How to permanently remove updates on Xiaomi: disable MIUI Updates once and for all

Automatic MIUI updates on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are often a headache for users. The system stubbornly reminds users of the next update, consumes traffic in the background and sometimes installs firmware without your consent — especially if the device is connected to Wi-Fi and charging. Worst of all, when the update breaks the stable operation of the phone: bugs appear, performance decreases or familiar functions disappear.

In this article, you will find 5 working ways to disable updates on any Xiaomi device, from simply hiding notifications to completely removing the system application com.android.updater. We tested the methods on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and older gadgets (including Redmi 4X and Mi A2). All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 based on Android 10-14.

Why is Xiaomi so intrusively updating the system?

Xiaomi has an aggressive update policy for several reasons:

• 📊 Statistical collection: Each update sends device usage data to servers (even if you have disabled Send Diagnostics").
• 🛡️ Closing Vulnerabilities: China needs to patch security gaps quickly, especially on budget models.
• 💰 Advertising and Services: New Versions MIUI often add integrated advertising to system applications (Browser, Music, Themes).
• 🔄 Forced device rotation: On older smartphones (like Redmi 5), heavy upgrades artificially slow down the system, pushing to buy a new gadget.

Fun fact: China ROM devices are 2-3 times more likely to receive updates than Global ROMs, which are due to local cybersecurity laws.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling updates deprives you of critical security patches. If you store bank card details or corporate email on your phone, check for updates manually regularly (every 2-3 months).

Method 1: Disabling update notifications (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to hide intrusive notifications from System Update, which won’t stop you downloading updates in the background, but at least it won’t distract you.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find System Update (or Updater in English firmware) in the list.
3. Slip on the Notifications and turn off all switches.
4. Go back and click Limit Background Activity (if available).

On some models (for example, the POCO F4) will have additional:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Battery and productivity → Battery management.
• 🔍 Find System Update in the List and select Restricted Mode.

💡

If notifications continue to appear, clear the System Update app cache in the Warehouse menu.

Method 2: Block traffic for Updater (without root)

You can completely shut down the app from accessing the Internet, which will stop checking new versions and downloading update files.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data.
2. Select Application Use (or Data Use) of Data.
3. Find System Update and turn off mobile traffic and Wi-Fi.

On MIUI 14, the path may be different:

Settings → Connections and Sharing → Data Use → System Update

⚠️ Note: After blocking traffic, the System Update app may start consuming up to 15% of battery power per day due to constant attempts to connect to servers.The solution is to remove updates for this application (see Method 4).

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (without root but with PC)

If previous methods didn’t work, you can disable the update service via the ADB debugging bridge. This doesn’t require superuser rights, but you’ll need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: 7 taps on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

ADB Tools

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

To get it back, use the command:

adb shell pm enable com.android.updater

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download ADB Tools from the official website|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check the connection with the adb device command-->

Method 4: Removing Updates for the Updater App

System application Update is periodically updated through Google Play or MIUI background services. These updates can "reset" your lock settings. The solution is to roll the application back to the factory version.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → System Update.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Confirm the action. The app will go back to the version that was used when you bought the phone.

Instructions for Magisk:

1. Install the App Systemizer module.
2. In the list of system applications, find Updater.
3. Select Uninstall and restart your phone.

For TWRP:

1. Load to recovery (Power buttons + Volume up).


2. Select Advanced → File Manager.




3. Go to /system/priv-app/Updater or /system/app/Updater.




4. Delete the folder and restart.

⚠️ Warning: After removal of Updater, you will lose the ability to install official firmware via fastboot. system.img via Mi Flash Tool.

💡

Removing Updater through root is an irreversible process. If you plan to sell your phone, you better return the app back, otherwise the new owner will not be able to update the firmware in the standard way.

What to do if the update has already been downloaded?

If the system has managed to download the update file (usually weight) 1.5–3 GB), it's gonna be in the folder. /cache or /data/ota_package. To remove it:

1. Use any file manager with access to root folders (such as FX Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Move to the /cache and find a file with a type name update.zip or miui_*.zip.
3. Remove it and clean the basket.

On some firmware (MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 13), the update file may be hidden.

1. Connect the phone to the PC.


2. Enable debugging over USB.




3. Enter in ADB:




adb shell




su




rm -f /cache/update.zip

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi updates