Smartphone owners Xiaomi often face a situation where the device independently downloads updates for installed apps, consuming mobile traffic and taking up internal memory. This behavior is configured by default in the system to ensure the security and relevance of the software, but is not always convenient for the user. This becomes especially critical when using tariff plans with a limited Internet capacity or when there is not enough free space on the drive.
The operating system MIUIon which Android runs on phones of this brand has its own features for managing data packages. Two stores can operate here at once: global Google Play and own GetApps (formerly Mi Apps). Each of them has independent settings, and disabling auto-update in one will not affect the other. To fully control the installation process of new versions, you need to configure both sources.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for blocking background downloading of updates. You'll learn how to limit traffic for specific apps, how to prevent downloads over the mobile network, and what hidden settings may need your attention. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to extend your battery life and save gigabytes of traffic.
Managing auto-updates in the Google Play Market
The main source of updates for most users is the store Google Play. It is through it that social networks, instant messengers and system services are downloaded. To change global download settings, you need to open the store app and go to the profile menu. It is usually located in the upper right corner of the screen and is indicated by your account avatar.
After entering the menu, select item Settings, and then section Settings → Network preferences. Here is the key switch Automatic application updates. By clicking on it, you will see three options: always via Wi-Fi, only via Wi-Fi or never. Selecting the last item will completely prohibit the automatic downloading of any updates.
However, there is a more flexible approach. Instead of a complete ban, you can leave the option Only via Wi-Fi. This will allow your phone to update at night when it's connected to your home network, without using up your mobile data during the day. This is especially true for owners of tariffs with a limit of 10-20 GB per month.
- 📱 Open the application Play Market on the main screen.
- ⚙️ Click on the profile icon and select
Settings→Network. - 🚫 Select item Do not update applications automatically for full control.
It is important to note that system applications Google may ignore some user settings and update in the background to ensure security. This is normal behavior of the operating system Android, and it is impossible to completely block it without root access, and is not recommended from a data protection point of view.
Setting up the GetApps (Mi Apps) store on Xiaomi
Smartphones Xiaomi equipped with their own application store GetApps, which often duplicates the functions of Google Play, but also contains exclusive software for the MIUI shell. Many users are unaware of its existence or ignore it, unaware that it can also waste bandwidth. The interface of this application may differ depending on the firmware region (Global, China, EEA).
To access the settings, run GetApps and go to the tab Profile (the man in the corner). In the menu that opens, find the section Settings. Here you are interested in the item Auto-update. The system will prompt you to select conditions: via Wi-Fi, via a mobile network, or turn off the function. To save resources, select the option Off or Only via Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Attention: In some versions of MIUI firmware, GetApps store settings may be reset after a major system update. Check this section periodically to make sure that traffic restrictions are still active.
Also GetApps there is a feature to update applications in the background even when the screen is off. To disable it, in the same settings menu, find the item Update in the background and deactivate the toggle switch. This will prevent the battery from draining at night due to store activity.
If you only use applications from Google Play, the store GetApps you don't have to configure it, but it's better to be safe. Owners of Chinese versions of smartphones with global firmware should pay special attention to this section, since they often give priority to their home store.
☑️ Checking GetApps settings
Individual settings for each applications
Sometimes the user needs to disable auto-update not for all apps at once, but only for specific “heavy” applications, such as navigators or games with large resources. Google Play allows you to manage this parameter individually for each installed package. This gives you flexibility: important security updates will arrive, and giant game files will arrive only at your request.
To set this up, find the desired application in the store search or in the list of installed ones. Go to his page. In the upper right corner there is a menu of three dots. By clicking on it, you will see a checkmark Auto-update. If it's active, just uncheck it. Now, for this specific application, the global settings rule will not apply.
This feature is useful for applications that you rarely use, but which are prone to frequent interface changes. For example, banking applications or corporate clients change frequently, and users do not always like these changes
It is worth remembering that unchecking auto-update for critical applications, such as antiviruses or instant messengers, may lead to security or compatibility problems in the future. Disabling auto-update for banking applications may result in the bank server blocking their operation due to an outdated version of the encryption protocol.
- 🔍 Find the application in the catalog Google Play.
- 🖱️ Click on the three dots in the corner of the screen.
- ✅ Uncheck the item Auto-update.
