needs debugging. USB It's a computer, and it's suitable for all Redmi models. MIUI 12–15.

Step-by-step:

Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on USB Debugging.

Connect the phone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission.

Command line.

Terminal

ADB

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


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

These commands completely disable the system applications that are responsible for updates. To get it back, use:

adb shell pm enable com.android.updater


adb shell pm enable com.miui.updater

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 15 for Redmi K50) After these commands are executed, notifications of critical security patches may disappear, which does not affect the operation of the phone, but theoretically increases the risk of vulnerabilities.

💡

If ADB does not recognize the device, install Mi USB Driver drivers from Xiaomi’s official website or use Google USB Driver universal drivers.

4. Remove updates via TWRP (unlocked bootloader required)

For advanced users willing to sacrifice the warranty, there is a radical method – removing system components through custom recovery. This method is suitable for Redmi with an unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP.

What needs to be done:

Download. TWRP for your model (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img For the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
Install recovery via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager.
Delete the files: /system/priv-app/Updater/Updater.apk /system/priv-app/Updater/Updater.odex (if) /data/ota_package/ (bootloader)

Wipe → Cache

After this procedure:

✅ Item “Update MIUI" fade away.
✅ The system will stop checking and downloading updates.
⚠️ Risk: The next major update (e.g., with a MIUI 14 on MIUI 15) manual firmware via fastboot may be required.

What happens if you delete Updater.apk without TWRP?

Without custom recovery, deleting system files will result in a "bootloop" phone that will constantly turn on and off until you sew the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

5. Block updates through the host file (for advanced)

This method involves changing the system file /etc/hosts to block access to Xiaomi update servers.

Instructions:

Install Magisk and Systemless Hosts (available in the Magisk repository).
Open /etc/hosts via Root Explorer or Termux.
Add the following lines to the end of the file: 127.0.0.1 update.miui.com 127.0.0.1 ota.miui.com 127.0.0.1 api.io.mi.com
Save the file and restart the phone.

Effect:

🔒 The system will not be able to connect to the update servers.
📵 Item “Update MIUI" It will show a network error.
⚠️ Side effect: Some Mi Account features may stop working (e.g. cloud backups).

If you don’t have root but have ADB, you can temporarily block domains through a firewall:

adb shell settings put global captive_portal_detection_enabled 0


adb shell settings put global captive_portal_server update.miui.com

6. Alternative methods: firmware rollback and custom ROMs

If you’re not happy with the current version of MIUI, consider rolling back on previous firmware or installing custom builds (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) – a cardinal solution that will completely eliminate Xiaomi updates, but will require unlocking the bootloader and technical skills.

Comparison of methods:

Method	Root is required.	Risk of "brick"	Efficiency	Loss of guarantee
Standard settings	❌ No.	❌ No.	⚠️ Medium	❌ No.
Restrictions on Updater	❌ No.	❌ No.	✅ Tall.	❌ No.
ADB-team	❌ No.	❌ No.	✅✅ Very high.	❌ No.
Removal via TWRP	✅ Yes.	⚠️ Medium.	✅✅✅ Absolute.	✅ Yes.
Custom firmware	✅ Yes.	⚠️⚠️ High-pitched	✅✅✅ Absolute.	✅ Yes.

To revert to the previous version of MIUI:

Download the necessary firmware from the official website (choose Recovery ROM).
Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the phone’s memory.
Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update MIUI → ⋮ → Select the update file.
Confirm the installation and wait for the completion (the phone will restart 2-3 times).

⚠️ Warning: Retracement to a version older than the one installed in the factory may result in a loss of IMEI or problems with the module Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. Before the procedure, make a backup copy through the Mi Cloud or TWRP.

💡

Custom firmware (like LineageOS) completely removes the MIUI update mechanism, but requires monthly manual updates through recovery.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)

Can I cancel an already downloaded update?

Yes, but the method depends on the status of the update: If the update is downloaded but not installed, delete the folder. /data/ota_package through a file manager with root access or ADB: adb shell rm -rf /data/ota_package/* If the update is already installed, rollback is possible only through a full flashboot or recovery. MIUI 15 folder ota_package To see it, use the command: adb shell ls. -la /data/

Why do they still download updates after they are disabled?

It's a feature. MIUI: The system ignores user settings for critical security patches.To block updates completely: ADB-sectional 3. Or turn off the Internet for the Updater app via Settings → Annexes → Update → Mobile data/Wi-Fi. On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for Redmi 9T) Helps reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and networks → Resetting network settings.

How to check if updates are disabled?

There are three ways: through settings: Go to MIUI Update — if the Check Update button is inactive or gives an error, then the lock is working. Through ADB: Follow the command: adb shell dumpsys package com.android.updater Look for enabled=false. Through traffic monitoring: Install NetGuard or PCAPdroid and check if the phone connects to update.miui.com.

Can I turn off updates on the locked bootloader?

Yes, but the choice of methods is limited: ✅ Standard settings (section) 1). ✅ Restriction of background activity (section) 2). ✅ ADB-team (section) 3) — do not require unlocking. ❌ Methods with TWRP alteration /system — If none of the permitted methods work, all that remains is the physical shutdown of the Internet for the Updater app (via network settings).

What if after disabling the updates, the phone stopped booting?

This is a typical problem when you delete system files incorrectly (e.g. Updater.apk without TWRP). Solutions: Reset via recovery: Press Power + Volume up to enter recovery. Select Wipe data → Factory reset. Firmware via fastboot: Download stock firmware for your model. Use Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option. If the phone doesn't respond to buttons, try hardware reset: pinch Power + Volume up + Volume down for 10-15 seconds.