Blocking intrusive ads, trackers and phishing sites on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a task that AdGuard does well. But standard installation through Google Play often works inefficiently due to the features of the firmware. MIUI. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of setting up: from simple change to DNS pre-localization VPN-server that bypasses the system's limitations.
The main feature of Redmi is that MIUI aggressively cache DNS-We tested all the methods on Redmi Note 12 Pro models.+, Redmi 10C and POCO X5 Pro (2023-2026) -- and they highlighted the ones that work consistently. You don't need root access, but you have to sacrifice 5-10 minutes to set up for maximum protection.
Why AdGuard doesn’t work on Xiaomi Redmi
The problem lies in three key points:
- 🔄 DNS-cash MIUI: after-shift DNS In settings, the system continues to use old addresses until the reboot (and sometimes longer).
- 🛡️ Built-in firewall: MIUI block some VPN-connections unless certified (AdGuard is subject to this restriction).
- 📱 Battery Optimization: AdGuard’s background work is suspended 3-5 minutes after screen locking unless exceptions are set up.
For example, on Redmi Note 11, when installing AdGuard via Google Play, only the device is blocked. ~60% of ads are in the browser, and in applications (such as AliExpress or TikTok) less than 30%. DNS-servers that bypass system settings.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using DU Apps (like) DU Battery Saver or DU Cleaner, delete them before setting up AdGuard. VPN-They can completely break the blocker.
Method 1: AdGuard Configures via Private DNS (Easy)
This method does not require installation of an application and works at the system level, suitable for blocking ads in browsers and some applications (but not all!).
- Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Private DNS.
- Select the host name of the private DNS provider.
- Enter one of the addresses: 🔒 dns.adguard.com – standard AdGuard server (blocks ads and trackers). 🛡️ family.adguard-dns.com – additionally filters adult content. 🚀 unfiltered.adguard-dns.com – only encryption without locking (for testing).
Save and restart your smartphone.
🔹 Pros of the method:
- ✅ No need to install applications.
- ✅ It works even if AdGuard is blocked in your country.
- ✅ Low battery consumption.
🔸 Cons of the method:
- ❌ Does not block ads in apps (such as YouTube or Instagram).
- ❌ Some banners in the browser still slip.
- ❌ MIUI It may reset the settings after the update.
Method 2: Install AdGuard as a VPN (complete lock)
This is the most effective method, but it requires the right setup, otherwise MIUI will break the connection.
- Download the official AdGuard app (not from Google Play, but from the site!). The store version is stripped down.
- When you first start, select Set up manually. → VPN-regime.
- Enable VPN in your Android settings (Settings → Connections → VPN) and allow AdGuard to always run in the background.
- In AdGuard settings: 🔧 Go to the Filters. → Recommended and activate: AdGuard Base filter AdGuard Mobile Ads filter EasyList 🔒 B Settings → Mainstream → Protection turn on: Filtration HTTPS (required to block ads in apps.
Critical for Xiaomi Redmi: after setting up VPN, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → AdGuard → Battery and select No Limits. Otherwise, 5 minutes after locking the screen, the filter will turn off!
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| VPN shuts down on its own | MIUI kills background processes | Turn off battery optimization for AdGuard |
| Advertising on YouTube is not blocked | The app uses its own DNS. | Install YouTube Vanced or use your browser |
| Slow Internet after AdGuard is enabled | The server is overloaded or far away. | Change the VPN region in AdGuard settings |
| Some sites are not working. | Too aggressive filters | Turn off AdGuard Annoyances filter |
Whether it's on VPN status-line?|AdGuard is allowed to operate without battery restrictions?|EasyList and Mobile Ads filters are activated?|Checked in the browser and 2-3 applications?-->
Method 3: Local DNS-server (for advanced users)
If you need to block ads on all devices on your home network (including Xiaomi devices without AdGuard), you can deploy local advertising. DNS-It's a server on the router or on the smartphone, and it takes more effort, but it gives you 100 percent control.
Redmi's gonna be good for an app. DNS66 (It's free, open source. It creates local. VPN, Redirect all requests through selected DNS-Instructions:
- Install DNS66 from F-Droid (Google Play does not have one).
- Open the app and press. +, add hosts: 🔹 Enter AdGuard. DNS title. 🔹 In the field IP-Please specify 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15 (main AdGuard servers).
Turn on the switch in the upper right corner and the local VPN will start.
⚙️ → Settings
- Always-on VPN (so MIUI doesn't disable the connection).
💡 The advantage of this method is that it bypasses the limitations. MIUI In the background, because it uses minimalist VPN However, to block ads in apps (for example, in games) you still need AdGuard in the Internet. VPN-mode.
💡
If, after setting up, DNS66 some sites (for example, banking) have stopped opening, add them to the whitelist in the application settings (⚙️ → Whitelist).
How to check if AdGuard works on Xiaomi Redmi
It's not enough to just turn on the blocker, you need to make sure it actually filters traffic. Here are 3 ways to check:
- AdGuard Test Site: Open in your browser https://adguard.com/test.html. If the blocker works, you will see a green screen that says Your AdGuard works fine!
- DNS check: Go to DNS Leak Test, and if you see AdGuard DNS in the results, it's set up correctly.
Manual checks in annexes
- Open YouTube or Twitch – Ads should disappear (or be replaced with a blank screen).
- On Instagram, check out the Stories feed - banners between stories should be missing.
⚠️ Note: If tests show that AdGuard is not working, but VPN on, check it out:
- 🔋 Is the battery optimized for AdGuard (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
- 🌐 Does your app (such as Facebook) use your own app? DNS (Checked through Packet Capture).
- 🔄 Have you been reset after the update? MIUI (frequent problem on the Redmi Note 10/11).
What if AdGuard blocks the right sites?
Solving AdGuard problems on Xiaomi Redmi
Even after setting up correctly, errors can occur, and we have compiled TOP-5 problems and solutions based on feedback from Redmi users:
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| VPN is connected, but ads are not blocked | Conflict with another VPN (such as a Turbo VPN) | Delete everything. VPN-Apps other than AdGuard |
| After the MIUI update, AdGuard stopped working. | Resetting security settings | Reinstall AdGuard and reconfigure it |
| High CPU load with AdGuard enabled | Too many active filters | Turn off unnecessary filters in Settings → Filters |
| It doesn’t work in mobile data, only on Wi-Fi. | MIUI shares VPN settings for different networks | Enable Always-on VPN in Android Settings |
| Applications cannot connect to the Internet | Lockdown HTTPS-traffic | Turn off HTTPS Filtering in AdGuard |
🔧 Tip for Redmi with custom firmware: If you're using LineageOS or Pixel Experience, install Magisk and AdAway. It integrates into the system and blocks ads at the hosts level, which is more efficient. VPN.
💡
On Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 14+ AdGuard, VPN mode can conflict with the built-in Game Turbo. Turn it off in Settings → Special Features → Game Turbo if you notice the lags.
AdGuard Alternatives for Xiaomi Redmi
If AdGuard is not satisfied for some reason, consider these options (tested on Redmi):
- 🛡️ Blokada: Pros: open source, no registration, blocks trackers.Cons: less effective against in-game advertising.
- 🔒 NextDNS: Pros: flexible filter settings, works at the level DNS. Cons: Free rate limited to 300,000 requests/month.
- 🚀 RethinkDNS + Firewall: Pros: app-level lock, no traffic restrictions.Cons: a complex interface for beginners.
🔹 How to choose?
- If you need maximum control, AdGuard VPN.
- If simplicity is important, Blokada.
- If you want to block ads on all devices (including PCs), then NextDNS.