How to permanently remove ads on Xiaomi in games and system

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are well aware of the situation when during the passage of a difficult level in a favorite game, a banner suddenly pops up. It is not a virus or a bug of a particular application, but part of the MIUI brand shell or the new HyperOS, which is set by default to show recommendation content. Aggressive marketing is built into system services such as msa (MIUI System Ads), and many users perceive this as an inevitable evil.

However, it is not necessary to put up with constant interruptions of gameplay, there are several proven ways to completely or partially get rid of intrusive banners. In this article, we will discuss both simple methods through settings, and more advanced options using the DNS-filtration USB. Disabling ads does not require obtaining superuser rights (Root), which makes the procedure safe for the average user.

Before we get to the specific steps, it's worth understanding the nature of the phenomenon. Advertising modules are built deep into the system and are responsible for (push) news in the Security, Music, Themes and even in the standard conductor. To effectively combat this, you need to consistently disable each source of irritants. Below is a detailed instruction to help you regain control of the device.

Disabling MSA Service and System Recommendations

The first and most important step is to deactivate the MSA System Ads (MIUI) service, which is responsible for collecting user habits and delivering targeted ads. Without disabling this service, other settings may not be effective. It is important to understand that the system will try to resist this action, so the procedure may have to be repeated twice.

To start, go to your smartphone settings menu, find the Password and Security section (or just “Security” in older versions of firmware). Inside this menu, find the Personal Data Access item. In the app list that opens, find the msa service and turn the switch to “Off” position, the system will alert you to the consequences and start a countdown timer for 10 seconds.

After the time has expired, click the “Disable” button. If the button does not activate or an error appears, just try again – this is the normal behavior of the MIUI shell. In parallel, it is recommended to disable the mab service (MIUI Ads Browser), which is also responsible for advertising content, especially in the browser and system widgets.

In addition to services, check your personalization settings. In the Password and Security section, go to the Privacy Statement. Here you need to find the Receive Recommendations and disable it. This action will prevent the system from analyzing your actions to select advertising offers. It is also useful to go to the settings of each system application (Music, Themes, Explorer) and find the Receive Recommendations switch there, turning it off manually.

Setting up DNS to block ad servers

One of the most effective and elegant solutions to this problem is the use of the DNS over TLS protocol, which allows you to redirect all your smartphone requests to a server that automatically filters and blocks access to known advertising domains. Unlike installing third-party applications, this method works at the network level and does not consume battery power.

To activate this function, open the settings and enter the word in the search for settings «DNS». You need a private item. DNS (Private DNS), It's in the Connection and Sharing or Wi-Fi section, and the default is "Auto," and you have to select the option "Host Name of the provider." DNS» (or “Manually”) and enter the address of a special server.

The most popular and reliable solution is the AdGuard DNS service. In the field for entering, you must specify the following address:

dns.adguard.com

Once you enter the address, click Save. Now all traffic that passes through Wi-Fi and the mobile network will be filtered, which means that ads will disappear not only in games, but also in the browser, and in some applications that use standard ad networks. If some sites or applications stop working after you turn on DNS, you can always temporarily return the setting to the Auto position.

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Use the “Do Not Turn Off” mode in the screen settings during games to avoid accidentally curtailing the game when active. DNS-filter if the connection is unstable.

Managing Notifications and Application Permissions

Often users confuse system advertising with intrusive notifications from the games themselves or installed applications. Many free monetized games are not only through banners inside the interface, but also through push notifications that come even when you are not in the game.

Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notification management. Go through the list of installed games. If you see an application that is not a social network or messenger, but has the right to display notifications, feel free to turn off this feature. Leave only critical alerts, such as when you have completed downloading resources.

Also worth looking at the permissions associated with the identification of ads. In the section Password and security → Privacy → Advertising services (the path may vary depending on the version of MIUI), you can find the Reset Advertising ID button. Regularly resetting this ID confuses the algorithms of advertisers, making the ads less relevant and therefore less annoying.

⚠️ Note: Some games may refuse to run or require a permanent internet connection if they detect ad blockers or modified ad-blockers. DNS-In these cases, you have to balance comfort with accessibility.

Special attention should be paid to the Tools folder on the desktop, which is where news and recommendations often accumulate shortcuts, press the folder, click on the name or settings icon (if available), and turn off the Recommendations option, which removes the news feed that often mixes advertising posts.

Use debugging over USB and ADB commands

For advanced users who want to maximize their results, there is a method of removing advertising components through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to forcibly freeze or remove system packages responsible for advertising that cannot be disabled through the standard menu, this method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.

To start, activate Developer Mode. Go to About Phone and click 7 times in a row on MIUI Version (or OS Version). Then in advanced settings, turn on USB Debugging. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB drivers and platform. In the computer command line, enter the following commands to disable key advertising services:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.msa.global




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.personalassistant

The first command disables the standard browser (if you use another, such as Chrome), the second – the advertising service, the third – the Assistant (tape to the left of the desktop). Be careful: disabling system components can lead to unstable operation of some functions, so it is recommended to make a full backup of data before the procedure.

There are also graphical shells for ADB, such as Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools or Universal Android Debloater, which allow you to remove junk apps with a single click, marking them on the list, a safer option for those who are afraid of getting the command line syntax wrong.

Specificity of removing advertising in different models Xiaomi

The procedure for cleaning from advertising may vary slightly depending on the device model and version of the operating system installed. Owners of the budget lines Redmi and POCO face more aggressive advertising, as the margins of these devices are lower, and the company compensates for this with advertising integrations.

On HyperOS shell devices (the successor to MIUI), the menu structure has been changed, with privacy-related items now often found in the general Security section or in a separate Security app on the desktop. New versions also include Advanced Protection, which can block some ad trackers automatically if the relevant sliders are activated.

Global ROMs are usually less intrusive than China ROMs, but not completely absent. If you use the Chinese version of a global firmware smartphone (called the global firmware), DNS and MSA methods will work most effectively.

⚠️ Note: When updating the firmware with MIUI 14 to HyperOS, your personal data access settings can be reset. After a major update, always check the status of the msa service again.

Alternative methods and third-party solutions

If standard methods don't work, you might want to consider installing specialized blocking applications that run locally without root rights. AdGuard is the leader in this niche. VPN-A tunnel through which all traffic passes, cutting out advertising modules on the fly.

Another effective way is to use alternative app stores, such as the F-Droid or Aurora Store, which often have modified versions of popular apps (labeled as Mod or Premium) that have already been cut out of ads. APK-Files from unverified sources carry security risks, so use only verified repositories.

Also, don't forget to use the Do Not Disturb feature during play: set up this mode to automatically turn on when you launch your game app. This won't remove ads from the app itself, but will block pop-up notifications from other programs that may interrupt gameplay.

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The combination of disabling the MSA service, setting up Private DNS and banning notifications for games eliminates 95% of all ad interruptions on Xiaomi devices.

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