Xiaomi smartphone users often encounter intrusive ads that appear directly on a locked screen, a phenomenon known as wallpaper carousel or Glance, and it is uncomfortable by blocking standard notifications and demanding unnecessary action to unlock. Many device owners mistakenly believe that getting rid of this built-in service is impossible without flashing the device, but this is not true.
MIUI, and now the new HyperOS, is built on Android to flexibly configure system components, including the lock screen. The process of turning off ad slides requires care, as developers periodically change the location of switches in the settings menu. In this article, we will discuss current methods to help you return a clean and functional lock screen.
It is worth noting that the complete removal of system components sometimes requires the use of special tools such as ADB or third-party launchers. However, in most cases, it is enough to simply change the settings in the security menu or the design topic.
What is a wallpaper carousel and why does it appear
The wallpaper carousel is a MIUI-based service that automatically uploads and displays images with news feeds or banner ads when the screen is turned on, originally conceived as a way to personalize the device, in Russian regions this functionality has transformed into an advertising distribution channel. Glance (as the service is often called) consumes traffic and can slow down the smartphone.
This feature is often associated with selecting a region when you first set up your device or updating your firmware. If you choose Russia or Ukraine, the service is activated by default. In some cases, it can activate itself after the next security update. Understanding the nature of this service helps you choose the right way to turn it off.
β οΈ Note: Disabling system services through ADB It can cause the device to work in an unstable way if you remove the wrong component.
It's important to distinguish between standard live wallpaper and Carousel, the former being part of the theme, the latter being a separate application that runs on top of the locking system, and the latter requiring removal or forced shutdown to achieve the desired result.
Disconnection through security and password settings
The easiest and safest way to remove ads is to use the built-in settings of the system, which does not require a computer connection and is suitable for most users, and you need to find a hidden switch that is responsible for activating the slideshow on the lock screen.
To start, open the Settings menu and go to Lock Screen. This may be the Wallpaper Carousel or the Glance. If you see an active switch, just turn it to Off. In newer versions of HyperOS, the path may be slightly different: Settings β Always on screen and Lock Screen β Wallpaper Carousel.
If the standard path didn't work, try to find settings through the Security app. Open the standard Security app, go to Settings (cog in the corner) and find the Wallpaper Carusole. There should also be a switch that disables the function.
Sometimes, once the function is disabled, you need to restart the device to make the changes take effect. If the switch returns to its original position or the menu item is missing, it means that the system considers the component critical or it is blocked by administrator rights, in which case more radical measures will be required.
Removal through Application Management
If the switches are not working or missing, you can try to stop the application that displays the slides. In MIUI, this process is often called msa (MIUI System Ads) or is called Wallpaper Carousel. Stopping the process temporarily removes the ads, but to permanently effect it must be turned off completely.
Go to Settings β Applications β All Apps. In the list, find an app called Wallpaper Carousel, Glance or Wallpaper. Click on it and select Stop and then Disable. If the Disable button is inactive (gray), then the application has system rights and requires removal via ADB.
Also worth checking is the autoload list. Some versions of the shell have a separate menu Other settings β Autoboot, where you can prevent unnecessary services from running when you turn on your phone. Find suspicious apps related to wallpaper or news and uncheck them.
βοΈ Checking the lock screen settings
Once you do this, the lock screen should become standard. However, if you upgrade the system, the settings may reset, so it's important to understand how package management works in Android so you can repeat the procedure if necessary.
Using ADB to remove components completely
The most effective method to ensure the removal of advertising even from system sections is the use of debugging by USB tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This way you can remove system applications that you can't turn off through the standard menu. USB-cable.
First, activate the developer mode on your smartphone. Go to Settings β About Phone and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI Version (or OS Version). After the message "You became a developer" appears, go back to the main settings menu, open Additional β For developers and turn on the Debugging on USB.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.misystem
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.thememanager
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.personalassistantExecuting these commands will remove ad modules and service to those that often upload content to the lock screen.Beware: removing com.miui.personalassistant will also remove the left-hand screen of the Assistant if you need one.
β οΈ Attention: Teams ADB Remove applications only for the current user (user 0). When resetting settings to factory remote packets can return.
For convenience, you can use graphical shells for ADB, such as Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools or Universal Android Debloater. They allow you to delete packets by simply ticking their names, which reduces the risk of error when you enter commands manually.
Change of region and theme of design
One of the easiest life hacks that is often ignored is changing the region: MIUI advertising services are geolocated. If you change the region in settings (Settings β Settings β Region) to a country where advertising is less aggressive (for example, the Netherlands, Germany or the United States), the amount of intrusive content will be significantly reduced.
Also, the ads on the lock screen are often part of a specific theme. If you're using a third-party theme from the Themes store, try returning a standard theme to Classic or Basic. Go to the Topics app, click on the profile avatar and select My Themes, then apply the standard option.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risk of error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock screen settings | Low. | Medium | Minimum |
| Disconnection in the annexes | Low. | Medium | Minimum |
| Change of region | Low. | Tall. | Absent. |
| Removal via ADB | Tall. | Maximum | Medium. |
Combining these methods gives the best result, for example, changing the region to the Netherlands plus turning off the Carousel in the settings completely clears the lock screen of debris without the need to use a computer.
Why is the ad coming back?
Alternative methods and third-party launchers
If standard methods donβt work, you might want to consider installing a third-party lock screen from Google Play.Apps like Hi Locker or AcDisplay could completely replace Xiaomiβs standard lock screen, giving you more flexible control over notifications and widgets.
However, using third-party blockers has its downsides: they consume more battery power, as they must constantly work in the background, and can conflict with the MIUI security system.In addition, some features, such as fingerprint unlock, may not work correctly or require double action.
Another option is to use special scripts or modules if the device has access to Root. Modules for Magisk, such as Remove MIUI Ads, are able to cut out advertising domains at the system level without removing the applications themselves, a safer method than deleting system files.
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Use an ad-blocking DNS (like AdGuard DNS) in your connection settings, which will block the download of banner ads at the network level, even if the application is running.
The choice of method depends on your skills and willingness to experiment with the system. For the average user, changing the region and turning off the switches is enough, while enthusiasts can resort to ADB for complete cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to remove system applications through ADB?
Will the ads disappear after resetting?
Does the change in the region affect other functions?
Can I remove the carusole wallpaper on HyperOS?
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The most reliable way is complex: change the region + disable in settings + block through DNS. This gives a 99% guarantee of no advertising without the risk of system failure.