In this guide we will discuss about “How To Force Remove OTA Update from Pixel Devices“. However, you may choose not to install the update, but it may be something that you will be ‘pushed’ into installing at some point. A lot of these are especially so for users with rooted devices. Let’s go through how you can regain control and forcefully uninstall OTA updates on your Pixel device.
Table of Contents
Understanding OTA Updates
What are OTA Updates?
OTA (Over-the-Air) update or sometimes referred to as firmware updates, are updates that are sent directly to your device from the manufacturer. They include Operating system updates, Security updates, and any other form of updates which include fixing of bugs.
Benefits of OTA Updates
- Improved Security: Being able to update often keeps your device secure from the current threats in the market.
- New Features: Appreciate the new and the changes made.
- Bug Fixes: Updates sometimes fix known bugs, thus making the devices more stable.
Possible Problems with OTA Updates
- Unwanted Changes: This can sometimes apply updates that contain change that you do not want.
- Compatibility Issues: Accessories: New updates may not be favorable when used with all apps particularly on rooted android gadgets.
Why Remove OTA Updates?
Avoiding Unwanted Updates
To clarify some of the uses do not like to update since it may contain bugs or unwanted functionality.
Challenges for Rooted Devices
The problems that rooted devices have with updates are higher because updates can fail root access or make additional adjustments.
User Preference for Control
Some people just do not wish to have anything unknown or pre-installed on the equipment they are using.
Developer Options: Auto/Update
Enabling Developer Options
- Press on the Settings app and scroll all the way down and click on About phone.
- Power the device off completely and then turn it back on and then go to the settings and look for an icon that looks like a gear then click on it seven times until you see Build number.
Disabling Automatic System Updates
- Open Settings and go to System section and there touch on Developer options.
- Specifically, scratch off the following settings in the tab: ‘Automatic system updates. ”
Limitations of This Method
However, there is a possibility of downloading being compelled upon the reboot of the device even if the setting has been disabled.
Preparation of the process of eliminating OTA Updates
- Necessary Tools and Software
- Android SDK Platform Tools
- USB Cable
- PC with Command Prompt
Backing Up Your Data
It is recommended that you backup critical data as these steps and adjustments are at the system level.
Enabling USB Debugging
- Navigate to Settings, then go to System, and later Developers.
- Squint and turn on “USB debugging.
Android SDK platform tools are relatively smaller in size than other packages and can be installed in simple steps as follows:
Downloading SDK Platform Tools
It is recommended to download the very latest version of SDK Platform Tools from Android developers official website.
Extracting the Files
Unpack the downloaded ZIP file using any suitable software to a location of your choice on your PC.
Verifying Installation
Go to Command Prompt and access the folder you extracted for the confirmation of other setups.
Plugging Pixel Device to PC
Using a USB Cable
Ensure your Pixel connected to the PC through a genuine and good quality USB cable.
Authorizing USB Debugging
An icon with a text: appeared on your device. Touch the Allow button to decide on accessing the association.
Ensuring Proper Connection
Check the connection with the help of adb devices in cmd. If the device name is correctly typed, it should be among those with the check mark.
Disabling OTA Update App
This is the procedure of opening the Command Prompt in the Platform-Tools folder Other potential duties:
Go to the platform-tools folder and right-click on the blank area and select Command Prompt.
Executing ADB Commands
Run the following command to disable the OTA update app:Run the following command to disable the OTA update app:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.factoryotaMaking Sure OTA App is Turned off
Check that the command was run effective and the app is turned off.
Disabling System Update Activity
Here below are complete adb commands to disable update services, In addition to other distinguished commands.
Run these commands to disable various update-related services:Run these commands to disable various update-related services:
adb shell su -c pm disable com.google.android.gms/.update.SystemUpdateActivity
adb shell su -c pm disable com.google.android.gms/.update.SystemUpdateService
adb shell su -c pm disable com.google.android.gms/.update.SystemUpdateGcmTaskService
adb shell su -c pm disable com.google.android.gms/.update.SystemUpdatePersistentListenerService
adb shell su -c pm disable com.google.android.gms/.update.phone.PopupDialog
adb shell su -c pm disable com.google.android.gms/.update.OtaSuggestionActivity
Granting SuperUser Permissions
Agree when prompted that SuperUser permission should be provided on the device you are using.
- That being the case, it is reasonable and logical to encode a method of confirming that the Services are Disabled.
- Conduct another test using the commands to ensure that the services are, in fact, disabled.
Enabling the OTA Updates #and Services again
Conditions When Re-enabling is Required
This might require changes to have the updates for security fixes or for enhancing characteristics turned on again.
That bring me to the next set of ways through which you could Re-enable OTA Updates.
Run these commands to re-enable the services:Run these commands to re-enable the services:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.factoryota
adb shell su -c pm enable com.google.android.gms/.update.SystemUpdateActivity
adb shell su -c pm enable com.google.android.gms/.update.SystemUpdateService
adb shell su -c pm enable com.google.android.gms/.update.SystemUpdateGcmTaskService
adb shell su -c pm enable com.google.android.gms/.update.SystemUpdatePersistentListenerService
adb shell su -c pm enable com.google.android.gms/.update.phone.PopupDialog
adb shell su -c pm enable com.google.android.gms/.update.OtaSuggestionActivityMaking sure that updating makes it work as it should once more
Manually look for update to see if all the feature are working as expected.
Risks and Considerations
Possible Hazards of Disabling OTA Updates
It should be noted that preventing update on a device can work contrary to your benefit as your device becomes exposed to different securities threats.
Impact on Device Security
Forgetting to update can be dangerous as your device will lack the latest security updates that will help to fight against malicious attacks.
Importance of Re-enabling Updates
Remember to restart security, frequently to make sure that the updates are enabled to reduce vulnerability of the device.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Connection Problems
In case, your device is not detected then change the USB cable or port of the device that is connected.
Command Errors
After writing your commands, make sure you proofread to ensure that you were not wrong in typing and that the syntax is correct.
Restoring from Backup
If anything happens that requires your device to be appropriately reset, revert back to a specific backup.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Using Third-Party Apps
As much as there is usually a way in which app update drags users down, there are some apps that can assist to organize updates better.
Automating the Process
The disenablement of updates can also be made easier through the use of scripts and automation tools.
Staying Informed About Updates
Recent is a tool that records updates for a program and the relevance of those updates to enable the user to decide on when to apply the update.
Read More : “How To Fix Spotify Battery Drain on Pixel Android 14“
Conclusion
OTA updates on your Pixel device are enable to be managed meaning you have full control on your device and how it operates. Despite these potentials, what you have is information that can assist you in managing how to disable and/or enable the updates. It is advisable to remain active in regarding your device to the updates to interchange security with uniqueness.
FAQs
If I disable OTA updates then what?
Some of the benefits of sidelining OTA updates include; not allowing your device to install new updates automatically and thus you control whenever or if ever to install updates.
I still have some query regarding my system, may I know if I can pick and choose which updates I want to install?
Although, you cannot choose to install components of an update and leave the rest out but you can decide when to manually update after the disabling of the automatic update feature.
Is this method possible with a Non Rooting device?
Yes, for non-rooted devices, the method is safe, although, be careful with your device since disabling updates can be dangerous for it.
How often should I manually look at the site to check for the updates?
minimum of a once a month to guarantee that your device is safe.
Will this disable my updates and void my warranty, if I don’t want it to enter any software update?
There is nothing wrong with disabling updates as it does not in any way annul your warranty, but do ensure this with your specific warranty terms.
