Spam on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most annoying problems users face MIUI. Advertising notices, annoying SMS, Suspicious calls and even hidden viruses can make phone use a nightmare, especially for Redmi's budget models and the likes of the Redmi. POCO, where the manufacturer sometimes embeds its own advertising in the firmware.
In this article, we will look at all possible sources of spam on Xiaomi devices, from system notifications to malicious applications, and show you how to get rid of them. MIUI They're responsible for advertising, how to block spam calls through built-in tools, and what third-party antiviruses actually work, and what to do if spam comes back after resetting your settings.
Some methods require administrator rights or ADB-If you're not sure about your skills, skip these steps or see a specialist. Also remember that removing system applications can disrupt your phone, and we'll warn you about this in the appropriate sections.
1. disable system advertising in MIUI
Firmware MIUI It's known for showing ads even in standard applications, from Browser to Music, and fortunately, most ad modules can be disabled through settings:
- π± Global Advertising Settings: Go to Settings β About the phone, tap 7 times on the version MIUI, To activate Advanced Settings, then go back to the main settings and find a new option. β Advertising. Turn off all switches here.
- π Advertising in search: In Settings β Search disable the option Show recommendations.
- π Xiaomi Browser: Open the Browser, go to Settings β Privacy and deactivate Personalized Ads and Guidelines on the homepage.
- π΅ Music and Video: In the Mi Music and Mi Video apps, turn off Recommendations and Affiliate Content in settings.
If the ads still appear after these actions, it means that they are built into the application level, in which case either removing the software (if it is not system-based) or using it will help. ADB-commands to deactivate advertising modules.
β οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi for the Chinese market) may have menu items that are not called by the other name or not. If you do not find the specified settings, check the firmware version in Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI. For global versions (Global) ROM) All options should be available.
2. We remove ads through ADB (advanced)
If the system settings did not help, you can disable advertising services through ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but it gives you 100% results. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Enable Developer Mode on your phone: Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times. Then go back to Settings. β Additionally. β For developers and activate debugging by USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
- Follow the commands to disable the ad (one by one): adb shell pm hide com.miui.systemAdSolution adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.midrop adb shell pm hide com.miui.analytics adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.ab
After the phone reboot, the advertisement in MIUI If you want to get it back, replace hide with unhide in commands.
Install ADB drivers on PC
Enable debugging over USB on your phone
Download platform-tools from the Android site
Connect your phone to your PC via USB (file transfer mode)
Check the connection of the adb device team-->
β οΈ Note: Pm hide commands only work on the MIUI 12 and later. For older versions, use pm disable-user, but this can cause system applications to crash. Also, do not manually delete services through Titanium Backup or analogues - this will disrupt the stability of the system.
3. block spam calls and SMS
Intrusive calls from scammers and SMS-mailings are another source of spam. MIUI There are built-in tools to deal with them, but they're not always effective. Let's look at both: standard settings and third-party apps.
MIUI built-in facilities
- π Blacklist: Open the phone β Three points. β Settings β Blacklist: Add spammer numbers manually or enable automatic blocking of suspicious calls.
- π¬ Filter SMS: B Communications β Three points. β Settings β Spam filter activate the option and add numbers or keywords (e.g., βwinningβ, βcredit").
- π‘οΈ Protection against fraudsters: In Settings β Annexes β Security β Protection from fraudsters include all options.
Third-party annexes
If the built-in tools donβt work, install one of these apps (available on Google Play):
- π Truecaller β blocks spam calls and identifies numbers.
- π« SMS Spam Stopper - filtering SMS key-word.
- π‘οΈ Kaspersky Who Calls β Checks numbers for fraud.
When using third-party apps, give them the rights to read SMS And call logs, otherwise they won't be able to block spam. Also update their databases regularly.
π‘
If spam calls come from numbers similar to yours (e.g., spam calls, +79XX1234567 vs +79XX1234568), This is a sign of spoofing. Never call back to a number like this, because scammers can charge you for a "paid call".
| Locking method | Efficiency | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI blacklist | ββ (middle-class) | Do not block new numbers automatically |
| Truecaller | ββββ (high-pitched) | Requires access to contacts, advertising |
| SMS Spam Stopper | βββ (good-natured) | Plugins for some regions paid |
| Protection against fraudsters (MIUI) | ββ (middle-class) | It only works with known scammers. |
4. Remove malicious and suspicious applications
Many spammy emails and ads are caused by malicious applications that you may have accidentally installed, often disguised as useful utilities (like Cache Cleaner or Battery Booster).
