How to remove ads from Xiaomi Redmi: the complete guide

Users of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face intrusive ads that appear in system applications, the browser and even on the desktop.This is a fee for the affordable cost of the device, but it is not necessary to put up with constant pop-ups and banners. Modern versions of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS provide enough tools for fine-tuning to minimize visual noise.

In this article, we will discuss proven methods of blocking advertising modules that are preinstalled in the system by default. MSA, tune in DNS-filters and change privacy settings to turn your smartphone into a clean workspace without unnecessary information debris.

It's worth noting that the deactivation process doesn't require root rights or cross-device flashing, and all of these are safe and reversible if you want to return your default settings, and the key is to follow the steps carefully, as some options are hidden in non-obvious menu sections.

Disabling the MSA system advertising module

The main source of intrusive banners in the system is the MSA (MIUI System Ads) service, which is responsible for downloading and displaying advertising content in standard Xiaomi applications. To completely remove advertising, you must first turn this process off through authorization settings.

Go to the Settings menu, then select Password and Security. Find Access to Personal Data (or Permissions and Access). In the app list that opens, find msa and put the switch inactive. The system will alert you to the possible consequences of a shutdown, but they are not critical to the average user.

It is important to understand that the first time to turn off the service may not work. the interface often requires you to wait 10 seconds before confirming, and the “Disable” button may be inactive. If after the disconnection, the ad continues to appear, repeat the procedure 2-3 times in a row until the system finally blocks the module.

⚠️ Attention: After disconnection MSA Some of the personalization features in the Music or Themes app may not work properly, but the basic functionality of the system will remain fully available.

To consolidate the result, it is also recommended to disable the Mi Video Ads service and Mi Browser Push in the same permissions menu, which will prevent pop-ups from the video player and browser, respectively, these components often run in the background and consume traffic even without the owner’s knowledge.

Customization and recommendations in the system

Beyond explicit ad modules, Xiaomi is actively using recommendation algorithms that offer content in standard utilities, which are often disguised as useful tips but are essentially advertising integrations.

First of all, go to the settings of the Security app itself. Click on the gear in the top right corner of the screen and find Receive recommendations. Move the slider to the left. A similar procedure should be repeated for the Themes app: go to the user profile (human icon), select Settings and disable the "Show ads" and "Personal recommendations".

Don't forget the system launcher that controls the desktop, and in desktop settings (long tapping on an empty space or through phone settings), you can turn off the wallpaper carousel feature, which not only changes images on the lock screen, but also actively broadcasts banner ads from partners of the company.

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Password and security → Confidentiality.
• 📉 Find the Advertising Services section and disable Personalized Advertising.
• 🔄 In the Downloads app, go to the settings and remove the tick from the item "Receive recommendations».

Also worth checking is the Explorer settings. In the About menu or in the general settings, the Get Recommends switch is often hidden, which activates the display of news feeds and ad units when you open a file. Disabling this option makes working with the file system instant and clean.

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After disabling all recommendations, restart your smartphone so that the changes take effect at the system caches level.

Blocking Advertising Through a Private DNS

One of the most effective methods of combating advertising in apps and browsers is the use of private advertising. DNS-This method works at the network connection level and blocks requests to known ad servers before content is uploaded to the device.

To activate the function, go to the Settings path → Connection and sharing → Private DNS. Select the mode "Host Name of the provider" DNS» (or "Manual") and enter the address dns.adguard.com. After saving the settings, the smartphone will redirect everything DNS-AdGuard filters that automatically cut off advertising traffic.

The advantage of this method is that it does not require the installation of third-party applications and does not load the processor. DNS-The speed of opening some sites may change slightly if you notice problems connecting to certain resources, the address of the servers is DNS temporarily removed.

It is important to note that this method does not block Xiaomi’s own ads in the system interfaces (as it is loaded from the company’s own domains), but it does a great job with banners in third-party apps, games and news feeds. DNS-filtering with a great addition to manual shutdown MSA.

Cleaning the browser and news feeds

The standard Mi Browser browser and Google or Yandex widgets on the desktop are often sources of information noise, and even after the system ads are turned off, these apps can continue to show news and promotional materials if not configured separately.

In Xiaomi’s browser, you need to open the menu (three bars at the bottom), go to Settings → Privacy and Security. Here you should activate the pop-up blocker. Also in the Notifications section, you should disable notifications from sites you have visited before, this will prevent advertising messages from appearing in the notification curtain.

For desktop widgets, the left screen (aggregator) is often full of news. To remove this, go to the desktop settings and turn off the display of Google Discover or Yandex.News feed. Instead, you can install a third-party launcher that is completely devoid of such integrations, or simply ignore the central widget.

⚠️ Note: When cleaning your browser data, your saved passwords and browsing history will be deleted unless you have previously backed up your Google or Mi Cloud account.

For users who prefer third-party solutions, it is recommended to install browsers with built-in protection, such as DuckDuckGo or Brave.They not only block trackers, but also do not have their own news feeds, making them an ideal replacement for the standard MIUI browser.

Managing Notifications from System Applications

Even after all the settings, some apps may try to send notifications about “hot offers” or “new features,” most often for Mi Store, Mi Credit and the standard calendar, and controlling notifications removes this last layer of stimuli.

Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notification Management. Go through the list of system applications. For each of them (especially those with the Mi logo), turn off notification categories related to Promotions, Recommendations and Marketing. Leave only critical alerts, such as when you have finished downloading or updating your system.

Pay special attention to the app Security. It often sends notifications that “the phone is slow” or “must clear the memory” by offering to buy a premium version of the antivirus or accelerator. In the notification settings of this application, you can safely turn off all marketing mailings, leaving only alerts about viruses.

• 🔔 Disable notifications from GetApps (Xiaomi app store).
• 📅 Remove subscriptions to holidays and events if they are not needed.
• 🎵 In the Music app, disable notifications about new tracks and playlists.

If you don’t use certain system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Remote), their notifications can be turned off completely, not only will it take away the ads, but it will also save battery life as the apps stop waking up the device to check for new data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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A comprehensive approach that includes disabling MSA, setting up DNS and managing notifications, allows you to get rid of 99% of advertising on Xiaomi and Redmi devices.