How to permanently remove ads on Xiaomi phones: 7 working ways

Advertising on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones has become one of the most annoying features of MIUI firmware. Even after buying the device, users are faced with banners in system applications, notifications about β€œrecommended services” and pop-ups in the settings menu. The manufacturer explains this by the need for monetization, but for most owners, this β€œpay for cheap hardware” seems unfair.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to disable advertising on Xiaomi phones – from standard settings. MIUI Advanced methods with the use of ADB-It is important to understand that the effectiveness of methods depends on the firmware version (especially after updates). MIUI 14/15) and regional device binding. Global versions (Global) ROM) It usually contains less advertising than Chinese (China). ROM), But even they are not without marketing inserts.

Before you start settings, check your firmware version in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version. Some methods may require resetting settings or installing additional apps, so back up important data through Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup and Reset.

1. Standard MIUI settings: what can be turned off without root

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added options to partially disable personalized ads, which won’t remove all banners, but will significantly reduce their number.

First, go to Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account β†’ Mi Account and follow the following steps:

  • πŸ” Turn off personalized advertising: Find personalized recommendations (or ReklamalarΔ± kişiselleştir In Turkish firmware, you deactivate the slider, and this will stop collecting your preferences.
  • πŸ“± Resetting your Ad ID: In the same section, find the Advertising Identifier (or Reklam) Kimliği) And click Reset. That will reset your advertising profile.
  • 🚫 Block notifications from system applications: go back to basic settings, go to Apps β†’ Manage apps, find GetApps, Mi Video, Mi Browser and disable their permission to display notifications.

These manipulations will reduce the amount of targeted ads, but will not remove banners from the system menus (for example, in Settings β†’ Themes or Security).

πŸ“Š What version? MIUI installed on your Xiaomi?
MIUI 14
MIUI 13
MIUI 12 or older
I don't know.
Other firmware (AOSP, LineageOS, etc.)

2. disabling advertising through "Special Opportunities" (hidden method)

A little-known trick allows you to remove some ad units through special features settings, which works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 11-15 firmware, but may require a reboot.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Special facilities.
  2. Scroll down and select System Settings (or additionally in some versions).
  3. Find Remove ads. If you don't have one, try turning on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in About Phone) and repeat the search.
  4. Activate the slider and restart the phone.

This method removes advertising from:

  • πŸ“± Menu Settings β†’ Themes and Wallpaper
  • πŸ”§ Security (antivirus and cleaning)
  • 🎡 Applications Mi Music and Mi Video

πŸ’‘

If the "Delete Ads" option is missing, try changing your phone region to India or the European Union to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Region.

3. Blocking Advertising via DNS: A Method for Advanced Users

Change of change DNS-Servers are one of the most effective ways to block ads at the network level, and it works regardless of the version. MIUI It does not require root rights, but can slow down the Internet connection by 5-10%.

To set up:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Wi-Fi (or Mobile Network for Mobile Internet).
  2. Click on the current network and select Change Network (or Additional).
  3. In the DNS 1 and DNS 2 field, enter the addresses: 1.1.1.3 #Cloudflare (malware + advertising blocking) 1.0.0.3 Alternatives: 94.140.14.14 #AdGuard DNS 94.140.15.15
  4. Save your settings and reconnect to the network.

This method blocks:

  • 🌐 Advertising in Mi Browser and Chrome
  • πŸ“± Banners in system applications (GetApps, Mi Video)
  • πŸ”„ Pop-up windows when connecting to Wi-Fi
What if the Internet stopped working after the DNS change?
If, after the change, DNS-Internet access is lost, check: 1. Correctness of the entered addresses (without spaces and unnecessary symbols). 2. VPN β€” He may be in conflict with the castom DNS. 3. Try alternative addresses, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) to return access. If the problem persists, reset your network settings to Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

4.Use of ADB-The Radical Solution Without Root

For users who are ready for more complex manipulations, ADB-These commands allow you to disable ads at the system application level. USB-cable, but does not violate the warranty.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
  2. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version (click 7 times), then go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers β†’ Debugging over USB.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices If the device is determined, execute: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution
  4. To disable ads in GetApps, type: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks

Warning: After the MIUI update, these settings may reset. Repeat the procedure after each major update.

