Xiaomi smartphone owners, including the popular Redmi Note 9 model, often face intrusive marketing built into the MIUI shell. Advertising banners can appear in system applications, when unlocking the screen or even as pop-ups on top of other programs.This is not only annoying, but also wastes traffic, and reduces the overall performance of the device.
Fortunately, most advertising mechanisms can be deactivated by regular means without obtaining root rights. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods: from disabling the msa system service to configuring a private DNS.
Before you start, make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile internet, as some settings require synchronization with servers.It is also worth bearing in mind that the interfaces of different versions of MIUI may differ slightly, but the logic of actions remains the same throughout the brand ecosystem.
Disabling the MSA system service
The centerpiece of Xiaomi’s advertising system is the MIUI System Ads (MSA), which is responsible for collecting user preferences and delivering targeted ads to embedded applications, and disabling this component is the first and most important step.
To start, go to the Settings menu, then select Passwords and Security, and then go to Access to Personal Data (or Permits -> Special Permits) and find the msa app in the list that opens and turn the slider to "Off."
The system will alert you to the effects of the shutdown and start a countdown of 10 seconds. Attention: at this point, a window may appear asking you to confirm the action, where the "Cancel" button will be highlighted in color and the "Stop" button is pale. You need to click on the barely noticeable "Stop" button.
⚠️ Note: If after disconnecting the msa service automatically turned on again after a few minutes, repeat the procedure 2-3 Sometimes it takes several attempts for the server to receive a command to shut down.
After a successful service stop, it is also recommended to limit the background activity of the application. Go to Settings -> Applications -> All applications, find msa and select AutoStart, turning it off. This will prevent the process from starting again after the restart.
Configuring recommendations in system applications
Even after the main ad engine is turned off, some of Xiaomi’s built-in utilities continue to offer “recommendations,” including apps like Explorer, Music, Video and Cleanup, each component requiring customization.
Consider the main places where advertising integrations are hiding. In the Security app, go to the settings (the gear icon) and find the "Receive recommendations" option by turning it off. Similar actions should be done in Explorer: click on the menu (three bars), select Settings -> About application and remove the tick from "Recommendations".
- 📱 Topic: Open the Topics app, go to Profile -> Settings and disable "Show Ads" and "Personal Recommendations".
- 🎵 Music: in the Music app click Settings -> Advanced settings and turn off "Show ads".
- 📂 Downloads: in the Downloads menu, select Settings and remove the tick from the "Receive recommendations" item".
Remember that system updates can bring some of these settings back to factory values. Periodic checks will help keep the phone clean. Particular attention should be paid to GetApps app (application store from Xiaomi), which also active push notifications.
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If you do not use the built-in Xiaomi applications (Music, Video, Browser), it is better to immediately remove their updates or disable them in the application settings, replacing them with analogues from Google.
Using a private DNS to block
The most effective method, which works at the level of the entire Android operating system, is to configure a private DNS. This method allows you to block requests to known ad servers even before they reach your Redmi Note 9.
To implement this method, go to Settings -> Connection and sharing (or just Wi-Fi). Find a Private Item DNS (Private DNS). The default is "Auto" or "Disabled." Select "Host Name Provider" mode. DNS" and enter the address: dns.adguard.com.
dns.adguard.comOnce you save the settings, the phone can lose the Internet connection for a second and then restore it.This method does not require installing third-party applications and has little impact on network speed, since AdGuard servers are optimized for a quick response.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value | The effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNS mode | Automobile | Host name | Forced use of the filter |
| Server address | - | dns.adguard.com | Locking down trackers |
| Security | Standard. | Encrypted | Protection against wiretapping |
| Speed. | Depends on the provider. | Tall. | Caching requests |
Important: Using a third-party DNS may conflict with some parental controls from a mobile operator or corporate filters if the phone is used on a work network.
Management of notifications and authorizations
Often, under the guise of advertising, intrusive notifications from the applications you install are hidden. MIUI has a convenient feature called “Notification Master”, which allows you to control in detail which applications have the right to disturb the user.
Go to Settings -> Notifications and Status bar -> Application Notifications. Here you will see the full list of programs. Go through the list and turn off notifications for applications that do not need them (calculator, voice recorder, simple games). Disabling notifications for the system application "Advertising services" (if any) is a critical step.
Also worth checking for browser permissions. If you use Chrome or MIUI Browser, go to their settings and look for Site Notifications. Turn off the ability of sites to send push notifications, as they often spread spam.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful when disabling system notifications (such as from "Security" or "Downloads") to avoid missing important virus alerts or completing file downloads.
☑️ Checking privacy settings
Specifics of working with the Mi Browser browser
Xiaomi’s built-in browser is known for its aggressive policy of displaying news and advertising on the homepage, and if you can’t opt out, you need to make a deep adjustment.
Open your browser, click on the menu (three dots or bars) and select Settings. In the Home section, turn off all switches associated with News Tape, Popular and Recommendations. This will clear the start page of information noise.
Next, go to Privacy and Security inside your browser settings, and it is recommended to turn on Ad Blocker (if available in your version) and clear your browsing data. For complete isolation, you can use Incognito mode for everyday surfing, although it is less convenient.
An alternative is to install a third-party browser, such as Firefox or Brave, which have powerful filters built in and are not integrated as deeply as the standard MIUI browser.
Hidden browser settings
Additional methods and FAQ
There are more radical methods, such as using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to remove system components, which requires connecting the phone to a computer and having basic command line knowledge. Commands like pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.misys can completely cut out advertising modules, but carry the risk of disrupting the stability of the system.
Users who are not confident in their abilities should limit themselves to the software methods described above.The combination of disabling msa and setting up DNS solves 95% of the problems with advertising on the Redmi Note 9.
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A comprehensive approach (disabling services + DNS + settings of applications) has the maximum effect, and using only one method can leave loopholes for advertisers.
Below are the answers to frequently asked questions that will help resolve remaining doubts about your device’s setup.