Why Xiaomi requires Wi-Fi for upgrades and can it be bypassed?
The notification “Updates ready to install, connect to Wi-Fi” is one of the most annoying features of the MIUI firmware. Xiaomi blocks downloading large updates via the mobile Internet, citing the saving of user traffic and stability of the process. However, Wi-Fi is not always at hand, and a permanent pop-up prevents the use of the smartphone.
In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to remove intrusive notifications, from temporary shutdowns to full deletion of update files. The methods work on all Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models (including MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS).
Before you start, please note that disabling system updates may affect device security, as critical patches will no longer be installed automatically.
Method 1: Delay the update via MIUI settings
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Delayed Installation feature, which does not delete the update file, but removes the notification for 24 hours.
- Open the notification “Updates ready to install”.
- Press three points (⋮) top-right.
- Select “Delay” and specify the time (maximum – for a day).
The downside is that after 24 hours, the notification will appear again, but no further manipulation is required.
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If the “Delay” button is missing, update the System Update app via Google Play or MIUI App Store.
Method 2: Remove the update file manually
The system stores downloaded updates in the /cache folder, and deleting the file will reset the update status, and the notification will disappear.
Open Files (or any file manager)|Go to the internal drive. → cache|Find a file with a name update.zip or miui_*.zip|Remove it and restart your smartphone-->
If the cache folder is hidden:
- In the file manager, click on three lines (☰) and select "Settings».
- Activate the option “Show hidden files”.
⚠️ Note: Do not delete other files from the cache folder – this can cause app malfunctions.
Method 3: Disable automatic download of updates
To the system stopped downloading updates on its own, it is enough to change the settings of the application "System Update".
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the gear icon (⚙️) top-corner.
- Turn off the options: 🔄 «Automatic booting via Wi-Fi» 📥 «Auto-downloading” (if any) 🔔 «Notifications of updates»
After that, the system will stop downloading update files in the background, the notification will disappear, but you will be able to manually check updates when Wi-Fi appears.
Once a month |Only when critical fixes |Never update |On the system's recommendation-->
Method 4: Use ADB-teams (without root)
For advanced users, there is a method to disable notifications via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It doesn’t require root rights, but it does require a computer and USB-cable.
Steps:
- Turn on "Debugging by" USB» In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times on the line with the version, then go back to “Additional Settings” → For developers»).
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
- Enter the commands in order: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution
This command disables the service that handles update notifications. To get it back, do this:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.systemAdSolution⚠️ Note: On some HyperOS firmware, this method may not work due to a modified system application architecture.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 5: Remove via TWRP (root required)
If your device has a custom TWRP recap, you can manually delete update files and disable the update service.
Step-by-step:
- Boot to TWRP (turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up).
- Go to Advanced» → «File Manager».
- Delete files along the way: 📁 /cache/update.zip 📁 /data/ota_package/ (file)
«Wipe» → «Advanced Wipe»
Dalvik/ART Cache
To completely disable notifications, additionally delete the file:
/system/priv-app/SystemAdSolution/SystemAdSolution.apkAfter the reboot, the notification will disappear forever, but you will lose the opportunity to receive the notification. OTA-update.
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Using TWRP and root rights voids Xiaomi's warranty. Before manipulation, back up via Nandroid Backup.
Comparison of methods: which to choose
Each method has its pros and cons, and the table below shows a comparison of key parameters:
| Method | Difficulty | Root is required. | The effect | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delay the update | ⭐ | ❌ No. | Temporary (24 hours) | No. |
| Delete the file manually | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | Until the next update. | Accidental deletion of system files |
| Turn off auto-update | ⭐ | ❌ No. | Permanent (until manual inspection) | No critical patches. |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | Permanent. | Resetting the application settings |
| TWRP + root | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | Permanent. | Loss of warranty, risk of "bricking" |
For most users, the best solution is a combination of 2 and 3: delete the update file + disable the auto download.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to remove a notification, many users face typical problems, and here are the most common:
- 🔄 The update file appears again after deletion → Turn off automatic booting in the settings (method 3).
- 🚫 ADB can't see the device → Install Mi drivers PC Suite or check the cable (use the original one).
- 🔧 After removal, TWRP phone doesn't load → Restore backup or run the firmware through Fastboot.
- 📱 Notification returns after reboot → Remove the cache of the System Update application in Settings → Annexes.
If none of these methods worked, check if your device has regional software installed (such as Chinese firmware), which may require unlocking the bootloader and flashing it to the global version.