How to permanently disable firmware updates on Xiaomi: secure methods

Automatic firmware updates on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones can be a real headache: unexpected reboots, data loss, resets or even “bricking” the device. Especially a problem for users who prefer a stable version of MIUI instead of experimental updates with bugs. Fortunately, you can disable forced updates in several ways, from standard settings to deep system changes.

In this article, we’ll break down 5 proven methods, including hidden MIUI features, changing configuration files, and even blocking through ADB. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights — their use will void the warranty and can lead to unstable device operation. If you’re a beginner, start with the safe options in the first two sections.

Note: The instructions are valid for all current Xiaomi models (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5) based on MIUI 12–14 and HyperOS. Additional steps may be required for devices older than 2019 (such as Redmi 5 or Mi 8).

1. Disable updates via standard MIUI settings

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in options, which do not require administrator rights and is suitable for 90% of users, but note that Xiaomi periodically changes the location of menu items, so the path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.

To disable automatic updates:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Update MIUI.
3. Stick to three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
4. Turn off the slider Automatic download updates.
5. Optionally, disable Update Notices so that the system does not remind you of new versions.

⚠️ Note: This method only suspends automatic downloads, but does not block the verification of updates completely.When connected to Wi-Fi, the system will still look for new versions, although it will not install them without your confirmation.

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If updates are still loaded after disabling the slider, try clearing the Update app cache (Settings → Apps → App Management → Update → Clear the cache).

• ✅ Pros: does not require root, works on all models, reversible.
• ❌ Cons: does not block the check updates, Xiaomi can reset the settings after resetting to factory.

2. Block updates through background restriction for system applications

If the standard shutdown didn't work, you can strangle the MIUI Update app by limiting it to the background, a method that's more effective than the previous one, because it prevents even checking new versions, suitable for MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Update (or Updater in English firmware) in the list.
3. Select Permissions → Additional → Limit background activity.
4. Activate the Limit option.
5. Go back and in the Mobile Data and Wi-Fi section, turn off internet access for this application.

You can also turn off auto-start:

• In the same Update app menu, go to AutoRun.
• Turn off the slider Allow Auto Start.

⚠️ Attention: After the background limit, the app Update MIUI You can stop opening at all. To get access back, reset the settings for this app in the Warehouse menu.

3. Remove updates via ADB (no root)

For advanced users willing to work with ADB, there is a way to completely uninstall the system update app, a radical method that will permanently eliminate reminders of new versions of MIUI, requiring a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and enabled USB debugging on the phone.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI Version.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and do:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, install the Mi PC Suite driver.)

adb shell


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

Once you execute the command, the MIUI Update app will disappear from the menu. To return it, do:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.updater

• ✅ Pros: Remove updates permanently, does not require root, reversible.
• ❌ Cons: Requires PC and basic knowledge ADB, After resetting to factory settings, the application will return.

4. Modification of system files (root only)

If your device unlocks the bootloader and obtains root rights (for example, through Magisk), you can block updates at the system file level, which is the most reliable method, since it prevents even manually checking new versions.

You will need any root-enabled file manager (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).

1. Open the file manager and follow the path:

/system/priv-app/Updater/

1. Find Updater.apk and Updater.odex files (or only.apk on new firmware).
2. Rename them by adding.bak at the end (e.g. Updater.apk.bak).
3. Reset the device.

An alternative way is to edit the build.prop file:

1. Open the file on the path /system/build.prop in the text editor.
2. Add a line at the end:

ro.miui.update.force=false

1. Save the changes and reboot.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).Before changes, back up through TWRP Or OrangeFox.

5. Disable updates via server settings (for firmware with Magisk)

With Magisk, you can use the Disable MIUI Updates module, which blocks access to Xiaomi update servers at the host level. This method does not require editing system files and is easy to roll back.

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk Manager (if not already installed).
2. Download Disable MIUI Updates (available on XDA Developers or Telegram channels of moding communities).
3. Open Magisk, go to the Modules section and install the downloaded file.
4. Reset the device.

The module works by adding rules to /system/etc/hosts, redirecting requests to update servers to 127.0.0.1. To return access to updates, simply delete the module through Magisk.

Make a backup through TWRP|Download the Disable module MIUI Updates|Check out the Magisk version (24.0)+)|Disable the antivirus (can block the installation)|Reboot after installation-->

What to do if the update has already been downloaded?

If the system has managed to download a new firmware but hasn't installed it yet, you can manually delete the update file.

1. Open any file manager (such as Mi File Manager).
2. Go to the file. /data/ota_package/ or /cache/.
3. Find a file with the.zip extension (usually called update.zip or contains a version of MIUI in the name).
4. Delete it.

If the update has already started to install, but the phone has not yet restarted:

• ⏳ Wait until the process is completed – interruption of the process can lead to soft-brick (the device does not boot, but reacts to the Fastboot).
• 🔄 If after the update there are bugs, reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Reset).

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Deleting update.zip does not prevent new updates from downloading in the future. To prevent re-downloading, use one of the blocking methods from the previous sections.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling updates on Xiaomi