Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often encounter intrusive banners that appear in the most unexpected places on the system, especially when pop-ups overlap content in the file manager or appear when folders are accidentally touched. This is not an accident, but part of a monetization strategy. MIUI HyperOS.
Fortunately, there are a few effective ways to deactivate ad units at the system level, so you don't need superuser rights or complex code manipulation, and we'll look at proven methods that will bring your gadget back to a clean interface.
Before you start setting up, it's important to understand the nature of these notifications, which are broadcast through system services like msa and daemon, and blocking network access for these services is a key step to comfort. Let's take a step-by-step approach.
Disabling System Recommendation (MSA)
The first and most important step is to disable the MSA (MIUI System Ads) service, which is responsible for collecting data on user behavior and displaying targeted ads, and is located deep in the authorization and security menu.
You have to go to settings, select the Password and Security section, then find the Access to Personal Data item. In the list that opens, find the msa line and put the switch to an inactive state, and the system will alert you to the consequences.
⚠️ Warning: After switching off the switch, a countdown timer will appear on 10 You have to wait until it ends and hit "Disable." If you didn't do it the first time, repeat the procedure. 2-3 Xiaomi servers sometimes temporarily refuse to request.
In parallel with MSA, you should check the Recommendations settings. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Privacy → Advertising Services. Here you should activate the option “Disable Ad Personalization.” This will not remove banners completely, but will make them less intrusive.
☑️ Audit of system services
After these steps are completed, system advertising should stop updating, but the app cache may store old banners for a while longer, and it is recommended that system application data be cleared through the memory management menu.
Configuring the “Conductor” application
The file manager itself has its own content display settings, and even when the MSA is disabled, there may still be items inside the application that offer hot themes or games, and to remove them, you need to dig into the menu of the conductor itself.
Open the Explorer app, click on the three bars in the top left corner, and select Settings. Find About or Display settings. You need to deactivate the Receive Recommendations or Show Ads option.
- 📁 Open the side menu of the conductor with the button "hamburger».
- ⚙️ Go to the application settings section.
- 🚫 Find and disable the “Recommendations” slider».
- 🔄 Restart the application to apply changes.
Importantly, the interface may vary depending on the version of MIUI. In some builds, the option is hidden inside the "About Cleaning" or "Security" item. If you didn't find the switch right away, check all menu subsections.
Why is the ad coming back?
Limitation of background activity of services
To enhance the effect, you can limit the background work of advertising services, not only remove banners, but also potentially save battery power, the method is to prohibit Internet connection for specific system processes.
Go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Search msa on the list. Go to Other Permits or Network Connections. Check the boxes for Wi-Fi and Mobile Internet.
A similar procedure is recommended for the Security and Services and Feedback app, which would prevent telemetry from being sent and new advertising campaigns from being received, a radical but effective method.
| Service | Function | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| msa | Systemic advertising | Disable network access |
| daemon | Data analytics | Withdraw permits |
| Mi Video | Video player | Disable recommendations |
| Music | Music service | Disable online content |
Using a Private DNS
A modern and very effective way to combat intrusive content is to use DNS-This method works at the connection level and blocks requests to known ad servers before they reach your phone.
In your smartphone settings, go on the Connect and Sharing path → Private DNS. Select the DNS Provider Host Name mode and enter a trusted filter address, such as dns.adguard.com. Save settings.
Once you have a private DNS setting, all of your device traffic will go through the filter server, which will remove not only ads in your Explorer, but also banners in your browser and some applications, and you will have virtually no impact on your Internet speed.
⚠️ Attention: When in use DNS-filtering may stop working correctly some applications associated with the display of ads (for example, free versions of games or aggregators). DNS.
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Use alternatives. DNS-For example, dns.family-adguard.com will filter out adult content.
Comparison of cleaning methods
The choice of method depends on your technical proficiency and the desired outcome, some prefer minimal intervention, some are willing to sacrifice functionality for the sake of complete sterility of the interface. Let's compare the basic approaches.
Disabling MSA is a basic level that everyone must use, and using DNS is a more advanced option that requires a stable Internet, and replacing the standard conductor is a solution for those who don't want to dig into system settings.
Combining methods yields the best results, such as disabling MSA plus a private DNS creates a double barrier for advertising modules, which ensures maximum comfort when using a smartphone.
Alternative File Managers
If the built-in Explorer continues to be annoying or unstable after all the manipulations, it makes sense to consider alternatives. The Google Play store has many lightweight and functional counterparts, devoid of advertising.
Popular options include Files by Google, Material Files or Solid Explorer.These apps are open source or have a strict privacy policy.They don't try to force you to buy or play.
After installing a third-party application, the system can default to continue opening files through the old Explorer. To fix this, go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Three dots in a corner → Default applications. Select a new file manager from the list.
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Replacing a standard application with a third-party counterpart is the only solution that guarantees 100% no advertising in the file management interface.