How to remove recommendations on Xiaomi Mi 9: the complete guide

Why Xiaomi Mi 9 has recommendations and how to disable them

Xiaomi Mi 9 owners often face intrusive recommendations on the home screen, in the app menu, and even in the system settings, which are part of the MIUI brand shell, which actively integrates ad units and smart hints, which the manufacturer positions as a useful service, but in practice they are more often annoying, slow down the interface and consume traffic.

The main sources of recommendations for Mi 9:

📱 Main screen – widgets with news, weather and advertising at the bottom
🔍 Search bar – tips and banners when entering queries
⚙️ System settings - advertising blocks in the "Recommendations" section"
📥 Application menu – folder “Editorial Choice” with unnecessary programs

It is important to understand that some of the recommendations are tied to Xiaomi services (such as msa and analytics), and the other is downloaded through third-party services. SDK. Complete shutdown requires a comprehensive approach – from manual settings to use ADB-commands or modified firmware.

📊 How often do you get annoyed by Xiaomi recommendations?

Constantly.

Sometimes.

We used to be disturbed.

Never noticed.

Method 1: Disabling recommendations through standard MIUI settings

The safest method is to use built-in shell options, which do not require superuser rights and is suitable for users without technical skills, but the effectiveness is limited: some of the ads can still seep through the system services.

Step-by-step:

Open the Settings. → Main screen screen.
Go to the widgets section and turn off: 🌦️ Weather widget (if not needed) 📰 News Widget (Mi News) 🎮 Game Center Widget (Game Center)

Settings → Additional → Recommendations

Show recommendations

Settings → Search → Disable “Show recommendations”

☑️ Preparation for deletion of recommendations

Make a backup copy of the dataRecord the current screen settingsCheck the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)Connect your phone to Wi-Fi

Done: 0 / 4

What if the "Recommendations" item is not in the settings?

On some versions of MIUI (e.g. 12.5+), the section is hidden. Try typing "recommendations" in your settings search or use the method with ADB below.

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI settings may be reset. We recommend fixing changes through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Reset application settings by selecting Do not reset system settings.

Method 2: Using ADB to Deeply Disable Advertising

For users willing to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a more radical method is available: it blocks the system packages responsible for showing recommendations without the need for root rights.

Steps required:

Install ADB Tools on your PC.
Activate Developer Mode on Mi 9: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands: adb shell pm hide com.miui.systemAdSolution adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.mipicks adb shell pm hide com.miui.weather2 adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics

ADB Team Team	What's off?	Effects of consequences
pm hide com.miui.systemAdSolution	System module of advertising	Banners disappear in settings and notifications
pm hide com.xiaomi.mipicks	Editorial Choice Service	The folder with recommended applications disappears
pm disable-user com.miui.analytics	Xiaomi Analytics	Data collection on use is stopped

⚠️ Note: Pm hide commands only work on the MIUI 12+. For older versions, use pm disable-user, but this can cause some features to crash (such as theme or cloud storage).

💡

Before execution ADB-Create a recovery point in the TWRP (This will allow you to roll back changes when errors are installed.

Method 3: Removing recommendations through superuser rights (Root)

If your Xiaomi Mi 9 has Magisk or another root rights manager installed, you can completely remove the system applications responsible for recommendations. This method is the most effective, but it requires caution - removing critical packets will lead to a "brick" of the device.

Instructions for users with Root:

📱 Install Root Explorer or Titanium Backup from the 4PDA.
🔍 Move to the /system/priv-app/ Delete the folders: Analytics Mipay MiuiDaemon MSA (main advertising module)
🔄 Reboot the phone.

When you delete the MSA (com.xiaomi.msa.global), not only will the recommendations be lost, but also some of the system notifications (for example, about security updates) and to return critical functions, you just need to reinstall the package through the MIUI System App Remover.

⚠️ Note: Some Firmware Removal MSA Blocks access to Xiaomi Cloud and Find Device services. Check backups in Settings before action → Xiaomi account → Cloud.

Method 4: Alternative launchers and custom firmware

If standard methods don’t work, consider installing a third-party launcher or custom firmware, which will drastically change the interface and eliminate system advertising, but require unlocking the bootloader.

Method 5: Blocking Advertising via DNS and Firewall

Another effective method is to block ad servers at the network level, which does not remove recommendation widgets, but stops loading their content, saving traffic and battery.

Implementation options:

🌐 Change of change DNS: Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Settings DNS. Install 1.1.1.3 (Cloudflare Family) or 94.140.14.14 (AdGuard) DNS).
🔥 Firewall applications: NetGuard – blocking access to Blokada advertising domains – working through VPN no AFWall root+ — Advanced firewall (requires Root)

List of domains to lock in firewalls (add to the blacklist):

api.ad.xiaomi.com


sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com




tracker.ai.xiaomi.com




data.mistat.xiaomi.com




sa.api.intl.miui.com

What to do if recommendations are returned after the update

MIUI updates often reset ad settings to minimize risks:

📥 Before updating, create a backup through Settings → My device. → Backup.
🔄 After the update, reapply ADB-Team or check the launcher settings.
🛡️ Install App Ops (requires Root) and disable permissions for MSA and Analytics.

If the recommendations are repeated:

Check the active processes through Settings → Applications → Launched.
Clear the cache and data for Settings (com.android.settings).
Apply the DisablerMagisk patch (for users with Magisk), which automatically blocks ad modules after updates.

💡

Xiaomi regularly changes its ad-show mechanisms, and keep an eye out for updates to 4PDA or XDA-Developers for current blocking methods.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing recommendations on Xiaomi Mi 9

Can I remove recommendations without root rights and ADB?

Yes, but the efficiency is limited. MIUI They allow you to disable some widgets and notifications, but system advertising in the settings and search will remain. ADB.

Why does it appear again after the ad is turned off in the settings?

This is due to the MSA (Mobile Service Ads) and Analytics background services that automatically restart, so either block them through ADB/Root or use a firewall to restrict network access.

Is it safe to remove system applications through Root?

Deleting most packages (such as MiuiDaemon or Mipay) is safe, but critical components like com.android.systemui cannot be touched. Always backup TWRP before you change.

How can I return recommendations if I need them?

For recovery: For ADB: run adb shell pm enable com.xiaomi.msa.global. For Root: reinstall remote packets via MIUI System App Installer. In settings: turn on the slider Show recommendations in the appropriate section.

Is there a risk of losing your warranty when using these methods?

Yes, unlocking a bootloader, getting a Root, or installing custom firmware voids the warranty. Methods without Root (ADB, DNS, launchers) are safe, but less effective.