How to disable MSA on Xiaomi: A complete guide to cleaning up your system

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face intrusive advertising that appears in system applications and the interface, a hidden system component called MSA (MIUI System Ads), which is activated by default on all devices of the brand, many users do not even realize that this service collects usage data and generates advertising impressions.

Disabling this module is not just a way to get rid of banners, but also a step towards improving the performance of the gadget. Completely disabling MSA does not disrupt the basic functions of the phone, but requires careful adherence to the sequence of actions. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods of deactivation, from standard settings to advanced methods through ADB.

Before making any changes, it’s important to understand that you’re interfering with system processes, and it’s recommended to back up important data in advance, a standard precaution when dealing with deep Android shell settings.

What is MSA and why to turn it off

MSA stands for MIUI System Ads. It is a system service built into the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS, the main task of which is to display advertising in standard applications such as Explorer, Music, Themes and even in the lock menu.

In addition to visual noise, this component consumes CPU and RAM resources in the background, and when you turn it off, you will notice that the device is slightly more responsive and battery consumption in standby mode has decreased, which is especially true for budget models with limited RAM.

⚠️ Warning: The shutdown process may temporarily disrupt some system widgets or theme store, usually solved by simply restarting the device.

Disabling MSA also increases your digital privacy, collects telemetry about what apps you open and how often you use your phone to target ads, and by removing it, you stop that data transfer.

Preparation for changes to the system

Before you start the procedure, make sure that your device is ready to be manipulated. First of all, check the version of the operating system. The path to information is in the Settings menu → About phone → MIUI version. On different versions of the shell, menu items can be called differently.

Be sure to connect your smartphone to a stable Wi-Fi network. Some system components try to sync with servers during the shutdown process, and breaking the connection can cause the process to fail or freeze.

Also, make sure that the device is not running heavy background processes, close all unnecessary applications through the task manager, which will free up resources to correctly execute system commands.

Basic method of disconnection through settings

The easiest and most secure way to deaktivirovat' reklamnyj modul' is to use the built-in privacy settings. This method does not require root rights or a computer connection. Go to Settings → Passwords and security → Access to personal data.

In the list that opens, find msa. The switch next to it should be active. Click on it to turn it off. The system will alert you that some features may stop working, and start a countdown of 10 seconds.

When the time is up, press the "Cancel" button. If the first time the switch has not turned off and the switch has returned to its original position, repeat the procedure 3-4 times in a row. This is a known interface bug that often occurs on global firmware.

• 🔍 Find the mab service in the list as well (MIUI Ads Browser) and withdraw consent to the processing of data for it.
• 🔍 Check the "Get recommendations" item in the folder settings on the desktop and disable it.
• 🔍 In the Security app, go to the settings and find the “Receive recommendations” option by removing the tick.

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If the MSA switch does not press or immediately returns back, try to turn off the Internet for 5-10 seconds while pressing the “Cancel” button.

Disabling Advertising in System Applications

Even after the MSA has revoked permissions, individual apps can continue to show promotional material unless the ticks are removed in their own settings, a separate layer of personalization that is controlled by each application individually.

Consider the main system utilities where these settings are hidden. In the Themes app, click on your user profile, then select Settings and turn off the "Show Ads" and "Personal Recommendations" options.

In File Manager, the situation is similar: go to the menu (three bars), select Settings → About (or immediately Settings in new versions), and find the Receive recommendations section. Similar actions should be performed in the Music, Video and Cleanup apps.

Don’t forget to check the lock screen settings as well. Go to Settings → Wallpaper and Personalization → Wallpaper Carousel and turn off this service. It is often a source of intrusive news and promotional images when the screen is turned on.

Using ADB for Advanced Removal

If the standard methods don’t help or you want to remove the component, you can use a computer and debugging over USB. This method requires a PC, cable and an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) toolkit.

To start, activate the developer mode. Click on the build number seven times in the About Phone menu. Then, in the advanced settings, turn on USB Debugging. Connect the phone to your computer and allow debugging on your smartphone screen.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.msa.global

This command will force the MSA packet to stop and freeze for the current user, and the phone will not lose its software guarantee, since the system files are not physically deleted, but only stop downloading.

⚠️ Be careful when typing commands. Disabling critical system packages (non-advertising) can lead to a cyclical reboot).

To get things back to normal, use the command to replace disable-user with enable, a one-stop solution for those who want complete control of their operating system.

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The ADB method is the most effective, as it completely blocks the process from starting even if Xiaomi servers try to reactivate it.

Frequent problems and their solution

Users may encounter various difficulties in cleaning the device, such as when the MSA is turned off, the automatic wallpaper change or the Mi Browser widget may stop working, which is an expected behavior, since these functions are tied to advertising modules.

Sometimes there is an increased traffic flow immediately after a shutdown, which is because the system is trying to send an error report or complete background processes, usually within a day.

• 📉 If the phone is running slower, try clearing the cache of system applications through the Recovery menu).
• 📉 With constant pop-ups, check the list of installed apps – it is possible that an ad virus got into the system through a third-party. APK-file.
• 📉 If the sound is missing, check the Dolby Atmos or equalizer settings that may have reset when changing system settings.

In rare cases, on Chinese firmware (CN ROM) devices, removing the MSA completely can cause the GetApps store to fail. For global versions (Global ROM), such problems usually do not arise.

Outcomes and recommendations for maintaining system cleanliness

Disabling MSA is a necessary procedure for any Xiaomi owner who values their time and attention. By following the steps described above, you will turn your smartphone from an advertising platform into a convenient tool for work and entertainment.

Check system updates regularly. Company engineers sometimes change the location of switches or introduce new ways to monetize, so controlling privacy settings should become a habit.

Remember, you can't have complete sterility without losing the convenience of some services. Find a balance that suits you. For most users, a basic method through privacy settings is enough.

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Install an alternative launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, which will completely replace the desktop and eliminate ads in the folders and news feed of MIUI.