Android updates often bring new features, but they are not always useful. Many users encounter problems after the upgrade: slowdown, disappearance of familiar functions, bugs in the interface, or even impossibility to roll back to the previous version. If you want to completely block automatic system updates, this article will help you do it legally and safely.

We will consider all available methods: from standard settings to advanced solutions with using ADB and superuser rights. It is important to understand that completely disabling updates may affect Device security (no vulnerability patches) and App compatibility (some apps require the latest version of Android). But if you are ready for this, let's get started.

Why users want to disable Android updates

The main reasons why smartphone owners are looking for ways to block updates:

  • 🐢 Performance: new versions of Android often require more resources, which is why older devices begin to slow down. For example, after updating to Android 13 on Samsung Galaxy S9 many people complain about lags.
  • 🔄 Interface changes: manufacturers (especially Xiaomi and OnePlus) radically change the design, removing the usual controls.
  • 🔋 Battery consumption: latest firmware is not always optimized, which leads to increased power consumption.
  • 🛑 Forced updates: some brands (for example, Huawei) aggressively push updates, blocking the operation of the device until they are installed.
  • 🔒 Privacy: new OS versions may introduce additional data collection (for example, Google Play Services in Android 12+).

According to a survey XDA Developers (2023), about 30% of users refuse updates for fear of losing stability. Another 15% do this because incompatibility with custom firmware or modified applications.

📊 Do you disable Android updates?
Yes, always
Only on older devices
No, I update regularly
I tried it, but returned to updates

Method 1: Disabling updates through standard settings

The simplest method is to use the built-in system options. It is suitable for most. devices without rootrights. The instructions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but the general algorithm is as follows:

  1. Open Settings → System → System update (to Samsung: Settings → Update Software).
  2. Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Automatic update settings.
  3. Disable all switches:
    • 🔄 Automatic download over Wi-Fi
    • 📥 Auto-installation at night
    • 🔔 Notifications about new versions
  • On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Redmi), you additionally need to go to Settings → About the phone → MIUI update and deactivate Auto download.

    • ⚠️ Attention: On smartphones Google Pixel and some models Motorola this method is unstable - the system can ignore the settings and download updates in the background. In this case, you will have to use the methods from the following sections.

    ☑️ Checking that updates are disabled

    Done: 0 / 1
    Manufacturer Path to update settings Features
    Samsung Settings → Software update You can turn off notifications, but background loading sometimes continues
    Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco Settings → About the phone → MIUI update You need to separately disable Auto download and Auto installation
    Huawei/Honor Settings → System and updates → Software update On some models it blocks operation until the update is installed
    Google Pixel Settings → System → Advanced → System update Often ignores manual shutdown - needed ADB

    Method 2: Blocking updates via ADB (without root)

    If the standard settings do not help, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a debugging tool that allows you to manage system parameters. This method works on most devices, including Google Pixel, Samsung and OnePlus.

    You will need:

    • 🖥️ Computer with installed drivers ADB (you can download from the website Google).
    • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number — tap 7 times, then return c Settings → System → For developers).
    • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

    Steps to disable updates:

    1. Connect your phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
    2. Enter the command to check the connection: 
      adb devices

      The serial number of your device should appear.

    3. Run the command to disable the update service: 
      adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater

      adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.gsf.update

      For devices Samsung additionally:

      adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.sec.android.soagent
    4. Restart the phone.

    ⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme), these commands may work temporarily. After a reboot, the update service will be restored. In this case, you will need to repeat the procedure or use rootmethods.

    💡

    If, after executing the commands, updates are still downloaded, check for the presence of additional system applications for updates (for example, com.huawei.android.hsf on HuaweiThey also need to be disabled via ADB.

    Method 3: Uninstalling updates via root (for advanced)

    If your device has superuser rights (root, you can completely remove the system components responsible for updates. This is a radical method, but it is guaranteed to block any updates.

    To work you will need:

    • 📱 Device with unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk or SuperSU.
    • 🛠️ File manager with support root (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
    • 🔧 System backup (in case of errors).

    Instructions:

    1. Open root-manager and go to the folder /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.
    2. Find and delete (or rename by adding .bak) the following folders/files:
      • 📁 Updater (or SystemUpdater)
      • 📁 GoogleServicesFramework (if you want to block updates Google Play Services)
      • 📄 com.android.updater.apk
      • 📄 com.google.android.gsf.update.apk
  • Reboot the device.

    • ⚠️ Attention: Deleting system files can lead to unstable operation of the device or loss of functionality (for example, Google Play Market or Samsung Knoxwill stop working). via TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.

    What to do if after removing updates the phone does not turns on?

    If the device does not boot, try going to Recovery Mode (usually Power + Volume Up) and restore the backup. If there is no backup, you will have to reflash the device via Odin (for Samsung) or Fastboot (for other brands).

