How to permanently remove floating windows on Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

Floating Windows on Xiaomi Smartphones Is One of the Most Irritating Features of Firmware MIUI, These pop-up banners, ad notifications and system prompts not only interfere with work, but also consume battery power, slow the interface, and sometimes even contain potentially dangerous links. Unlike standard notifications, floating windows appear on top of all apps, blocking screen access and forcing them to close manually.

The problem is complicated by the fact that Xiaomi is actively integrating advertising mechanisms into its shell, especially in budget and mid-budget models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 Lite, etc. Even after disabling personalized ads in the settings, many users continue to see floating windows from system applications like Mi Browser, Mi Video or Security. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable them – from standard settings to radical methods for experienced users.

1.What are floating windows on Xiaomi and why do they appear

Floating windows (or pop-up notifications) in MIUI subdivided:

• 📢 System prompts -- appear when you connect to Wi-Fi, have low battery power, or update software -- are usually useful, but sometimes duplicate.
• 💰 Banners – displayed by Xiaomi apps (Mi Music, Themes, Cleaner) and partners, may contain links to games, promotions or services.
• ⚠️ Errors and warnings – come up when apps or services fail (e.g. Google Play Services).

The main reasons for their appearance:

• 🔧 Settings MIUI By default – in the new Xiaomi smartphones, many advertising and notification options are included out of the box".
• 📱 Third-party applications – even after removal, some programs leave background processes that generate pop-ups.
• 🔄 Updates to the firmware - after upgrade MIUI Some settings are reset and the adverts are returned.

⚠️ Warning: Some floating windows disguise themselves as system windows, but are actually viruses. If you see pop-ups suggesting "optimize phone" or "remove viruses" from unknown applications, this is a sign of infection).

V MIUI 14 and later Xiaomi has added the Smart Tips option, which analyzes your behavior and shows "useful" notifications. For example, if you use Google Maps often, the system may suggest opening it when you leave the house. AI Assistant and disconnect separately.

2. Method 1: Disabling floating windows in settings MIUI

The easiest method is to use built-in shell options. It's suitable for most models (Redmi, POCO, Mi on MIUI 12–14.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Notifications and Status bar.
2. Go to the Floating Notifications section (or Pop-ups in older versions).
3. Turn off the slider Allow floating notifications.
4. Scroll down and manually disable pop-ups for each application (especially Security, Cleaner, Mi Browser).

To disable the advertisement:

1. Go to Settings. → Memory. → Cleaning settings.
2. Turn off the recommendations and receive cleanup notifications.
3. Go back to the basic settings and select the Apps → Application management → Three points (⋮) → Special access → Showing over other windows.
4. Disable this access to any suspicious applications.

Disable floating notifications in settings MIUI|Disable display over other windows for unnecessary applications|Disable Advertising in Security and Cleaner|Checking the autostart list (Settings) → Battery → Auto-start)

-->

If after these actions, the windows continue to appear, the problem lies in specific applications, for example, Mi Video can show ads even after the notifications are turned off, in which case the following method will help.

Method 2: Manual disabling of advertising in system applications

Many floating windows are generated by Xiaomi’s pre-installed programs, which cannot be removed without root rights, but can be restricted.

List of the most “brazen” applications and how to neutralize them:

For Security and Cleaner applications, it is also recommended to:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Security → Permits.
2. Disable permissions Showing over other windows and Auto Run.
3. In the Notices section, ban all categories except critical ones (e.g., virus detected).

💡

If some functions in Security have stopped working after disabling notifications (for example, virus check), return the permission to display notifications, but leave the ban on floating windows.

V MIUI 14 has a hidden setting that blocks ads at the system level. To activate it, type the combination in the Calculator app. =. 1 9 9 9 =, Then select Menu. → Test → Ad settings and disable all sliders. This method does not work on all models, but can help in the fight against especially intrusive advertising.

Method 3: Use of ADB deep-switch

If standard methods do not help, you can use them. ADB (Android Debug Bridge is an Android debugging tool that will disable system notifications at the firmware level.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone. Press 7 times on the version. MIUI, The message is, “You’ve become a developer".

USB debugging

• Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• Turn on USB debugging and confirm the permission.
• Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser

These commands remove or disable components responsible for displaying ads. MIUI use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep -i "miui\|xiaomi\|ad"

⚠️ Attention: Some teams ADB For example, disabling com.xiaomi.midrop will block file transfers via Mi Drop. Before execution, back up your data or write down the original commands to roll back changes.

