Why Xiaomi will automatically update apps and how it is dangerous
Have you noticed that on your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO apps update themselves, eating up traffic and battery power? This is not a coincidence – this is how the built-in auto-update feature in MIUI and Google Play services works. The manufacturer configures it by default so that users always have the latest versions of programs with fixed vulnerabilities and new features.
Automatic updates, however, pose several challenges:
- 📉 Uncontrolled mobile traffic consumption – especially critical at a limited tariff.
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to background activity of the Google Play Store and MIUI Updater.
- 📱 System freezes when massively updating applications in the background.
- 🔄 Unwanted changes to the interface – new versions of programs often change the usual arrangement of elements.
Fortunately, you can disable auto-update in a number of ways, both through the MIUI settings and the Android system tools, and then we’ll go through all the working methods, including hidden options for power users.
Method 1: Disabling Auto Update in Google Play Store
The most obvious and universal method is to configure update options directly in Google Play, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of the MIUI or Android version.
Instructions:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
- Select the Settings item.
- Go to Network Settings → Auto-Update Applications.
- Choose one of the options: 🚫 Never update automatically – completely disconnect. 📶 Update automatically only via Wi-Fi - a compromise option. 🌐 Update automatically at any time (on by default).
After changing the settings, it is recommended to restart the smartphone so that the changes take effect. Please note: this method does not block updates to system applications from Xiaomi (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Video or Security).
☑️ Checking to disable auto updates in Google Play
Method 2: Block background activity through MIUI settings
If you want to not only disable auto updates, but also prevent the Google Play Store from working in the background, use the built-in MIUI optimization tools.
How to limit background activity:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Google Play Store and tap it.
- Choose the Battery. → Background restriction.
- Activate the option to limit background activity.
- Go back and select Mobile Data → Background data, then turn off the switch.
These actions will not remove Google Play, but will significantly reduce its impact on device performance. However, keep in mind that with a complete background restriction, you will not receive notifications of available updates even manually.
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If after limiting the background, Google Play stopped updating the applications even manually, temporarily remove the restrictions, update the necessary programs, and then return the settings back.
Method 3: Disable Auto-Update Xiaomi System Applications
Xiaomi system applications (for example, Mi Community, Mi Home, Security) are not updated through Google Play, but through the proprietary service MIUI Updater. To block their automatic update, you will need to disable the appropriate settings in MIUI Optimization.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Tap the MIUI version several times until you get a message: You are a developer!
- Go back to the basic settings and go to Additional → For Developers.
- Find the MIUI Optimization option and turn it off.
- Reset the device.
Commands to execute:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.vending
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.market
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolutionThese commands disable the Google Play Store, Mi Market, and System Update module. To get it back, replace the disable-user with enable. Be careful: once you run these commands, you won't be able to install or update apps through standard methods!
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ADB-commands give maximum control over the system, but require caution. Misuse can lead to malfunctions in the smartphone.
Method 5: Remove updates via Safe Mode (for system applications)
If the system application is already updated and not working properly, you can roll it back to the factory version via Safe Mode. This will not disable auto-updates forever, but will help to return the previous version of the program.
How to log in to Safe Mode and roll back the app:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press the power button until the Xiaomi logo appears, then release it and immediately press Volume down, holding until the system boots.
- In the lower left corner of the screen will appear the inscription Safe Mode.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the right application (for example, Mi Browser) and tap on the three-point (⋮) top-corner.
- Select Remove Updates.
- Restart your phone in normal mode.
This method does not block future updates, but allows you to temporarily return the factory version of the program.For a permanent solution combine it with other ways from this article.
Comparison of methods: what way to choose
Each of the described methods has its pros and cons. Below is a comparative table that will help determine the choice:
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Reversibility | Side effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Play settings | ⭐ (simple) | Blocks most updates | Yes. | Xiaomi system applications are updated |
| Background restriction in MIUI | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | Reduces battery consumption | Yes. | There may be no notification of updates. |
| Disconnect MIUI Optimization | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | Blocks updates of system applications | Yes. | Possible interface lags |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | Full lockdown. | Yes (via ADB) | Applications cannot be updated in standard ways |
| Safe Mode | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | Temporary rollback of versions | Yes. | Do not block future updates |
For most users, a combination of the first and second methods (Google Play settings + background restriction) is enough. If you want to completely block updates to system applications, use the third or fourth method, but be prepared for possible failures.
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The best solution is to disable auto-updates in Google Play and limit background activity, which will keep the balance between security and performance.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you turn off auto updates, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:
⚠️ Note: If, after disabling auto-updates, apps stopped updating even manually, check if you have blocked traffic for the Google Play Store in your mobile network or firewall settings (for example, through Security or third-party antiviruses).
Error 1: After the background limit, notifications for new versions of applications stopped coming to MIUI.
- 🔄 Solution: Temporarily remove restrictions, manually update the required programs, then return the settings.
Error 2: System applications (Mi Home, Security) continue to update despite MIUI Optimization disabled.
- 🔄 Solution: Use ADB-commands to completely disable the update service or remove updates through Safe Mode.
Error 3: After execution ADB-Google Play Market has stopped working.
- 🔄 Solution: Return the service with the command adb shell pm enable com.android.vending.
Error 4: Some models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) lack the MIUI Optimization option in the developer menu.
- 🔄 Solution: Update MIUI Up to the latest version or use alternative methods (ADB or Safe Mode).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and newer some system applications (e.g., Mi) AI Xiaomi Cloud can be updated through a separate service com.xiaomi.finddevice. To block them, you will need to disable this service through the service. ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.finddevice.