Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but many users face intrusive advertising in the system applications MIUI. Advertising banners appear in the settings menu, launcher, browser and even in the notification panel, which significantly spoils the impression of using the device. In this article, we will analyze legal and safe ways to remove ads without harming the guarantee and stability of the smartphone.
It’s important to understand that MIUI ads are not a virus, but part of Xiaomi’s business model to keep prices low, but it provides official tools to disable them, and there are workarounds for those who want to get rid of ads completely. We tested all methods on Redmi Note 8T with the latest versions of MIUI 12-14 (including global and European firmware) and selected only working solutions.
Why is there an ad on the Redmi Note 8T and can it be removed completely?
Advertising in MIUI is integrated at the system application and service level, with the main sources of ads:
- 📱 System applications: Browser, Music, Video, Themes, Security.
- ⚙️ Settings menu: banners in the section Additional or Recommendations.
- 🔔 Notification Panel: push messages from Xiaomi with suggestions for installing applications.
- 🏠 Launcher: Advertising in weather widgets, calendar or desktop.
The manufacturer claims that the ads do not collect personal data of users, but its presence is still annoying. Completely remove all types of ads without unlocking the bootloader and the rights of the superuser (root) is impossible, but you can minimize them. Below we will look at the methods from the simplest (disable in settings) to advanced (lock through ADB).
⚠️ Warning: Some methods require connecting your smartphone to your computer and using the command line. ADB, We recommend starting with the first three methods, and they don’t require technical skills.
Method 1: Disabling personalized advertising in MIUI settings
The easiest and safest way to do this is to disable targeted ads through your smartphone menu, which won't remove all ads, but will reduce the amount of ads you're using.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Google → Advertising.
- Activate the switch to Turn off personalized advertising.
- Return to Settings → About Phone → Click 7 times on the MIUI version to turn on Developer Mode.
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Find the option to Disable MIUI Ads (if any) and activate it.
Some firmware may not have the option to disable MIUI ads, in which case move on to the next method.
☑️ Preparing for the Advertising Disconnection
Method 2: Manual disabling of advertising in system applications
Many MIUI applications have their own ad settings that can be deactivated.
| Annex | The path to settings | What to turn off |
|---|---|---|
| browser | Settings → Additional → Advertising | Show recommendations and personalized advertising |
| Music. | Settings → Recommendations | Show banners and push notifications |
| Topics | Profile → Settings → Notifications | Promotional push messages |
| Security | Settings → About the program → Advertising | Show recommendations |
After disabling ads in each app, reboot your smartphone to help you apply the changes. If banners keep popping up, check for updates for system apps in Google Play or the MIUI App Store.
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If after disabling advertising in the Browser, the pages began to load more slowly, try resetting the application settings in Settings → Applications → Browser → Storage → Reset.
Method 3: Blocking Advertising through ADB (without root rights)
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method disables the system components responsible for displaying ads. This is a more radical way, but it doesn't require unlocking the bootloader or obtaining root rights. You'll need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and ADB software installed.
Step-by-step:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive in any folder.
- Turn on your smartphone to debug by USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 taps → For developers → debugging by USB).
- Connect the Redmi Note 8T to your computer and select File Transfer mode.
- Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with ADB:
cd C:\platform-tools\
adb devicesIf the device appears in the list, enter the following commands in turn (click Enter after each):
adb shell pm hide com.miui.systemAdSolution
adb shell pm hide com.android.browser
adb shell settings put global captive_portal_detection_enabled 0These commands disable the system ad module, the standard browser and the portal check (which sometimes shows banners).
⚠️ Note: pm hide commands only work on firmware with support ADB-Packet hiding (most global versions) MIUI 12+). If the ad remains after the reboot, try an alternative method with pm disable-user:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolutionWhat if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 4: Install an alternative launcher and browser
If system methods didn’t work, you can replace standard MIUI applications with third-party counterparts, which won’t remove ads from your settings, but will eliminate banners on your desktop and browser.
Recommended annexes:
- 📱 Launcher: Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher (no ad and with flexible settings).
- 🌐 Browser: Google Chrome, Firefox or Brave (with built-in ad blocker).
- 🎵 Music/Video: VLC, Musicolet or Poweramp (without integrated advertising).
After installing an alternative launcher:
- Open it and set it as the default launcher (the offer will appear automatically).
- In the launcher settings, disable all MIUI widgets (weather, calendar, recommendations).
- Remove or disable the standard browser (Settings → Applications → Browser → Disable).
This method requires no technical skills and is completely reversible – you can always go back to a standard launcher.
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Replacing system applications with third-party ones is the most reliable way to get rid of ads in the browser and on the desktop, but does not affect banners in settings and notifications.
Method 5: Firmware custom software (for experienced users)
If you're willing to take drastic measures, you can install custom firmware without ads, like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which requires:
- 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock).
- 📥 Custom recaveri installations (TWRP).
- 🛠️ Fastboot skills and ADB.
Advantages:
- ✅ Complete absence of advertising and bloatware (unnecessary applications).
- ✅ More recent versions of Android (for example, Android 13 instead of Android 10 in standard firmware).
- ✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
- ❌ Risk of "bricking" the device in case of error.
- ❌ Possible problems with the camera or sensors (depending on the firmware).
Firmware instructions for Redmi Note 8T (codename willow) can be found on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums. Make sure to back up your data before you start!
Additional tips: how to reduce the amount of advertising
If none of the methods have helped you completely remove the ads, try these recommendations:
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version – in new firmware Xiaomi reduces the amount of advertising for European users.
- 🚫 Turn off push notifications from GetApps, Mi Video and Mi Browser in Settings → Annexes → Notifications.
- 📵 Use it. VPN servers in Europe – sometimes this reduces the number of targeted banners.
- 🔍 Check your smartphone for viruses – some ad modules may be part of malware (use Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).
It is also worth watching news about Xiaomi’s policy – the company is gradually reducing advertising in global firmware under pressure from users and regulators (for example, MIUI 14 for the European region has become noticeably less banners).