How to get rid of ads on Xiaomi Poco phone forever: the complete guide

Advertising in Xiaomi Poco smartphones is one of the most annoying features of the MIUI branded shell, even though the company has promised to reduce its number, with banners in settings, notifications from system applications, ads in the Security menu and even in a standard browser, a problem compounded by the fact that some ad modules are built into the firmware level and cannot be disabled by standard means.

In this article, we will look at all the available methods, from basic settings to radical methods such as custom firmware installation. It is important to understand that the effectiveness of each approach depends on the version of MIUI and the Poco model (for example, Poco X3, Poco F3 or Poco M5 may have differences in the interface), We will also indicate which methods are safe for beginners and which require technical skills.

We warn you beforehand that some solutions may violate warranty or cause unstable operation of the device. If you are not willing to take risks, focus on the first three ways on our list.

1. disable personalized advertising in MIUI settings

The easiest and safest way to do this is to deactivate the options associated with targeted advertising, which will not remove all ads, but will significantly reduce the number of banners in the system menus and notifications.

Go to: Settings → Google → Advertising and disable the option “Personalized Ads.” Then go back to the main settings and find: Settings → Privacy → Special Permissions → Personalized Recommendations – you also need to deactivate all switches.

• 🔍 Security menu: Open the Security app, go to Settings (⚙️) → Recommendations and disable advertising.
• 📱 Poco launcher: Clip the empty space on the home screen → Home screen settings → Turn off "Recommended Content".
• 🌐 Browser Mi: In the settings of the browser (⋮ → Settings → Deactivate "Personalized News".

Method Limitation: This method only removes the part of the ads associated with your data, the banners on the menu "Themes", "Game Turbo" or "Mi Video" will remain, and to remove them will require more radical measures.

2. Remove Xiaomi system applications (without root)

Many of the advertising modules in MIUI are linked to pre-installed apps like Mi Video, Mi Browser, GetApps or Mi Pay, which can be disabled (but not removed completely) through standard settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type the name of the application (for example, GetApps).
3. Click "Disable" (if the button is inactive - first click "Delete Updates").
4. Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu, and its background processes will no longer show ads.

List of safe applications to disable (do not remove system services like MiuiDaemon or SecurityCenter!):

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable Android icon apps (such as Google Play Services) – this can disrupt your smartphone. Also avoid turning off Security (security center), otherwise your fingerprint and face unlock will stop working.

Make a backup copy of important data|Check the list of safe applications to disable|Do not touch Google services and MIUI|Reboot the phone after disconnecting-->

3.Use of ADB-commands for deep disabling advertising

If standard methods don’t work, you can use USB debugging (ADB) to disable hidden advertising services, which doesn’t require root rights, but requires a computer and minimal technical skills.

First, turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times). Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate Debugging by USB.

Install. ADB-Tools on PC, connect the phone and execute in the command line (cmd):

adb devices


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.cloudservice




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.cloudbackup

These commands will disable the main modules responsible for data collection and displaying ads. For a complete list of commands for your Poco model, check out the current discussions on the 4PDA forum.

⚠️ Warning: Some commands may cause your Mi Account to sync or cloud backups to fail. If you use these features, skip the last two lines in the list above.

Installation of an alternative launcher

The standard Poco Launcher contains built-in advertising modules that cannot be removed without root.The solution is to install a third-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion Launcher.

After installation:

1. Open a new launcher and set it as “Default Launcher” (the offer will appear automatically).
2. In the launcher settings, disable all options related to recommendations (for example, in Nova Launcher: Settings → Home Screen → Show Google App).
3. Remove or disable the standard Poco Launcher through Settings → Apps.

Advantages of the method:

✅ Complete removal of ads from the main screen and app panel.

✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface (gestures, icons, animations).

✅ Compatible with all Poco models (including Poco) X5 Pro and Poco F5).

Disadvantages:

❌ Does not remove ads in system menus (for example, in Settings).

❌ Some launchers consume more RAM.

💡

If you lose your weather widgets or watch after changing the launcher, install alternative widgets from Google Play (for example, Chronus or Transparent Clock & Weather).

5. MIUI Patches (using Magisk)

For users who are ready to get root rights, there is a radical solution: installing patches through Magisk, which removes system-level advertising, including banners in settings and notifications.

Procedure:

1. Unlock the bootloader (the official Xiaomi instruction).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) and swipe Magisk.
3. In Magisk, install modules: Disable_Miui_Ota — disables ads in updates. MIUI Debloter – removes unnecessary system applications. Universal Ad Block – blocks ad domains at the hosts level.

Reset the device.

Risks of the method:

⚠️ Loss of warranty (if you do not restore the original firmware before contacting the service).

⚠️ Possible malfunctions in banking applications (due to Magisk).

⚠️ Incorrect firmware can lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Before unlocking the bootloader, make a full backup through TWRP Mi Flash Tool. on some Poco models (e.g. Poco) X4 Pro) unlocking resets all data!

💡

Installing Magisk and patches is the most effective way to remove ALL ads, but only for advanced users. For beginners, we recommend limiting the first four methods.

6. Transition to custom firmware (for advanced)

If you’re willing to give up MIUI altogether, you can install custom firmware based on AOSP (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS), which is devoid of advertising and pre-installed Xiaomi apps, but requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader.
• 📥 Compatible firmware for your Poco model (check on the XDA Developers).
• 🔧 Ability to work with fastboot and TWRP.

The advantages of custom firmware:

✔ Pure Android without ads and “junk”.

✔ Quick security updates.

✔ Ability to fine tune (e.g., change the DPI screen).

Cons:

✖ Loss of some functions MIUI (For example, Game Turbo or Dual Applications).

✖ Risk of unstable camera or sensor operation (depending on firmware).

✖ Lack of official support.

For Poco F4 GT or Poco X5 5G models, check user reviews before installing – some firmware may not support 5G or high-frequency CPU modes.

7. Blocking Advertising via DNS or VPN

If you need to block ads in your browser and some apps, you can use an alternative DNS or VPN with traffic filtering.

Method 1: Changing the DNS

Go to Settings → Connections → Private DNS and type:

dns.adguard.com

1.1.1.3

Method 2: VPN with ad blocking

Install applications like this:

✅ AdGuard (there is a free version with restrictions).

✅ Blokada (blocks advertising at the level) DNS).

✅ NextDNS (allows you to configure custom filters).

These methods won’t remove ads from the MIUI system menus, but they are effective for the browser, YouTube and most apps, and the main advantage is that you don’t need to root or unlock the bootloader.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing ads on Poco