Floating Windows on Xiaomi Smartphones Is One of the Most Irritating Features of Firmware MIUI, These pop-up banners can appear in the most unexpected moments, whether during games, watching videos or even unlocking the screen. In some cases, they contain useful information (call notifications, messages), but most often they are intrusive advertising or unnecessary system prompts.
The problem is complicated by the fact that Xiaomi regularly changes the location of settings in new versions. MIUI (12 to 15), and there is no universal solution. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to turn off floating windows, from standard settings to hidden features for power users. Youβll learn how to remove banner ads, system notifications, and even windows from third-party apps that donβt want to disappear.
It is important to understand that some methods require superuser rights (root) or the installation of additional tools. We will mark such cases separately so that you can choose the most suitable option without risk to the device. If you use Xiaomi at work or store sensitive data on it, carefully read the warnings before changing system parameters.
1.What are floating windows on Xiaomi and why do they appear
Floating windows (or pop-up banners) in MIUI There are three main types:
- π’ System notifications β alerts about updates, network connection, low battery charge, etc. These can be disabled in part, but some critical warnings will remain.
- π° Banners are the most intrusive type, due to integrated advertising in branded applications (Mi Browser, Mi Video, Themes, etc.). Xiaomi monetizes firmware in this way in budget models.
- π± Windows from third-party apps β some programs (especially Chinese) request permission to display on top of other windows.
The main reasons for the appearance of floating windows:
- π§ Default settings β in the new Xiaomi smartphones, many alerts are turned on out of the box".
- π² Updates MIUI β After upgrading the firmware can reset user privacy settings.
- π οΈ Third-party applications β some programs (e.g. Clean Master, UC Browser) set up its services to display banners.
- π Regional features - on devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) Advertising is much higher than in global versions (Global) ROM).
Interesting fact: in MIUI 14 and later, Xiaomi has started to actively implement smart hints β floating windows with tips for using a smartphone. These can be turned off, but the path to settings is hidden deep in the menu.
2. Standard ways to disconnect through settings MIUI
Before you resort to radical measures, try standard methods. They work on most Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark and do not require root rights.
2.1 Disabling advertising in system applications
The easiest way to reduce the number of floating windows is to prohibit advertising in branded utilities:
- Open Settings β Memory β Clean (or Settings β Apps β Clean up in new versions).
- Slap the icon. βοΈ (gear) in the upper right corner.
- Turn off the "Recommendations" option (or "Personalized Recommendations").
- Go back and go to Settings. β Notifications and status bar β Management of notifications.
- Find Mi Browser, Mi Video, Themes apps and turn off the option of βfloating notificationsβ for them.
This method reduces the number of banner ads on 60-70%, But it doesn't completely remove them. It takes a lot of action to completely shut them down.
2.2. Prohibition of windows overlay for third-party applications
Many programs (e.g. Facebook, AliExpress, TikTok) request permission to display over other windows to prevent this:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Select the appropriate app (such as Facebook).
- Slip "Advanced" (or "Permissions" in new versions).
- Find the item "Show over other windows" and turn it off.
For convenience, you can use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner) and enter the request "display on top" - the system will show all applications with this resolution.
βοΈ Preparation for switching off floating windows
Do not disturb setting
Don't disturb mode" (DND) It allows you to temporarily disable all notifications, including floating windows, to configure it:
- Open Settings β Sound and vibration β Do not disturb.
- Activate the mode and set up the rules: π "Quiet β Turns off the sounds, but notifications remain. π« "No notifications β blocks all pop-up windows. β° "Schedule: automatically activated at a given time.
"Exceptions"
The downside of this method is that it turns off all notifications, not just floating windows, and use it if you want to focus on work or sleep.
| Method | Efficiency | Need root? | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disabling Advertising in System Applications | 60-70% | β No. | Doesn't clean all banners. |
| Prohibition of windows for third-party applications | 80% | β No. | You need to set up each application separately |
| Do not disturb mode. | 100% | β No. | Block all notifications |
| Turning off Smart Tips | 90% | β No. | Hidden in deep settings |
3. Hidden settings MIUI: How to disable "smart tips"
Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi added Smart Tips, floating windows with smartphone tips that appear when you hold your finger on the screen for a long time, try to take a screenshot, or do other things. You can turn them off, but the path to settings is not obvious.
Instructions for MIUI 13-15:
- Open the Settings. β The phone.
- Stick on the line "Version" MIUI" 7-10 Once you have a message saying, βYouβve become a developer!".
- Return to the main settings menu and open a new Settings section β Additional β For developers.
- Scroll down and find the Smart Tips option (or System Tips in some versions).
- Turn it off and restart the device.
If this item is missing, try an alternative method:
- Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
- Open it and find it in the list of com.android.settings.
- Select DevelopmentSettings (Developer Settings).
- Manually find the option associated with the prompts, and turn it off.
Step-by-step:
- Connect the phone to your computer and allow debugging over USB.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devices- If the device is determined, execute a command to disable advertising in system applications:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution- To disable floating notifications from MiuiDaemon (the service responsible for banners):
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics- Reset the device.
