How to permanently disable ads on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: a detailed guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (codenamed mido) is still popular with users due to its balanced features and affordable price, but owners of this model often face intrusive advertising in MIUI system applications, from banners in the settings menu to pop-up notifications. Unlike newer versions of the firmware, where some of the ad mechanisms are simplified, the Redmi Note 4X requires a comprehensive approach.

Compounding the problem, the model was released in 2017 and officially does not receive MIUI updates higher than version 11 (based on Android 7-9). This means that standard ways to disable ads through settings may not work or have a temporary effect. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven methods from basic to advanced, including changing DNS, blocking through hosts and removing system packages without root rights.

It is important to understand that some methods require technical training, for example, editing a hosts file or disabling Xiaomi services through ADB can cause failures if performed incorrectly. We will describe each step in detail to minimize the risks, but on models with an unlocked bootloader and custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), there is no advertising initially – this is a radical, but 100% effective solution.

1. disable personalized advertising in MIUI settings

The easiest and safest way to do this is to deactivate the options associated with targeted ads, which won’t remove all banners, but will reduce them by 30-40%, and is suitable for users who don’t want to interfere with system files.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Xiaomi accounts → Mi Account.
• 🔍 Scroll down to the Personalization and Advertising section** and click on it.
• 🔄 Disable sliders: “Personalized recommendations”** (the main source of targeted advertising); “interest-based advertising”**; “Show ads in system applications»**.
• 🔙 Return to the main settings menu and go to Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Notifications and status bar.
• 🚫 Turn off the “Show recommendations” option** (if it is active).

After this action, ads in Settings, Weather and Calendar should disappear, but banners in Downloads, Themes and Mi Browser will remain.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 10-11 Personalization and Advertising may not be available, so move on to the next method, which is universal for all versions.

2. Blocking Advertising through DNS Change

The method is based on redirecting Xiaomi advertising domains to “empty» IP-It doesn't require root rights and it works at the network level, and it's up to 80 percent effective in blocking banners in system applications.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi (or Mobile Network if you use mobile Internet).
2. Click on the connected network and select “Change Network” (or “More”).
3. In the “IP Settings” field, select “Static”.
4. In the line "DNS 1" enter 176.103.130.130 (AdGuard DNS), in "DNS 2" - 176.103.130.131.
5. Save the changes and reconnect to the network.

To check your workability, open the Mi Browser and try to load a website with ads (e.g. forbes.com). The banners should disappear. If the method doesn't work, try alternative DNSs:

• 🛡️ Cloudflare: 1.1.1.3 (Blocking Malware) + promotion);
• 🌍 NextDNS: 45.90.28.167 (requires registration to configure filters);
• 🔒 CleanBrowsing: 185.228.168.168 (family filter).

⚠️ Attention: Change DNS It can slow down the internet speed. 5-15%. If the sites load longer after setting up, return the standard ones DNS Or try another provider.

3. editing the hosts file (without root rights)

The hosts file in Android is responsible for matching domain names with IP-If you add entries for Xiaomi ad domains, the system will redirect queries to "nowhere" by blocking banners. MIUI, but requires care.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install a file manager with access to system folders, such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer.
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
3. Go to /system/etc/hosts (if the system folder doesn’t open, use the method with ADB below).
4. Back up the original hosts file (copy it to another folder).
5. Open the file in the text editor and add the following lines at the end: 127.0.0.1 ad.mi.com 127.0.0.1 data.mistat.xiaomi.com 127.0.0.1 sdkconfig.ad.intl.xiaomi.com 127.0.0.1 api.brs.intl.miui.com 127.0.0.1 globalapi.ad.xiaomi.com
6. Save the file and restart the smartphone.

If errors occur after the reboot (for example, some applications do not work), return the original hosts file.

• 📄 StevenBlack/hosts — Universal list with advertising domains;
• 🛡️ AdAway – Optimized for Android;
• 🔍 PiHoleBlocklist – includes Xiaomi domains.

