How to permanently remove ads on the lock screen and in MIUI on Xiaomi

Advertising on the lock screen, system apps and notifications is one of the most annoying features of Xiaomi’s MIUI firmware. Even after buying a smartphone, users are faced with intrusive banners that slow down the device and spoil the experience of the interface. In this article, we will examine all the current ways to disable advertising, from standard settings to radical methods using ADB and superuser rights.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi integrates ad modules at the system level, so there is no universal solution with a single button. However, a combination of several methods allows you to remove up to 95% of ads without losing functionality. We tested the instructions on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Black Shark 5 models – all methods work on MIUI 14 and later (including hyper firmware). If you use the old version (for example, MIUI 12), some menu items may differ – pay attention to the screenshots in the official documentation.

Before you start, check your firmware version: go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version. This will help avoid errors when applying instructions. Also note that after major system updates (for example, from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), advertising settings may be reset β€” they will have to be reconfigured.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi model do you have?
Redmi (Note/Pro series)
POCO (F/X/M)
Xiaomi (digital series)
Black Shark
other

1. Disabling Advertising in Standard MIUI Settings

To start with, the simplest of them is the built-in firmware options. Xiaomi provides the ability to disable some of the ads through the settings menu, but these options are often hidden or reset after updates.

Go to Settings β†’ Password and Security β†’ Autocomplete β†’ Advertising and deactivate the Personalized Recommendations slider. This item is responsible for targeting ads in system applications. Next, go back to the main settings menu and open Settings β†’ Google β†’ Advertising (if this section is available). Here, turn off Personalized Advertising and reset the Advertising ID, which will reduce the number of banners from Google services.

For the lock screen, the path will be different: Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Additional settings β†’ Advertisements on the lock screen. Turn off all available options. Note that on some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) This item may be called β€œRecommendations on the Lock Screen” or hidden in the Settings section. β†’ Screen. β†’ Lock screen.

  • πŸ“± Lock screen: Disables banners when unlocked
  • πŸ” Search String: Removes Advertising in Search Widget
  • πŸ“Š System Notifications: Reduces the Number of Push Ads
  • 🎯 Personalization: Disables targeted offers

⚠️ Note: On regional firmware devices (e.g. India or China), some menu items may not be available.

Turn off "Personalized Recommendations" in Autocomplete|

Reset the advertising ID in Google | settings

Remove the ticks in "Advertising on the lock screen"|

Reboot your phone after the changes-->

2. Removal of Advertising through ADB (without root)

If standard settings don’t work, the next step is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that doesn’t require superuser rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to a computer, and has the advantage of blocking system-level advertising services.

First, enable USB debugging on your phone: go to Settings β†’ About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers and enable USB Debugging. Connect your phone to your PC, install Xiaomi drivers (if necessary) and download ADB Tools.

Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and enter the following commands in turn (click Enter after each):

adb devices


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.joyose

These commands disable the main MIUI ad modules. After you run, restart your phone. If a command returns a Failed error, skip it, which means that the package is already deactivated or missing from your device.

Team team.What's off?Effects of consequences
com.miui.systemAdSolutionSystemic banner advertisementsDisappears advertising in settings and notifications
com.xiaomi.midropAdvertising in Mi DropThe function of fast file transfer stops working
com.android.browserAdvertising in the Mi browserThe system browser will become inoperable
com.miui.analyticsAnalytics gatheringThe number of personalized advertising will decrease

⚠️ Warning: Disabling com.android.browser will make it impossible to open links from some apps.Install an alternative browser (e.g. Chrome or Firefox) in advance.

πŸ’‘

If the ad returns after you run the commands, check for MIUI updates, which can automatically turn on after the updates, and repeat the procedure after installing the updates.

3.Use of third-party apps to block ads

If ADB It's hard to use specialized utilities, and the best ones are AdGuard and Blokada. VPN-It's a tunnel and it filters out ad traffic at the network level, and it's advantageous: it doesn't require root rights, it works on all versions. MIUI.

Install AdGuard from the official site (not from Google Play, there is a limited version).

  1. Open the application and go through the initial setup.
  2. Turn on "Protection" in the main menu.
  3. Go to Settings. β†’ Filters β†’ Advertising filters and activate: πŸ›‘οΈ AdGuard Base filter πŸ“± Mobile ads filter 🌍 EasyList China (important for the MIUI)

Annexes

  • com.miui.systemAdSolution
  • com.xiaomi.msa.global

Blokada works similarly, but has a simpler interface. Once installed, select Ad Block mode and activate EasyList + Xiaomi Ad Block lists. Both apps consume minimal battery (about 1-2% per day) and do not affect Internet speed.

Important: Some banking applications (such as SberBank or Tinkoff) may block work when an active VPN is running, in which case add them to the exceptions in the AdGuard/Blokada settings.

4. Radical methods: removal of ads with root access

If you are willing to go to extreme measures, obtaining root rights allows you to remove advertising modules forever. This method is suitable for power users, as improper actions can lead to a device "brick".

