Xiaomi’s smartphones, and in particular the Redmi 9C budget model, are known for their excellent price-performance ratio, but users are often annoyed by the intrusive advertising embedded in the MIUI shell. It can appear in standard applications, when unlocking the screen and even in system folders, which significantly reduces the comfort of using the device. Many gadget owners wonder whether it is possible to completely get rid of this digital noise without resorting to complex manipulations with superuser rights.
In this detailed guide, we will discuss all the effective ways to help you clear the interface of marketing content. Disabling advertising requires a series of actions in different settings sections, since there is no single “Switch off all” button in the system, we will look at both the standard methods provided by developers and more advanced techniques that require changing network settings.
It is worth noting that aggressive monetization is a way for the company to compensate for the low cost of hardware, but the user has every right to refuse such a bonus. The key point is to disable the MSA system service (MIUI System Ads), which is responsible for loading and displaying advertising blocks in the interface. Follow the steps carefully so that you do not miss any source of pop-ups.
Disabling the MSA System Service
The first and most important step is to deactivate the main service that is responsible for displaying ads. MSA works in the background and periodically downloads content from the network. To block it, you need to go to the settings menu of your Redmi 9C. Find a section that, depending on the firmware version, can be called Passwords and Security or simply Security.
Within this menu, look for “Access to Personal Data” (or “Permissions”). Here is a list of all the apps that have access to the various functions of the smartphone. You need to find the msa app (sometimes it can appear as “MIUI System Ads”) on the list. Click on it and turn the switch to “Off” position.
Once you shut down, the system will try to convince you to keep the service active by showing a countdown timer of 10 seconds. Do not give in and wait for the countdown to end, then press the shutdown button again. You may have to repeat this procedure 2-3 times, as the system will prevent this component from turning off in any way.
⚠️ Note: After disabling the msa service, the ad won’t disappear instantly.The system takes 5 to 10 minutes to apply the changes, and in some cases, it may require a complete reboot of the device.
If you don't find msa on the list, try searching by settings by typing the acronym into the search bar, and it's also worth checking for system updates, as newer versions of MIUI may have changed the location of this item, and successfully disabling this service blocks up to 80% of all system advertising.
☑️ Checking the shutdown MSA
Set up individual advertising services
In addition to the main service, MIUI has a separate personalized advertising engine that analyzes your actions to select more relevant ads, and disabling this feature will not only increase privacy, but also remove some of the ad integrations in system utilities.
Next, go to Privacy and look for Advertising Services (or Advertising ID) and inside you will see the Ad Personalization switch. Deactivate it. This action will prevent the system from using your Advertising ID to target content.
The same menu often includes a button called Reset Ad ID, which is recommended to be pressed after personalization is disabled to clear your accumulated interest profile, especially if you have been using your phone for a long time without such restrictions.
- 📱 Personalization affects ads in the Mi Browser browser and the GetApps app store.
- 🔒 Disabling this feature does not affect the performance of third-party apps such as Instagram or Facebook.
- ⚙️ The setup is applied to the entire system at once, a separate inclusion for each application is not required.
It’s worth noting that some built-in apps, such as Music or Video, may have their own ad settings that duplicate the overall system setting, so checking individual settings in each major app will also be helpful.
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If you can’t find Advertising Services, search by settings by entering the phrase “advertising” or “advertising” – the quickest way to get to the menu on any version of MIUI.
Removing Advertising in Standard Apps
Even after system services are turned off, some of Xiaomi’s standard apps can continue to show recommendations and promotional material, which is because they have their own built-in content display mechanisms.
Start with the Security app, which often gives pop-ups recommending that you clear your memory or speed up your phone with ads. Open the app, click on the settings gear in the top right corner. Find the Receive recommendations item and turn it off. It's also worth turning off the Security Notices option if you don't need them.
In Downloads, ads often appear in the Recommended section. To remove them, click on the three dots in the upper right corner, select Settings, and find Show Recommended Content. Put the switch inactive, which will clear the main download screen of unnecessary visual noise.
Themes is also rich in banner ads, so go to Profile (a person icon), then to Settings, and you have to turn off the "Show ads," "Personal recommendations" and "Autoplay video" items, which will make the theme and ringtones catalog much cleaner.
⚠️ Note: In the File Manager app, ads can be embedded in the home page. Switch to the Files or Folders view to avoid the news feed with inlays.
Be sure to check the settings of the Music app. In the settings menu (three bars -> Settings), find the Advanced Settings section and turn off Receive Recommendations and Show Ads, which will prevent banners from appearing between tracks or on the player's home screen.
Blocking Advertising through DNS (Private DNS)
One of the most effective methods that works on the Android operating system level is using a private DNS, which allows you to redirect requests to ad servers to nowhere, blocking them from downloading even before they reach the screen of your Redmi 9C.
To implement this method, go to “Settings» -> «Connection and Sharing (or "Wi-Fi and Internet"). Find "Private" DNS» (Private DNS). The default is Auto or Disconnected. Select Host Name of Provider DNS» (Or "Manual"). In the field that appears, you must enter the address of a special server.
dns.adguard.comEnter the address accurately, without adding http:// or extra characters. Once you enter, click Save. Now all your device traffic will be filtered through AdGuard servers, which are known for their efficient database of blockers.
This method does not require the installation of additional applications and has little impact on the speed of the Internet. However, it is worth considering that some applications may not work properly when turned on. DNS-It's a very rare filter, but if you notice some connectivity issues in certain programs, DNS can be temporarily switched off.
| Parameter | Meaning/Action | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Type DNS | Provider host name | Includes manual tuning |
| Server address | dns.adguard.com | The main filter of advertising |
| The alternative | dns-family.adguard.com | Blocking Advertising and Content 18+ |
| Reset | Auto/Disconnected | Returns the standard settings |
What if the internet is lost after DNS is turned on?
Cleaning up Mi Browser and Notifications
Xiaomi’s standard browser is often the main source of annoyance due to the news feed and push notifications. Even if you’ve turned off system advertising, the browser can continue to show its own recommendations. To fix this, open the browser and click on the profile icon or three menu bars.
Go to Settings -> News Feed (or Home Page) and turn off all switches related to displaying news, popular articles and videos. It is also recommended to clear your browser cache through the Privacy and Security menu -> Clear Data by selecting Cache.
Pay special attention to notifications. Many sites request permission to display notifications, and then flood you with banner ads. Go to the phone's Settings -> Notifications and Status Bar -> Notification Management. Search the Mi Browser list and turn off notifications completely or leave only important ones.
- 🌐 In the browser settings, enable “Ad Blocker” in the tab “Privacy and Security».
- 🗑️ Clean cookies regularly so that websites do not track your preferences.
- 🚫 Prevent sites from sending push notifications in browser privacy settings.
If you don’t use a standard browser, consider removing it (if the MIUI version allows) or simply stop running it, opting for cleaner counterparts like Chrome or Firefox with blockers installed.
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Using a third-party browser with built-in tracking protection is the most radical and effective way to get rid of advertising on the web, completely ignoring the system limitations of MIUI.
Additional methods and FAQ
There are other nuances that can interfere with a comfortable work, for example, the Tools folder on the desktop sometimes contains news widgets. (long press) on the widget allows you to delete it or configure it. Also remember to check the About Phone -> MIUI version section - sometimes new updates add additional privacy controls.
Some users have resorted to installing third-party launchers that completely replace the interface, a complex method that requires deep knowledge, but it gives maximum control, but for most cases, the settings described above are enough.
Below are answers to the most frequent questions that arise during the setup process.