ADB Team TeamWhat's off?The effect
com.miui.systemAdSolutionSystem module of advertisingRemove banners in settings and notifications
com.xiaomi.mipicksGetApps appStops recommendations for games and programs
com.miui.analyticsAnalytics gatheringReduces the number of targeted advertising
com.miui.bugreportError reportsStops sending usage data

Install drivers for your Xiaomi on PC

Turn on USB debugging on your phone

Download the latest version of Platform Tools from Android Developers

Connect the phone to the original USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission)

Check that the phone is determined by the adb device command-->

5. Installation of custom firmware: an extreme measure

If none of the methods worked, the option is to install custom firmware based on AOSP (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which will completely remove all Xiaomi system applications, including advertising modules, but require:

  • πŸ”“ Unlocking the bootloader (will result in data reset and cancellation of warranty).
  • πŸ“₯ Installation TWRP (custom recovery).
  • πŸ› οΈ Manual stitching through fastboot.

Advantages of custom firmware:

  • βœ… Complete lack of advertising and bloatware.
  • βœ… Regular security updates from Google.
  • βœ… Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Loss of warranty (if you do not return the stock firmware before contacting the service).
  • ❌ Risk of "bricking" of the device with firmware errors.
  • ❌ Certain functions (e.g, IR-Game Turbo or Blaster May Not Work.

πŸ’‘

Custom firmware is only suitable for power users. If you've never flashed your phone, start with less radical methods (ADB or DNS).

6.Advert blocking apps: should you use them?

There are many apps on Google Play that promise to remove ads on Xiaomi, such as AdGuard, Blokada or DNS66, but their effectiveness varies:

Pros:

  • πŸ”„ Easily switched on/off.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Block ads in browsers and some applications.
  • πŸ“Š They offer statistics on blocked requests.

Cons:

  • 🚫 Do not remove system advertising in MIUI.
  • πŸ”‹ Increase battery consumption (constant operation) VPN).
  • πŸ”’ They may be in conflict with banking applications (because of the VPN).

If you do decide to use such an app, choose AdGuard or Blokada – they support DNS locking and have minimal impact on performance.

πŸ’‘

For maximum effect, combine a blocker app (such as AdGuard) with a change. DNS-servers in Wi-Fi settings.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to remove ads, users often face typical problems, and here's how to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If after disabling advertising through ADB System applications (e.g. Camera or Gallery) have stopped working, return them with the command: adb shell pm enable com.miui.gallery Replace com.miui.gallery with the desired application package.

Other common mistakes:

  • πŸ”„ "Advertising returns after update" β†’ Repeat the procedure with ADB or DNS.
  • πŸ“΅ "The debugging doesn't work. USB" β†’ Check the cable (you need the original) and turn on the debugging USB (security parameters in the developer settings.
  • 🌐 "DNS not blocking ads" β†’ Try another server (e.g. 9.9.9.9 from the Quad9).

If neither method worked, your firmware may have been heavily modified (e.g. China ROM for another region), in which case only flashing to Global ROM or custom build will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I turn off ads on Xiaomi without a computer?
Yes, use the methods in Section 1 (MIUI settings) and Section 3 (change DNS). Blokada (no root) will do the job for a complete removal of ads without a PC, but it won’t remove the system banners in the settings.
Why do some websites not open after changing their DNS?
Some of them DNS-servers (e.g. AdGuard) block not only ads but also trackers, which can disrupt websites.Try alternative addresses: 176.103.130.130 #AdGuard DNS (less aggressive) 176.103.130.131 Or disable the lock for a specific site in the application settings.
Will the warranty be returned if I return the stock firmware after custom?
Formally, yes, but Xiaomi can determine whether the bootloader has been unlocked from the device logs. If you have warranty repairs, return the original firmware and reset to the factory settings via fastboot: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache This will increase the chances of successful verification.
How to check if the ad blocker works?
Open GetApps or Topics in Settings β€” if the banners are gone, the method worked. You can also use the test pages: AdBlock Tester (checks the lock in the browser). Ads-Blocker Test (analyzes). DNS-filtering).
Will the ad blocker work on POCO?
Yes, all the methods in this article apply to smartphones. POCO, Because they work on the same firmware. MIUI (Maybe with a different design. Except for the models on the POCO Launcher, where some of the ads are hidden in the widgets of the home screen. ADB-Adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.home But it will replace the standard launcher with stock Android.