How to remove ads from Android phone Xiaomi Redmi

Ownership of a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone is often marred by intrusive marketing content that the system displays in the interface. Users who have just unpacked the device may encounter banner ads in folders, browser recommendations, and even pop-ups in standard applications. These are not viruses, but a regular feature of the MIUI shell, designed to compensate for the low cost of hardware.

Fortunately, most ad modules can be manually disabled, returning the system to a clean look. The process requires sequential passage through several menu items, since the developers did not provide a single "Remove All" button, and in this article we will discuss in detail each step necessary to completely clean the interface from commercial noise.

Disabling MSA Service is the Basis of a Clean System

At the heart of Xiaomi’s advertising ecosystem is the MSA (MIUI System Ads) system application, which is responsible for loading and displaying banners in various sections of the shell, and without disabling it, the rest of the manipulations may be ineffective as the service will constantly try to restore its settings.

First, you need to find the appropriate item in the authorization and privacy menu. Note that the off button may not become active immediately after the first click - the system often simulates a delay or requires re-confirmation.

Follow the following steps:

• 📱 Open Settings and go to the Passwords and Security section».
• 🔐 Select "Access to Personal Data" (or "Special Permits»).
• 🚫 Find the msa service in the list and transfer the switch to the “Off” position».
• ⏳ Wait for the countdown (usually 10 seconds) and click “Cancel” or “Disable».

⚠️ Warning: If you accidentally turn on the service again after you turn off, the system may require you to restart the device or re-wait the timer to lock.

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If the MSA switch is inactive, temporarily turn off the internet (Wi-Fi and mobile data), turn off the network, and then turn it back on.

Setup of Xiaomi system applications

Once the main advertising module is blocked, you should go through the built-in utilities, which also have their own recommendations settings. Often users ignore “Conductor” or “Music”, surprised by the appearance of banners in these places.

Consider key applications that require manual adjustment, and each one needs to find a “Get recommendations” switch or similar one, usually hidden in the settings menu inside the app itself.

Algorithm of actions for the main services:

• 📂 Explorer: Launch the app, click on three menu bars, select Settings and turn off Get Recommendations».
• 🎵 Music: Open the side menu, go to Settings, find the Advanced Settings section, and remove the tick from Show Ads».
• 📹 Video: In the “My” section, go to the settings and turn off the “Online Recommendations” and “Autostart Advertising” options».

Keep in mind the Security app, which can also offer a cleanup while displaying ad content, go to its settings and turn off all the recommendations and notifications.

Removing Advertising in Mi Browser

Xiaomi’s standard browser is known for aggressive news and ad-block policies on the homepage, and even if you rarely use it, it can consume resources in the background, and it needs to be “tamed” to be used comfortably.

First of all, you should change the start page, and by default, it displays a news feed full of clickbait headlines, and replace it with a blank page or your quick links.

Next, we move on to the privacy settings:

1. Open your browser and click on the profile icon or three dots at the bottom.
2. Go to Settings. → «Confidentiality and security».
3. Activate the ad blocker switch.
4. In the News Feed section, select the option “Do not show” or “Minimalistic mode”.

If you don’t use this browser, you can simply remove or disable it via the app management menu, replacing it with Chrome or Firefox.

Cleaning the desktop and folders

One of the most annoying things about MIUI is that you have ad cards inside your desktop folders, and when you put apps together in a group, the system automatically adds a Recommended Apps block to it.

You can remove this element, but you have to do it for each folder separately, and it takes time, but it's worth it, and it's sterile and user-friendly.

Procedure:

• 📁 Open any folder on your desktop that has ads.
• ⚙️ Click on the folder name to open its settings.
• ❌ Find the “Promoted apps” switch and turn it off.

⚠️ Note: On some global firmware versions, this item may be referred to as “Card Services” or “Card Services».

It’s also worth checking the widget settings, and sometimes users accidentally add news or app store widgets that generate constant information noise.

Blocking pop-up windows in Chrome

Even after you set up the system, ads can come from the outside, through websites. Google Chrome, the default browser on many devices, has built-in, but not always activated by default filters.

To strengthen the protection, you need to manually check the settings of the blocker, which will save you from intrusive windows that block content and redirects to questionable resources.

Instructions for setting:

1. Launch Chrome and go to the menu (three dots).
2. Select Settings → «Confidentiality and security».
3. Find the section "Settings of sites".
4. Make sure that the “Pop-ups” and “Advertising” items are set to Block.

It is also recommended to install a dedicated extension or use a browser with built-in AdBlock if you frequently visit sites with aggressive monetization.

Using DNS to block the world

The most effective operating system-wide method is to use a private DNS filtered, which allows you to cut off ad requests before they even reach your Redmi screen.

The method does not require the installation of third-party applications and has little impact on the speed of the Internet, it blocks access to known ad servers.

Configure DNS (Private DNS):

dns.adguard.com

Connection algorithm:

1. Go to Settings. → «Connection and sharing».
2. Find the item "Private" DNS» (Private DNS).
3. Select the “DNS provider hostname” mode.
4. Enter the address dns.adguard.com and save it.

⚠️ Attention: If, after activation, DNS Some applications or public Wi-Fi will stop working (where authorization is required), temporarily return the setting to Auto mode».

Resetting the advertising identifier

Android has a unique number that advertisers use to track your interests, an advertising ID, and resetting that code periodically helps confuse targeting algorithms, making ads less personalized and intrusive.

This procedure is recommended every few months, and it will not remove the ads completely, but will reduce their relevance to specific trackers.

Path to setup:

• 🆔 Go to Settings. → «Passwords and confidentiality».
• 🔍 Select “Confidentiality» → «Advertising».
• 🗑️ Click on “Reset the advertising ID».

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A comprehensive approach, including disabling MSA, configuring DNS and cleaning applications, ensures that 99% of the built-in advertising in MIUI is not present.

Remember that MIUI updates may return some settings to factory values. After a major software update, it is recommended to recheck the key items described in this article.