Make a backup of the original file|Download the file manager with root access|Verification of rights to entry /system|Availability of a backup firmware (in case of failure)|Disabling the antivirus (can block changes)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI The hosts file is reset after the update. To avoid this, set the rights 444 (only reading through ADB: adb shell chmod 444 /system/etc/hosts

4. Disabling Advertising through ADB (without root)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to disable system applications and services responsible for displaying ads.The method works on the Redmi Note 4X with any version of MIUI, but requires a connection to a PC.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS;
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original);
• 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools;
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Commands to disable advertising services:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.joyose




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.hybrid

After completing the commands, restart the smartphone. Advertisements should disappear from:

• 📱 System applications (downloads, themes, browser);
• 🔔 Notifications;
• 🔧 Settings menu.

To get it back, replace the disable-user with enable:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.systemAdSolution

💡

If the Memes or Mi Browser stop working after the services are disabled, turn them back on with the adb shell pm enable command.

5. Uninstall system applications (requires unlocking the bootloader)

The radical method is to completely remove the apps responsible for advertising, which is only possible on smartphones with an unlocked bootloader and TWRP installed. Suitable for power users, since improper actions can lead to a “brick”** (inoperability) of the device.

List of safe packets to remove (checked on Redmi Note 4X):

• 🗑️ com.miui.systemAdSolution – the main module of advertising;
• 🗑️ com.xiaomi.midrop – analytics service;
• 🗑️ com.miui.analytics – statistics collection;
• 🗑️ com.miui.hybrid – hybrid services (includes advertising in settings);
• 🗑️ com.xiaomi.joyose – push notifications.

Instructions:

1. Install TWRP Recovery for Redmi Note 4X (instructions are available on XDA Developers).
2. Download App Manager (requires root) or use ADB.
3. Go to TWRP → Mount → System and connect your smartphone to your PC.
4. Remove packets via ADB: adb shell su mount -o rw, remount /system rm -rf /system/priv-app/SystemAdSolution rm -rf /system/app/HybridPlatform
5. Reboot.

⚠️ Note: Deleting com.miui.home or com.android.settings will cause the launcher or settings to fail. Always check the name of the package before deleting it!

6.Use of third-party ad blockers

If the previous methods seem complicated, you can install specialized applications. VPN Or local proxy, filtering out ad requests. Best options for Redmi Note 4X:

Adjustment recommendations:

• 🛡️ For Blokada: Select the “Energy” block list** (most aggressive); Disable System Apps** in settings if Xiaomi services stop working.
• 🔧 For AdAway: Update your lock lists manually; Activate the option to “Apply hosts when downloading»**.

If the Internet disappears after installing the blocker, check:

1. Does the app conflict with your VPN?
2. Does it block the domains google.com or miui.com (please add them to the whitelist).

💡

Blockers (such as Blokada) can reduce Internet speeds by 10-20%. If critical, use hosts or ADB editing.

7. Alternative firmware (radical solution)

If none of these methods worked, the last resort is custom firmware. The Redmi Note 4X works well.

• 📱 LineageOS – “clean” Android without advertising and unnecessary services;
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – firmware with interface from Google Pixel;
• 🛡️ Havoc-OS - customizable firmware with advanced settings.

Advantages:

• ✅ No system advertising;
• ✅ Regular security updates;
• ✅ The ability to disable all Xiaomi services.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires unlocking the bootloader (data reset);
• ❌ Maybe it won't work. IR Blaster (DU remote) or FM-radio;
• ❌ No official support from Xiaomi (the risk of bugs).

Installation instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires linking the Mi Account to the device).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for mido.
3. Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS 18.1) and GApps (Google services).
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Install firmware and GApps, reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware does not work VoLTE (calls on the 4G) and ViLTE (video calls). Before installing, check the reviews on the XDA.

FAQ: Frequent questions