How to permanently remove ads from Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: from system banners to push notifications

Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is one of the most popular budget smartphones with a branded shell MIUI, which is known not only for its functionality, but also intrusive advertising. Banners in settings, push notifications from system applications, advertising in the Security menu - all this annoys users, especially when it comes to a paid device. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to remove ads from Redmi 8 Pro without root rights and loss of warranty, and consider radical methods for experienced users.

It's important to understand that some of the advertising in MIUI is built-in at the system level, and it can't be turned off by standard means. However, a combination of several methods allows you to minimize intrusive ads. We've tested all the ways on Redmi 8 Pro with the latest versions of MIUI 12/13/14 (including global and Chinese firmware) and highlighted those that work stably. If you're willing to sacrifice some features for the sake of clean interface, this guide is for you.

Why Redmi 8 Pro is getting ads and where it comes from

The concept of monetizing MIUI through advertising has been around since 2016, when Xiaomi began to actively promote its services. On the Redmi 8 Pro (the 2019 model of release), ads can appear in the following places:

• 📱 System applications: "Security", "Themes", "Music", "Video", "Downloads", "Calendar".
• ⚙️ Settings menu: banners in the section "About the phone", "Accounts".
• 🔔 Push notifications: from com.miui.systemAdSolution (system advertising service).
• 🌐 Browser and Search: Advertising in Mi Browser and Search Widget on the Home Screen.
• 📥 Install applications: offers to download games / utilities through the "Recommendations" in GetApps.

The main sources of advertising:

1. MSA (Mi Service Framework) is a framework responsible for analytics and targeted advertising, works even without a Xiaomi account.
2. GetApps is a branded app store that puts “recommendations” in the menu and notifications.
3. System services: com.xiaomi.mipicks, com.miui.analytics, com.miui.systemAdSolution.

Xiaomi officially states that the ads are only shown on global and Indian firmware (the Chinese and European versions do not contain it). EEA-The banners in "Security" or "Themes" can be downloaded by firmware (Europe), depending on the regional identifier (region) and the version. MIUI.

Method 1: Disabling personalized advertising in MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to deactivate targeted ads through the phone's menu, which won't delete all banners, but will reduce their number by 30-50%. MIUI 12–14:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi accounts (if not authorized, skip this step).
2. Go to Privacy → Advertising (or Settings → Additional → Special Opportunities → Advertising Services on Older Versions).
3. Turn off the sliders: 🔘 Personalized recommendations 🔘 Displaying advertising based on use

Settings → Applications → Application Management

GetApps

Turn off notifications and permissions to display over other windows.

After that, the ads in GetApps and some push notifications will disappear, but the banners in Security and Topics will remain, they are removed by other methods.

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If you do not have an Advertising Services option in your region, try changing your region to India or Russia in Settings → Additional → Region. After the change, restart your phone and check for the option.

Method 2: Blocking Advertising through ADB (no root rights)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method allows you to disable system ad services without getting root access. It's an official tool from Google, but requires you to connect your phone to a PC. The advantage is that the warranty is not broken, and the effect is preserved after the reboot.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 ADB Tools (download from Google website).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Enable USB Debugging and confirm permission.

Redmi 8 Pro

File transfer

platform-tools

Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here

adb devices

The name of your device should appear.

adb shell pm hide com.miui.systemAdSolution


adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.mipicks




adb shell pm hide com.android.browser




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




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.ab

Reboot the phone.

These commands hide (do not remove!) the system applications responsible for advertising, and if the banners return after the MIUI update, repeat the procedure.

Debugging is on. USB|Installed drivers Xiaomi on PC|The phone is connected in file transfer mode|ADB Tools are unpacked in a separate folder|The command line is open on behalf of the administrator-->

Method 3: Install an alternative launcher (without root)

The MIUI launcher has built-in ad modules that cannot be disabled through settings, and the solution is to install a third-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion, which will not remove ads from system applications, but will remove banners from the home screen and application menus.

How to install and configure:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (we recommend Nova Launcher – it is lightweight and supports a dark theme).
2. After installation, click the Home button and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. In the launcher settings, turn off: 📌 Mi Search and GetApps widgets. 🔍 Built-in search (replace with Google or DuckDuckGo). 🎨 Xiaomi themes and wallpapers (they may contain ads).