Limiting background data and saving traffic
In addition to the settings of the stores themselves, the system Android on smartphones Xiaomi provides a powerful traffic control tool at the operating system level. You can prevent any applications from using the mobile network to transfer data, leaving them only accessible via Wi-Fi. This is a radical, but effective method of combating the unnoticed consumption of megabytes.
To do this, go to Settings phone, then to the Applications → All applicationssection. Select the application you are interested in (for example Google Play or GetApps). Inside the application menu, find the item Traffic control or Data usage. Here you can disable the toggle switch Mobile network.
After this operation, the application will be able to access the Internet only when connected to a Wi-Fi router. Any attempts to download the update via 4G/LTE will be blocked by the system instantly. This also works for background syncing and push notifications if they require internet.
| Option | Mobile network on | Mobile network off |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-update via 4G | Possible (if allowed) | Impossible |
| Update via Wi-Fi | Possible | Possible |
| Push notifications | Work | Only via Wi-Fi |
| Background synchronization | Work | Only via Wi-Fi |
Using this method requires caution. If you turn off mobile data for messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp, you will stop receiving messages when you are not connected to Wi-Fi. Therefore, this method is best applied specifically to application stores and heavy content.
Hidden risks of disabling data
If you completely block an application from accessing the mobile network, it may stop working correctly when roaming or in places where there is no Wi-Fi, even for basic functions that require license verification.
Traffic saving mode on Android
In modern versions of the shell MIUI and pure Android there is a system traffic saving mode. Its activation automatically limits the background activity of applications and prohibits auto-updates via the mobile network. This is an “emergency” mode, which is convenient to turn on when you are on a trip and save every megabyte.
You can activate the function through Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Traffic saving. After enabling this mode, the system itself will decide which applications can transfer data in the background. Typically, application stores are included in the list of prohibited ones by default.
However, you can configure exceptions. In the traffic saving menu there is a list of applications that are allowed to ignore the restriction. Make sure that Google Play and GetApps do not have the right to use data in the background if your goal is maximum savings. At the same time, a navigator or a taxi should be left in the list of exceptions.
⚠️ Attention: The interface of the "Traffic Saving" menu may differ on different versions of MIUI (12, 13, 14). If you do not find this item in the specified path, use the search in settings by entering the query “Traffic saving.”
This method is good for its versatility: it does not require setting up each application separately. But it has a disadvantage - it only works when using mobile data. As soon as the phone connects to Wi-Fi, restrictions will be lifted and auto-updates can begin unless other restrictions are configured.
Expert tip: Turn on data saving mode in advance, before leaving home, so that background processes do not have time to “eat up” part of the package in the first minutes of using the network.
Frequent questions and problems when disabling updates
Users often ask questions about security and the consequences of refusing automatic updates. Below we have collected answers to the most popular of them in order to dispel doubts and warn about possible risks.
The lack of updates does not mean that the application will stop working immediately. However, over time, servers may no longer support older protocol versions. This is especially true for applications related to finance and security. For games and entertainment software, this is less critical.
- 🛡️ Security: Updates often contain security patches. By disabling them, you leave the device vulnerable.
- 🐛 Errors: New versions often fix bugs of previous ones. The old version may be unstable.
- 📉 Performance: Sometimes code optimization in new versions speeds up the application.
If you decide to use manual control, develop the habit of manually checking for important updates once a week. This is the golden mean between traffic control and software relevance. You should not ignore updates completely indefinitely.
Complete refusal of updates increases the vulnerability of the device, so it is recommended to check for critical security patches manually at least once a month.
Is it possible to completely remove Google Play and GetApps?
Delete Google Play without root access and complex manipulations via ADB are not possible, since it is a system application. It can only be disabled in the settings, but this will disrupt the operation of many other services. GetApps On global firmware, you can often delete it in the standard way, like a regular application, if you don’t need it.
Why is the application updated, even if it is blocked?
This can happen if the application is a system component Android or Google Services. Also, the check could have occurred while the phone was connected to Wi-Fi, before the ban was enabled. Sometimes clearing the app store cache helps.
Does disabling updates affect Xiaomi's warranty?
No, changing software settings, such as disabling auto-updates, is not a violation of warranty. The warranty is lost only if there is physical damage or installation of unofficial firmware (root, custom recovery).
How to update one specific application manually?
Go to Google Play or GetApps, find the application in the "Manage applications" list or on its page and click button Update. This action is possible even if auto-updates are globally prohibited.