Owning a Xiaomi smartphone often involves one annoying feature: intrusive marketing. Users encounter banner ads not only in system apps but also when surfing the Internet. This is especially true for the standard Mi Browser browser, which is set to display content from partners by default. However, there are several proven methods to completely clear the screen of unwanted visual noise.
The effectiveness of blocking depends on the version of the MIUI operating system or the new HyperOS, as well as on the model of your device. In some cases, it is enough to simply change the settings inside the application itself, in others you will need to work more deeply with the system parameters of the DNS or install specialized software.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the algorithms for different use cases, learn how to configure built-in filters, use safe ones. DNS-You can use servers and choose alternative solutions if the standard browser stops working for you. Follow the instructions consistently to get the best results.
The first step to a clean interface is to activate the browser’s internal security mechanisms. Xiaomi developers have provided basic functionality to block unwanted content that is often disabled by default or not configured aggressively enough. To access it, you need to open the application and go to the settings menu through a three-dot or stripe button.
In the Privacy and Security section, the key switch, "Ad Blocking," will begin to hide known banners and pop-ups once activated, but it is worth noting that this method is not effective against all types of advertising, especially against video inserts or native advertising in news feeds.
You should also check your notification settings. Often sites request permission to send push notifications, which are actually disguised advertising messages. Turn this feature off globally or for each suspicious site separately in the Site Settings menu.
Remember to periodically clear your browser cache. The accumulated data may contain scripts that initiate banner displays even after the filters are turned on. Go to Settings → Privacy → Clear the data and select the appropriate items.
Use of system level DNS blockers
A more radical and effective way is to use filtered DNS, which allows you to block ad requests at the network level without requiring you to install individual blocking applications that can consume battery power, and the principle of this is to redirect requests to ad servers to nowhere.
To set up DNS In Android (current for versions 9.0 and higher), go to the general smartphone settings. Find the Connection and Sharing section or the Wi-Fi and Internet section. DNS» (Private DNS). This is where the addresses of servers that cut off advertising are written.
In the DNS settings field, you need to enter the address of one of the services you have tested. The most popular and stable option is dns.adguard.com. Once you enter the address, save the changes and restart the device. Now all applications, including the browser, will pass through this filter.
What if the internet is gone after the DNS change?
Sometimes a provider or Wi-Fi network can block third-party networks. DNS-If you lost access to the Internet after you entered the address, return the settings. DNS You can use the Auto mode or the Default mode, and then try an alternative server like dns-family.adguard.com, which also filters adult content. "" The advantage of this method is that it's versatile. It works not only in Mi Browser, but also in Chrome, Yandex.Browser and other applications. It is a single solution for the entire operating system, which significantly reduces the load on the processor compared to software blockers. If the built-in solution from Xiaomi seems to you too overloaded with features and news, it makes sense to consider installing a third-party browser. Modern alternatives offer built-in powerful protection against trackers and out-of-the-box advertising without requiring complex customization. One of the best options is Brave.This browser is based on the Chromium engine, like the standard Google Chrome, but has a built-in shield (Brave Shields) that automatically blocks ad scripts and miners. It consumes less traffic and runs faster on devices with limited RAM. Another worthy candidate is Firefox with the uBlock Origin add-on installed. Unlike mobile versions of other browsers, Firefox for Android supports full extensions. This allows you to flexibly configure filters, block elements on the CSS-selectors and use community blocker lists. 🚀 Brave – maximum speed and privacy without unnecessary settings. 🦊 Firefox – support for extensions and customization of the interface. 🛡️ DuckDuckGo – Focus on anonymity and automatic removal of trackers. ⚡ Via Browser is an ultra-lightweight browser weighing less than 2 MB with a built-in blocker. When you install a new browser, the system may insist on returning to the standard one. Ignore these suggestions and assign the new app to the default browser in the system settings so that links from other programs open in a secure environment. MIUI Browser advertising is often just the tip of the iceberg, and to reduce the amount of it, you need to turn off data collection to personalize the ads in the entire shell. MIUI. This won't remove banners completely, but it will make them less intrusive and relevant to your interests. Go to your phone's settings and look for "Passwords and Security" or "Additional Settings" and you need "Access to Personal Data" or "Authorization and Security." This is where the msa switch is (MIUI System Ads). Disabling this service stops the collection of data for the advertising system. The system will try to convince you to leave the function on by showing a countdown timer before closing. Wait for the countdown to end and confirm the action. It is also recommended to disable the item "Get recommendations" in the section "Password and security" → "Access to personal data." After disabling the system advertising, it is recommended to clear the data of the "Security" application and the browser itself. This will remove cached advertising ids that could be saved until the settings change. The optimal method of blocking depends on your technical skills and the effectiveness of the browser's speed requirements for eliminating the device. Battery Efficiency Configuration Complexity Built-in Medium No DNS (AdGuard) High Minimum Medium Third Party Browser Dependent Very High Browser Dependent Low Blocker Applications Maximum High As seen from the table, using a DNS or specialized browser gives the best balance between efficiency and resource consumption. Built-in tools are good as an add-on, but rarely cope alone with aggressive marketing. In new versions, developers often close security holes and improve the algorithms of content updates in the Google Play Store or face problems with the availability of the Google Play Store. For example, after the blocker is turned on, some sites may stop displaying correctly or require disabling the protection to continue working, a normal reaction to blocking scripts necessary for the functionality of the page. In such cases, use Incognito mode to visit suspicious resources or create an exception in settings. DNS, If this feature is supported by the chosen provider, the problem may also be the conflict between antivirus and system filters, and if the ads continue to appear as full-screen windows even after all the settings, check the list of installed applications. Often, miner viruses or memory cleaners disguise themselves as system utilities and generate traffic. ⚠️ Note: Do not download browsers and blockers from unverified sources. Files. APK aggregator sites may contain malicious code that introduces ads deeper than system settings. Use only the official Google Play Store. ADB-commands to remove system components of advertising, but this requires a computer and caution. ⚠️ Note: Before removing system packets through ADB Make sure you back up your data completely. MIUI This can cause a cyclical reboot of the device (bootloop (FAQ) Why does the ad appear even after the blocker is installed? This can happen if the ad is embedded in the content of the site itself (native advertising) or if it is used. HTTPS, traffic-encrypting. In the case of DNS-Blocking make sure that the Wi-Fi settings also include private DNS, Because mobile network settings and Wi-Fi can vary, does ad blocking affect page loading speed? On the contrary, pages start loading faster, and the browser doesn't have to waste time and traffic loading heavy banner ads, video previews and tracking scripts. This is especially true on the mobile Internet. Is it safe to use free Internet? DNS-Using trusted services like AdGuard DNS, They don't collect your personal data, they only filter your requests. DNS-Can you delete Mi Browser completely? Standard means you can't delete the system browser, you can only disable it. Root rights or use are required for complete removal ADB-commands that are not recommended for ordinary users because of the risk of system failure, will the ad reset after the update MIUI? When a large refurbishment of the shell (for example, with MIUI 13 by 14) privacy settings and DNS It is recommended to recheck the lock parameters after each major system update.