Xiaomi’s smartphones and its sub-brand Redmi are well-deservedly popular for their excellent price-performance ratio. However, one of the main features of MIUI’s branded shell, which often annoys users, is the abundance of built-in advertising. Redmi 9 owners can encounter banner ads in system applications, pop-ups and intrusive offers in folders. It’s not just visual noise, but also a factor that affects traffic consumption and battery power.
Fortunately, the system allows you to flexibly configure privacy and content display settings. Disabling ads on Xiaomi Redmi 9 does not require obtaining superuser rights or flashing the device. It is enough to go through several settings menu items consistently to significantly clean the interface. In this article, we will discuss all known blocking methods, from standard functions to more advanced ways through the DNS.
Before we take action, it's important to understand the nature of these ads. They're generated by system services like MSA (MIUI System Ads), and integrated into standard utilities like Conductor, Music, or Security. Completely removing system components without special knowledge can lead to unstable smartphone performance, so we'll only use secure shutdown methods. Let's start with the basic settings that need to be done first.
Disabling system advertising in MIUI settings
The first step to clean up Redmi 9 is to disable personalized recommendations, which is a global switch that prevents the system from analyzing your actions to show targeted content. You need to go to the Settings menu, then select Password and Security, and find the Access to Personal Data section, and you should disable the Receive Recommendations slider.
Next, check the settings of the recommendation system itself. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Access to personal data and find msa. Once you turn off this service, the system will issue a warning that some functions may not work correctly. You will need to wait 10 seconds and click “Disable.” If you did not work the first time, repeat the procedure 3-4 times, since Xiaomi servers may temporarily block the request.
It's also important to disable ads in desktop system folders. Often, when creating application folders, MIUI automatically adds a "Recommended Apps" block. To remove it, open any folder on your desktop, click on the folder name, and in the menu that appears, disable the "Recommended Apps" option.
⚠️ Note: When you turn off msa, your smartphone may warn you of the risks several times. Ignore these messages, as the service is solely responsible for displaying advertising content, not for the operation of critical functions of the phone.
Remember that the changes may not take effect immediately. After performing all the manipulations in this section, it is recommended to restart the device, this will allow Redmi 9 to update the cache and apply new privacy policies. If you notice that after a while the ad has returned, check if the system components have updated through the GetApps store.
Removing Advertising in Standard Apps
Even after the global recommendation blackout, individual apps can continue to show banners. Each standard Xiaomi app has its own ad settings that need to be disabled separately. Start with the Security app, which is one of the most intrusive. Open it, click on the gear in the upper right corner, and find "Receive recommendations." Put the switch to an inactive state.
The same steps must be taken for the Explorer app. Go to the app menu (three bars in the corner), select Settings → About, and turn off the Receive Recommendations slider. In the Subjects app, the path will be: user profile (the people at the bottom) → Settings → Receive recommendations and Show ads. Make sure all sliders are turned off here.
Don't ignore the Downloads, Music and Video app, either. In Music, you go to the menu, select Settings, then Advanced Settings, and turn off Show Ads. In Mi Video, go to I → Settings → Online Services, and check the boxes for Get push notifications and Show ads. This is a comprehensive approach that ensures the interface is clean.
- 📱 Safety: Cogs → Receive recommendations (Off).
- 📂 Conductor: Menu → Settings → About the annex → Receive recommendations (Off).
- 🎨 Topics: Profile → Settings → Receive recommendations and display advertising (off).
- 🎵 Music: Menu → Settings → Advanced settings → Showing advertisements (off).
After all the standard utilities are processed, your Redmi 9 will be significantly cleaner, but it is worth remembering that after major MIUI updates, some settings may reset to factory values.
Blocking Advertising through DNS (Private DNS)
One of the most effective methods that does not require third-party software installation is to use a private DNS. This method blocks advertising requests at the network connection level. For Redmi 9 running Android 9 and above, this feature is built into the system. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing (or “Additional Settings” in some firmware versions) → Private DNS.
