How to remove pop-ups on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: the complete guide

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face intrusive ads that appear at unexpected moments, such as a pop-up when unlocking the screen, ads in standard apps, or sudden banners in the interface. For the Redmi Note 9 model running on the MIUI shell, this problem is especially relevant, since the system is set by default to demonstrate advertising content.

The solution is to disable the MSA (MIUI System Ads) service, which is responsible for displaying ads. However, just finding and turning off one button is not enough. You need to set up a set of settings in several menu sections to completely clean the interface of unnecessary visual noise. In this article, we will discuss in detail each step necessary to make your device comfortable.

Before you start deep customization, it is worth noting that some changes may require a stable Internet connection for initial synchronization of parameters.It is also important to understand that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the installed MIUI firmware, but the logic of actions remains the same for all current versions.

Disabling system advertising through MSA settings

The first and most important step is to deactivate the main advertising module of the system, MSA service is integrated deep into the shell, but the developers have left the option to disable it, and to do this, you need to go to the password settings and security section, where you hide the management of system permissions.

Find passwords and security in the menu, then select Access to Personal Data. In the app list that opens, find the msa line. You will need to switch the slider to "Switched off" several times. The system will warn you of possible consequences, but for the user this only means stopping the display of ads.

Note that the shutdown button can only become active 10 seconds after the first press, which is an artificial delay designed to discourage users from turning off the service. If you fail the first time, just wait for the countdown and repeat the action.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Passwords and security.
• 🔒 Select the access to personal data (or special features).
• 📉 Find the msa app in the list and turn off the slider.
• ⏳ Wait for the timer to expire in 10 seconds and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: If the msa slider returns to its original position after disconnection, check for an internet connection. the service requires a server connection to confirm the disconnection.

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If the msa service is not listed, try changing the device region to India or the United States, then return it back – this often updates the list of system components.

Setting up privacy and advertising settings

In addition to directly disabling the MSA module, you need to prevent the system from using your ID for targeted advertising, this is done through a separate settings section that is responsible for personalizing advertising offers, and even if you have disabled the main service, this setting can continue to collect data about your preferences.

In the Passwords and Security menu, look for Advertising Services. This is the Personalized Advertising Switch. It needs to be put inactive. This action breaks the link between your device and the ad servers that analyze user behavior.

In the Mi Account section, make sure that the privacy settings do not check the automatic receipt of promotional offers from Xiaomi partners, which will help minimize spam in system notifications.

The process of clearing the ad data can take some time, so don’t expect all banners to disappear instantly.The system should update the cached settings and stop asking for ad units from the servers.

Removing Advertising in Standard Applications

Ad units are often built directly into standard utilities such as Explorer, Music, Themes and Security. Each of these components has its own settings that need to be adjusted separately from the global system settings. Ignoring this step will leave ads in specific applications.

Start with the Security app. Click on the three dots in the top right corner, select Settings, and find Receive Recommendations. Turn off this feature. Similar steps should be repeated for the Topics app: go to profile, then to settings, and uncheck the Show Ads box.

The Downloads app may also have recommendation pop-ups, go to the download settings (three dots) and turn off the Display recommended content, which will remove banners that often appear immediately after downloading files.

Blocking pop-up windows in the browser

Often the source of irritation is not system notifications, but advertising in the Mi Browser or Chrome browser. Pop-ups can overlap the content of sites or open in new tabs without your knowledge. Redmi Note 9 is characterized by an aggressive policy of the built-in browser, requiring manual adjustment.

In Mi Browser, you need to go to settings (three bars at the bottom), select Settings → Privacy Protection. Here activate the ad blocker and disable pop-ups. It is also useful to clear the data of sites that may have saved permissions to display notifications.

If you use Google Chrome, go to Settings → Site Settings. Check Pop-ups and Ads to make sure they are blocked. Often sites ask permission to send notifications - in the Notifications section, delete any suspicious addresses.

It is also recommended to install a third-party DNS with ad filtering, such as dns.adguard.com. This is done in the Wi-Fi settings or through the Private DNS app in the Connection section, which blocks network-level advertising for all applications at once.

Managing Notifications from Unknown Sources

One of the most common causes of sudden banners is apps not sourced from the official Google Play store. Third-party programs often contain ad modules that generate pop-ups on top of the desktop, and the source of the problem can be flashlights, memory cleaners or downloaded games from the Internet.

Check the list of apps that have permission to display over other windows. Go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Click three dots in the corner and select Special Opportunities (or Display on top of other apps). Carefully examine the list: if you see an unfamiliar application with access enabled, immediately disable it.

Pay special attention to apps called "Cleaner," "Battery Saver," or "Flashlight" if you've installed them recently, and they're often the ones responsible for the chaotic appearance of ads, and removing them solves the problem 90 percent of the time.

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Annexes.
• 👁️ Select Special Opportunities or Application Manager.
• 🚫 Find suspicious programs and disable permissions on top of other windows".
• 🗑️ Remove apps you don’t recognize or remember to install.

⚠️ Warning: System applications like GetApps can also generate notifications. Go to the settings of this app and turn off all notifications and auto-update.

Using DNS to block the world

The most effective method of combating pop-up ads on Android is the use of DNS-This method does not require the installation of additional applications and works at the network level. For the Redmi Note 9, this is ideal, since it does not load the processor.

Open Settings, search for “DNS” or go to Connections and Sharing → Private DNS. Select the DNS Host Name option and type in the address dns.adguard.com. Save settings. Now all traffic will be filtered by cutting off advertising requests.

This method is particularly effective against advertising in free apps and games, but it is worth remembering that some sites may stop opening if they use the same domains as ad networks, in which case DNS can be temporarily disabled.

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Set up a private DNS with dns.adguard.com blocks up to 80% of ads throughout the system without installing additional software.

After settings are applied, it is recommended to restart the device so that the network interfaces are correctly reconnected to the new parameters, which ensures that the cached advertising scripts will not be downloaded the next time the applications are launched.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions