Xiaomi Redmi 3S is still a popular device due to its price-performance ratio, but many users are annoyed by the built-in advertising in the MIUI branded shell. Advertising banners appear in the settings menu, on the lock screen, in system applications and even in notification panels - this not only interferes with, but also slows down the device. In this article, we will discuss 5 effective ways to remove ads on the Redmi 3S without compromising functionality, including methods for users without root rights and with them.
It's important to understand that MIUI advertising is not a virus, but part of Xiaomi's business model, which allows it to keep device prices low. However, it can be turned off legally without violating the license agreement. We tested all methods on current firmware versions (including MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 14 for Redmi 3S) and selected only those that work consistently. If you're willing to spend 10-15 minutes to permanently get rid of intrusive banners, read on.
1. disable personalized advertising in MIUI settings
The easiest and safest way to do this is to deactivate personalized ads through the settings menu, which doesn't require super-user rights and is suitable even for beginners, but it only removes some of the ads that are related to your preferences, but not all of the system banners.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Google → Advertising (if no item, go to Settings) → Additionally. → Confidentiality → Advertising).
- 🔄 Switch the slider "Personalized advertising" to the off position.
- 🗑️ Click "Reset advertising" ID» and confirm the action.
- 🔍 Go back to the main settings and open the settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Tap the firmware version 7 times to activate the developer mode.
After these actions, advertising in some applications (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) will become less intrusive, but the system banners in the settings menu may remain.
💡
If Ads are not in the settings, update Google Play services in the app store. This often solves the problem with displaying menus.
2. Manual disabling of advertising in system applications
Many built-in MIUI applications (e.g. Mi Security, Mi Browser, Themes) have their own ad settings. They take no more than 5 minutes to turn off, but require careful attention - some menu items are hidden deep.
List of applications with advertising and the way to their settings:
| Annex | The Way to Advertising Settings | What to turn off |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Security | Settings → About the program → Advertising | “Show recommendations” and “Personalized advertising” |
| Mi Browser | ⋮ → Settings → Additionally. → Confidentiality | "Recommendations on the Main" and "Personalized News" |
| Themes | Profile → Settings → Advertising | “Show Advertising” and “Subject Recommendations” |
| Mi Video | ⋮ → Settings → About the programme → Advertising | “Personalized recommendations” |
After disabling these settings, the ads in these applications will disappear, but the system banners in the settings menu (for example, when connecting to Wi-Fi or activating mobile data) can be saved.
3.Use ADB for deep disabling of ads (no root)
If manual settings don’t work, the next step is to disable ads via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which doesn’t require root rights, but requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, and the advantage of the method is that it removes all system ads, including banners in the settings menu and on the lock screen.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
- Activate developer mode on Redmi 3S (7 taps according to MIUI in Settings → About phone).
- Enable debugging over USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
- Enter the commands in turn: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser
These commands disable the system services that are responsible for the display of ads. After the device is restarted, the banners disappear. If the ads return after the MIUI update, repeat the procedure.
Install ADB Tools on PC| Activate Developer Mode on Phone |Enable debugging on USB|Connect phone to computer |Check device visibility by adb devices-->
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
4. Removal of ads through editing the hosts file (requires root)
For root-right users, there is a more radical method, blocking ad servers through editing the hosts file, which removes all ads, including banners in games and third-party applications, but requires caution: improper editing can lead to loss of Internet connection.
Instructions:
- 📲 Install any root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- 🔍 Cross the path. /system/etc/hosts Make a backup copy of the file (copy it on the file). SD-map).
- 📝 Open the hosts file in the text editor and add the following lines at the end: 127.0.0.1 ad.mi.com 127.0.0.1 data.mistat.xiaomi.com 127.0.0.1 sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com 127.0.0.1 api.ad.xiaomi.com
- 💾 Save the file and restart the device.
💡
Editing a hosts file blocks not only Xiaomi ads, but also some analytics services, which can lead to errors in the operation of some applications (for example, Mi Fit or Mi Cloud).
If the Internet is lost after the changes, restore the original hosts file from the backup. Also note that after updating the firmware, the file may be reset — you will have to edit it again.
5. Installation of custom firmware (for experienced users)
The most drastic way to get rid of advertising is to install custom firmware without Xiaomi services, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience. This method is suitable only for those who are willing to sacrifice certain functions (for example, for example, for those who are ready to sacrifice certain functions, IR-Quick Charge or Blaster for the sake of complete freedom from advertising.
Advantages and disadvantages of the method:
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| Total lack of advertising | Loss of warranty (if it is still valid) |
| A more recent version of Android | Possible bugs in the work of the camera or sensors |
| No unnecessary system applications | Difficulty of installation for beginners |
| Better productivity | No OTA Updates (must be updated manually) |
If you decide to take this step, follow the instructions on the forum. 4PDA or XDA Developers for Redmi 3S (codename land. Make sure to back up the data through TWRP before-fixing!
💡
Before installing custom firmware, check compatibility with your Redmi 3S model. The device came in two versions: Redmi 3S (Snapdragon 430) and Redmi 3S Prime (Snapdragon 430, but with a fingerprint).
6.Alternative methods: ad blockers and VPNs
If you don't want to dig into the settings, you can use third-party apps to block ads, which are less effective than system methods, but easier to set up.
Top.-3 Advertising Blocking Apps on Redmi 3S:
- 🛡️ Blokada – Blocks Advertising at Level DNS, It doesn't require root.
- 🌐 AdGuard – It works like this. VPN, It filters traffic. It's free.
- 🔒 NetGuard – blocks access to advertising domains without root (you need to configure manually.
These apps won’t remove system banners from MIUI, but they will significantly reduce the amount of ads in your browser, games, and third-party programs. Combine them with the methods from the previous sections for maximum effect.
💡
Blocking apps can conflict with some banking programs (e.g. Sberbank Online or Tinkoff), in which case add banking applications to the whitelist.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When removing ads on Redmi 3S, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
⚠️ Note: If after disabling advertising through ADB Some functions (such as themes or cloud storage) have stopped working, return the services disabled by the command: adb shell pm enable com.miui.systemAdSolution This will restore functionality, but advertising can return.
Error 1: After editing hosts, the Internet is gone. Solution: Restore the original file from the backup or check the syntax - each line should end with a line translation (click Enter after the last entry).
Mistake 2: ADB He does not see the device, although the debugging USB Solution: Try another one. USB-cable (original, preferably) or port on your computer. Also check that the phone settings have selected the connection as File Transfer (MTP).
Error 3: After the MIUI update, the ad reappears. Solution: This is OK, system applications are restored. Repeat the steps from the ADB or hosts section.
Error 4: Ad blockers (e.g. Blokada) don't work with mobile internet. Solution: In the app settings, enable the option "Always via VPN" or add the mobile operator's APN manually.