Modern Redmi smartphones, including the popular Redmi 9, often come with a pre-installed MIUI system that offers users many useful features but also includes aggressive advertising integration. This is especially noticeable in system applications, such as the Explorer that many use daily to manage files. The appearance of banner ads when opening folders or launching an application can significantly reduce the comfort of the device, forcing owners to look for ways to eliminate this intrusive element.
Advertising modules are built deep into the system processes of the MIUI shell, so simply removing a standard conductor is often impossible without obtaining superuser rights or complex flashing. However, there are proven methods to block ad traffic and turn off pop-ups without breaching warranty or deep interference. In this article, we will discuss a step-by-step algorithm of actions that will help you return a clean interface and improve the speed of the file manager on your gadget.
It is important to understand that disabling advertising not only improves visual perception, but also saves mobile Internet traffic, and also saves battery power. MIUI uses various mechanisms for displaying content, including system services and third-party SDKs, so to achieve maximum effect, you will need to perform a set of settings. We will consider both software methods through system settings, and more advanced ways to block network requests.
Disabling personalized recommendations in system settings
The first and most important step is to disable the recommendation service, which is responsible for collecting data about your actions and showing targeted advertising. In the Xiaomi shell, this feature is often turned on by default and hidden in the depths of the system menus. First, you need to go to the main device settings by scrolling down the list to the Password and Security section.
Here, you can find the Privacy option and select the Recommendation Service option, which analyzes your behavior and generates promotional offers, which are then displayed in various applications, including the Explorer, and after logging into the menu, you need to switch the slider to an inactive position, thereby preventing the system from collecting data to personalize the ads.
Once the service is disabled, the system may request confirmation of your actions, suggesting that you leave the function on to “enhance the experience.” You need to persistently confirm the disconnection by clicking the appropriate button. This action will not remove already downloaded advertising materials, but will stop receiving new targeted offers from the company’s servers.
It is worth noting that changes may not take effect instantly, but after a device reboot or reopening the application. The recommendation service is closely related to other system processes, so disabling it is a basic, but not the only necessary action to completely clean the interface of intrusive content.
Blocking the MSA (MIUI System Ads)
The key component in charge of displaying ads in the system applications of Redmi and Xiaomi is the MSA process (MIUI System Ads). This is a system application that can not simply be removed by standard means without root rights, but it can be successfully disabled, preventing the ability to run and download advertising content.
To do this, go to the Settings menu, then select the Apps section and click All Apps. In the upper right corner of the screen, you can click on a three-dot menu that selects Show System Processes. In the list that opens, find an app called MSA or Miui daemon.
After entering the app properties, click the “Disable” button. The system will alert you that some features may be disrupted, but for the average user, this will not have any negative consequences, except for the disappearance of the ads. If the “Disable” button is inactive, first click “Stop” and then try to disable again.
☑️ Shutdown checklist MSA
In some versions of firmware, the process may be called "Getting Advertising Data" or have a similar name. If you can't find an exact match, look for processes related to ad or daemon. After shutting down, it is recommended to restart the smartphone so that the changes take effect and the ad cache is cleared from RAM.
Data Cleanup and Conductor Permission Management
Even after the main advertising services are disabled, the Explorer application itself may still have accumulated data that continues to display old content. To fully effect, you need to clean the data and cache of the file manager itself. Find the Explorer application in the list of all programs or through a search in the settings.
Go to the Memory or Storage section inside the app properties, where you click the Clear button and select Clear All Data, which will reset the conductor to factory settings, delete recent file history, and most importantly, clear the local banner cache.
It is also critical to review the permissions that the application has granted. Go to the Permissions section and find the "Get User Data" or "Access to the Internet" option (if your version of MIUI allows you to turn off the Internet for system applications). Disabling network access for the conductor is guaranteed to prevent any online advertising from loading, although this may limit the functions of cloud storage.
⚠️ Note: After cleaning all the data of the explorer, your personal file sorting settings or favorites may be reset. Make sure in advance that important files are not stored only in the application cache.
Regular permission checks help control what data the app collects. In modern versions of Android and MIUI, you can configure in detail which folders the file manager has access to, limiting it to only the necessary directories.
Using DNS to block advertising at the network level
One of the most effective methods that works not only for the conductor, but also for the browser and other applications is to change the browser. DNS-This method does not require the installation of additional applications and works at the network connection level of the Redmi 9 device.
Go to Settings -> Wi-Fi or Connect and Share. Go to Private DNS (in some versions it may be called Personal DNS) and select Host Name DNS Provider and enter the trusted blocker address, such as dns.adguard.com.
After saving the settings, all DNS-Your smartphone’s requests will be processed through AdGuard servers, which automatically filter and block requests to known ad servers, allowing you to remove ads even in places where software shutdowns did not produce 100% of the result.
What if the Internet stopped working after the DNS change?
The advantage of this method is that it's versatile: Private DNS encrypts your requests, improves privacy, and effectively cuts off trackers, but it's worth remembering that in rare cases, this can slightly increase network response time if the server you choose is far from your region.
Alternative file managers as a radical solution
If a regular Explorer continues to cause inconvenience or is unstable after all the settings, the most rational solution is to install an alternative file manager from the Google Play Store. There are many free, lightweight and completely free ad counterparts on the market, which often work faster and more functional than standard solutions.
Popular options like Files by Google, Total Commander or Material Files offer a clean interface, cloud storage support, and no built-in advertising. It takes a couple of minutes to install such an app, and then you can assign it to the default program to open all types of files.
To replace the standard app, go to Settings -> Apps -> Default Apps. Find the File Manager category and select the app you installed from the list. From now on, all file links in messengers and other programs will be opened through a new, clean interface.
| Annex | Advertising | Weight (MB) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI conductor | Got it (built-in) | ~45 | Deep integration with the system |
| Files by Google | No. | ~15 | Waste cleanup, offline exchange |
| Total Commander | No. | ~5 | Two-panel mode, plugins |
| Material Files | No. | ~3 | Open source, minimalism |
Using third-party software often solves the problem faster than fighting system restrictions. Many Redmi 9 users note that switching to Files by Google completely eliminates the problem of advertising and speeds up the work with documents, this is especially true for devices with limited RAM.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to disable system services like MSA?
Will the ads disappear after the firmware update?
Can I remove the Xiaomi Explorer completely?
Does advertising in the conductor affect the speed of the phone?
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A comprehensive approach, including disabling MSA, changing DNS and installing an alternative conductor, ensures complete elimination of advertising on your Xiaomi.
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Check the list of installed apps periodically. Sometimes the ads come through third-party programs that you may have accidentally installed along with useful software.
To sum up, getting rid of ads in Xiaomi Redmi 9 Explorer is a process that requires several consecutive actions. From setting privacy to installing alternative software, each step contributes to creating a comfortable smartphone experience. Following these instructions, you can enjoy the functionality of the device without intrusive visual noise.