Modern smartphones based on MIUI and a new shell HyperOS strive to keep the user up to date with the latest changes, often forcing the installation of new firmware versions. Many device owners Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco are faced with a situation where the phone independently downloads a huge package of updates, taking up precious space in the internal memory and wasting mobile traffic. This is especially annoying when a new version brings bugs or reduces the autonomy of the device.
Completely disabling the update system requires a comprehensive approach, since the developers have provided several levels of protection against user intervention. A simple switch in the settings is often not enough to ensure that the process is stopped in the background. In this article we will analyze all available methods: from standard settings to advanced manipulations with system applications via ADB.
It is important to understand that blocking updates deprives you of timely security patches and fixes for critical vulnerabilities. However, for advanced users who prefer the stability of the current build, control over this process is a priority. We will look at methods that work on most current models, including series Mi 11, Redmi Note 12 and the latest flagships.
Standard system update settings
The first step should always be to check the built-in system parameters. The interface MIUI allows you to limit the automatic downloading of files, although you cannot completely prohibit checking for a new version here. First you need to go to the section Settings and find the item About phone. This is where the firmware control mechanism is hidden.
Click on the version icon MIUI or the system logo to open the update menu. In the upper right corner of the screen you will see three vertical dots that open an additional menu. Here is the switch "Auto-download", which is active by default. Disabling this option will prevent update packages from being downloaded via a mobile network or Wi-Fi without your knowledge.
However, even after disabling auto-download, the system may continue to send annoying notifications about the availability of new firmware. To minimize this discomfort, you can also disable receiving notifications from the system Update application. This will not stop checking servers completely, but it will remove visual noise from the notification shade.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling auto-download does not guarantee that the phone will never prompt you to update. When connected to Wi-Fi, the system can check the version once and show a pop-up window that will have to be closed manually.
If you use mobile data with limited traffic, be sure to enable the "Traffic Saver" mode in the update settings to prevent accidental downloading of gigabyte packages.
Limiting background activity of system services
A more radical method is to force stop the system services responsible for checking versions. In Android, every action is performed by a specific application or service, and the user has rights to restrict their operation. To do this, you will need to go to the advanced application settings through the menu Settings → Applications → All applications.
In the list, find the application with the name "Update" (or Updater). If it is hidden, turn on the display of system processes in the settings menu of the application list. Once inside the application card, select Other permissions and deny network access, if such an option is available in your version of the shell. This will physically prevent the application from contacting the server.
Next go to the Battery and performance (or Charge saving) section for this application. Set the operating mode to "No restrictions" to save money, but it is better to select "Limit background activity" or "Hard Restriction". This will prevent the update check process from starting when the phone screen is turned off.
- 🔍 Find the Update application in the full list of apps.
- 🚫 Revoke all permissions to access the Internet and phone.
- 🔋 Install strict restriction of background activity in the battery settings.
- 🛑 Click the “Stop” button to end the current process.
It is worth noting that after rebooting the device, some restrictions may be reset by the system. In this case, the procedure will have to be repeated. This method is effective for a temporary solution when you need to quickly free up space or avoid updating before an important event.
☑️ Check restrictions
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Disable via the developer menu and ADB
For users who are ready for deeper intervention, there is a method for disabling a system component via USB debugging. This method is considered the most reliable, since it actually “freezes” the update service at the system level. You will need a computer, installed drivers ADB and developer mode enabled on your smartphone.
First activate developer mode by clicking seven times in a row on the build number in the menu About the phone. Then in the menu that appears For developers enable the item "USB debugging". Connect the phone to the PC with a cable and confirm permission for debugging in the pop-up window on the smartphone screen.
Launch the command line or terminal on your computer and enter the command to find the exact update package name. Usually this is com.android.updater or com.miui.updater. To completely disable it, use the following construction:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.updater
Executing this command will make the update application invisible to the system. It will disappear from the list of installed apps, and all launch attempts will be blocked by the Android kernel. This solution is reversible: to return functionality, just enter a command replacing disable-user by enable.
⚠️ Attention: Using ADB commands requires caution. Disabling critical system packages may cause your phone or bootloop to become unstable. Make sure that you are disabling the update package and not the system launcher.
How to get updates back?
To activate the update service after disconnecting via ADB, connect the phone to the PC and enter the command: adb shell pm enable com.miui.updater. After this, the application will appear in the menu, and you can manually check for a new version.
