Why Xiaomi has pop-ups and how to remove them
Pop-ups on Xiaomi smartphones are one of the most annoying features of MIUI firmware, appearing at the most inconvenient moments, whether during games, watching videos or even unlocking the screen, and the reasons for their appearance are diverse, from system notifications about updates to aggressive advertising in branded applications like Mi Browser, Mi Video or Cleaner.
The manufacturer claims that such windows "increase usability," but in practice they are only distracting. MIUI 12-14 has hidden settings that allow you to disable most pop-ups without root rights. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods, from basic to advanced, including: ADB-Teams for experienced users.
It is important to understand that not all windows can be removed by standard methods, such as system warnings for low battery charge or overheating are only disabled through the engineering menu, and in-app advertising (such as Mi Music) requires a separate setup of each service.
Method 1: Disabling pop-up notifications in MIUI settings
The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for most users and do not require technical knowledge.
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Show System Processes.
- Find an app that shows pop-ups (such as Mi Browser, Security, or Download Manager).
- Go to Notifications and turn off the pop-up option (or Show as pop-ups).
Some system applications (e.g. Security) may require additional confirmation, and if the button is inactive, the application is secure, in which case the following method will help.
Update MIUI to the latest version (some settings only appear in new builds)
Check permissions for applications in Settings β Privacy β Permissions β Special permissions β Pop-ups
Make sure you have sufficient rights (some firmware requires a Mi Account)
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This method works for most user applications, but it doesn't always work against system advertising. If windows keep popping up after you turn off, move on to the next one.
Method 2: Blocking Advertising through Security
The proprietary Security app (or Security in Russian) not only scans the device for viruses, but also manages MIUI advertising modules. To turn off ads in pop-ups:
- Launch the Security app (shield icon).
- Go to Optimization (or Acceleration in older versions).
- Click on the gear in the upper right corner and select Recommendation Settings.
- Disable all switches related to Recommendations and Personalized Advertising.
In some regional firmware (for example, India or China), this section may be called differently. If you don't find Recommendation Settings, try:
- π Search the Security section of Cleaner β Settings β Advertising.
- π B Settings β Mi Account β Mi Services disable Personalized Recommendations.
- π Set the device region to Europe (in Settings) β Additionally. β Region), as there is less advertising in European firmware.
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If after turning off the ad still appears, clear the cache of the Security application in Settings β Applications β Application Management β Security β Storage β Clear the cache.
Method 3: Using ADB to Deeply Disable Pop-ups
If standard methods donβt work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a tool for debugging Android, which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but allows you to turn off even system pop-ups.
Be prepared first:
- Download ADB Tools to your computer.
- Turn on the smartphone Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings β About phone).
- Activate Debugging by USB in Settings β Additional β For developers.
Now connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analyticsThese commands disable the system modules responsible for displaying ads and analytics. Once executed, restart the device.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
β οΈ Note: Disabling system applications through ADB It can cause some features to function unstable (e.g. updates or cloud services). If you notice a failure, return the changes to the team:
adb shell pm enable com.miui.systemAdSolutionMethod 4: Configure permissions for individual applications
Some apps (such as Facebook, AliExpress, or Mi Browser) have separate permissions to display pop-ups to turn them off:
- Go to Settings β Privacy β Permissions β Special Permissions β Pop-ups.
- View the list of apps and turn off the permission for those that show annoying windows.
Note the following apps (they are most likely to abuse pop-ups):
| Annex | Type of pop-up windows | How to turn off |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Browser | Advertising, news notifications | Disable in the browser settings section Recommendations |
| Security | Virus Warnings, Optimizations | In the application settings, disable Security Notices |
| Download Manager | Windows with a suggestion to open the downloaded file | Disable notifications in Settings β Applications β Download Manager |
| Mi Video | Advertising before the video, recommendations | In the application settings, disable Personalized Recommendations |
If the app doesnβt have the right app on the list but it keeps showing windows, check its settings directly in the app itself. Often the option is hidden in the Notifications or Settings β Privacy section.
Method 5: Reset Advertising Settings (for MIUI 13 and later)
Recent versions of MIUI have introduced an ad ID reset feature that helps reduce the number of targeted pop-ups.
- Go to Settings. β The phone.
- Click on the MIUI version several times to activate the Developer Mode.
- Back to Settings β Additionally. β For developers.
- Find the option Reset the Advertising ID and confirm the action.
This method does not turn off pop-ups completely, but reduces their personalization. After reset, advertising will become less intrusive, as the system will no longer βknowβ your preferences.
Advertising in system applications
Notifications of updates
Windows with a suggestion to optimize the device
Advertising in the browser or launcher
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Method 6: Installation of an alternative launcher
If pop-ups appear directly on the desktop (for example, from Mi Launcher), you can install a third-party launcher.
- π± Nova Launcher β flexible setup, no advertising.
- π± Lawnchair β open source, minimalist design.
- π± Microsoft Launcher β Windows integration, without intrusive notifications.
After installing an alternative launcher:
- Click on the Home button and select the new launcher as the main one.
- In the launcher settings, disable all options related to Recommendations or News Feed.
β οΈ Warning: Some system windows (such as low charge notifications) will still appear on top of any launcher, and you will need root access or shutdown to remove them. ADB.
Method 7: Manual removal of system applications (power users only)
If you're willing to take drastic measures and have root rights, you can completely remove the apps responsible for pop-ups.
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/.
- Find and delete (or rename) the following folders:
com.miui.systemAdSolution β System Advertising
com.xiaomi.mipicks β content recommendations
com.miui.analytics β Analytics collection
com.miui.bugreport - error reports (sometimes shows windows)
com.android.browser β standard browser with advertisingβ οΈ Note: Removing system applications may cause some features (such as air updates or cloud services) to fail.Before deleting, back up through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.
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Removing system applications without root rights can lead to βeternalβ bootloop, and use this method only if you are confident in your actions.