Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face intrusive ads that appear in system applications. This can be annoying, especially when you are trying to quickly find the right feature or start a game. However, MIUI provides flexible tools to minimize the number of banner ads or remove them completely.
In this article, we'll take a look at all the available methods to combat marketing content, and you don't have to be a programming expert to do that, and most of the settings are hidden in a standard menu that can be reached in a few minutes.
Now, Xiaomi is making money selling not only hardware, but also advertising integrations into the shell, so it's sometimes hard to cut out all the elements completely without losing functionality, but it's very real to make the interface clean. Let's start with the most important step.
Disabling MSA Service is the Main Step
The main source of banner ads in the system is the MSA (MIUI System Ads) service, which is responsible for downloading and displaying promotional materials in standard utilities, and in order to effectively combat intrusiveness, it is necessary to turn it off first.
Go to your device's settings and find the Passwords and Security section. Inside this menu, you'll need Data Access. This lists all the apps that are eligible to access the Internet. Search in the msa list and just turn off the slider.
The system will alert you that a service shutdown may affect some functions. Don't worry, this is a standard warning. Once it's turned off, a 10 second countdown timer will appear, and then you'll need to confirm the action with the OK button.
Sometimes the first time to turn off the service is not possible, and the slider returns to its original position. In this case, just repeat the procedure 2-3 times, usually on the 4th attempt, the system is surrendered and disables the module forever.
☑️ Checking the shutdown MSA
Customization of personalization and recommendations
In addition to the system service, the recommendation module is responsible for displaying content, it analyzes your actions and offers applications or news that may interest you, and disabling this feature will significantly clean up the interface of folders and desktop.
To do this, go back to the Passwords and Security menu and select Data Access (if you are still there) or look for the Settings section (cog in the corner of the settings screen). In some versions of MIUI, this switch is located in the Receive Recommendations menu.
It's also worth checking the settings of specific applications, for example, in a conductor or cleaning manager, there are often separate toggles for displaying news and promotions, and you need to look inside the applications themselves by clicking on a three-dot menu or a gear.
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If you can’t find the recommendation switch in the general settings, try entering the word “advertising” or “recommend” in the search by phone settings.
It is important to note that after the firmware update, these settings may get lost. Check this section periodically to make sure that personalization is indeed disabled.It will only take a few seconds, but it will save your nerves.
Cleaning up standard applications
Advertising is often hidden in standard utilities such as Music, Video, Conductor and Security, each with its own content display settings that need to be adjusted separately.
In the Safety app, click on the gear in the top corner, find the "Get recommendations" item and turn it off, and you can also remove virus notifications or memory cleanups if you don't need them.
The Music and Video algorithm is similar: go to the settings, look for the Advanced Settings section or immediately for the Receive Recommendations section. In some regions, these items may be called differently, but the essence remains the same — look for the words “recommend”, “ads” or “receive”.
Hidden settings of the application Downloads
Remember that when you turn off the recommendations, the interface can become a little empty, but more functional, and you will stop seeing news feeds and suggested videos, which often do not bring any benefit.
Blocking advertising in the browser
If you use the standard Mi Browser browser, then ads can appear on the start page and in the form of push notifications. Xiaomi’s browser is quite aggressive in promoting content, so it is worth setting up or replacing.
Open your browser and go to settings (three bars or dots). Find the Privacy and Security section. There will be Ad Blocker - activate it. Also turn off the Receive News and Notifications option.
A more radical but effective method is to install a third-party browser like Firefox or Brave and install it by default, which will completely eliminate the appearance of system advertising from the manufacturer in web surfing.
In the system settings, go to Apps → All Apps → Default Settings → Browser and select the installed application. Now links will open in a clean environment without unnecessary visual noise.
Using DNS to block
One of the most effective ways to remove ads throughout the system, including games and third-party apps, is by using a private DNS, which blocks requests to known ad servers at the network level.
In modern versions of Android and MIUI, you don't need to install additional applications, just write the DNS address in your connection settings, and it's safe and doesn't affect Internet speed if the server is selected correctly.
The most popular and reliable service is dns.adguard.com, which filters traffic and cuts off advertising domains for free, and you can use this address to set up.
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Using Private DNS is a system solution that works globally for all applications using the standard Android network stack.
To activate the function, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing (or “Wi-Fi”) → Private DNS (Private DNS). Select the “DNS Provider Host Name” mode and type dns.adguard.com into it. Save the settings.
If some apps or sites stop working after DNS is turned on, try temporarily disabling this feature. Sometimes aggressive blocking can interfere with the correct ad integrations needed to run free games.
Comparison of disconnection methods
There are many ways to combat intrusive marketing, but they differ in efficiency and complexity, some methods require simple switching of the switch, others – a deeper dive into the settings.
The table below compares the basic techniques so you can choose the best one for your situation, and we rate them by the level of complexity and effectiveness of impact on different types of advertising.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSA shutdown | Low. | Tall. | Safe. |
| Set-up of recommendations | Low. | Medium | Safe. |
| Private DNS | Medium | Very high. | Can block useful content |
| Third-party launcher | Tall. | High (for desktop) | Changes the interface |
As you can see from the table, the combination of methods gives the best result. MSA and set recommendations, and then, if necessary, connect DNS-filter.
Don't be afraid to experiment with settings, because all of the actions described are reversible. If some method doesn't work for you, you can always return the default settings.
Frequent problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of the instructions, users may find it difficult, such as the MSA slider not turning off, or the DNS blocking access to important sites, and the typical scenarios.
If the MSA doesn't shut down, make sure you have a stable Internet connection. The server needs to send a request to shut down. Try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile Internet or vice versa.
⚠️ Attention: When in use DNS-Some applications (e.g. banking or carriers) may not work properly on filters, so add exceptions to your settings. DNS Turn off the filter temporarily.
Also, it is worth remembering that in different versions of MIUI (Global, China, Russia) the names of items may differ.
In rare cases, ads may come back after a system update, which is normal because configuration files are updated, and just repeat the procedure for disabling the MSA service.
⚠️ Warning: Do not install dubious applications from unverified sources that promise “total removal of ads.” Often they themselves contain viruses or miners.
What if the advertisement appeared after the update?
Concluding recommendations
Cleaning your smartphone from advertising requires a holistic approach. Don't just go with one method if it doesn't work 100%. The combination of shutting down system services and network filtering works wonders.
Check app updates regularly. Xiaomi standard utilities periodically change the location of their privacy settings.
Use alternative apps from Google Play if standard counterparts are too overloaded with features and advertising.The Android market offers a plethora of clean and easy replacements.
⚠️ Note: Disconnect system components through ADB (For advanced users, this method can cause unstable phone performance, and only use it if you understand the risks.
Following these tips will make your Redmi a handy tool without unnecessary visual noise. Enjoy a clean interface and fast device performance.
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The most reliable result is a bundle: Disabled MSA + Configured Private DNS. This removes 95% of all advertising in the system and browser.