Owners of budget smartphones often face intrusive marketing, which is embedded in the shell of MIUI. Xiaomi Redmi 8, being a popular entry-level model, was no exception to this rule. pop-ups, banner ads in standard applications and periodic offers to install “optimizers” can seriously annoy users, reducing the speed of the device.
Fortunately, most of these mechanisms can be disabled manually without having to do complicated root-rights manipulations. You don't have to be a programmer to regain control of the interface. System settings allow you to effectively limit the flow of unwanted content, making it comfortable to use the gadget.
In this tutorial, we will break down all available blocking methods, from basic menu switches to more advanced methods through DNS. Complete disabling of the msa system application is a critical step to stop advertising throughout the MIUI system. Follow the steps consistently to achieve the best result.
Disabling system advertising through MIUI settings
The first step is to turn off the built-in service that delivers your recommendations, which is called MSA (MIUI System Ads) in the MIUI shell, which analyzes your actions and selects your targeted offers.
To deactivate it, go to the Settings menu, then select Password and Security. In the list that opens, look for Data Access or Permissions. Here you can see a list of all the apps that have access to the Internet.
Find an app called msa on the list and click on it. You need to switch the slider that prevents access to the network. The system will warn you that the application will not work without the Internet. Confirm the action by clicking the Stop or Cancel button in the window that appears.
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The msa application may try to recover. If after the first shutdown the slider returned to its original position, repeat the shutdown procedure 2-3 times in a row before the standby timer appears.
It is important to understand that the complete removal of this component is impossible without a deep modification of the system, but the banning of network activity completely neutralizes its function.
Set up standard Xiaomi applications
Even after the MSA is turned off, some native apps can continue to show promotional content, including the standard conductor, cleaner, music player and Security app, all with their own hidden settings.
Start with the Security app. Open it, click on the settings gear in the top right corner. Find Receive recommendations and turn it off. Also check the Viruses section inside the app and remove the tick from Receive updates if there are ad inserts.
Then go to the Explorer app. Click on the menu (three bars) and select Settings. Here you also need to find the Receive Recommendations switch and put it inactive. Similar actions are required for the Music and Themes app.
☑️ Verification of standard applications
Be sure to check the lock screen settings. In Settings → Lock screen, turn off the wallpaper carousel function. This service often loads news feeds and advertising images instead of a static screensaver.
Blocking Advertising through DNS (Private DNS)
The most effective method, which works on the entire Android 9 operating system (which is installed on Redmi 8), is the use of a private DNS. This method filters traffic and blocks requests to known ad servers.
To set up, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing (or Additional Settings) Find Private DNS (Private DNS). By default, there is a value of “Auto” or “Disconnected».
Select the DNS Host Name (or Manual) mode. In the field that appears, enter the address:
dns.adguard.comSave the settings. Now all your device traffic will go through AdGuard filters, which will cut off most of the banners in browsers and applications. This method does not require the installation of additional software.
⚠️ Attention: Use of third-party DNS-servers may slightly increase ping in online games.If you notice delays in games, temporarily return settings DNS in the position of “Auto».
The advantage of this method is its versatility: it blocks ads not only in the MIUI interface, but also inside third-party applications that sin with intrusive banners. The speed of loading pages in the browser can also increase, since the browser will not need to download heavy advertising scripts.
Managing Notifications from Browsers
Users often confuse Xiaomi’s system ads with notifications from sites they accidentally subscribed to. Browsers like Chrome or the built-in Mi Browser can allow sites to send push notifications.
To check this, open your browser settings. Search for Site Settings or Notifications. There will be a list of resources that are allowed to display notifications. Ruthlessly remove any suspicious sites from that list.
It is also recommended to disable the function of “Download Notifications” or “Recommended News” in the settings of the browser itself, this will clear the notification curtain from information noise.
If the ads appear even after cleaning, it is possible that a malicious application has hit the phone. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Carefully review the list for programs without a name or with a stub icon. These applications are often disguised as system processes.
Comparison of blocking methods
There are pros and cons to various ways of dealing with advertising: some methods require minimal interventions, others provide deeper cleaning, but may require attention when setting up.
Below is a table that will help you choose the best protection strategy for your Redmi 8 depending on your needs and technical background.
| Method | Efficiency | Difficulty | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSA shutdown | High (systemic) | Low. | Positive. |
| Private DNS | Maximum (all traffic) | Medium | Neutral. |
| Set-up of applications | Medium (local) | Low. | Neutral. |
| Third-party blockers | Tall. | Tall. | Negative (expenditure) |
As you can see from the table, the combination of MSA disabling and DNS settings gives the best result without the need to install heavy additional software.
Why does the ad return after the update?
Additional security measures and FAQ
In addition to software settings, you should observe digital hygiene. Do not install applications from unknown sources. Xiaomi Redmi 8 by default is enabled protection, but if you download APK-files from third-party sites, the risk of introducing an advertising virus increases many times.
Check the list of installed apps regularly. If you see a program that you haven't installed or an application with strange access rights (such as a flashlight with access to contacts), delete it immediately.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid installing Play Market cleaners and accelerators with questionable reviews, often the source of pop-up ads masquerading as useful utilities.
Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to use the Xiaomi Redmi 8 as efficiently as possible.The smartphone will remain fast, and the interface will be clean of unnecessary visual debris.
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A comprehensive approach, including disabling system services and configuring DNS, provides long-term protection from advertising without losing the warranty on the device.