Once root is available, install a superuser-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer) and delete the following folders and files:

/system/app/MSA


/system/app/Analytics




/system/app/QuickSearchBox




/system/priv-app/MiuiDaemon




/system/priv-app/SystemAdSolution

Also check the folder. /data/app/ If you have files with names that contain ad, msa, or analytics, delete them without hesitation. ADB:

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

This method is guaranteed to remove 100% of system advertising, but has risks:

Some functions may fail (e.g., theme store).

- MIUI updates can restore deleted files.

The warranty on the device is canceled (on most models).

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi), the structure of system folders may differ. Before deleting files, back up through the TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

What if the phone doesn’t turn on after deleting the files?
If the device is stuck on the logo or went to bootloop, try it: 1. Enter Recovery (Press Power) + Volume Up). 2. Select Wipe β†’ Advanced Wipe and to celebrate Dalvik/ART Cache + Cache. 3. If it doesn't work, run your phone through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.

5. Resetting and flashing to the global version of MIUI

If neither method worked, the last solution is to completely reset or reflash the global version of MIUI. The fact is that the Chinese and Indian versions of firmware have much more advertising. Global builds (for example, MIUI Global or EEA) contain fewer ad modules by default.

To reset, go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Reset and select β€œErase All Data.” This will delete all files, photos and apps β€” back up in advance via Mi Cloud or locally on your PC. After reset, set up your phone again and immediately disable ads through the items in the first section.

To flash it, download the official global firmware for your model from en.miui.com. Use the Mi Flash Tool to install via Fastboot or upgrade via Recovery if your current version supports OTA-For firmware instructions for a particular model, look for forums 4PDA or XDA Developers.

MethodEfficiencyRisks.PC required
Resetting settingsMedium (removes some of the advertising)Loss of dataNo.
Reflashing on GlobalHigh (removes 80-90% of advertising)Possible soft-brick.Yes.
Installation of custom firmwareMaximum (no advertising)Loss of warranty, risk of brickYes.

6.Alternative firmware: LineageOS and Pixel Experience

The most radical, but also the most effective way is to install custom firmware, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which builds on pure Android without Xiaomi ad modules.

  • πŸ”“ Unlock the bootloader (bootloader)
  • πŸ› οΈ Custom recaveri installations (TWRP)
  • πŸ“± Compatibility with your model (check on the XDA)

The installation process takes 30-60 minutes and includes the following steps:

1. Unlock bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Mi Account binding and wait 7-30 days).

2. Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot.

3. Formatting data, system and cache sections.

4. firmware custom OS and GApps (if you need Google services).

Advantages of custom firmware:

- Total lack of Xiaomi advertising.

- Smooth operation and long battery life.

Regular security updates from the community.

Disadvantages:

Loss of MIUI features (e.g. Second Space or Game Turbo)

Possible bugs with camera or sensors (depending on model)

πŸ’‘

Custom firmware is the only way to get rid of advertising forever, but it requires technical skills, and for beginners, we recommend starting with the methods of the first three sections.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing ads on Xiaomi

Why does it reappear after the ADB ads are turned off?
This is due to automatic updates to system applications. Xiaomi periodically resets ad settings through Google Play Services or its own servers. Solution: Disable auto-update for system applications in Google Play β†’ Settings β†’ App auto-update. Freeze ad packages through ADB or Titanium Backup (requires). Use AdGuard to block domains api.ad.xiaomi.com and sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com.
Can I remove ads on the lock screen without root?
Yes, but not on all models. Most devices are helped by the combination: Disable Settings β†’ Lock Screen β†’ Advertising. Remove widgets from the lock screen (hold your finger on the widget β†’ Delete) Using AdGuard with a Xiaomi Ad Block filter. On POCO and Black Shark, blocking ads are harder to remove β€” you may need ADB or root.
Will Mi Pay and other Xiaomi services work after the ads are removed?
Depends on the method: Standard settings/ADB: All services are working. + Delete system files: Mi Pay, Mi Cloud or Theme Store may crash.Castom firmware: Xiaomi services do not work without additional manipulation (you need to install it) MIUI-If you are critically important branded features, use methods without root or limit yourself to AdGuard.
How to check if advertising is still in the system?
Check the following places: πŸ”’ Lock screen: did banners appear after unlocking. βš™οΈ Settings: Open sections like Themes or Security – often show ads. πŸ“± System applications: Calendar, Weather, Music. πŸ”” Notifications: Check the notification panels for push ads. If the ads are left, repeat the steps from the section ADB Or install AdGuard.
Can I return the standard settings if something goes wrong?
Yes, there are several ways: Reset via Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Reset (does not delete files). Reset via ADB: adb shell pm enable com.miui.systemAdSolution (replace with the desired package). Fastboot Fastboot: download the official firmware from Xiaomi's site and swipe through the Mi Flash Tool. If the phone doesn't turn on, use EDL mode (requires an authorized Mi Account and a Deep Flash cable).