Blocking update servers via DNS and hosts
Another effective level of protection is blocking the connection at the network level. Even if the system service is active, it will not be able to download the firmware if it has nowhere to send the request. This method works regardless of Android version and does not require root access if you use private DNS or a local hosts file (root required).
The easiest way is to use the feature "Private DNSavailable in Android 9 and above. Go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Private DNS. Select the “Provider Host Name” mode and enter the address of an ad blocker that also filters requests to update servers, for example dns.adguard.com. This will block many trackers and telemetry servers.
For more targeted blocking of servers Xiaomi owners of devices with With root access you can edit the file /system/etc/hosts. Adding specific domains to this file redirects requests to the local address, breaking the connection. The main domains responsible for updates include update.miui.com and api.device.xiaomi.net.
Server domain
Purpose
Recommendation
update.miui.com
Main firmware server
Required to block
api.device.xiaomi.net
Telemetry and device checking
Desirable to block
connectivitycheck.gstatic.com
Checking for Internet availability (Android)
Block carefully
resolver.msg.xiaomi.net
Message services and push notifications
Do not block
Keep in mind that aggressive blocking of system domains may disrupt other services, such as cloud synchronization Mi Cloud or the theme store. Use this method only if you understand the consequences and are willing to manually edit the hosts file if problems arise.
Blocking via DNS is the safest software method, as it does not change system files and can be easily disabled with one button in the network settings.
Clearing update application data and cache
If an update has already been downloaded and is taking up space, but you do not want to install it, you need to clear the data of the corresponding application. This action will remove the downloaded firmware package and reset all update service settings to factory settings. The freed space will immediately become available for use.
Go to the menu Applications → Manage applications and find the system application "Update". Go to the section Memory and click the button Clear. It is important to select the option Clear everything" (or "Reset"), and not just "Clear cache", since the firmware file itself is stored in the application data.
After this procedure, the phone will “forget” that the update check was carried out and will delete all downloaded files. The next time you manually run the scan, the system will start booting again, giving you time to prepare or reapply blocking methods. Regular cleaning helps keep the system partition clean.
- 🗑️ Removing data resets the download status to initial.
- 📉 Frees up 2 to 5 GB of internal memory.
- 🔄 Resets notification settings updates.
- ⏱️ The next scan will take longer due to the lack of cache.
It is recommended to perform this operation immediately after you notice a new notification about the availability of an update, but before installing it. This will prevent accidental launch of the installation process, which cannot be interrupted without consequences.
The specifics of HyperOS and new restrictions
With the release of the operating system HyperOS the company Xiaomi tightened its policy regarding updates. In the new shell, some menu items have been moved or hidden, and the background scanning mechanisms have become more aggressive. Users note that the standard disabling of startup in HyperOS works less effectively than in older versions MIUI 12-14.
In HyperOS the update process is more closely integrated with the account Mi Account and security services. An attempt to disable system components via ADB may be met with a message stating that the application is critical to the operation of the system. In such cases, only a combination of methods helps: disabling via ADB plus blocking DNS.
It is also worth considering that on some global firmware versions the developer menu may be limited. If you do not see the “USB Debugging” item, try tapping the kernel version number several times or use special codes in the “Phone” application to enter hidden engineering menus.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and names of menu items may differ depending on the regional firmware version (Chinese, Global, EEA). If you do not find the described items, check the relevance of the information for your specific model.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to completely disable system updates?
Disabling updates is safe from the point of view of stability of the current operation if you are satisfied with the current version. However, you won't receive security patches, which could leave your device vulnerable to new viruses and exploits in the long run.
Will my information be deleted when you disable updates?
No, the process of disabling services, clearing caches, or blocking DNS does not affect your personal data, photos, or contacts in any way. Data can only be lost if an attempt to install an update or reset to factory settings fails.
Why are the settings reset after a reboot?
The system Android and the shell MIUI/HyperOS have self-healing mechanisms. Some system services are automatically restarted at boot. For a permanent effect, it is recommended to use the ADB method or blocking at the router/DNS level.
Is it possible to remove the Update application completely?
It is impossible to remove a system application without root access. The ADB command disable-user only disables it for the current user, hiding it from the interface, but the file remains on the system partition. Complete removal requires unlocking the bootloader and obtaining superuser rights.
Does disabling updates affect the warranty?
Software disabling of functions through settings or ADB is not a violation of the warranty terms, since it does not imply opening the case or physical intervention. However, if the shutdown leads to a software failure, the service center may require flashing the device.