Modern smartphones Xiaomiworking on an operating system Androidare configured by default to maximize process automation. This also applies to software: application stores regularly check for new versions and download them without the user’s knowledge. For many gadget owners, this function becomes a source of problems, causing excessive consumption of mobile traffic or rapid battery drain.
In addition, new versions of apps do not always mean improvement. Quite often, developers introduce changes to the interface that may be inconvenient, or add features that increase the load on processor and RAM. In some cases, an update may lead to unstable operation of specific software on your device model. Therefore, the ability to manually manage this process is an important skill for a competent user.
In this material we will analyze in detail all the available ways to prohibit automatic downloading of updates. We will look at the settings both in the standard store Google Playand in the proprietary shell MIUI or HyperOS, where its own catalog is preinstalled GetApps. You will have full control over what software will be updated on your device and when.
Setting up auto-updates in the Google Play Market
The main source of obtaining software for most users remains the official Google store. This is where the lion's share of installed applications is stored. To prevent background data loading, you need to change the global parameters of the service. This action will affect all apps downloaded through this account.
Go to the application Play Market and click on your profile icon in the upper right corner of the screen. In the menu that opens, select Settings. Next, find the section Network settings or Auto-update applications. Here the system will offer you three behavior options: always via Wi-Fi, only via a mobile network or never.
Select item Do not update applications automatically will completely stop the background download process. Now, when a new version appears, the app will simply be marked with an update icon in the list of your applications, but you will only download it by pressing a button. This is an ideal option for those who want to manually control every change in the system.
⚠️ Attention: Completely disabling auto-updates in Google Play does not protect against updates to system components of Google Play Services, which can be updated through other mechanisms.
To save space in the smartphone memory, periodically check the list of updates manually and remove those apps that you have not used for a long time before downloading new versions for them.
It is worth noting that the settings may vary slightly depending on the firmware version Android. However, the menu logic remains the same for all devices. If you don’t find the item right away, use the search inside the store settings by entering the query “auto-update.”
Managing updates in the GetApps branded store
The brand's smartphones Xiaomi are equipped with their own application store called GetApps (formerly known as the Mi App Store). Even if you use Google services, this service often works in the background, updating pre-installed system utilities and company-branded services. Ignoring its settings may negate all efforts to save traffic.
Open the application GetApps and go to the Profile or My accounttab, which is usually located in the lower right corner of the interface. In the list of options, find the item Auto-update. By clicking on it, you will see a switch that is in the active position by default.
Turn the toggle switch to the inactive state. Also in this menu there is often a network type setting. Make sure that the value Only via Wi-Fi or Offis selected if you want to completely disable downloading. This is especially true for regions where mobile data is charged per minute or has limits.
- 📱 GetApps often updates system themes and wallpapers without the user's request.
- 🔒 Disabling a store does not delete it from the device, since this system component MIUI.
- ⚙️ To completely stop the service, you may need to revoke rights in the "About the service" section.
Sometimes after updating the shell itself HyperOS the settings may be reset to factory values. It is recommended to check this setting after each major system update to ensure that your preferences are preserved.
Blocking updates for specific applications
Globally disabling updates is not suitable for everyone. Some users prefer to keep messengers and banking applications up to date for security reasons, but do not want to update games or entertainment software. In this case, you can set up exceptions for individual apps.
In the store Google Play go to the section Manage applications and device. Select tab Overview or Update available. Here you will see a list of all apps for which there are new versions. Tap on a specific application to open its page.
In the upper right corner of the application page screen there is an icon in the form of three dots. By clicking on it, you will see a check mark opposite the item Enable auto-update. Uncheck this box. Now this application will be updated only when you press the button in the general list of updates.
☑️ Setting exceptions
A similar function is present in the store GetApps. Go to the updates section, find the app you need and disable automatic downloading in its settings. This allows you to create a flexible system where critical software is always fresh, and the rest does not take up space unnecessarily.