If you are not sure about your actions, use the utility. MIUI Hidden Settings (available on Google Play) provides a graphical interface to disable ads without manually entering commands.

Advertising in system applications|Memory cleanup notifications|Banners by Mi Browser|Tips from MIUI AI|Other-->

5. Method 4: Install custom firmware (for advanced)

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, installing an alternative firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu) will completely remove all floating windows and ads.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🚀 Clean Android without ads and unnecessary apps.
• 🔒 Regular security updates (as opposed to official security updates) MIUI, Where support for budget models is rapidly ending).
• ⚡ Improved performance due to the lack of background processes Xiaomi.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the phone is warranty, unlocking the bootloader will cancel it).
• 🔧 Risk of "bricking" if installed incorrectly.
• 📱 Certain functions (e.g, IR-blaster NFC) They may not work properly.

Instructions for installing Xiaomi.eu (the most stable firmware for Xiaomi):

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Download the firmware Xiaomi.eu for your model from the official website.
3. Install it through TWRP (Castom Recovery).
4. Do a data reset (Wipe → Format Data).

Once custom firmware is installed, all floating windows will disappear, but you will have to manually configure some features (such as Always On Display or Dual Apps).

Method 5: Blocking through DNS firewall

If you do not want to unlock the bootloader or use ADB, You can block Xiaomi ad servers at the network level, and that's a good change. DNS firewall.

Method 1: Change of DNS

1. Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi (or Mobile Network).
2. Click on your network. → Change the network → Additionally. → Settings IP.
3. Select Static and enter DNS: 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) 8.8.8.8 (Google) 94.140.14.14 (AdGuard DNS — block out).

Method 2: Use of firewall

Install the NetGuard or AFWall app+ (Root is required and block internet access for:

• com.miui.systemAdSolution
• com.xiaomi.mipicks
• com.miui.analytics

💡

Locking through DNS or firewall doesn't remove floating windows completely, but reduces them by 70-80%.For 100% of the result, combine this method with disabling notifications in the settings.

For users without root rights, the Blokada application (works through the VPN). It blocks ad domains, but can slow down the internet connection.

7 What to do if floating windows return after resetting

Many users are faced with the fact that after the update MIUI Or reset to factory settings, floating windows reappear:

• 🔄 Firmware update resets some ad settings.
• 📦 Restore from backup returns old application settings.
• 🤖 Google Play Services automatically enable notifications for some system applications.

To avoid the recurrence of pop-ups:

1. After reset, do not restore settings from the backup (select Set up as a new phone).
2. Turn off ads in Security and Cleaner (see Method 2).
3. Install. MIUI Hidden Settings and apply all anti-advertising settings before your first internet connection.
4. Update all apps through Google Play, not the Mi App Store (the latter often adds unnecessary services).

If windows return after updating MIUI, check:

• 📌 Have permissions for applications been reset in Settings? → Special access.
• 📌 Have you seen any new system applications (for example, Mi Game Center after upgrading to the new system)? MIUI 14).

8. Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

If all of the above methods have not worked, consider the following options:

1. Installation of a launcher from a third-party developer

Launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair don’t block floating windows, but they do hide unnecessary widgets and notifications on the home screen, and they also speed up the interface.

2.Use of the “Distractless” mode

V MIUI There is a function Do not disturb, which can be configured for a permanent job:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Do not disturb.
2. Select the Rules → Add a rule → Customizable.
3. Set a time from 00:00 to 23:59 and mark Repeat daily.
4. Enable the option to block floating notifications.

3. Appeal in support of Xiaomi

If floating windows appear due to a firmware failure (for example, after an unsuccessful update), you can send a complaint to official support:

1. Open the Feedback app.
2. Select the category of System Errors → Notifications.
3. Attach screenshots of floating windows and describe the problem.

Sometimes Xiaomi will release patches for such cases, especially if the bug is massive.

4.Switching to another smartphone

If dealing with floating windows takes too long, consider alternatives:

• 📱 Smartphones with pure Android (Google Pixel, Motorola) – without advertising and unnecessary notifications.
• 🍎 iPhone – there is no system advertising in iOS, but the price is higher.
• 🤖 Other Android brands (Samsung, OnePlus) – they also have ads in their shells, but it is easier to turn off.

💡

Before buying a new phone, check for ads. For example, Samsung Galaxy only has ads in Samsung Pay and Samsung Health apps, while Google Pixel doesn’t have ads at all.

FAQ: Frequent questions about floating windows on Xiaomi