The default is Auto mode, and you have to select the DNS Host Name (or Manual) option and enter the address of one of the free lock services. The most popular and stable is dns.adguard.com. Enter this address in the box and save the settings, and then all traffic going over Wi-Fi and mobile will be filtered.
dns.adguard.comThe good thing about this method is that it also blocks ads in many third-party apps and browsers where the built-in settings don't work, but it has a flip side: if the DNS server doesn't respond temporarily, some sites or apps may stop downloading content, in which case you can temporarily return the setting to Auto or Disabled.
⚠️ Attention: Use of third-party DNS-servers may affect the speed of opening some local resources or the work of telecom operators using their own resources. DNS If you notice a problem with the Internet, try changing your address to 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com.
It is important to note that this method is not a panacea for all types of advertising, for example, it will not be able to block ads on YouTube or proprietary ads in Xiaomi’s own apps if they are downloaded from the same domains as useful content.
Configure the browser and notifications
Often users confuse system advertising with intrusive notifications from sites they accidentally subscribed to in the browser. If the Redmi 9 screen constantly pops up messages about “viruses” or “wins”, the problem is most likely in the settings of the Mi Browser or Chrome browser. In the standard Xiaomi browser, you need to go to the menu (three bars) → “Settings” → “Privacy and security” and turn on “Adblocker”.
You also need to check the list of sites that have permission to send notifications. In Chrome, this is done through Settings → Site Settings → Notifications. Go through the list and delete any suspicious addresses. In Mi Browser, the path looks like: Settings → Site Settings → Notifications. Cleaning this list will instantly eliminate pop-ups on your desktop.
For more advanced protection, you can use browsers with built-in adblocks, such as Brave or DuckDuckGo. They do not require complex configuration and immediately after installation, they begin to filter trackers and advertising scripts, this is especially true for users who spend a lot of time on the Internet through a mobile device.
- 🌐 Mi Browser: Settings → Confidentiality → Adblocker (On).
- 🔔 Chrome: Settings → Site settings → Notifications (Delete unnecessary).
- 🛡️ Alternative: Install Brave browser for automatic protection.
Don’t ignore the requests of sites to display notifications. When you accidentally click “Allow” on a questionable resource, you give the go-ahead for spam. Be careful when surfing, and the amount of unwanted content on Xiaomi Redmi 9 will be significantly reduced.
☑️ Checking Advertising Settings
Comparison of blocking methods
There are many ways to deal with intrusive content, and it can be difficult to choose the right one. Some methods take time but give full control, others work automatically but may have limitations. Below is a table that will help you navigate the effectiveness of different approaches for the Redmi 9 model.
| Method | Efficiency | Difficulty | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSA shutdown | Tall. | Low. | Safe. |
| Private DNS | Medium/High | Low. | Possible network failure |
| Set-up of applications | Tall. | Medium | Safe. |
| Third-party launchers | Maximum | Tall. | Changes the interface |
As you can see from the table, the combination of methods is the best result: disabling MSA removes the basis of the advertising system, setting up applications cleans the interface, and DNS filters out external traffic. Using a third-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher, allows you to completely replace the standard shell by removing all built-in widgets and MIUI folders, but this requires getting used to new management.
You can choose the method according to your skills and needs. If you just want a clean phone for calls and instant messengers, the first two things will be enough. If you're a demanding user who wants to get the most out of the device, you can experiment with a launcher replacement.
Additional tips and nuances
Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners should be aware of a few hidden features, such as ads that may appear in the Cleanup app immediately after the scan is completed, this is treated only by disabling recommendations in the settings of the app itself, as described above. Also, sometimes banners can be loaded through the Music widget on the lock screen. To remove it, go to Settings → Lock Screen and turn off Wallpaper Carousel or related services.
Another important thing is system updates: Xiaomi regularly releases security patches and new versions of MIUI. Sometimes good old ad modules come back with useful features, so after each major update, it is recommended to repeat the procedure for checking the privacy settings.
Do not install dubious applications from unverified sources promising to “speed up the phone” or “total removal of ads.” Often such programs contain miners or show banner ads to the full screen, trust only official tools of the system and proven methods.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid installing low-rated “cliner” apps from the Play Market, which not only don’t speed up the Redmi 9, but can also lead to quick battery drain and new ads.
Digital hygiene and the right initial setup will allow you to enjoy the device without unnecessary information noise. Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a powerful device and it deserves to work for you, not for advertisers.