The MIUI Cleaner app (or “Cleaning” in the Russian version) is a standard memory optimization tool on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. However, many users face intrusive advertising that appears every time they launch the utility. Banners, pop-ups and offers to “optimize” the device for money are annoying, especially if you paid for the phone without waiting for such a “bonus”.
In this article, we’ll look at 5 working ways to disable ads in “Cleanup” — from simple MIUI settings to radical methods using ADB and root rights. All instructions are relevant for the MIUI 12-14 firmware versions (including global and Chinese builds) and Android 10-14 models. Importantly, some methods may require a factory firmware rollback or a reset if something goes wrong.
Why does the “Purification” appear in the advertising and can it be removed legally?
Advertising in standard Xiaomi apps is part of the company’s business model, and even in premium phones (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or MIX Fold 3), some services feature promotional content.
- 💰 Monetization: Xiaomi earns on advertising in the MIUI, offsetting the low price of iron.
- 📦 Pre-installed services: Cleanup is integrated into the system and updated via Google Play or MIUI Updater.
- 🌍 Regional differences: Chinese firmware has fewer ads than global ones (due to local laws).
There are no legal ways to disable ads through MIUI settings, the company specifically blocks such options.
⚠️ Note: Disabling advertising through system files or ADB This may cause a loss of warranty or unstable phone operation.Before changes, back up your data in Settings → Google → Backup.
If you are not willing to take risks, consider alternatives:
- 🔄 Use third-party cleaners (for example, SD Maid or Files by Google).
- 🛡️ Install an ad blocker (e.g. Blokada or AdGuard).
- 📱 Go to custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
Method 1: Disabling personalized advertising in MIUI settings
This method doesn’t eliminate ads completely, but it reduces the amount of ads and makes them less intrusive, and it’s suitable for all Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models without root rights.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Google → Advertising.
- Activate the “Disable Ad Personalization” switch.
- Return to Settings → Memory → Clean up and reset the app cache.
After that, the ads in the “Cleanup” will become less targeted (for example, instead of banners with games will be shown random offers), the effect is temporary – in 1-2 weeks, obsession may return.
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If there is no Ads item in Google’s settings, update Google Play services to Settings → Apps → Google Play Services.
Method 2: Remove Cleanup Updates via ADB
The Cleanup app (com.miui.cleanmaster) is frequently updated via Google Play, adding new ads, and can be rolled back to the factory version using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which runs on MIUI 12-14 and does not require root.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Return to Additional Settings → For developers).
Step-by-step:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder.
- Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices (should appear a device with a serial number).
- Run a rollback command: adb shell pm uninstall-user --user 0 com.miui.cleanmaster If it doesn't work, try: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.cleanmaster
- Reboot the phone.
After that, Cleanup will return to the factory version without ads, but the next update via Google Play may see ads again.
☑️ Preparation for work with ADB
Method 3: Blocking ads via hosts file (without root)
The method is based on redirecting advertising domains to "empty» IP-It's a good address. MIUI 13-14 and requires minimal technical skills.
Instructions:
- Download the AdGuard app (not to be confused with AdGuard Pro) from Google Play.
- Open the Settings. → Filters → DNS-filters and activate: 🛡️ AdGuard DNS 🛡️ Xiaomi Ad Block (if any)
Reboot the phone.
Alternatively, manual editing of the hosts file via the Hosts Go app:
- 📝 Add the lines to the file: 127.0.0.1 ad.mi.com 127.0.0.1 data.mistat.xiaomi.com 127.0.0.1 sdkconfig.ad.intl.xiaomi.com
- 🔄 Save and restart the device.
This method blocks up to 80% of ads in “Cleanup” and other system applications. MIUI.
Method 4: Removing the “Cleanup” with root rights
If you have root access (e.g., through Magisk), you can completely uninstall the com.miui.cleanmaster app or disable its ad modules, a method that offers 100% guarantee of no ads, but requires caution.
Instructions for Magisk:
- Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with superuser rights.
- Go to /system/priv-app/CleanMaster.
- Delete or rename files: CleanMaster.apk CleanMaster.odex (if any)
Settings → Applications → Cleaning → Storage
To disable only advertising (without deleting the application):
- 📌 In Magisk, install the Xiaomi Debloater module.
- 📌 In the module settings, mark “Disable Ads” and restart your phone.
⚠️ Note: Deleting system files can lead to a cyclic bootloop. TWRP Or OrangeFox.
What if after removing the "Cleanup" the phone does not turn on?
Method 5: Transition to alternative firmware
If none of the methods worked, the radical solution is to install custom firmware without preinstalled Xiaomi services.
| Firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Xiaomi support |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | Clean Android, no ads, regular updates | Branded functions (IR-blaster, camera) may not work | ✅ Most models |
| Pixel Experience | The interface is like Google Pixel, optimized | Closed source of some drivers | ✅ Popular models |
| MIUI EU (Xiaomi.eu) | MIUI without advertising and Chinese services | No. OTA-Updates require manual installation | ✅ Almost all devices |
| Havoc-OS | Maximum customization, good productivity | Less stability than LineageOS | ⚠️ Selectively |
Installation process:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding).
- Install TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.
- Download the firmware from the official website (e.g. xiaomi.eu for MIUI EU).
- Write through recovery, make wipe dalvik/cache.
After installing custom firmware, advertising in the "Cleaning" will not be in principle, since the application is either absent or devoid of advertising modules.
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Custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets all the data on the phone.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to remove ads, users often face problems. Consider typical mistakes and solutions:
- 🔄 Advertising returns after update: Disable auto-update for "Clean Up" on Google Play or uninstall the app via ADB (see method 2).
- 🚫 It's not working. ADB-Team: Make sure that the debugging is done USB Try the command: adb shell pm clear com.miui.cleanmaster
- 📵 Phone stopped turning on after deleting files: Restore firmware via Fastboot (instruction in spoiler above).
- 🔒 Cannot get root: On new models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) Requires to unlock the bootloader and install Magisk in init_boot.
If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to consult a specialist or use safer methods (for example, AdGuard).