How to permanently remove pop-up ads on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Pop-up ads on Xiaomi smartphones are one of the most annoying features of MIUI firmware, which the manufacturer has integrated into the system for monetization. Even after buying the device, users encounter banners in the settings menu, advertising notifications from Mi Browser, Mi Video and other standard applications. In this article, we will examine all possible ways to disable advertising, from basic settings to deep system interventions, including methods for devices with an unlocked bootloader.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi regularly updates its ad-show mechanisms, so some methods may stop working after major MIUI updates. We tested the instructions on current firmware versions (2023-2026) for Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13 and others. If your device runs on HyperOS (new flagship firmware), some of the methods may differ – we’ll mention that too.

Why is there a pop-up ad on Xiaomi?

The manufacturer builds advertising modules into the system for several reasons:

• 💰 Monetizing the ecosystem: Xiaomi sells smartphones at a minimal margin, offsetting profits by displaying ads in branded services.
• 📱 Standard apps: Advertisements appear in Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video, Themes and even Security).
• 🔄 Updates MIUI. After firmware updates, advertising mechanisms can be activated again, even if you previously disabled them.
• 🌍 Regional settings on devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) Advertising is less than in global versions (Global) ROM).

The most intrusive types of advertising:

• 📢 Notifications from Msa (Mobile Services Framework) appear in the curtain.
• 🖼️ Banners in the settings menu (for example, in the Battery or Storage section).
• 🎬 Advertising videos in Mi Video and Mi Music apps.
• 🔍 Sponsored links in Mi Browser search results.

The manufacturer claims that the ads are personalized and “useful” to the user, but in practice they often interfere, consume traffic and battery power, and fortunately, they can be turned off, either fully or partially.

Method 1: Disabling Advertising in MIUI Settings (without root)

The easiest method is to use the built-in system options, which is suitable for most users and does not require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, but the effectiveness depends on the version of the MIUI and the device model.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
2. Return to the main settings menu and go to Additional → Special features → Settings for developers.
3. Find the option to Disable MIUI Ads (on some devices it may be called Personalized Ad Recommendations) and deactivate it.
4. Next, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → All Apps.
5. In the list, find Msa (or Mobile Services Framework), open its settings and turn off notifications.
6. Repeat step 5 for Mi Browser, Mi Video, Mi Music, Themes, and Security apps.

Some firmware (HyperOS or MIUI 14+) may not have the option to disable MIUI ads, in which case move on to the next method.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with China ROM (Chinese firmware) some of the ad modules may be blocked by default, but instead, notifications may appear in Chinese. If you do not know what firmware you have, check Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Global versions usually include the Global prefix.

Method 2: Using ADB to Deeply Disable Advertising

If standard settings don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to disable system applications without root permissions, which works on most Xiaomi devices but requires a connection to a computer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 📱 Initiated debugging mode USB on a smartphone (in the settings of the developer).
• 🔌 USB-TypeC Cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the smartphone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is determined, you will see its serial number.
4. Follow the commands to disable the ad modules (one by one): adb shell pm hide com.miui.systemAdSolution adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.midrop adb shell pm hide com.miui.analytics adb shell pm hide com.miui.msa.global
5. Reboot your smartphone.

After the reboot, the ads in the system menus and notifications from Msa should disappear. If the commands did not work, try replacing hide with a disable-user:

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

⚠️ Note: Disabling system applications through ADB This can cause some functions to work in an unstable way (e.g. Mi Drop for file transfer or Security for virus scanning).If you notice a failure, return the applications with the command: adb shell pm enable com.miui.systemAdSolution

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If ADB does not recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers through Xiaomi’s official tool or using alternative versions of ADB (e.g. Minimal ADB).

Method 3: Removing Advertising through Hosts File Editing

Another effective method is to block Xiaomi ad servers at the system level, by editing the hosts file, which is responsible for redirecting domain names, which works without root, but requires an unlocked bootloader or using ADB.

List of domains that block Xiaomi ads:

How to edit hosts:

1. Download the hosts file with ad blocking (for example, from here) or create your own.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and copy the file to /system/etc/hosts folder via ADB: adb push hosts /sdcard/adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/hosts /system/etc/hosts chmod 644 /system/etc/hosts reboot

On HyperOS devices, editing hosts can cause system integrity check errors, in which case use apps like Blokada or AdGuard to block VPN-level domains.

Method 4: Install custom firmware (for advanced)

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, installing custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu) will completely remove all Xiaomi ad modules.

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (via Mi Unlock Tool).
• 🛠️ Ability to work with fastboot and TWRP.
• 📥 Compatible firmware for your model (check on the XDA Developers).

The advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Complete absence of advertising and unnecessary system applications.
• ✅ Regular security updates from the community.
• ✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Cons:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
• ❌ Risk of "bricking" of the device with firmware errors.
• ❌ Certain functions (e.g, IR Blaster or Game Turbo may not work properly.

If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with the Xiaomi.eu firmware - it is as close as possible to the stock MIUI, but without advertising and with advanced settings.

Method 5: Advertising Blocking Apps

If you don't want to go through system settings, you can use third-party tools that run at the network level or intercept notifications without requiring root rights.

Top.-5 Advertising Blocking Apps on Xiaomi:

How to set up AdGuard to block Xiaomi ads:

1. Install the app from Google Play or F-Droid.
2. Activate the protection and select DNS Filtering mode.
3. In the DNS settings, specify the AdGuard DNS server or NextDNS server.
4. Turn on the filters: 🛡️ AdGuard Base filter 🛡️ AdGuard Mobile Ads filter 🛡️ EasyList China (to block Chinese advertising networks)

For maximum efficiency, combine AdGuard with disabling system notifications (Method 1).

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AdGuard-type applications block ads at the network level, but cannot remove banners embedded in MIUI menus.

What if the advertisements returned after the update?

Xiaomi regularly updates its ad-show mechanisms, so it can reappear after a MIUI or HyperOS update.

• 🔄 Repeat steps from Method 1 and 2 – check Msa settings and turn off notifications again.
• 📵 Reverse to the previous firmware version if the new one contains too much advertising. Download the desired version from Xiaomi Firmware Updater and run through the new one. TWRP.
• 🚫 Block Updates for Individual Apps: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Select Mi Browser, Mi Video, or another ad app. Tap three dots in the top corner and select Turn off updates.

Use the Magisk modules.

• 🔹 Disable_MIUI_Bloatware — Remove unnecessary system applications.
• 🔹 MIUI DeBloat – Disconnects Advertising Services.