How to permanently disable ads on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is still a popular smartphone due to the balance of price and performance, but many users face intrusive advertising in the shell of MIUI. Banners appear in the settings menu, on the lock screen, in the applications “Security”, “Themes” and even in system notifications. Unlike new models where advertising can be disabled through Settings → Password and security → Authorization and blocking → Advertising services, on the Redmi Note 5 with MIUI 9-11 this path often does not work or is hidden.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven methods, from simple (through settings) to radical (reset to factory). All methods are tested on Redmi Note 5 (codename whyred) with MIUI 10-12.5 firmware and do not require superuser rights (root).

1. disable personalized advertising in MIUI settings

The safest and most reversible method is to deactivate ad services through the settings menu. On the Redmi Note 5, the path to these options may vary depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall scheme is the same:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Privacy.
2. Choose Advertising Services (or Personalized Advertising in MIUI 12+).
3. Turn off the slider Personalized recommendations.
4. Go back and go to Special Permissions → Show pop-ups, then disable notifications for Msa (Mobile Services Ads) and MiuiDaemon apps.

This removes most of the ads in system applications, but it doesn't guarantee 100% results. For example, banners in Settings → Topics or Security can stay. If after a reboot the ads are back, move to the next method.

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After disabling advertising services, clear the cache of Msa and MiuiDaemon apps in Settings → Applications → App Management. This will accelerate the application of changes.

2. Blocking Advertising Domains via Hosts File

The method is suitable for users who are ready to manually manipulate system files, the essence is to add a list of domains responsible for displaying ads in MIUI to the hosts file. This does not require root, but will require ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

First, download ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux and enable USB Debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).

Next, execute commands in the terminal (command line):

adb shell


su -c "mount -o rw,remount /system"




su -c "echo '127.0.0.1 ad.xiaomi.com' >> /system/etc/hosts"




su -c "echo '127.0.0.1 sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com' >> /system/etc/hosts"




su -c "echo '127.0.0.1 track.pps.tv' >> /system/etc/hosts"




su -c "mount -o ro,remount /system"




exit

If after completing the commands, the smartphone stopped connecting to Wi-Fi or a mobile network, check whether the hosts edit is correct. An error in the file syntax can disrupt network functions.

Debugging is on. USB|Downloaded. ADB Tools|Smartphone connected to PC with original cable|Backup copy of data created-->

3. Disabling system applications via ADB

Some Xiaomi apps cannot be removed or disabled by standard means, but this can be done through ADB. This method removes Msa (Mobile Services Ads) - the main source of advertising in MIUI. Important: after completing the commands of the application, Themes, Security and Mi Video may not work properly.

Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute commands in turn:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution


adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop




adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.analytics




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.msaservice

After the reboot, check:

• 📱 Have banners disappeared in Settings → Topics?
• 🔒 Have advertising notices stopped appearing?
• 🎵 Does the Music app work (sometimes depends on midrop)?

⚠️ Note: If push notifications (e.g. from instant messengers) have stopped working after disabling com.miui.msaservice, return the application with the command: adb shell pm enable com.miui.msaservice

4. reset of the advertising ID (Advertising ID)

MIUI uses a unique Advertising ID to target ads, and resetting it will not remove banners completely, but will reduce their personalization and frequency of display.

1. Go to Settings → Google → Advertising.
2. Click Reset Advertising ID.
3. Turn off the option of Personalized Advertising (if any).

This method only works for advertising related to Google services (e.g. Play Store or Chrome) and is useless for MIUI system advertising, but it has a noticeable effect when combined with other methods.

5. Radical method: reset to factory settings

If nothing works, the last chance to get rid of advertising is a complete reset of the smartphone and then set up without linking to the Xiaomi account, which deletes all user data, so first:

• 📲 Create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 🔐 Write down logins/passwords from accounts (they will disappear!).
• 📁 Save photos and files to your PC or cloud.

Next:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. After the reboot, do not log into your Xiaomi account and turn off sync during the setup stage.
4. Immediately after setting up, turn off personalized advertising (see Section 1).

⚠️ WARNING: Without being tied to a Xiaomi account, you'll lose access to Find Device features, cloud backups and some system updates!

6.Alternative firmware: transition to custom MIUI or AOSP

If you’re ready for experimentation, installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will completely remove MIUI ads.

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
• 🛠️ Installations of custom recaveri (TWRP).
• 📥 Download compatible firmware for whyred (codename Redmi Note 5).

The process is complex and risky: if you make a mistake, your smartphone can turn into a brick. If you are a beginner, it is better to focus on the methods from Sections 1-3. For experienced users, we recommend Xiaomi.eu firmware - this is a modified MIUI without advertising and with advanced settings.

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Custom firmware removes ads forever, but it is warranty-free and requires technical skills. For most users, a combination of 1 + 2 + 3 methods is enough.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling ads on Redmi Note 5