How to remove ads from the lock screen Xiaomi Redmi Note 8

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face intrusive marketing that is built into the MIUI shell. Especially annoying is the appearance of banner ads or recommendations on the lock screen when the device is in sleep mode.

Fortunately, the Redmi Note 8 has a few hidden switches that allow you to completely clean the interface of unnecessary visual noise. You do not need superuser rights or complex firmware, you need to properly configure the system settings.

In this article, we will look at all possible sources of traffic on the locked screen and Step-by-step indicate ways to eliminate them. Follow the instructions carefully, as some options are scattered across different settings menus.

MSA Disconnection: The Main Source of Advertising

The main culprit behind the appearance of advertising materials in the system is the system application MIUI System Ads, known in the list of processes as msa. It is this service that collects data about your preferences and broadcasts content to the lock screen and other sections of the interface.

First, you need to find the app in the installed program list. Go to Settings and select the App. Next, go to All Apps. In the upper right corner, click on the three-dot icon and select Show System Services. Find msa.

Once you open the service, you'll see the Receive References switch, you'll need to turn it off, and the system may warn you several times that turning it off will make the user experience worse, but that's a standard trick. Just confirm the action.

⚠️ Warning: The off button may be inactive in the first few seconds after opening the menu.Wait 10 seconds before trying to turn off the switch.

It is important to understand that the complete removal of system components can lead to unstable operation of the Redmi Note 8. ADB-commands to forcibly remove the package com.miui.msa.global, as this may disrupt the store of theme and other services.

Setting up the "Security" application and cleaning up memory

Another channel for broadcasting ads is the built-in Security app, which often runs automatically when RAM is cleared or virus scanned, and it is in its settings that the options for showing recommendations on a locked screen are hidden.

Open the Security app (green shield icon). Click on the gear icon in the upper right corner to enter the settings. Here you are interested in the Receive recommendations section. Make sure that this slider is off.

Also, check the Memory Cleanup settings. In the same settings menu, look for Memory Cleanup and make sure that the option to Show Ads After Cleanup is deactivated, which will prevent banners from appearing immediately after you unlock the phone.

• 🛡️ Open the Security app on the home screen.
• ⚙️ Click on the settings icon in the upper right corner of the menu.
• 🚫 Find and disable the item Get recommendations.
• 🧹 In the section "Memory Cleansing" uncheck the box from the display of advertising.

After this is done, the system will stop loading advertising modules through the security service, which will significantly reduce the load on the processor and save the battery power of the Redmi Note 8.

Managing theme and lock screen

Often, ads don't come from system services, but from a theme that's set. Many free themes in the MIUI Themes store contain built-in block ad units that are updated over the Internet.

To check this, go to the Topic app. Click on the profile icon (humans) in the lower right corner. Select Settings. You need to find and disable the option to Show ads or Receive recommendations if any.

If the problem persists, the wallpaper carousel may be active, a service that changes images on a locked screen and often shows sponsors' advertising logos. You can turn it off via Settings → Lock Screen → Wallpaper carousel.

The most reliable way to get rid of advertising themes is to return to standard design. In the Themes app, go to profile, select Themes, and apply the Classic or Default theme. Standard Xiaomi themes do not contain built-in ads on the lock screen.

Disabling personalized advertising in your account

Even after disabling all local settings, ads can come based on your Mi Account data.The system analyzes your actions and can offer content that appears in widgets or on the lock screen.

To limit data collection, go to Settings → Password & Security → Access to Personal Data. Here you will see a list of services that have access to your information. Find msa and miui daemon, then turn off access for them.

Also, visit the Advertising section in the system settings (the path may vary depending on the version of MIUI: Settings → Password and Security → Advertising).

Using DNS to Block Advertising

If the software settings do not give 100% result, you can use a more radical but effective method - change. DNS-This will allow you to block advertising requests at the network level, preventing the phone from downloading banners.

Redmi Note 8 with Android 9 and higher has a built-in Private DNS feature. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Private DNS. Select the DNS provider hostname option.

Enter the address of a trusted ad blocker, such as dns.adguard.com. Save settings. Now all requests to known ad servers will be blocked, which will clear the lock screen and browser from pop-ups.

⚠️ Note: When using a third party DNS Some apps or sites may be slower. If you have problems accessing the Internet, return the setting to Auto mode".

This method is particularly effective against advertising in free apps and games, which often use the same servers to display banners.However, it does not block native Xiaomi ads if it is sewn into the theme cache, so combine this method with disabling MSA.

Verification of third-party applications and widgets

Sometimes the problem is not the system services, but the applications you installed. Some flashlights, memory cleaners or weather widgets have permissions to display over other windows and can display ads on a locked screen.

Check the list of newly installed apps. If the ad appears after you install a particular program, try removing it, and pay special attention to apps that require the right to Display over other apps.

Also check the widgets on your desktop. Some of them may have update and news display settings. Press and hold the widget, select Settings, and disable all options related to news or recommendations.

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To quickly check the source of advertising, install an application that tracks running processes, or simply observe after opening which application the most often appears advertising.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Comprehensive approach: disabling MSA, changing the theme to standard and using a private DNS ensures that there is no advertising on the lock screen.