    Method 4: Blocking through a firewall or limiting traffic

    If you do not want to interfere with system files, you can block access to update servers through firewall or limiting mobile traffic. This is a less reliable method, but it does not require rootrights.

    Implementation options:

    • 🔥 Firewall application (for example, NetGuard or AFWall+):
      1. Install a firewall from Google Play or F-Droid.
      2. Block outgoing traffic for applications:
        • Update Software (or Software Update)
        • Google Play Services
        • Download Manager
    • 📡 Limit background traffic:
      1. Go to Settings → Applications → Software update → Mobile data.
      2. Disable Background data i Autostart.
    • 🌐 Blocking via hosts file (requires root):
      1. Open the file /system/etc/hosts in root-editor.
      2. Add lines: 
        127.0.0.1 android.clients.google.com

        127.0.0.1 update.googleapis.com

    🔹 Disadvantages of the method: some updates may slip through other channels (for example, Samsung uses its own servers). data-i="208">may disrupt the operation of other applications. Google Play Services may interfere with other applications.

    Method 5: Disabling updates for specific applications

    If you are worried not about system updates, but about updates to individual apps (for example, Google Chrome or YouTube), they can be blocked separately. This will not cancel Android updates, but will prevent automatic changes to versions of installed applications.

    How to do this:

    1. Open Google Play Market and go to your profile (icon in the upper right corner).
    2. Select Settings → Auto-update applications.
    3. Install Do not update automatically or Only via Wi-Fi (if you want partial limitation).
    4. For individual applications:
      1. Find the application in Play Market.
      2. Tap on three dots (⋮) and uncheck the Enable automatic update.

    ⚠️ Attention: Some system applications (for example, Google Play Services or Samsung Knox) are updated bypass Play Market through background services. To block them, you need to use ADB or rootmethods from the previous sections.

    💡

    Disabling auto-updates in the Play Store does not affect system updates Android. These are two different processes, and you need to block them separately.

    What to do if the update has already been downloaded

    If the system has downloaded the update, but has not yet installed it, you can delete the update file manually:

    1. Open any file manager (for example, Files by Google or Total Commander).
    2. Go to the folder /data/data/com.android.updater/ or /cache/.
    3. Find a file with a name like:
      • update.zip
      • OTA_*.zip
      • payload.bin (on some devices Google Pixel)
  • Delete this file and clean folder cache.
  • Reboot the device.

    • 🔹 Important: On some firmware (for example, EMUI from Huawei) the update file can be stored in a protected memory area. In this case, only resetting to factory settings will help. or rollback via Fastboot.

    If the update has already begun to install, interrupting the process is highly not recommended - this can lead to brick (inoperability) of the device. In this case, you will have to flash the phone via Odin, Fastboot or Qualcomm QPST.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disabling Android updates

    Is it possible to disable updates on a smartphone with a locked bootloader?

    Yes, but the possibilities are limited. You can use standard settings (Method 1) or ADB (Method 2). Methods for removing system files are not available without unlocking root and deleting system files are not available without unlocking bootloader.

    On some devices. (for example, Samsung s Knox) even ADB-commands may not work due to manufacturer protection.

    Will the phone work stably without updates?

    It depends on the model and version of Android. (for example, Samsung Galaxy S7 on Android 8) can work without problems for years. But there are risks:

    • 🛡️ Security: there are no patches for new vulnerabilities.
    • 📱 Compatibility: some applications (for example, banking) require current OS version.
    • 🔧 Functionality: new features (for example, Google Assistant or Digital Wellbeing) may stop working.

    If you are satisfied with the current version, you can safely use your phone without updates.

    How can I return updates if I change my mind?

    To enable updates again:

    1. If you have used standard settings - just turn on automatic updating in menu.
    2. If you disabled it via ADB —execute the commands: 
      adb shell pm enable com.android.updater

      adb shell pm enable com.google.android.gsf.update

    3. If you deleted system files via root —restore them from backup or reflash device.

    After that, check for updates manually in the settings.

    Is it possible to disable updates only for specific applications, but leave system ones?

    Yes, system updates and application updates are managed separately:

    • 📱 System updates - are blocked through settings ADB or root (Methods 1–3).
    • 📦 Application updates —managed in Google Play Market (Method 5).

    You can disable auto-updates for all apps except critical ones (for example, banking).

    What to do if the manufacturer forces an update?

    Some brands (for example, Huawei or Oppo) aggressively impose updates, blocking the operation of the device until they are installed. In such cases:

    1. Try defer update for a maximum period (usually 1-7 days).
    2. Use ADB to disable the update service (Method 2).
    3. If all else fails, consider installation of custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), but it requires unlock bootloader and may void the warranty.

    ⚠️ On devices with Knox (for example, Samsung) installation of custom firmware will lead to flag Knox 0x1is triggered, which voids the warranty and blocks some functions (for example, Samsung Pay).