How to completely disable auto-update applications on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways of 2026

Why Auto-Update Apps on Xiaomi Redmi Could Be a Problem

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (including Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C, POCO X5 and others) are set to automatically update applications through the Google Play Store and GetApps brand store by default. This feature seems convenient, but in practice often leads to unexpected consequences.

First, background updates can eat up to 30% of monthly mobile traffic (according to a study by OpenSignal for 2023), especially if you use a limited tariff. Second, some applications after an update start to run slower or require new permissions, such as access to geolocation or contacts. Finally, auto updates drain the battery 5-15% faster due to constant CPU activity in the background.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to disable auto-update on Xiaomi Redmi – from standard settings to hidden MIUI features. All methods are relevant for the MIUI 14 and HyperOS versions of the firmware (2026).

Method 1: Disabling Auto Updates in Google Play Store

The most obvious, but not always effective, method is to change the settings in Google Play, which works for all apps downloaded through the official store, but does not affect the updates to the system utilities of MIUI.

How to do this:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Select Settings → Network Settings → Auto-Update Applications.
4. Set the value of Do not update automatically.

If this item is not available (gray), then your device has admin policies (for example, from a corporate account) or a mode for children.

Method 2: Block updates via MIUI settings

Xiaomi has added a hidden update management feature to MIUI that works independently of Google Play, a method that is particularly useful for Redmi owners with MIUI 12-14 or HyperOS firmware.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Special Access → Auto-Update Apps.
3. Turn off the slider opposite Automatic Update.
4. For reliability, also deactivate the option Update over Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) This item may not be available. In this case, use Method 4 (blocking through the ADB).

Method 3: Disabling updates for individual applications

If you need to block auto-update only for specific programs (such as Facebook, TikTok, or MIUI Security), do the following:

Steps for Google Play:

• 📱 Open the application page in the Google Play Store.
• 🔧 Slip on three dots in the top right corner.
• 🚫 Uncheck the box with Enable Auto Update.

Steps for GetApps (branded store Xiaomi):

• 🛒 Launch the GetApps app.
• 🔍 Find the right app through search.
• 📝 On the app page, click ⚙️ → Turn off auto-update.

⚠️ Note: Some system applications (MIUI Home, Security, Gallery can be updated to bypass these settings through background services MIUI. A method will be required to block them. 5 (Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools).

Method 4: Blocking updates via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a deep-tuning tool that works for Redmi models on MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS, but requires a PC connection.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and run Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
4. Enter the commands in turn: adb devices adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.vending adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks

These commands will disable the background processes of Google Play and GetApps, which are responsible for auto-updates. To get it back, replace disable-user with enable.

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Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. In rare cases, incorrect commands can cause system applications to crash.

Method 5: Using Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools

For users who do not want to manually enter commands ADB, There is a convenient utility - Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools.It lets you disable auto updates in one click, as well as manage other hidden features MIUI.

How to use:

1. Download the utility from the official GitHub repository.
2. Connect Redmi to your PC in USB Debugging mode.
3. Start the program and select Manage Applications.
4. Find Google Play Store and GetApps, then click Disable Auto-Updates.

The advantage of this method is the visual interface and the ability to roll back changes, but be careful: the utility gives access to deep system settings, and incorrect actions can lead to soft-brick.

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Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools is the most reliable way to disable auto-updates at the system level, but it requires caution.

Comparison of methods: what way to choose

To make it easier for you to decide, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:

For most Redmi users, the best solution is a combination of Method 1 (Google Play) and Method 2 (MIUI settings). If you need to block all system application updates, use Method 4 or 5.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after disabling auto-updates, some users find that apps are still updated, and consider the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:

• 🔄 Updates through MIUI Optimization: On some firmware (MIUI 13 For the Redmi Note 11) There's a hidden service called com.miui.optimization that is forced to update system applications. To turn it off, you can do this by telling them adb shell pm disable-user. --user 0 com.miui.optimization
• 📥 Background booting over Wi-Fi: If the phone is connected to the network, some applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser) can be updated to bypass settings. → Annexes → Traffic management.
• 🔒 Administrator policies: Corporate or educational devices may be installed MDM-Mobile Device Management, which blocks setting changes. Check for administrators in Settings → Passwords and security → Device administrators.

If none of these methods work, the last option is to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that doesn’t have any built-in forced upgrade mechanisms, but it requires unlocking the bootloader and can be insecure.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions