How to disable recommendations on Xiaomi in the folders MIUI 12

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners often encounter intrusive content that the system offers “for convenience,” especially in the shell of MIUI 12, where algorithms aggressively promote apps and news directly inside the folders on the desktop. Instead of a neat list of icons, the user sees a section “Recommended” that can not be easily swiped or hidden by standard means.

This feature annoys many, as it takes up useful screen space and distracts from the main use of the gadget. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to completely deactivate recommendations and return a clean interface. Below we will discuss all the available methods, from simple switches in settings to deeper system changes.

It is worth noting that the layout of some menus may vary slightly depending on the specific device model and firmware version (Global, EU or China). However, the general principle of the recommendation system remains the same for the entire Mi ecosystem.

The Nature of Advertising in MIUI Folders

Before you start removing excess content, it is important to understand how it works: MSA (MIUI System Ads) is responsible for collecting data and displaying ad units in different parts of the interface, and it is this service that analyzes your actions and generates lists of “useful” applications in folders.

In MIUI 12, algorithms have been improved to fit ads more seamlessly into the design, making it even more visible. Disabling one setting rarely produces 100% results, because different content types are handled by different modules, some of which are hidden from the eyes of the average user.

⚠️ Warning: A complete shutdown of system services may affect some built-in features, such as automatic wallpaper selection or news feed.

The main goal is not just to remove visual debris, but to prevent the system from collecting data about your preferences, which will not only clean the desktop, but also potentially increase the autonomy of the device, as background processes will be less active.

Disabling recommendations through folder settings

The most obvious, but often ignored, method is to check the folder's settings, and in some versions of MIUI 12, developers have left the option to manage the folder's content directly, so you have to open the folder that displays the recommendations and look at the interface carefully.

Click on the folder name or find the gear icon if available. In the menu that opens, look for "Recommended Apps" or "Show Recommendations." If the switch is active, just turn it to "Switched Off."

Unfortunately, in most cases, global firmware may not be available or may not be active, so you have to use more effective methods to address the system settings of your ad, and don't be upset if the simple method doesn't work, which is normal practice for Xiaomi.

Sometimes it helps to remove all the apps from the folder and add them again in a certain order, although this is more of a temporary solution.

MSA Global Advertising Disconnection

To solve the problem, you need to turn off the main advertising service, this is done through the system security settings, go to the Settings menu, then select Password and Security (or just Security in older versions).

Inside this section, look for Access to Personal Data or Authorization and Privacy, and here you can find a list of all system services that have access to your data, and find it in the MSA (MIUI System Ads) list.

Press the switch opposite msa to deny access, the system will alert you to the possible consequences and start a countdown timer (usually 10 seconds), you will need to wait for the end of time and confirm the action with the recall button.

It is important to understand that msa may attempt to automatically turn on again the next time you connect to the Internet, so after this procedure, it is also recommended to turn off data transmission for this application in the traffic settings, if this is provided by your version of the software.

Setup of Xiaomi system applications

Advertising recommendations in folders are often pulled up not only through MSA, but also through specific system applications such as Security, Downloads, or Music, each with its own personalization settings.

Open the Security app, click on the three dots in the top right corner, and select Settings. Find the Receive Recommendations section and turn it off. Similar steps are worth repeating for the Download Manager app, which also often hides the Show Recommended Content item.

In the Themes app, go to the user profile and open the settings, and you should also disable personalization and recommendation options, which is a comprehensive approach that ensures that you close all the main channels of advertising content.

⚠️ Note: After updating the firmware settings may reset. it is recommended to periodically check these items, especially after major updates. MIUI.

Remember that some apps may be called differently depending on the region, for example, instead of Downloading, it might be Download Manager, and look for keywords related to recommendations, news, or personalization.

Use of Developer Mode and ADB

For advanced users who are not comfortable with standard methods, there is the option of using USB debugging and ADB commands. This method allows you to more deeply interfere with the operation of the system, but requires caution. You will need a computer and an installed ADB Driver.

First, activate Developer Mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on MIUI Version. Then, in the Advanced Settings menu, turn on Developer Mode and activate Debugging over USB.

Connect your smartphone to your PC and enter the following command in the command line to remove or freeze the recommendation component:

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

This command disables the system service that is responsible for some of the recommendations. Be careful: using ADB requires accuracy. Introducing incorrect commands can lead to unstable system operation.

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to limit yourself to software methods through settings. ADB is a powerful tool that gives you complete control, but the responsibility for the result lies entirely with the user.

Alternative launchers as a solution

If the built-in MIUI 12 tools seem too intrusive, the most effective solution is to install a third-party launcher, which will completely replace the desktop and app menu, saving you from any Xiaomi system recommendations.

Popular options like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher offer flexible configuration of the look and behavior of folders, where you decide what to display and how, without any hidden advertising code.

Installing an alternative launcher does not require root rights and is done through the Google Play Store. Once installed, simply click the Home button and select the new launcher by default. This will instantly change the interface of your device.

Switching to a different launcher is not only about fighting advertising, but also being able to customize your smartphone to suit your needs. You can change the size of the icons, the grid of the desktop and the animation.

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When installing a new launcher, copy the location of the icons, if possible, or take a screenshot of the desktop to quickly restore the usual folder structure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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A comprehensive approach, including disabling MSA, configuring individual applications and using a third-party launcher, guarantees complete elimination of advertising in the MIUI 12 folders.