How to permanently remove ads on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 owners often face annoying ads in system apps, notifications, and even lock screen.The manufacturer has integrated ad modules into MIUI firmware for monetization, but users can legally disable most ads without root rights or third-party programs. In this article, 5 working methods tested on current versions of MIUI for Redmi Note 5 (codename whyred), including hidden settings and circumvention of restrictions.

It’s worth noting that since MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has partially restricted access to some of its advertising options through the standard menu, but workarounds still work. If you’re using global or European firmware, some of the ads may not be available initially, depending on the company’s regional policies, but even in such cases, system tips and “recommendations” remain.

Before you start settings, make sure your Redmi Note 5 is updated to the latest available version of MIUI. Check this in Settings → About Phone → System Update. We also recommend backing up important data – some methods require resetting the settings of individual applications.

1. disable personalized advertising in MIUI settings

The easiest way to reduce impressions is to deactivate ad personalization, which doesn't remove ads completely, but makes them less intrusive and less targeted.

Go to Settings → Google → Advertising (if not, check Settings → Additional → Privacy). here, disable the option "Personalized Ads". Also, we recommend resetting the ad ID (Reset ID button) - this will make it difficult to track your preferences.

• 📱 Disadvantages of the method: Advertising will remain, but will become less relevant (for example, random ads will be shown instead of targeted banners).
• 🔄 In the same section, disable “Show recommendations from Xiaomi” – this will reduce the number of system prompts.
• 🚫 Restriction: Does not work for third-party advertising (e.g. Mi Browser or Mi Video).

If there is no Google → Advertising section, then your device has firmware without Google services (e.g., the Chinese version of MIUI), in which case move on to the following methods.

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After disabling personalized ads, restart your phone – this will speed up the application of changes.

2. Blocking advertising through system application settings

Many of Xiaomi’s built-in apps have their own ad modules that can be manually disabled, below is a list of key apps and a path to customizing them:

Pay special attention to the security app (com.miui.securitycenter), which is responsible for most system notifications. If you don't have an explicit ad item in your settings, try resetting the app's settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Security and select "Storage".
3. Click on "Clear Data" and "Clear Cache".

⚠️ Attention: Resetting data in the Security app will delete the scan history and user settings of the antivirus.

3. Hidden MIUI settings: disabling ads via MSA

Mobile Services Advertising (MSA) is Xiaomi’s system component responsible for displaying ads in MIUI. It can be deactivated via a hidden menu, but the path depends on the firmware version.

For Redmi Note 5 with MIUI 11-14, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to the About Phone section.
3. Click 5-7 times in a row on the MIUI version until the notification “You are a developer!” appears.
4. Return to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
5. Find the "MSA" (or "Advertising in MIUI") and turn it off.

If there is no MSA, try an alternative method through ADB (requires a computer):

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1


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

⚠️ Attention: Disconnection MSA through ADB This may cause system notifications to fail (e.g. update alerts will disappear). You can restore functionality by command: adb shell pm enable com.miui.systemAdSolution

4. Use of third-party tools (without root rights)

If the system methods didn't work, you can use specialized utilities, and one of the most effective solutions is the QuickShortcutMaker app (available on Google Play), which allows you to find and disable hidden MIUI components that are responsible for advertising.

Instructions for use:

1. Install QuickShortcutMaker.
2. In the application search bar, type AdService or MSA.
3. Find components called com.miui.systemAdSolution or com.xiaomi.msa.global.
4. Select “Disable” (if the option is active) or “Delete Updates”.

Other useful utilities:

• 🛡️ Blokada – Blocker of Advertising at the Level DNS (It does not require ruts, but may conflict with VPN).
• 🔍 App Inspector – helps you find hidden advertising modules in the system APK.
• 📱 MIUI Hidden Settings – Opens access to hidden settings MIUI (It doesn’t work on all versions).

Install the application from the official store|Enable the display of system applications in the settings|Create a backup copy of the data|Check the version. MIUI compatible-->

5. Radical methods: resetting settings and firmware

If the advertising remains even after all the manipulations, you can consider two extreme options:

1. Reset to factory settings (will delete all data, but return the "clean" MIUI without accumulated advertising modules).
2. Installing custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will completely remove system advertising, but will require unlocking the bootloader.

To reset the settings:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select "Erase all data."
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Advantages and risks of custom firmware:

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi requires you to link your Mi Account to the device and wait 7-30 days (depending on Xiaomi policy.

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Setting resets are the most reliable way to remove ads, but it will delete all user data. Always back up before resetting!

6. Alternative solutions: what to do if nothing helps

If none of the methods worked, consider the following options:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: In newer versions of the firmware (for example, MIUI 14+) Xiaomi has reduced the number of ads for European users. check for updates in Settings → Updating the system.
• 🌍 Change of region: Set the European Union region in settings (Settings) → Additionally. → This may reduce the amount of advertising, but some features (such as themes) will become unavailable.
• 📵 Use of alternative launchers: Install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair – they will replace the system interface and hide some of the banner ads.

It is also worth checking if there are suspicious apps on the phone that may show additional ads.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by installation date.
3. Remove unknown applications (especially those with names like AdService, PushProvider).

If the ads only appear in your browser, try changing it to Google Chrome or Firefox with an ad blocker (e.g., uBlock Origin).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing ads on Redmi Note 5