Limiting background data transfer through network settings
If you do not want to go into the settings of each store separately, you can use a more crude but effective method - limiting background data transfer for specific applications at the system level Android. This method prevents the app from using the Internet when it is minimized or running in the background.
Go to the menu Settings your smartphone Xiaomi. Select section Applications and further All applications. Find Google Play Market or GetAppsin the list. Click on the name to enter the application card.
Select item Traffic saving or Data usage. Here you will see a switch Background connection. Turn it off. Now the application store will only be able to go online when it is open on your screen. In the minimized state, any attempts to download the update will be blocked by the system.
| Restriction method | Impact on work | Setting complexity | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play Store settings | Disables auto-download only | Low | High |
| Background data | Blocks any background traffic | Medium | Maximum |
| Economy mode | Limits the entire system | Low | Medium |
⚠️ Attention: When you turn off background connectivity, you may stop receiving push notifications from some services if they rely on a persistent communication channel.
This method is especially useful for those who use the mobile data as the main source of communication. It ensures that not a single byte is wasted on downloading heavy game resources or video content without your knowledge.
Using Data Saver Mode in MIUI and HyperOS
Shells from Xiaomi have powerful built-in tools for monitoring resource consumption. The function Saving traffic allows you to centrally manage application access to the network while roaming or when using mobile data.
Activate this function through the notification shade or in the settings. In advanced settings, you can specify which applications are allowed to use the mobile data. If you uncheck the box next to application stores, they will not physically be able to connect to the server to check versions while outside the Wi-Fi zone.
Hidden saving settings
In some versions of MIUI there is a hidden menu, accessible through the engineering menu, where you can completely disable network activity for system packages, but this requires root access and may disrupt operation phone.
It is also worth paying attention to the mode Flight. If you need to be sure to avoid updates at a critical moment (for example, when the battery is low), turning on airplane mode is the most reliable, albeit temporary solution.
Remember that aggressive traffic saving may result in important security updates for your browser or antivirus not being installed on time. Balance between the desire to save money and the need to maintain device protection.
Disable system updates and Google services
In addition to user applications, system components are constantly updated on the phone. Services Google Play, Android System WebView and other frameworks can consume a significant amount of data. It is difficult to completely disable their updating without obtaining superuser rights, but you can limit their appetites.
In application settings, find Google Play Services. Go to the data usage section and limit background activity. However, this should be done with caution, as this may disrupt the synchronization of contacts, mail and geolocation.
For advanced users, it is possible to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). By connecting your phone to your computer, you can run a command that freezes the package update manager. This requires a USB connection and enabling USB debugging in the developer menu.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.vendingThis command disables the Play Store itself. Be extremely careful when entering commands into the terminal, as incorrect actions may lead to the need to reset the phone to factory settings.
Completely disabling system services via ADB gives maximum control, but requires technical knowledge and carries the risk of system instability.
If you are not an experienced user, it is better to limit yourself to standard interface settings. The risk of “bricking” the device due to inept intervention in system processes is too high compared to the benefit from the saved megabytes.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does disabling updates affect the warranty of the smartphone?
No, changing software settings, including prohibiting auto-updates is not a basis for denial of warranty service. You have every right to customize your device the way you want.
Will applications work if they are not updated for a long time?
Most applications continue to work correctly for a long time. However, after a year or two, some services may no longer support older versions of the API, and the app may stop connecting to the server or work with errors.
How to update the application if auto-update is disabled?
You need to go to the application store (Play Market or GetApps), go to the section "My applications" or "Updates" and click the "Update" button next to the desired app manually.
Why does the phone heat up after updating?
After installing a new version, the application often performs file indexing or database optimization in the background. This is a normal process that usually completes within a few hours or after the first reboot.
Is it possible to return auto-updates back?
Of course. All settings described in this article are reversible. Just go back to the corresponding menu and activate the switches or checkboxes that you previously disabled.