How to permanently remove floating windows on Xiaomi Redmi 9: from advertising to system notifications

Why Redmi 9 has floating windows and how to fix it

Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners often face the problem of suddenly appearing floating windows — banner ads, notifications from apps or system messages that block the screen. These windows are not only annoying, but can contain potentially dangerous links or slow down the smartphone. The reasons for their appearance are diverse, from aggressive advertising in third-party applications to features of the MIUI firmware, which by default allows background activity to many services.

It is important to understand that floating windows fall into three categories: 1 Advertising – banners from applications (for example, from Mi Browser or Cleaner), 2 System – notifications from MIUI (updates, optimization tips), 3 Viral – windows that appear due to malware.

Each type requires a different approach to removal, and in this article we will look at all the ways, from standard settings to deep cleaning of the system.

Before you start settings, check to see if your Redmi 9 has suspicious apps installed. Go to Settings → Apps → Application Management and sort the list by installation date. If you find programs with names like Super Cleaner, Fast Booster or unknown games, delete them immediately. This is the first step to a clean screen.

Method 1: Turning off floating windows in MIUI settings

The MIUI firmware on Redmi 9 has a built-in pop-up control feature. To find it, follow the path:

Settings → Special features → Floating windows

Here you will see a list of apps that are allowed to be displayed on top of the other windows, and by default, Mi Browser, Security, or Cleaner can be enabled.

• 🔹 Disable all unnecessary applications - just move the sliders to the "Off" position.".
• 🔹 Pay attention to the "System windows" - it is better not to touch them, so as not to disrupt the interface.
• 🔹 Check the Notifications section in each application settings (e.g. Settings) → Annexes → Mi Browser → Notifications).

If you keep floating windows coming back after you shut down, you may have a deeper problem, perhaps in the settings of specific applications or in a virus infection, so move on to the next way.

💡

Once you turn off the floating windows, restart your smartphone. Some changes to MIUI only apply after the reboot.

Method 2: Limiting application background activity

Many floating windows are created because apps are running in the background and periodically "wake up" to show ads. MIUI has a tool to limit such activity:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app that shows floating windows (such as Mi Browser or Cleaner).
3. Click on Battery → Background Limitation.
4. Choose the option to limit or restrict strictly.

This won’t remove the app, but it will prevent it from running in the background and displaying banners, a method that is particularly effective for Xiaomi apps that often abuse background activity.

Method 3: Remove system applications (without root)

Some floating windows show built-in Xiaomi apps that cannot be removed in the standard way, but can be disabled or removed without root permissions using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method suitable for power users.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi 9 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-plug-in.

List of apps that are most often to blame for floating windows and commands to remove them:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.cleanmaster   # Cleaner


adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser    # Mi Browser




adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.weather2 # Weather (advertising)




adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop #Mi Drop (advertising)

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications can cause firmware to run unstable. Back up your data before executing commands. If you have problems after deleting, applications can be restored through resetting.

If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to use a safer way – disabling applications through Settings. → Annexes → Application management → It's less radical, but it's also effective.

Method 4: Checking for viruses and malware

If floating windows appear even after all suspicious apps are turned off, your Redmi 9 could be infected with a virus, malware often masquerades as harmless programs (such as flashlights, cleaners or games) and displays ads on top of all windows.

To verify:

1. Install a well-reputed antivirus: Malwarebytes, Kaspersky Mobile or Bitdefender.
2. Start a deep scan (not fast!).
3. Remove any threats you find.
4. Check the list of installed apps for suspicious ones (for example, with names in Chinese or random letters).

Pay special attention to the "Show over Other Windows" apps. To see them, go to:

Settings → Special features → Floating windows

If there are unknown programs, delete them and revoke the permissions.

Method 5: Resetting settings to factory

If none of the previous methods worked, the last resort is resetting, which will remove all data from the phone, including viruses and unnecessary apps, but also erase photos, contacts and settings. Make sure to back up before resetting!

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (not Network Reset!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
4. After reset, do not restore data from the backup if it was created before floating windows appeared - the virus could have persisted in the backup.

After discharge:

• 🔄 Do not install suspicious applications.
• 🔒 Disable the installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Confidentiality → Special permits → Installation of unknown applications).
• 🛡️ Install antivirus and scan the system regularly.

⚠️ Warning: If floating windows appear even after reset, this may indicate malicious firmware or damage to system files. MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.

💡

Resetting is the most reliable way to remove floating windows, but it requires a complete reinstallation of all data. Use it if other methods have not worked.

Next Next post: How to Prevent Floating Windows in the Future

To prevent floating windows from appearing on your Redmi 9, follow these guidelines:

• 📥 Install apps only from official sources, such as Google Play or Mi App Store. APK-files from questionable sites.
• 🔍 Read reviews and permissions before installing – if the app asks for notification access or the ability to show over other windows for no reason, opt out.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware in new versions MIUI Often close vulnerabilities that are exploited by ad viruses.
• 🛡️ Use an ad blocker – for example, Blokada or AdGuard (requires settings) VPN).

It is also useful to disable personalized advertising in Google settings:

Settings → Google → Advertising → Disable “Personalized Advertising”

If you’re exposed to adverts in your browser, try alternative apps like Firefox or Brave with an ad blocker, which are less aggressive in terms of displaying banners than the standard Mi Browser.

FAQ: Frequent questions about floating windows on Redmi 9