Search for suspicious applications
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Sort the list by Installation Date β new unknown apps are most often the source of spam.
- Check the application rights: if the flashlight utility requests access to the SMS or contact, it's suspicious.
Signs of malware
- π Name in Chinese or with typos (for example, "Go0gle Play").
- π¦ It is not known to you (often by your knowledge). APK-file).
- π« Requests unnecessary permissions (e.g., Submitting) SMS play).
- π It is constantly working in the background and consumes traffic.
If you find one, delete it and check your phone with antivirus, and use Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light for security, which specialize in mobile threats.
How to remove the system application without root
5. Clean the phone from viruses and spyware
If spam is accompanied by self-installation of apps, redirection to strange sites or rapid battery drain, your phone could be infected with a virus, and radical measures are needed.
Step 1: Antivirus verification
Install one of these apps and perform a full scan:
- π‘οΈ Bitdefender Mobile Security is the best choice for spyware detection.
- π Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus is effective against Trojans and advertising viruses.
- π¨ Malwarebytes β specializes in adware (adware viruses).
Step 2: Manual cleaning
If the antivirus is not there naΕ‘el, But the symptoms remain:
- Check the Settings. β Accounts for unknown accounts (such as those with Chinese characters.
- Open the Settings. β Special features and make sure there are no suspicious services with rights.
- Go to Settings. β Annexes β Rights of annexes β Device administrators and disable rights from unknown programs.
Step 3: Resetting to factory settings
If nothing works, the last option is a complete reset.
- π± Backup important data (photos, contacts) through Settings β Additionally. β Backup.
- π Make sure you have a username and password from Mi Account (required after resetting).
- π‘ Untie your phone from your Google Account if itβs tied to corporate email.
Then go to Settings. β The phone. β Reset settings and select Erase all data.
β οΈ Warning: After reset, do not restore data from the backup made on the infected phone - the virus can come back! Better transfer files manually (photos, videos) and install the applications again from Google Play.
6.Tune in. MIUI Protecting against future spam
To prevent spam from coming back, set up MIUI maximum protection:
Disable automatic application installation
- π₯ B Settings β Annexes β Application management β Three points. β Special access β Install unknown applications disable permission for all browsers and file managers.
- π B Settings β Accounts. β Mi Account β Synchronization Disable Auto-Update Applications.
Restricting Application Rights
For each installed application, check the rights in Settings β Annexes β Application management β [Name of name] β Disable unnecessary rights, for example:
- π Calls for games or utilities.
- π¬ SMS for applications not related to messaging.
- π Location for applications that do not need it (e.g. calculator).
We are setting up the security of Mi Account
- π Enable Two-Factor Authentication in Settings β Mi Account β Security.
- π§ Link backup email and phone number.
- π Change your password regularly (once in a week) 3-6 months).
- Install applications from unknown sources (APK).
- Connect to public Wi-Fi without any VPN.
Enter personal data on suspicious sites.
Always check the reviews and permissions of applications before installing!-->
7.What to do if spam is returned?
If after all the manipulations, spam continues to appear, the problem may be deeper:
Option 1: Virus in the firmware
Some modified firmware (especially from unofficial sites) contain built-in advertising modules.
- π± Refuse the phone to the official global version MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.
- π§ Use only firmware from en.miui.com.
Option 2: SIM-map compromised
If spam calls and SMS They come to your room, maybe yours. SIM-The map got into the spammer database:
- π Contact the operator (for example, MTS, Beeline) and request a number change or spam blocking.
- π Activate the Antispam service (most operators have it for free).
Option 3: Data leakage
If your email or phone number is leaked, spammers will attack you constantly, and check if your data is compromised.
- π Have I Been Pwned: Enter your email.
- π If the leak is confirmed, change the passwords on all important services.
In a pinch, consider changing your phone number or switching to eSIM (if your Xiaomi supports this feature).