Advertising in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones has become one of the most talked-about topics among owners of MIUI-based devices. Even after buying a new device, users encounter banners in system applications, notifications and a browser. The manufacturer has integrated advertising modules deep into the firmware, making them a non-trivial task. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven methods, including hidden MIUI settings, alternative launchers and even modifying the hosts file - without having to obtain root rights.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t provide an official option to completely disable ads. All of the actions described below are based on workarounds that may require updating after new versions of MIUI. We tested the methods on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C and POCO X5 Pro models with MIUI 14-16 firmware, but most of the solutions are universal for the entire lineup. If you are willing to spend 15-20 minutes on customization, you can get rid of 90% of advertising content.
Why is Xiaomi showing ads and is it legal?
Xiaomi has openly stated that monetization through advertising keeps Redmi’s smartphone prices 20-30% lower than those of its competitors, part of a business model similar to that of Realme or Oppo.
- 📄 The user agrees to the terms when the device is first turned on (EULA)
- 🔄 Advertising does not block critical phone features
- 🛠️ There is the possibility of partial shutdown through settings (although well hidden)
But the European Union and some states in the US are discussing such practices from a data protection perspective: Xiaomi even released special firmware for the EU in 2023 with reduced advertising following regulatory pressure, and in Russia and the CIS, users still get a “full version” of MIUI with all the ad modules.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling ads through modification of system files (such as hosts) may cause some Xiaomi services to malfunction, including cloud backup and note synchronization. Always back up before changes.
Method 1: Disabling personalized advertising in MIUI settings
The safest and most official method is to use the built-in MIUI options, which will only remove personalized banners, but not all ads, but it will reduce the number of impressions by 30-40%.
Instructions for MIUI 14-16:
- Open Settings → Google → Advertising
- Click Remove the Advertising ID and confirm the action
- Return to the main settings and go to Memory → Cleanup
- Select the AutoStart tab and turn off the autoboot for Msa (com.miui.msa.global) and Miui Daemon (com.xiaomi.midrop)
After these actions, ads in the Weather, Calendar and Themes should decrease, but banners in the Browser and Downloads will remain - additional methods will be required to remove them.
☑️ Preparing for the Advertising Disconnection
Method 2: Use of an alternative launcher
The MIUI Launcher system launcher has built-in ad modules that show banners on the home screen and in the app menu, and replacing it with a third-party launcher solves this problem radically.
The best options for Redmi:
- 🏆 Nova Launcher is the most stable, with gesture support and dark theme
- 🎨 Lawnchair – open source, minimalist design
- 🚀 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for Performance
Installation:
- Download the APK of the selected launcher from APKMirror (avoid unknown sources)
- Install the file by allowing installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special access
- When you first start, select the launcher as Default.
- Disable System Launcher: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Disable
⚠️ Attention: Some functions MIUI (For example, Dual Apps or Child Mode may not work properly with third-party launchers. 4PDA.
Method 3: Blocking ads via hosts file (without root)
Modifying the hosts file allows you to block ad domains at the system level, this method requires the use of ADB, but does not require root rights.
Step-by-step:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack it into folder C:\adb
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → More → For Developers
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands: adb devices adb shell su -c "mount -o rw,remount /system" su -c "echo '127.0.0.1 ad.xiaomi.com' >> /system/etc/hosts" su -c "echo '127.0.0.1 sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com' >> /system/etc/hosts" su -c "chmod 644 /system/etc/hosts"
The complete list of domains to block:
| domain | Appointment |
|---|---|
| ad.xiaomi.com | Main advertising server |
| sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com | Configuration of advertising SDKs |
| tracker.ai.xiaomi.com | Statistics collection |
| data.mistat.xiaomi.com | Usage analysis |
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 4: Disabling System Applications via ADB
Some Xiaomi apps (Msa, Miui Daemon, Analytics) are responsible for displaying ads. ADB-This is safer than deleting because it keeps the recovery possible.
Commands to disable (perform one at a time):
adb shell pm hide com.miui.msa.global
adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.midrop
adb shell pm hide com.miui.analytics
adb shell pm hide com.miui.systemAdSolutionTo return the applications back, use:
adb shell pm unhide com.miui.msa.global⚠️ Disabling com.miui.systemAdSolution may lead to errors in the work of the MIUI. If after disconnecting the wallpaper or icons disappear, return the application back.
💡
Before execution ADB-Create a recovery point in the TWRP (This will allow you to roll back changes in case of critical errors.
Method 5: Set up DNS to block ads
Change of change DNS-It's a phone- or router-level server that filters out ad requests, and it works for the browser, YouTube, and some system applications.
The best DNS for blocking ads:
- 🛡️ AdGuard DNS: 176.103.130.130 and 176.103.130.131
- 🌍 NextDNS: 45.90.28.167 (requires registration for customization)
- 🔒 Cloudflare Family: 1.1.1.3 (Blocking Malware) + promotion)
How to set up on Redmi:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Private DNS
- Select the host name of the private DNS provider
- Enter dns.adguard.com (for AdGuard) or security.cloudflare-dns.com (for Cloudflare).
- Save and restart the phone
After DNS is applied, Mi Browser will block ads by ~70%, Chrome will block up to 90%, but the system banners in Settings or Weather will remain.
Method 6: Installation of Magisk modules (for stitched devices)
If your Redmi has Magisk installed, you can use dedicated modules to thoroughly clean MIUI from advertising, the most effective method, but it requires an unlocked bootloader.
Top.-3 plug-in:
| Module | Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI AdBlocker | Blocks 99% of MIUI ads, including system notifications | XDA |
| Xiaomi Debloater | Remove unnecessary system applications, including advertising SDKs | Telegram |
| Universal AdBlock | Universal blocker for all Android devices | GitHub |
Installation instructions:
- Download the module in.zip format
- Open Magisk Manager and go to Modules
- Click Install from Storage and select the downloaded file
- Reboot the phone.
💡
Magisk modules require an unlocked bootloader. Incorrect installation can lead to a device "brick"; always check that the module is compatible with your version of MIUI.
Method 7: Manual removal of advertising packages (for experienced)
This method involves physical removal. APK-Advertising service files are only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP. Incorrect actions can lead to system failure.
List of safe packet removal:
- 🗑️ com.miui.msa.global – the main advertising service
- 🗑️ com.xiaomi.midrop – analytics and advertising
- 🗑️ com.miui.analytics – Data collection
- 🗑️ com.miui.systemAdSolution - System Banners
How to delete:
- Download to TWRP Recovery (Press Power + Vol Up)
- Go to Advanced → File Manager
- Open /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/
- Find the folders with the names from the list above and delete them.
- Wipe Cache (Wipe → Cache) and restart
⚠️ Note: Deleting com.miui.systemAdSolution on some firmware causes the design themes to disappear. Before deleting, back up the folder in the file. TWRP.