How to disable application recommendations in Xiaomi: Guide to MIUI and HyperOS

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face intrusive functionality that suggests installing new games or using partner services, a feature known as “Recommended Apps” built into the shell of MIUI and the new HyperOS to monetize budget devices, but for many users, this approach is an annoying distraction from the main work of the gadget.

Fortunately, the system allows you to completely deactivate these notifications and widgets, returning a clean interface. The process of disabling does not require root rights or complex flashing, but knowing the exact paths in the menu is necessary, as developers periodically change the location of the switches. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to block ads and recommendations.

It is worth noting that some system services responsible for collecting statistics and displaying content can interfere not only with visual spam, but also with traffic consumption. Competent setting of Privacy settings will help not only clean the desktop, but also increase the overall security of personal space in the smartphone.

The Nature of Recommendations in MIUI and HyperOS

The phenomenon of extraneous icons and sentences in folders is explained by the MSA system component (MIUI System Ads), a legitimate piece of software that analyzes user behavior and forms personalized offers based on this data, usually appearing in application folders, on the lock screen or in the notification curtain.

The algorithm is simple enough: it scans the installed software and the frequency of use of certain categories of programs. If you often run games, the system will offer to download a new shooter or strategy.

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Disabling system advertising can also slightly reduce battery consumption, as background processes will no longer load banner ads.

It's important to understand the difference between system advertising and application-specific notifications. If you get fluff from a marketplace, you have to configure it in the app itself. If the offer comes from the system's name, it's MIUI's job. Locking one doesn't guarantee blocking the other, so the approach has to be comprehensive.

Disabling recommendations through personalization settings

The first step to a clean interface is to go to basic personalization settings, and that's where the master switch for getting personalized ads is located, and without disabling that, the rest of the action might not be effective, because the system will continue to believe that you're willing to show content.

You have to go to the settings menu and find the password and security section. In modern firmware versions, this path may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same for all Xiaomi devices.

• 📱 Open the settings on your device.
• 🔒 Go to Passwords and Security (or Advanced Settings).
• 📜 Find the item Access to personal data or Privacy Policy.
• 🚫 Turn off the switchboard Get recommendations.

Once the slider is switched, the system will issue a warning that some features may become unavailable, a standard reaction of the MIUI shell to an attempt to limit its functionality, and you must confirm the action by clicking the "Disable" or "OK" button in the dialog window that appears.

Managing MSA Service and System Ads

The MSA (MIUI System Ads) service is the main engine of the advertising machine, and even if you have disabled personalization, this process can continue to work in the background, and for full effect, it is recommended to limit its rights or withdraw consent to the use of data.

There is a special section on the Passwords and Security menu called “Authorization & Revocation” that lists all the system services that have access to your information, and check the msa item on the list and uncheck it.

⚠️ Warning: When you turn off the msa service, you will see a countdown timer (usually 10 seconds) and you will have to wait until it ends and press the "Cancel" button. If you press too early, the action will not apply.

Also worth paying attention to is getapps.This is Xiaomi's official app store, which often duplicates Google Play features and imposes its updates. If you only use Google Play, access to personal data for getapps can also be safely revoked.

In some cases, the system may resist shutdown and give out network errors, in which case, try to turn off Wi-Fi and mobile Internet before performing the procedure, and then turn them on immediately after confirming the withdrawal of rights.

Configuring folders and desktop

Most often, app recommendations pop up inside the folders on the desktop, and when you open the folder with games or utilities, the Recommended Block may appear at the bottom, and you can remove it directly through the folder's settings.

Open any folder on your desktop that has recommendations. Click on the folder name (or the three dots/setting icon inside it). The menu that opens will have a Recommended Apps or Promoted Apps switch.

If recommendations appear as desktop widgets (like Tape or Google Discover), they can be removed with a long press. Select Delete or Hide to clear the space.

Cleaning Notifications and Browser

The built-in Mi Browser browser and the Security app deserve special attention, both of which generate pop-ups and push notifications with suggestions to install an “antivirus” or “clean up memory” more often than others.

For the browser, you need to go to its settings (three bars in the corner), select Settings → Notifications, and disable all items related to recommendations and news. In the Security app, you need to click on the gear in the corner and find the item "Receive recommendations", then turn it off.

Also check the list of installed apps. Often, along with games or utilities, advertising junk (adware) enters the phone. If you see unknown icons or strange notifications, delete the latest installed programs.

Additional methods of blocking through DNS

For advanced users who want to get the most out of it, there is a network-level blocking method, using a private DNS that allows you to filter traffic and block requests to ad servers before they reach your smartphone.

In the connection settings (Connection and Sharing or Wi-Fi), find the item "Private" DNS» (Private DNS). Select the mode "Host Name of the provider" DNS» and enter the address: dns.adguard.com. Save settings.

This method not only removes the recommendations in the interface, but also blocks ads in many apps and games, but be careful: if the address is entered incorrectly, the Internet on the phone may stop working.

⚠️ Attention: When in use DNS-filtering some legitimate services or sites may not work properly.If you encounter access problems, temporarily disable Private DNS or return the value of "Auto».

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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A comprehensive approach, including disabling personalization, MSA services and DNS setup, allows you to completely clean the Xiaomi interface from intrusive advertising.