Automatic updates on Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV, Xiaomi TV A) are often a headache for users. The manufacturer imposes new versions of firmware that may contain errors, remove familiar features or slow down the device. Especially a problem for owners of models of 2018-2022 (Mi TV 4A/4S/4X, Redmi Smart TV X50/X65), where updates often break compatibility with applications or change the interface without the possibility of rollback.
In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to disable updates, from standard settings to hidden commands through ADB. You will learn how to block checking for updates forever, delete downloaded firmware files and even return a previous version of the software if the update has already been installed.
Why users want to disable updates on Xiaomi TV
The manufacturer has positioned the automatic update as โimprovement of the user experience,โ but in practice it often backfires. Here are the main reasons why Xiaomi TV owners are looking for ways to block updates:
- ๐ Loss of functionality: New versions of software often remove useful features, for example, after upgrading to the new software. MIUI TV 3.0 Many users have lost the ability to install APK-Files through the file manager.
- ๐ข Slowdown: Firmware for older models (Mi) TV 3S 2016โ2017) optimized poorly โ after the update, the TV begins to โbrakeโ when switching channels or launching applications.
- ๐ต Compatibility issues: Updates break the work of third-party remotes (for example, from the old Xiaomi Mi Remote) or disable support for popular streaming services.
- ๐ Imposing Advertising: In the latest versions of the software, non-removable banners appear on the main screen, and disabling advertising through Settings โ The account stops working.
According to a survey on the 4PDA forum, 68% of Xiaomi TV owners have experienced problems after an automatic update, while 34% of respondents said they can not return a previous firmware version through standard settings.
Method 1: Disabling updates through standard settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in system options, which is suitable for most Xiaomi TV models (except the newest ones on Google TV).
- Open Settings (cog in the upper right corner of the main screen).
- Go to the section About TV โ Updating the system.
- Press three points (โฎ) in the upper right corner and select Update Settings.
- Turn off the automatic update slider.
On some firmware (MIUI TV 2.5 and older), this item may be called Auto Update over Wi-Fi or Update Checker. If you don't have an option, your model uses forced updates (see ADB method).
โ๏ธ Preparing to disable updates
โ ๏ธ Note: Even after the automatic update is disabled, the TV will periodically check for new versions when connecting to the Internet.
Method 2: Block updates via router (host method)
If your TV is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi, you can block access to Xiaomi update servers at the router level, a method that does not require root rights and works on all models, including the Redmi Smart TV X55 and Mi TV Q1E.
Instructions for routers on OpenWRT, Keenetic or ASUS Merlin firmware:
- Go to the router control panel (usually at 192.168.1.1).
- Find the section DNS Hosts (in Keenetic, it is a Home Network) โ DNS-server).
- Add the following entries: 127.0.0.1 otaupdate.mitv.tv 127.0.0.1 api.mitv.tv 127.0.0.1 ota.mitv.tv
- Save the settings and restart the router.
For standard routers (for example, from the provider), you can use an alternative way - change the router. DNS-TV-server:
- Go to Settings โ Network โ Wi-Fi.
- Click on your network name and select Additional.
- In the DNS field, type 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google).
- Save the changes and reconnect to the network.
| Locking method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosts via router | Medium | Tall. | Requires access to a router, does not work on the mobile Internet |
| Changing DNS on TV | Easy. | Medium | Does not block all servers, can break other functions |
| Wi-Fi shutdown | Easy. | Low. | Depriving TV of Internet access |
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If applications (such as YouTube or Netflix) stop working after changing the DNS, return the standard DNS settings or use an alternative blocking method.
Method 3: Disable updates via ADB (for advanced)
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is the most reliable, but requires a TV to be connected to a computer, and it works for all Android TV models, including the Xiaomi TV A Pro and Mi TV P1.
- ๐ป Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
- ๐ USB-cable (preferably original)
- ๐ฆ Utility. ADB Tools by Google
Step-by-step:
- Enable Developer Mode on TV: Go to Settings โ Find the line Build number and press it 7 times in a row. PIN-code (default 1234 or 0000).
