Owners of modern smart devices often face intrusive marketing that is built directly into the device’s software shell. Xiaomi TVs running on the Android TV operating system or PatchWall’s own platform are no exception and can display banner ads on the desktop. This annoys users, distracts from viewing content and sometimes slows down the interface, requiring resources to download media content.
Fortunately, there are several proven ways to minimize or eliminate visual noise. In this article, we will explore in detail methods ranging from simple menu settings to more advanced technical solutions such as changing the visual noise. DNS-You can choose the one that best suits your model and technical background.
Before you start taking action, it is important to understand that some methods may require the installation of third-party software. Data security and system stability are a priority, so we will only consider proven solutions.
Analysis of advertising sources in PatchWall
The first step is to understand where the unwanted content comes from. In Xiaomi TVs, the main source of banners is PatchWall, a content aggregator that collects recommendations from various online cinemas and applications, forming a single tape oversaturated with promotional materials.
In addition, ad units can appear in system notifications or pop-ups when certain pre-installed applications are launched. System processes are often responsible for periodically checking update servers, where current banners are loaded. Understanding this architecture allows you to influence the problem point-by-point rather than blindly disabling useful functions.
Some users mistakenly believe that advertising viruses or malware, but in the case of Xiaomi, it is a regular function of monetizing the device, so installing an antivirus will not help here, because the system considers these processes legitimate, you need to use blocking methods at the level of network requests or interface settings.
It's important to note that different versions of the firmware may have different controls, and MIUI for TV is updated regularly, and developers can change the interface logic, so if you don't find an option in the specified location, you should look for it in adjacent settings or use it.
It is called a global search for TV settings.
Disabling personalization and advertising identifiers
The easiest and safest method available to anyone without installing additional software is to disable ad personalization data collection. Android TV has a built-in mechanism to limit targeting. While this won't eliminate banners completely, it will make them less intrusive and relevant.
To do this, you need to go to the system settings section, find the privacy or account section, and here you are interested in the option associated with the advertising ID, resetting the advertising ID or completely disabling it breaks the link between your actions and the ads you show.
☑️ Privacy settings
Also worth paying attention to is the settings of the PatchWall app itself, which often has a menu hidden inside the shell interface to disable recommendations, which can be called Clean Screen Mode or simply turning off the desktop video previews, which makes the interface more stringent and similar to standard Android.
⚠️ Note: After the firmware update, privacy settings may reset to factory values. Check this section periodically to make sure restrictions are still active.
Another important aspect is the permission management for system applications. Many Xiaomi services request access to location and browsing history to form a feed. By disabling these permissions in the Applications → System Applications section, you will significantly reduce the effectiveness of targeted advertising.
Blocking Advertising through Setup DNS-server
The most effective way to work at the network level is to use alternatives. DNS-This method allows you to block requests to known ad servers before they reach your TV, and you don't need root rights or complex code manipulation to implement this approach.
The main point of the method is that instead of the standard DNS-The TV provider's server will use a server that automatically filters out domains associated with advertising. One of the most popular and reliable solutions is the AdGuard service. DNS. It is free for personal use and does a great job of blocking trackers.
💡
Use it. DNS-servers with a lock function, such as AdGuard (94.140.14.14), to cut off ad traffic at the network level without installing applications.
To change your settings, go to the network connection menu. Select your Wi-Fi network or wired connection and go to the settings. IP. You will need to switch from “Automatically» (DHCP) by “Manual” (Static) IP). You'll need to write an address here. DNS-server.
Below is a table with addresses of popular DNS-servers that help in the fight against advertising:
| DNS Provider | Main address | Alternative address | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| AdGuard Default | 94.140.14.14 | 94.140.15.15 | Blocking Advertising and Tracking |
| AdGuard Family | 94.140.14.15 | 94.140.15.16 | Ad Blocking + Malware Protection |
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 | High speed, no filtration |
| Google Public | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | Stability, no filtration |
Once you have entered, save your settings and reconnect to the network. The effectiveness of the method depends on how often the databases of advertising domains are updated from the selected DNS provider. In some cases, you may need to clean the DNS cache on the TV itself or completely reboot it.
Use of specialized applications to block
If the change DNS-The records didn't work, so you can use specialized software. TV There are applications that create local VPN-One of the leaders in this niche is the Blokada app or its analogues, adapted for televisions.
Installing such applications usually requires downloading. APK-file from a third-party resource, as in the official Google Play store such utilities are often absent or have limited functionality. You will need a file manager and a browser on your TV, or the ability to transfer the file over the local network.
Where to download safely APK-file?
Once you install the application, you need to run it and activate the protection. VPN-A connection that will pass all traffic through, checking for advertising requests. VPN-Some Cast functions may stop working because the local network may not be available.
There is also a method of using Adblock Plus for Android TV, but its effectiveness varies depending on the version of the operating system. Some system applications may ignore the system proxies installed by third-party programs, in which case the combination of DNS and applications gives the best result.
⚠️ Attention: Use of third-party APK-Files carry potential security risks. Make sure the download source is trustworthy, and check the files with antivirus before installing them.
Change of launcher and user interface
A radical but very effective way to get rid of in-flight advertising is to completely replace the standard launcher. PatchWall shell is the main carrier of banner ads on the desktop. By installing an alterative launcher, you get a clean interface, devoid of built-in advertising.
Popular Android TV options are FATTV, Projectivy Launcher or FLauncher, which are fully reproducing the functionality of the standard menu, but with a focus on privacy and minimalism, and allow you to customize your desktop as you wish, adding only the right widgets.
However, in order for the new launcher to work by default, several additional steps must be taken. Xiaomi's system may try to return the user to its native shell. ADB-team.
The process of installing an alternative interface is as follows:
- 📥 Download. APK-file of the selected launcher and install it on the TV.
- 🔧 Launch the application and allow all necessary access.
- 🏠 Click the Home button on the remote and select the new launcher as the default action.
- 🚫 If the system does not allow you to choose, use ADB shutdown.
💡
Replacing the launcher is the only way to completely remove banner ads from the home screen, replacing PatchWall with a clean Android interface.
You have to consider that the upgrade may reset the launcher, and in some cases, after a major firmware update, the TV may start using the standard shell again, and you'll have to repeat the procedure, but it does have the most aesthetic effect.
Advanced Methods: ADB and Disabling System Components
For power users who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method to disable advertising system components through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to manage the system at a deep level, including removing or freezing unnecessary packages responsible for analytics and advertising.
First, you need to activate the developer mode on your TV. Go to Settings → About TV and click on Build number several times until you see a message that says you have activated the developer mode. Then turn on USB debugging from the menu that appears.
adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolutionThe above command disables the system ad service com.miui.systemAdSolution, which is responsible for displaying banners in the interface, and it is also recommended to disable analytics packages such as com.xiaomi.mipicks or com.miui.dlot, if they are present in your version of the firmware.
Using ADB requires caution. Disabling critical system processes can cause a device to run unstable or even a “brick.” pm disable-user is reversible, but requires knowing the exact name of the recovery packet. Always check the component name before it is turned off.
⚠️ Note: Before disabling system packets through ADB A complete backup of the data is strongly recommended. A packet name error may disrupt the interface.
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to limit the methods with DNS and change the launcher. Methods using ADB are suitable for those who understand the structure of Android and are willing to take responsibility for the possible consequences of modifying the system.