Xiaomi smartphone owners often face aggressive monetization built into the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS. One of the most annoying elements is the “Recommended” section inside app folders, which suggests installing unnecessary software or showing banner ads.
Fortunately, the developers have left the option to disable this feature, although sometimes finding the right setting can be difficult due to constant changes in the menu structure. In this article, we will discuss in detail how Xiaomi remove recommendations in folders, returning the system to a clean and professional look without unnecessary distractions.
The disablement procedure does not require root rights or the use of complex third-party software, just know the exact path in the settings or use special applications to fine-tune the interface if standard methods do not work on your version of the firmware.
The nature of advertising in MIUI folders
Advertising blocks and recommendations in folders are part of the ecosystem MSA (MIUI System Ads, which is designed to monetize the company's budget devices, analyzes your smartphone usage habits and suggests content that the system thinks you might be interested in, but often these offers look like spam.
The recommendation is enabled by default when you first activate your device or after a major system update. Users rarely notice small ticks at the beginning of use, and then encounter an already working mechanism for displaying ads, especially for the Tools folder or user groups of applications.
⚠️ Note: Even after disabling the main advertising services, some interface elements may temporarily display cached banners until the system cache is completely cleared.
Understanding that advertising is a system function, not a virus, helps you get the problem right, you don't have to look for malware, you just have to fine-tune your personalization settings.
Basic method of disabling through folder settings
The easiest and safest way to remove recommendations from folders is to use the folder’s built-in management menu, which works on most current versions of the shell, including MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS.
To start, you need to create a new folder on your desktop or open an existing folder that displays recommendations. Click on the folder name or the space inside it to call the context menu. The interface may vary slightly depending on the theme of the design, but the logic remains the same.
☑️ Checking folder settings
In the menu that opens, you'll see a switch that says "Recommended" or "Promoted apps," which is the one that displays the offers, and when it's turned off, the recommendation block should disappear instantly, and if it doesn't, try closing the folder and opening it again.
- 📱 Open the folder with applications on the desktop.
- ⚙️ Click on the folder name or the empty area inside it.
- 🚫 Find the switchboard “Recommended” and translate it to the position “Off».
- 🔄 Close the folder and check the result.
It's important to note that on some global firmware versions, this item may be called "Application Carousel" or have a similar name. If you don't see the switch right away, try clicking on the gear icon if it's available in the folder interface.
Global MSA Service Shutdown
If a pinpoint disabling in folders does not help or you want to get rid of all system advertising, you need to deactivate the MSA service. This is a systematic process responsible for collecting data and showing advertising content in all corners of the shell.
Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Data Access. Search the MSA (MIUI System Ads) app and deny it access to Wi-Fi and mobile data. Without the Internet, the service will not be able to download ad units.
Settings → Passwords and security → Data access → msa → Disable Wi-Fi and Mob. dataOnce access is restricted, go back to the Authorization and Review menu (under Passwords and Security or Advanced Settings) and find the msa list and turn off the slider. The system will ask you to wait 10 seconds, then click "Cancel." You may have to repeat the procedure 2-3 times, as servers may not respond the first time.
💡
If the server doesn't revoke authorization on the first try, don't give up. Try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile internet or vice versa, and then repeat the recall procedure after 24 hours.
Disabling MSA is the most radical, but also the most effective method, not only removing recommendations in folders, but also clearing system applications such as Explorer, Music and Themes from advertising.
Use of the MIUI Debug Application
For advanced users who want to gain full control over hidden interface settings, there is a great solution – the MIUI Debug app. This tool allows you to activate hidden developer menus for system components, including the launcher.
Download. APK-file MIUI Debug from a trusted source (e.g., from a forum) 4PDA Or GitHub, and install it. Once you run the app, search the System Launcher list and enable debugging for it, which will give you access to additional settings that are hidden from the user.
Where is MIUI Debug safe to download?
Once you activate the launcher debugging, go back to the folder settings, and you may see an additional menu item or advanced personalization options that allow you to manage your content more flexibly. However, even without them, having MIUI Debug often helps you reset the erroneous interface states.
Using these tools requires caution. Incorrectly changing hidden settings can lead to unstable work of the desktop. Always have at hand the ability to reset the launcher settings.
Comparison of methods of cleaning the interface
The choice of method depends on your version of Android and the firmware region. Chinese versions of MIUI often have more aggressive advertising than global ones, but there are more tools to combat it. Below is a table to help you choose the best way.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch in the folder | Low. | Medium (folders only) | Absent. |
| MSA shutdown | Medium | High (whole interface) | Possible failures in the work of the |
| MIUI Debug | Tall. | Maximum | System instability |
| Third-party launcher | Low. | Complete interface replacement | Loss of MIUI functions |
As you can see from the table, the switch in the folder is the safest, but it doesn't remove ads elsewhere. Disabling MSA gives you the best balance between security and outcome. Using a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher completely ignores MIUI rules, but you lose some of the proprietary functionality.
It is recommended to start with the simplest methods and move to the most complex only when necessary. In 90% of cases, it is enough to simply turn off the switchboard in the folder settings or restrict network access for msa service.
Problems with upgrading to HyperOS
With the release of the HyperOS shell, Xiaomi has changed the structure of many settings, the path to disabling recommendations could shift or change the name, and new versions focus on Xiaomi Account services and personalization.
If standard methods don’t work on HyperOS, check your account settings. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Advertising (the path may vary). This often hides a shared personalized ad switch that affects the content of folders.
⚠️ Warning: After a major firmware update, all your previous ad-disabled settings may reset to factory values.Always check system settings after the update MIUI or hyperos.
Also in HyperOS "GetApps" (app store), if it is used as a source of recommendations.Removing updates to this app or turning it off completely in the app menu often solves the problem.
Alternative solutions and replacement of the launcher
If the built-in tools can’t remove recommendations, or you just want to radically change the appearance of the smartphone, installing a third-party launcher is the ideal solution, which completely replaces the desktop, lock screen and folder management.
Popular launchers like Nova Launcher, Smart Launcher or Lawnchair have no built-in advertising and allow you to create folders with any design. After installing such an application, click the Home button and the system will prompt you to choose the default launcher.
💡
Installing a third-party launcher is the only way to get rid of all MIUI elements, including the recommendations folders, forever.
However, it’s worth remembering that third-party launchers may not support some MIUI gestures or the Always On Screen feature as implemented by the manufacturer, a trade-off between clean interfaces and deep system integration.
For most users, it’s easy to turn off recommendations in standard folders, keeping the usual logic of the work. But if you appreciate minimalism, replacing the launcher will give your Xiaomi a second life.