USB debugging
For developers
ADB
adb devices(Your device should be displayed)
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.otaadb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mitv.otaOnce these commands are executed, the update service will be completely disabled and new versions will be checked, and to return everything back, use the command adb shell pm enable com.miui.ota.
What if ADB canโt see the TV?
โ ๏ธ Note: On some models (Mi) TV Q2 2023 and later) Xiaomi blocks pm disable commands for system applications, in which case you will have to use the root-rights method.
Method 4: Remove downloaded update files manually
If the TV has already downloaded the update but hasn't installed it yet, you can manually delete the firmware files, which will prevent automatic installation the next time you turn on.
- Connect to the TV flash drive (FAT32) or external hard drive.
- Open the File Manager (Files app on the home screen).
- Go to the folder. /storage/emulated/0/Download/ota or /data/ota_package (You may need to display hidden files).
- Delete all files with the.zip extension or names like update_miui_TVMODEL_*.zip.
Some firmwares may have the update folder on the /cache/ota path, and you need to see it:
- Set through ADB Reading rights: adb shell chmod 777 /cache/ota
- Use a root-access file manager (e.g., FX File Explorer).
After deleting the files, restart the TV. If the update is still trying to install, reset the settings to factory settings (see next section).
๐ก
Deleting update files is a temporary measure. To permanently disable downloading new versions, combine this method with blocking through an ADB or router.
Method 5: Reset to factory settings (if the update has already been installed)
If the TV has upgraded to an unwanted version of software, and you can't roll back through the menu, you only have to reset completely. This method will return the firmware to factory status, but remove all installed applications and settings. Suitable for Mi TV 4A/4S/4X, Redmi Smart TV X50/X65 and others on Android TV 9-11.
Resetting instructions:
- Open Settings โ Account and Security โ Resetting.
- Select Reset all settings (not Network Reset!).
- Enter. PIN-code (default 1234, 0000 or last 4 digits) IMEI sticker-on).
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).
Step-by-step:
- Download the archive with firmware (for example, miui_TV_MITV4A_2.3.12_stable.zip) and rename it in update.zip.
- Copy the file to a flash drive (to the root directory, no folders!).
- Insert the flash drive into the TV and go to Settings โ About TV โ System Update.
- Click Update via USB and select the update.zip file.
- Confirm the installation and wait for the completion (the TV will restart 2-3 times).
If the TV doesnโt see the update file:
- Check that the flash drive is formatted in FAT32 (not exFAT or NTFS).
- Rename the file to update.zip (registration is important!).
- Try another one. USB-Port (only the port is used in some models) USB 2.0).
| Model TV set | Supported version of Android | Firmware reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4A (2018โ2019) | Android 8.1 | Download |
| Redmi Smart TV X50/X65 | Android 9 | Download |
| Mi TV 4S (2020) | Android 10 | Download |
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USB firmware is a risky method. When interrupting the process, the TV may stop turning on (brick), use only if you have backup or experience in restoring devices.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you turn off updates, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common errors and solutions:
- ๐ The update was installed despite the lock: This happens if you only disabled the automatic installation, but not check for updates. ADB to completely disable the service com.miui.ota.
- ๐ต TV doesn't see flash drive with firmware: Check the file system (should be) FAT32) and rename the file to update.zip. Some models only have port operation. USB 2.0 (black-colored).
- ๐ After resetting, the firmware did not roll back: On new models (Xiaomi) TV A2 2023 and later, the reset does not roll back the software, in which case only manual firmware via fastboot (requires disassembly of the TV) will help).
- โก The TV stuck on the logo after the firmware: This means the firmware file was not suitable for your model. Try repeating the procedure with another version of the software or contact the service center.
If none of the methods worked, check:
- Firmware relevance (there may be patches for your model on 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums).
- root rights (on some firmware without them it is impossible to disable system services).
- Hardware version of the TV (the back sticker shows the model and revision, for example, L43M6-6ARU).