The downside of the method: some MIUI features (like Double-Tap to Wake Up or Gesture) may not work properly, and system notifications from GetApps or Security will remain.

Method 4: Removing Advertising through Hosts File Editing (for experienced)

This method blocks the phone from accessing Xiaomi ad servers by adding their addresses to the hosts file. Requires root rights or ADB (without root effect temporary).

Instructions without root (temporary solution):

1. Connect your phone to your PC and activate ADB (see Method 2).
2. Download Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools (or use manual method).
3. Enter the command to mount the system partition in write mode: adb shell su mount -o rw, remount /system (if there is no root, skip su - the effect will last until the reboot).
4. Open the hosts file in any text editor: adb pull /system/etc/hosts Add the line at the end of the file: 127.0.0.1 sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com 127.0.0.1 tracking.miui.com 127.0.0.1 api.ad.xiaomi.com 127.0.0.1 data.mistat.xiaomi.com 127.0.0.1 data.mistat.xiaomi.com 127.0.0.1 o2o.api.xiaomi.com
5. Save the file and download back: adb push hosts /system/etc/ adb shell chmod 644 /system/etc/hosts
6. Reboot the phone.

After that, the ads in the system applications (for example, in “Security” or “Themes”) will disappear, but may return after the MIUI update or reboot (if there is no root).

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Editing a hosts file without root rights has a temporary effect, and permanent results require unlocking the bootloader and gaining root access.

Method 5: Reflashing to custom or European MIUI (radical method)

If all previous methods did not work, you can reflash the Redmi 8 Pro on the version of MIUI without advertising.

• 🌍 EEA-Firmware (Europe) – official, without advertising, but requires unlocking the bootloader.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience) – complete removal MIUI, but branded features are lost (for example, an infrared port or Game Turbo).
• 🔧 Chinese firmware (for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, but not the Redmi 8 Pro!) – no ads, but no Google services.

Step-by-step process (for EEA-firmware):

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Download. EEA-Redmi 8 Pro (codenamed olivelite) from Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
3. Install with Fastboot: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash vendor.img fastboot reboot
4. After the firmware, reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Warning: Firmware erases all data and can cause a device to fail if the wrong version is selected. Redmi 8 Pro cannot install firmware from Redmi Note 8 Pro - these are different models!

How to reduce advertising without technical manipulation

If you don’t want to risk firmware or ADB, use these life hacks:

• 🚫 Disable notifications from apps: GetApps Mi Video Mi Browser Cleaner (in "Security") Way: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Select an application] → Notifications → Shut down.
• 🔍 Use alternative apps: Replace Mi Browser on Google Chrome or Firefox. Delete Mi Music and Mi Video (if you don't use it). Disable Mi Search widget on the home screen.
• 🛡️ Install ad blocker: Blokada (no root, block at level) DNS). AdGuard (works as it does) VPN, These applications block the loading of banner ads in the browser and some system applications.

⚠️ Note: Some ad blockers (e.g. AdAway) require root rights, without which they only work in the browser, but do not remove system advertising in the browser. MIUI.

What NOT to do when removing ads from Xiaomi

In the pursuit of clean interfaces, users often make mistakes that lead to device blinks or data loss.

• ❌ Removing system applications through Root Explorer without backup.This can disrupt the work MIUI (For example, deleting com.miui.home will result in a download cycle).
• ❌ Using "miracle scripts" from unknown sources. ADB contain malicious code or commands that break firmware.
• ❌ Unofficial Recovery Firmware (TWRP) For Redmi 8 Pro (codename olivelite) only the official one is suitable. TWRP.
• ❌ Disabling Google services in the hope of removing ads, which will cause the Play Market and other apps to fail.
• ❌ Resetting to factory settings as a method of fighting advertising.It doesn't help - banners will return after first syncing with Xiaomi account.

If you still decide to get root access, use only proven tools:

• Magisk (for system modifications)
• OrangeFox Recovery (alternative to TWRP)
• MIUI EU Rom (if you need firmware without advertising)

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Any manipulation of system files or firmware resets the warranty Xiaomi. If the phone warranties - limit ways without root and ADB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing ads from Redmi 8 Pro