Why is there an ad on Xiaomi Mi9 and can it be removed?
Xiaomi Mi9 owners often face intrusive ads in system apps, notifications, and even on the lock screen, due to the MIUI branded shell, which integrates ad modules from Xiaomi partners by default.
- 📱 Launcher (Folders "Recommended Applications", weather widgets)
- ⚙️ Settings (sections "Subjects", "Security", "Cleaning")
- 🔔 Notification panel (pop-up sentences)
- 🎵 Music and video (built-in Mi Music and Mi Video players)
The good news is that most ads can be turned off without root rights or third-party software. The bad news is that some banners are linked to com.miui.systemAdSolution and msa (Miui System Ads), which require deep customization. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods for the Mi9 on current versions of MIUI 12/13/14 (including global and Chinese firmware).
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Note: After the MIUI update, some settings may be reset, and we recommend that you repeat the procedure for disabling ads after each major update (for example, when you switch from MIUI 12.5 to 13.0).
Method 1: Disabling personalized advertising in your Mi Account
The first step is to deactivate targeted ads linked to your Xiaomi account, which removes ads that are loaded based on your activity (search queries, installed apps, geolocation).
Instructions:
- Open the Settings. → Mi Account (or Mi Account).
- Go to Mi Advertising (may be called Advertising or Personalized Recommendations).
- Turn off the sliders: 🔍 Personalized Ads (or Personalized Ads) 📍 Location-based advertising (location-based ads)
Shut down.
🔹 What it will do: Banners will disappear in the Mi App Store, Mi Browser and some system utilities, but the launcher and notification ads may remain — additional steps are needed to make them available.
The settings of the Mi Account are open|Found a section "Mi Advertising"|All sliders are off.|Reboot the phone to apply changes-->
Method 2: Manually remove ads through MIUI settings
Xiaomi Mi9 allows you to disable some of the ad modules directly in the system interface, these options are often hidden in deep menu sections, but their activation significantly reduces the number of banners.
Where to look:
| Settings section | Way | What to turn off |
|---|---|---|
| Promotional notices | Settings → Notifications → Additional → Advertising Notifications | Disable the slider Show advertising notifications |
| Recommended annexes | Settings → Home screen → folder “Recommended” | Delete the folder or disable the option Show recommendations |
| Thematic advertising | Settings → Topics → Settings (⚙️) → Recommendations | Disable Recommended Themes |
| Banners are safe. | Settings → Security → Settings (⚙️) → Advertising | Deactivate all advertising options |
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Note: The paths may vary on Chinese firmware (China ROM), for example, look for Notification & Control Center instead of Notification and Theme Manager instead of Theme. Use the built-in settings search (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner).
After disabling the ads in the Security section, be sure to restart your phone - otherwise banners may reappear after 24 hours.
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If you don’t have “Advertising Notifications” in your settings, try resetting the Security app settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Security → Storage → Clear Data) this often restores hidden options.
Method 3: Blocking Advertising through ADB (no root rights)
For advanced users, there is a method to disable advertising services through ADB (Android Debug Bridge.It doesn't require root access, but it will require a computer and USB-The method works on all versions of the cable. Mi9, including models with a locked loader.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times to become a developer) → Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect the Mi9 to your PC and confirm the trusted device.
- Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder.
- Open the command line in this folder and type in one by one: adb shell pm hide com.miui.systemAdSolution adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.midrop adb shell pm hide com.miui.analytics adb shell pm hide com.miui.msa.global
- Reboot the phone.
What will be required:
- Unlocked bootloader (instructions on the official website).
- Fastboot or custom recaveri (TWRP) utility.
- Data backup (firmware erases internal memory!)
🔹 Warning: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty and may result in a brick (inoperability) device. Mi9 There may also be problems with the module. NFC or camera on some assembly.
How do I get my original firmware back?
Additional tips: how to reduce the amount of advertising
Even after the main ad modules are turned off, some banners may slip through. Here are some life hacks for the Mi9:
- 📁 Remove unnecessary system applications (if there is a root): Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video, GetApps - they most often show ads. Use Titanium Backup or adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 packet.
- 🔄 Update. MIUI In newer versions, Xiaomi sometimes reduces the amount of advertising (for example, in the newer versions). MIUI 14 removed banners from the settings menu for European regions).
- 🌐 Use alternative launchers: Nova Launcher or Lawnchair will replace the standard interface MIUI, where advertising folders often appear.
- 📵 Turn off mobile data for advertising services: go to Settings → Annexes → App management, find msa (Miui System Ads) and ban internet access.
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If after all the manipulations, the ads remained in the Mi App Store, try changing the account region to the European one (Settings → Mi Account → Region). The EU has stricter data protection rules, and Xiaomi is reducing the amount of advertising.