These commands disable the main services responsible for displaying ads and unnecessary notifications. If after the reboot there are errors in the work of system applications, return the settings with the command:
adb shell pm enable com.miui.systemAdSolutionπ‘
Before use ADB Backup your data through Settings β System system β Backup: In rare cases, shutting down system services can cause firmware to malfunction.
4.2. Removal of advertising modules through root
If you have Magisk or another root rights manager installed on your device, you can completely remove the advertising modules from the firmware.
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Cross the path. /system/priv-app/ And find folders: Analytics MSA (Mobile Services Analytics) MiuiDaemon
.bak
Analytics.bak
Reset the device.
After that, banner ads will disappear forever, but some features (such as syncing with Mi Account) may not work properly.
β οΈ Note: Deleting system files via root may result in a bootloop ( looped reboot) or loss of functionality.Before making changes, make sure you have a full firmware backup (for example, through TWRP).
5. Alternative firmware: an output for advanced users
If you are finally tired of floating windows and other "chips" MIUI, You can consider custom firmware, and it's a radical solution that will completely change the interface and the functionality of the smartphone.
Popular alternatives for Xiaomi devices:
- π± LineageOS - "clean" Android without unnecessary imposed features. Supports most models Xiaomi.
- π Pixel Experience β firmware with interface and features from Google Pixel.
- β‘ Havoc-OS - custom firmware with wide customization options.
- π‘οΈ MIUI without advertising (mods) β modified versions of standard firmware with remote advertising modules.
The process of installing custom firmware includes:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.
- Installation of custom recavery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
- Format partitions and firmware of the new OS.
Advantages:
- β Complete lack of advertising and floating windows.
- β Faster system operation (no background processes) MIUI).
- β Regular security updates from the community.
Disadvantages:
- β Loss of warranty if the device is new).
- β Risk of "bricking" (turning into a "brick") with errors during firmware.
- β Possible problems with camera, sensors or wireless modules (depending on firmware).
If you decide to take this step, be sure to study the guides for your model on the forums. 4PDA or XDA Developers. for popular smartphones (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3, Mi 11 has detailed instructions with video.
π‘
Custom firmware is the most radical, but also the most effective way to get rid of floating windows, but it is only suitable for advanced users who are willing to sacrifice warranty and stability for the sake of clean interfaces.
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When you try to remove floating windows, users often face typical problems, and we've collected some of the most common errors and ways to solve them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| After disabling advertising in the settings, banners still appear | Not all system applications are disabled | Check the Settings. β Annexes β Manage applications and manually disable notifications for Mi Browser, Mi Video, Cleaner |
| ADB does not see the device | Drivers not installed or USB debugging enabled | Set up Mi. PC Suite, enable debugging in the developer settings and reconnect |
| After removing system files through root phone does not turn on | Critical modules removed | Restore the firmware via Fastboot or TWRP (I need a backup) |
| Floating windows only appear in games. | Display notifications on top of games | Open the Settings. β Special facilities β Overlay the game and turn off the option |
| After updating MIUI all settings dropped | The update resets user settings | Repeat all the steps from this article again |
One of the most insidious mistakes is to return ads after a firmware update, because Xiaomi sometimes adds new ad modules to the latest versions. MIUI. To avoid it:
- π Turn off automatic firmware updates in Settings β The phone. β Updating the system β βοΈ β Auto-update.
- π₯ Before manually updating, check the reviews on the forums (for example, check the reviews, 4PDA) β Users are usually quick to find new ways to turn off ads.
- π‘οΈ Install App Inspector to track new advertising services.
β οΈ Note: If you use Xiaomi with firmware for the Chinese market (China) ROM), There's going to be a lot more advertising than the global version, and in this case, even radical methods (ADB, root) may not help completely. Consider the possibility of Global firmware ROM or EEA ROM (Europe).
7.Useful apps to block floating windows
If you don't want to dig into the settings or risk the stability of the system, you can use third-party utilities. They don't give a 100% guarantee, but they reduce the number of intrusive banners.
Top.-5 applications for blocking floating windows:
- π‘οΈ Blokada β Blocker of Advertising at the Level DNS. Effective against browser banners and some system notifications.
- π App Ops β allows you to disable permissions for system applications without root (required) ADB).
- π« Notisave - saves notifications in the log and allows you to block unnecessary ones.+.
- π PCAPdroid analyzes network traffic and finds advertising sources.
- π΅ Greenify freezes background processes, including those that display banners. Requires root for full functionality.
Example of Blokada setup:
- Download the app from Google Play or from the official website.
- Run it and select Aggressive Lockdown mode.
- Turn it on. VPN-Module (required for traffic filtering).
- Add to the blacklist the domains: ad.mi.com tracker.mi.com data.mistat.xiaomi.com
The downside of these apps is that they can block not only ads, but also useful notifications. For example, Blokada sometimes interferes with Google Play Services, so check the stability of your smartphone after installing.
For maximum effect, combine applications with manual settings from the previous sections. For example, turn off floating windows in the settings. MIUI Install Blokada to filter ads at the network level.