Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face intrusive behavior of a system that independently updates embedded applications such as Mi Video without the user’s knowledge.This not only consumes mobile traffic, but can also slow down the device, especially on models with a small amount of RAM. Moreover, automatic updates to the MIUI system sometimes lead to new bugs or removal of familiar functions.
In this article, we'll look at proven methods to stop this process completely, how to prevent the app store from updating specific programs, and how to block the system updater so that your phone stops downloading new versions of firmware, and you should have control over your device, not the algorithms.
We’ll look at both software settings and more advanced methods of blocking through network filters. It’s important to understand that disabling updates can carry security risks, so weigh the pros and cons before starting the procedure. Below are step-by-step instructions for current versions of HyperOS and MIUI shells.
Disable auto updates in the GetApps app
The main source of updates for embedded applications, including video player, is the GetApps store (formerly known as the Mi Store), where the system searches for new versions of the software, and to prevent automatic installation, you need to change the settings of the store itself.
Go to GetApps on your smartphone. In the lower right corner, click on the profile icon or "My Account." Then select Settings (usually indicated by a gear), find App Auto Update, and select "Never" or "Only via Wi-Fi" if you want to leave manual control.
⚠️ Note: Even after selecting the “Never” option, some system applications may try to update through hidden services.
It’s also worth checking the settings for the specific Mi Video app. In the list of installed apps inside the store, find the video player, click on it and make sure the Auto Update slider is off. This will create a double barrier to unwanted changes.
Blocking the system updater MIUI Updater
System firmware updates are controlled by MIUI Updater, and even if you have disabled autoboot in your settings, your phone can periodically check for a new version and suggest installing it, and to completely prevent the system from updating, you need to limit the rights of this component.
Open your smartphone settings and go to About Phone. Click on MIUI or HyperOS multiple times until the update check menu opens. Click on three dots in the upper right corner and select Update Settings. Turn off all available switches, including Autoboot and Notifications.
The next step is to force the service to stop. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Find the System Update (or Updater) app in the list. Click on it, select Stop, and then Limit background activity (if available) to prevent the process from starting in the background.
☑️ Checking the update blocker
Some users prefer to hide the update app from the menu so as not to accidentally start it. However, hiding does not stop the background processes, so be sure to follow the procedure of limiting activity.
Using ADB to remove Updater
For advanced users who want to securely remove the update option, there is a method using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method allows you to freeze or remove the system service pack without disrupting the main system. USB.
First, enable USB debugging on your phone. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the build number to activate the developer menu. Then in Additional Settings → For developers, turn on USB debugging.
Connect your smartphone to your PC, install drivers and ADB. In the command line, enter the following command to freeze the update service:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updaterIf you want to uninstall the app completely (which is not recommended without the possibility of recovery), use the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.updaterHow do I get Updater back?
Once the command is executed, the application will disappear from the menu or stop running, which is the most effective method, since it blocks the binary code itself responsible for the update. However, when reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset), all changes will be canceled.
Blocking through hosts file and DNS
An alternative method that does not require root rights or a PC connection is to block access to update servers at the network level, and the phone simply cannot reach the addresses where the firmware and application update files are stored.
You can use firewall applications like AdGuard or NoRoot Firewall, and you can set up a rule to prevent System Update and GetApps from accessing the Internet, which is a reliable way to run in the background.
You can also edit the hosts file if you have root access. Add the following lines to the end of the file:
127.0.0.1 update.miui.com
127.0.0.1 updater.miui.com
127.0.0.1 data.mistat.xiaomi.com💡
Use personal DNS (such as AdGuard DNS) in your Wi-Fi or mobile network settings to block ads and update trackers at the entire device level without installing unnecessary apps.
The hosts file method is the cleanest from a system perspective, but requires superuser rights. For ordinary users, it is recommended to use firewalls that give flexible control over the traffic of each application separately.
Comparison of blocking methods
Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your technical background and goals, and below is a table that helps you determine the best way to respond to your situation.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| GetApps settings | Low. | Medium | Minimum |
| Restrictions on Updater | Low. | Tall. | Low. |
| ADB team | Tall. | Maximum | Medium (entry error) |
| Firewall/Hosts | Medium | Tall. | Minimum |
For most users, the best option would be to combine disabling auto-update in the app store and limiting the background activity of the system updater, which gives a 99% guarantee that there will be no unexpected updates without the risk of damage to the system.
Using ADB is only justified if you are an experienced user and understand which packets you are disabling. Accidental removal of critical system components can lead to bootloop (cyclical reboot).
Consequences of disabling updates
Before you block updates, you need to understand the consequences, because security is the main argument for regular updates, and manufacturers are closing vulnerabilities through which hackers can access data.
⚠️ By disabling security updates, you leave your phone vulnerable to new viruses and exploits, especially if you use public Wi-Fi networks.
On the other hand, stability. New versions of MIUI or HyperOS may contain bugs that developers will only fix in the next patch. If you don't update, you're recording the current state of the system. If it's stable, that could be a plus.
App compatibility is also worth remembering: Over time, newer versions of instant messengers and banking apps may no longer support older versions of Android or shells, but this threshold is rare and usually takes several years.
💡
Blocking updates is a balance between the stability of the current version and the risk of security vulnerabilities.