How to turn off ads on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: the full guide

Ownership of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is often overshadowed by intrusive banner ads that appear in the most unexpected places on the interface. Users encounter sudden pop-ups when unlocking the screen, in application folders or even inside system utilities. This is not a bug, but a feature of the MIUI shell that monetizes available devices. However, there is a proven algorithm of actions that allows you to completely clean the system of digital noise.

The process of getting rid of advertising requires sequential disabling of several system services responsible for collecting data and displaying content. It is important to understand that a simultaneous solution to the problem is impossible through a single button, since different types of ads are responsible for different components of the OS. You will have to go through the chain of settings to ensure the purity of the interface. Below is a detailed guide for the Redmi Note 4 model.

Before you start deep setup, make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Some changes only take effect after synchronization with the server or require Internet access to check the subscription status. It is also recommended to back up important data, although the described actions do not carry the risk of losing personal information.

Disabling the MSA service, the main source of advertising

The centerpiece of the advertising ecosystem in the MIUI shell is the MIUI System Ads app, known in the process list as msa. It is this service that analyzes your actions and generates personalized offers. To stop it from working, you need to find the appropriate item in the authorization menu. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Authorization and Review.

In the list that opens, find the msa string and put the slider in an inactive position. The system will try to dissuade you from this step, claiming that without this service, some functions may not work correctly. Don't pay attention to warnings. The countdown timer will require you to wait 10 seconds, after which you need to press the Revoke button.

Often, the first time you can not turn off the service is not possible due to server errors or connection timeout. If the Revoke button is inactive or there is an error message, just repeat the procedure several times. Usually for 3-4 attempts, the Xiaomi server misses the request. This is the standard behavior of the system of protection against accidental disconnection.

Once the rights are successfully revoked, access to the ad network will be blocked, a key step without which further adjustments may not have a full effect, and the rest of the steps only add to the overall picture of the purity of the interface.

Setup of System Applications: Security and Downloads

Even after the main service is disabled, individual applications can continue to show recommendations, primarily for standard antivirus Security. Open the application, click on the settings gear in the upper right corner and find Receive recommendations. Turn the switch off.

A similar situation is observed in Download Manager. Launch the application, go to the menu (three dots or bars) and select Settings → Show recommended content. Disabling this option will remove news feed and ads from the download manager interface, which is especially important, since this is where banners of third-party games often appear.

Don't forget the Themes app. It also contains ad integrations. Go to the user profile (human icon), select Settings → General and disable the Display Ads option, which will clear the directory of intrusive offers of paid and free designs.

⚠️ Note: After updating the firmware, the settings of some system applications may reset to factory values. Periodically check the "Recommendations" sections in important utilities.

Comprehensive verification of all built-in utilities allows you to create a unified front of protection against unwanted content, ignoring the settings in individual applications negates efforts to clean the system globally.

Notification and personalization management at MIUI

MIUI actively uses personalization to serve targeted ads. To limit the collection of your preferences, go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Privacy → Special Permits → Ads. You need to activate the Limit Tracking function. This is a signal to the system that you do not want to be targeted.

Next, check Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to Personal Data. In the application list, find the MIUI Services and Feedback (or MSA) and deny access. This will prevent the analytic data from being transferred to the developer's servers, although this does not completely disable ads, it significantly reduces their frequency and relevance.

An important step is to disable the Receive recommendations feature in general system settings. The path may differ depending on the version of Android and MIUI: Settings → Additional → Get recommendations. Make sure that all sliders in this menu are turned off. This applies to app installation recommendations and news reports.

The decline in digital surveillance not only removes ads, but also potentially increases the battery life of the Redmi Note 4, as background stat-collection processes stop consuming CPU resources.

Cleaning the browser and blocking pop-up windows

Users often confuse Xiaomi’s system ads with the browser’s ad modules. If the ads appear while surfing the Internet, the problem lies in the browser’s settings or installed extensions. In the standard Mi Browser browser, go to settings (three bars), select Settings → Privacy and Security, and enable Ad Blocking.

If you use Google Chrome, make sure that under Settings → Privacy & Security → Site Settings → Pop-ups and redirects are banned. It is also recommended to install a third-party blocker, such as AdGuard, which filters traffic at the DNS level or through a local VPN.

Special attention should be paid to notifications from sites. Often sites ask permission to display notifications, then spam you with ads, check the list of permitted sites in the browser settings and delete any suspicious domains. This is a common reason for advertising even when the browser is turned off.

Competent configuration of browsers and blockers creates a reliable barrier to web threats, the combination of system settings and third-party tools gives the best result.

Disabling Advertising in Folders and on the Desktop

One of the most annoying features of MIUI is that you have recommended apps in folders on your desktop. When you create a folder and put a few icons in there, the "Recommended Apps" line may appear at the bottom. To remove it, open the folder, click on the folder name (or the three dots/settings inside the folder) and find the Recommended Apps switch.

Turn this switch to off. Then you'll only have the Add button at the bottom of the folder, and the promotional offers will disappear. This setting applies to each folder individually, so you'll have to repeat it for all the groups of applications you've created. It takes time, but it's worth it.

Also worth checking is the Wallpaper Carousel widget, if installed. It often shows ads on the lock screen. Go to Settings → Lock screen and disable Wallpaper Carousel or check the box in its settings to Receive Content.

A clean desktop is not just about aesthetics, it's also about usability, and the lack of extra elements makes it easier to find the right apps and not be distracted by visual noise.

Using DNS to block the world

For advanced users who want to advertise at the network connection level, the effective method is to change the network. DNS-server, use of the server DNS filtered (e.g. AdGuard) DNS) It allows you to block requests to known ad servers before they even reach your phone.

To change the DNS to Redmi Note 4 (Android 9+), go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Private DNS. Select the option “DNS Provider Host Name” and type in the address: dns.adguard.com. Save settings. Older versions of Android will require you to install a special application or set up via Wi-Fi (static IP).

This method does not require additional applications and works out of the box, but it is worth remembering that some legitimate services may not work properly when aggressive filtering, in which case DNS can be temporarily disabled.

⚠️ Attention: When using private DNS Some banking applications or government services may require it to be disabled to work properly.

Global traffic filtering is a powerful tool in the user's arsenal, complementing system settings by creating layered protection.

Checking installed applications and viruses

If after all the settings, the ads continue to appear as pop-ups on top of other applications, there is a high probability that malware is installed on the phone. Often these programs are disguised as useful utilities: flashlights, memory cleaners, scanners. QR-code.

Look carefully at the list of all installed applications. Look for programs without a name or with a transparent icon. Often they hide at the very bottom of the list. If you find a suspicious application that does not delete or immediately reappears, try to remove it through Safe Mode. To enter it, press the turn off button, and then hold your finger on the "Switch off power" item on the screen for a long time.

Deleting viruses requires care, and after cleaning, it is recommended to scan the device with an embedded antivirus or a trusted scanner, such as Dr.Web Light, to help identify residual files of malicious code.

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Install a visualization app to see which program is causing the pop-up ads, which will help you quickly find the culprit.

Clean software is the key to the stable operation of the Redmi Note 4. Regular audit of installed applications prevents infection of the device in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Integrated approach including shutdown MSA, customization of applications and use DNS-Filters guarantee no advertising on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4.