How to permanently remove ads from Xiaomi widgets: the complete guide

The widget tape on Xiaomi smartphones is a convenient tool for quick access to information, but the constant advertising in it annoys many users. Banners not only distract, but also slow down the system, consume traffic and battery power. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of them – from official settings to technical tricks for advanced users.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods of removing advertising from the widget tape. MIUI 12/13/14, including hidden settings, ADB-Important: some methods require root or debugging rights USB, So, you should approach them consciously, and let's start with the simplest and safest options.

Why does Xiaomi widgets feature ads?

Advertising in MIUI is part of Xiaomi's business model, which allows the company to keep device prices low.

• 📢 System services MIUI — built-in msa (Miui System Ads) and mipush modules that download ads from Xiaomi servers.
• 🔄 Firmware updates – after each update, advertising modules can return even if you have disabled them before.
• 📱 Third-party widgets – some apps (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) add their banners to the feed.
• 🌍 Regional settings – more ads on China-based firmware devices than in global versions.

Interesting fact: in the European version of MIUI (EEA) advertising by law should not be, but some users still face banners due to errors in the firmware or incorrectly selected region when setting up.

Method 1: Disabling Advertising through MIUI Settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system options, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12 and later:

1. Open Settings → Password and Security → Authorization and Locking.
2. Scroll down and look for Personalized Recommendations (or Advertising Services).
3. Turn off the slider Show recommendations.
4. Return to the main settings and go to Settings → Additional → Special features.
5. Select “Delete Advertising” (if the item is missing, skip this step).

Once the device is restarted, the ads in the widget tape should disappear, but this method does not work on all firmware — sometimes additional adjustment is required.

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If you don't have Personalized Recommendations, try changing your region to India or Europe in the Settings Additional → Language and Region. This sometimes reveals hidden options.

Method 2: Reset the settings of the widget tape

If the ads are left after disabling the recommendations, try resetting the feed settings. This method does not delete banners permanently, but temporarily clears the cache:

1. Click the empty space on the main screen to open the tape settings.
2. Slip on "Widget Settings" (cog icon in upper right corner).
3. Choose Reset Ribbon settings or Clear Data.
4. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

This method helps if the ads appear because of a malfunction of the system widgets. For permanent effect, combine it with disabling personalized recommendations.

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Resetting the tape does not remove custom widgets (weather, calendar), but can return the standard order of their display.

Method 3: Use ADB-commands without root)

For advanced users, the most reliable way is to disable advertising services through ADB. This does not require root rights, but you need to enable debugging over USB:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the commands:

adb shell pm hide com.miui.systemAdSolution


adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.midrop




adb shell pm hide com.miui.analytics




adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.market

These commands disable the main ad modules. To get them back, replace hide with unhide.

Method 4: Installation of an alternative launcher

If system methods don't work, you can completely replace the standard MIUI shell with a third-party launcher.

• 🏆 Nova Launcher supports widgets, but without advertising. Allows you to customize the appearance of the app. MIUI.
• ⚡ Lawnchair is an open source lightweight launcher optimized for Xiaomi.
• 🎨 Hyperion Launcher - Imitates the MIUI, but without advertising and with extended settings.
• 🔄 Microsoft Launcher is a simple and stable option with Windows integration.

After the launcher is installed:

1. Click the Home button and select the new launcher as the main one.
2. Turn off the standard widget tape in the MIUI settings (Settings → Home Screen → Home Screen Style → No Ribbon).

The downside of the method: Some system widgets (such as Mi Fit or Mi Home) may not work properly.

Backup the main screen (screenshot or export settings)

Remove unnecessary widgets from standard tape

Check the compatibility of the launcher with the Android version

Disable battery optimization for new launcher-->

Method 5: Manual removal of advertising packages (requires root)

For root-right users, a radical method is available: removing the system applications responsible for advertising. Attention: wrong actions can cause the system to fail! Use only if you are confident in your skills.

List of dangerous packages (remove via Root Explorer or ADB with root rights):

Before you delete, backup via TWRP or adb backup! some packets are associated with system services and deleting them may result in:

• 🔄 Automatic recovery after update MIUI.
• 🚨 Mistakes in Mi Account or Find Device.
• 📱 Loss of functionality of some widgets (weather, pedometer).

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Instead of deleting, you can freeze packets through Titanium Backup or App Quarantine, which is safer and makes it easy to get them back.

Method 6: Set up DNS to block ads

Another effective method is blocking advertising servers at the level of the DNS. It doesn't remove ads completely, but it does reduce the amount of ads. DNS:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Private DNS.
2. Select "Private DNS Host Name".
3. Enter one of the addresses: dns.adguard.com (blocks ads and trackers) doh.centraleurope.cloudflare-dns.com (Cloudflare) dns.nextdns.io (with settings via the app)

Save and restart the device.

For maximum effect, combine this method with disabling personalized recommendations in MIUI.

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Changing your DNS can slow your Internet connection by 5 to 10 percent. If speed is critical, use AdGuard in local VPN mode instead of system DNS.

Method 7: Firmware custom ROM (for experienced)

If nothing works, the last option is to install custom firmware without advertising.

• 🔧 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary services.
• ⚡ Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel interface.
• 🎯 Xiaomi.eu – modified MIUI Advertising free (only for unlocked downloaders).
• 🛡️ CrDroid – optimized firmware with advanced settings.

Installation process:

1. Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-30 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Make a full backup through TWRP.
4. Select ROM and GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware voids warranty, can lead to a brick device and requires technical skills. On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) unlocking the loader resets all data!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to remove ads, users often face problems. Consider typical mistakes and their solutions:

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 🔍 Region of the device – more advertising on Chinese firmware.
• 📦 Third-party applications – some programs (e.g, UC Browser) Adds Advertising to the Feed.
• 🔄 Cache system applications - clear the cache Settings → Annexes → Application management → Systemic → Clear the cache.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions