Owners of the popular Redmi 8T smartphone often face intrusive advertising that appears in system applications, the browser and even on the desktop: this is a fee for the affordable cost of the device and the MIUI shell, which is actively monetized by the manufacturer. However, there are many hidden settings that allow you to significantly clean the interface of unnecessary visual noise without having to obtain superuser rights.
In this article, we'll break down a step-by-step algorithm that will help you deactivate most ad modules. Disabling msa is a key step, but not enough to get rid of banners completely. You'll need to go through each item of the instruction, since the settings are scattered across different menu sections. It's not going to take long, but the result is worth it.
It’s worth noting that the interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version installed on your Xiaomi.We’ll be looking at current versions of MIUI, but the logic of action remains the same for all models of the Redmi line.
Disabling the MSA service, the main source of advertising
The first and most important step is to deactivate the MSA (MIUI System Ads) service, which is responsible for loading and displaying banner ads in standard applications, and without disabling this service, all other manipulations will have only a temporary effect.
To start, open the settings menu and go to Passwords and Security, where you need to find Data Access, and in the app list that opens, find a service called msa and put the slider inactive, and the system will alert you to the consequences.
⚠️ Note: When you try to turn off, you will see a countdown timer (usually 10 Don't worry, this is standard protection. MIUI. Wait until the time ends and press the "Disable" button again. Sometimes you need to repeat the action. 2-3 once.
After a successful shutdown, the service will no longer access the Internet, which blocks the download of new advertising creatives. However, old cached data may remain. → Application management.
What if the MSA doesn’t shut down the first time?
Setup of System Applications: Security and Downloads
Even after MSA is disabled, some built-in utilities can show recommendations, primarily for the standard antivirus and download manager, and these applications have their own internal ad settings that are independent of global settings.
Launch the Security app (green icon with shield). Click on three dots in the top right corner and select Settings. Find the Get Recommendations section and turn off this switch. This will remove banner ads from the main antivirus window.
You need to do the same thing in the Downloads app. Open it, click three dots, and go to settings. You also need to find the item associated with Recommended Content and deactivate it, which will prevent pop-ups from appearing when you download files.
☑️ Verification of system applications
Remember that system updates may return some default settings. Check these points periodically, especially after major MIUI updates.
Cleaning the desktop and folders from recommendations
Redmi 8T owners often notice ad units in desktop folders or Popular widgets, so-called app recommendations that can and should also be turned off for comfortable use.
To remove the ad from the folders, click on any app folder to open it. At the top of the screen, you'll see the folder name and possibly an ad banner. Click on the folder name, and in the menu that opens, find the Recommendations switch. Turn it to Off.
Also, check the launcher settings. Hold your finger on an empty desktop and select Settings. Scroll down to the wallpaper carousel or widget tape section and turn off unnecessary features if they are active. This will remove unnecessary swipes and banners.
- 📱 Open the folder with applications on the desktop.
- 🔍 Click on the folder name to enter the control menu.
- 🚫 Find and turn off the "Recommendations" switch».
- ✅ Check all folders as the setting is applied individually.
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If you don't use folders, just don't create them. Put app icons on different pages on your desktop, and not only will it take away ads, it will also speed up the search for the right programs.
Blocking advertising in the browser and system services
The Mi Browser system browser and the Music app are also sources of information noise, with ads embedded in the form of news feeds and promo blocks, and disabling these features makes it more enjoyable to use the gadget.
In Music, click on three menu bars, select Settings, then Additional and Receive Recommendations. Disabling this option will clear the player interface. In Mi Browser, you need to go to settings (three bars), select Privacy and Security, and turn on Ad Blocker.
Also worth paying attention to is Mi Video (Mi Video) service, which is the same logic: menus → settings → disable online recommendations. This is standard procedure for all media applications from Xiaomi.
| Annex | The path to adjustment | What to turn off |
|---|---|---|
| Music. | Menu → Settings → Additional | Receive recommendations |
| Mi video | Menu → Settings | Online recommendations |
| Conductor | Menu → Settings → About the application | Receive recommendations |
| Topics | Profile → Settings | Showing ads |
⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI The path may be slightly different. If you don't find "Additional," look for "Settings" inside the app itself. Interfaces are often updated.
Using DNS to block at the network level
One of the most effective methods that works globally for all applications is to change the app. DNS-server, private use DNS Allows you to block ad requests before they even reach your Redmi screen 8T.
To do this, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing (or “Advanced Settings”). Find Private DNS. Select “DNS Provider Host Name” mode and enter the address in the box: dns.adguard.com. Save the changes.
dns.adguard.comThis method does not require third-party apps to be installed and has little impact on Internet connection speeds, but it can only block ads in applications that use standard DNS protocols. In some cases, such as YouTube or Instagram, this method is powerless because ads are built into the main traffic.
Advanced methods: debugging via USB and ADB
For power users who want to maximize results, there is a method to disable system components through a computer, and using the ADB command line allows you to hide or remove system applications responsible for analytics and advertising.
You'll need to turn on Developer Mode. To do this, click on the build number 7 times in the About Phone menu. Then activate Debugging USB in the Developer menu. Connect the phone to your PC and execute commands to remove analytics packets.
- 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable.
- 💻 Install the drivers. ADB platform tools on PC.
- ⌨️ Enter a command to remove advertising packages (caution is required).
- ⚠️ Beware: Removing system components can lead to unstable work.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-A mistake in the name of the package can lead to a "brickle" of the phone or loss of data!
If you're not sure about your abilities, you should limit yourself to the first four sections of our manual, which are safe and guaranteed to remove 90% of visual debris, and leave advanced methods for extreme cases.
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Integrated use of manual settings and DNS-Filtering gives the best balance between system cleanliness and Redmi’s stability 8T.