How to completely ban auto-update applications on Xiaomi: all methods

Automatic app updates on Xiaomi smartphones are a handy feature for those who want to always use the latest versions of programs. But what if these updates eat up mobile traffic, drain the battery or interfere with work? This is especially true for users with limited tariffs or weak devices, where each update can take up precious megabytes and percentages of charge.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can disable auto-updates, from standard MIUI and Google Play settings to hidden settings through ADB and third-party utilities, how to block updates for individual applications, how to turn off store background activity, and what to do if the system ignores your settings, and unique tricks for global and Chinese firmware devices that aren’t described in the official documentation.

Why Auto Updates Are Harmful to Your Xiaomi

At first glance, automatic app updates seem like a harmless feature, but in practice, they can cause serious problems:

• 📉 Traffic consumption: One update to a social network or game can eat up to 500 MB, and background updates can eat up to several gigabytes per month.
• 🔋 Battery discharge: Constantly checking updates and installing them in the background increases power consumption by 10-15%.
• 🐢 System Brakes: On weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 5A POCO C3) Installation of updates in the background can cause lags.
• 🔒 Unwanted changes: Newer versions of apps often change the interface, remove familiar features or add ads.
• 📱 Overheating: When installing large updates (for example, games), the processor can heat up to 45-50°C.

In addition, on devices with Chinese MIUI firmware (such as Xiaomi 12S Ultra or Mix Fold 2), auto updates can conflict with Google regional services, leading to synchronization errors. On older models (before MIUI 12), background updates sometimes block mobile Internet for 5-10 minutes.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with a MIUI 13) disabling auto-updates via Google Play can be reset after rebooting.It's a firmware bug and it's bypassed through ADB (method №4 in this article).

Method 1: Disabling Auto Updates in Google Play

The most obvious method is to set up the Google Play Store, but there are nuances: the settings may vary depending on the version of the app and the firmware region.

Instructions:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
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.

For individual applications:

1. Find the app on Google Play.
2. Slip three points in the top right corner.
3. Uncheck the box from Enable Auto Update.

⚠️ Note: If auto updates are still installed after you disable them in Google Play, check your settings MIUI Optimization (method) №On certain devices (Poco) X3 Pro, Redmi K40) This feature overrides Google's limitations.

Method 2: Background lock for Google Play and MIUI App Store

Even if you have disabled auto-updates, Google Play and MIUI App Store can check for updates in the background, consuming traffic and battery to block this activity completely:

For Google Play:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Google Play Store and tap it.
3. Choose the Battery. → Background activity management.
4. Set limits to background activity.

For MIUI App Store (GetApps):

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find GetApps (or MIUI App Store)
3. Select Permissions → Autostart and turn it off.
4. Go back and turn off the notifications.

Not only do these actions block auto-updates, but they also prevent stores from loading data in the background, saving up to 20 percent of traffic per month, but remember, after that, you'll have to manually update your apps over Wi-Fi.

Limit background activity of Google Play| Disable autorun GetApps|Bannounce notifications from stores |Check your mobile data settings for Play Store-->

Method 3: Disable MIUI Optimization (for advanced)

On devices with MIUI 12-14, there is a hidden MIUI Optimization feature that can ignore your auto update settings to turn it off:

Method 1 (through developer settings):

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the MIUI Optimization option and turn it off.
4. Reset the device.

Method 2 (via ADB):

adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1

After disabling MIUI Optimization:

• 🔄 Auto Updates via Google Play will stop dropping.
• 📱 Increased battery life (5-8%).
• ⚠️ Small animation bugs may appear (fixed by reboot).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Xiaomi) 11T Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) shutdown MIUI Optimization causes the screen to reset after locking, and to return the settings, you just need to turn on the optimization again and restart.

Method 4: Complete disabling via ADB (for all versions of MIUI)

If previous methods have failed, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) which is guaranteed to block auto-updates on any Xiaomi device, including models with Chinese firmware.

Step 1: Preparation

• 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 taps → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your debugging permission.

Step 2: Commands to block auto updates:

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


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks

Step 3: Unlock (if necessary):

adb shell pm enable com.android.vending


adb shell pm enable com.xiaomi.mipicks

These commands completely disable Google Play and MIUI App Store, but you can run them manually. To return auto updates, use unlock commands.

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If, after the execution, ADB-commands stores have disappeared from the desktop, don't panic! They're not deleted, they're just hidden. To get them back, reboot the device or find them in the menu of all apps.

Method 5: Use of third-party utilities (without root)

If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can use specialized applications. They don't require root rights, but some features may be limited.

How to work with NetGuard:

1. Install the app and provide access to the VPN (necessary for traffic filtering).
2. Find the Google Play Store and GetApps list.
3. Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data for them.
4. Save the settings.

This method doesn't block notifications of available updates, but it prevents them from loading.

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Third-party utilities are a good option for users without technical skills, but they do not give a 100% guarantee. To completely block auto updates, it is better to combine them with the MIUI and ADB settings.

What to do if nothing helps

If you’ve tried all the ways but auto-updates still go, check out the following:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: On some versions (for example, MIUI 13.0.4 for Redmi Note 10) there is a bug that causes the settings to reset.
• 📦 System applications: Some pre-installed programs (Mi Video, Mi Browser) are updated via the MIUI App Store Even if You Turn off Google Play.
• 🔧 Resetting: In extreme cases, reset Google Play settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Google Play Store → Storage.Push Clear cache and Reset settings.
• 🛡️ Antivirus: Some antiviruses (such as Avast or 360 Security) have built-in app update modules.