Why is there an ad on the Redmi Note 8 Pro and can it be removed?
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro owners often face intrusive ads in system apps, notifications, and even on the lock screen. This is not a coincidence, but part of the business model of MIUI, Xiaomi’s proprietary shell, which is monetized by advertising impressions. The manufacturer integrates ad units into standard services: Weather, Themes, Browser, Music and even Settings.
The good news is that most ad modules can be turned off without root rights or complex manipulation. The bad news is that some ads (such as in Mi Video or Mi Browser) require radical measures up to flashing. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways, from the simplest to the most advanced, taking into account the features of the Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia model) and current versions of MIUI 12-14.
Before you start, consider that some methods can violate the warranty or lead to unstable operation of the system. We noted the risky steps with special warnings - read them carefully!
Method 1: Disabling personalized advertising in MIUI settings
The safest and most official method is to deactivate advertising recommendations through the settings menu, which will not remove all banners, but will reduce their number by 30-50%. MIUI 12.5–14:
- Open Settings → Google → Advertising.
- Click Reset Advertising ID and confirm the action.
- Return to the basic settings and go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Advertising Notifications.
- Turn off the slider Show recommendations.
Additionally, check the settings of specific applications:
- 📱 Mi Browser: Settings → Confidentiality → Advertising → Turn off all sliders.
- 🎵 Mi Music: Settings → Recommendations → uncheck the box for personalized offers.
- 🌦️ Weather: Settings → Notifications → Turn off push notifications.
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If after disabling the advertisement continues to appear, clear the cache of the msa (Mi System Ads) and Analytics applications in the Application → All Apps settings.
Method limitation: System banners (e.g., Topics or Security) will remain.
Method 2: Blocking Advertising through ADB (without root)
Android Debug Bridge Tool (ADB) It allows you to disable the ad packages at the system level without getting root rights. MIUI, but requires a computer and USB-cable.
Preparation:
- Download ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux.
- Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.
Run the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and enter alternately:
adb devices
adb shell pm hide com.miui.systemAdSolutionIf the first command fails, use an alternative list:
adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.midrop
adb shell pm hide com.miui.analytics
adb shell pm hide com.miui.bugreport
adb shell pm hide com.miui.player
adb shell pm hide com.miui.videoInstall Xiaomi drivers on PC
Enable debugging over USB on your phone
Download ADB Tools with the latest version
Connect your phone to the original cable
-->
⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI Some packets may be activated again. Repeat the procedure or use the adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 instead of hide for permanent shutdown.
Method 3: Remove ads through the Settings Editor (requires unlocking the bootloader)
For Redmi Note 8 Pro owners who are willing to take drastic measures, editing system files through MT Manager or MiXplorer with root rights is suitable, which removes ads by 90-95%, but requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets the phone to factory settings and cancels the warranty.
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account tied to the phone).
- Install custom recovery (such as TWRP) for begonia.
- Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
- Download MiXplorer and enable root access.
- Click on the path /system/etc/hosts and add the lines: 127.0.0.1 ad.mi.com 127.0.0.1 tracking.miui.com 127.0.0.1 api.ad.xiaomi.com
- Delete folders: /system/priv-app/MiuiDaemon, /system/priv-app/Analytics, /system/app/MiuiBrowser (if you don't use it).
What happens if you remove system applications?
| Method | Efficiency | Risks. | Skills required |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI settings | 30–50% | No. | Basic |
| ADB | 60–80% | Possible bugs after the update | Average. |
| Settings Editor (root) | 90–95% | Data reset, loss of warranty | Advanced |
| Custom firmware | 99% | Bootloop, loss of functions (e.g. NFC) | Expert |
Method 4: Install custom firmware (for experienced users)
If you’re ready to say goodbye to the official MIUI, custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS removes ads completely and improves performance. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia), stable Android 12-14 builds are available.
Algorithm of action:
- Unlock the bootloader (see Method 3).
- Install TWRP for begonia (version 3.7.0 or later).
- Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS 20) and NikGapps (Google Services Package).
- In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
- Sweep through the firmware, then Gapps, and restart.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 8 Pro with Android 11-based firmware+ It may not work broadband. LTE (Helio modem problem G90T). Before installing, check reviews about a specific build on the forum XDA.
Official MIUI
LineageOS
Pixel Experience
Another custom firmware
I don't know/don't use/-->
Method 5: Use DNS-filters (without root)
An alternative method is to redirect ad requests through a private DNS, which does not remove banners in apps, but blocks the download of ad content from the network, suitable for users who do not want to interfere with system files.
Setting:
- Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Private DNS.
- Select the hostname of a private DNS and type in: dns.adguard.com or one.one.one.one.one
- Save and restart the phone.
To enhance the effect, install Blokada or AdGuard from F-Droid. These applications create a localized environment. VPN-tunnel and filter advertising domains:
- 🛡️ Blokada: Blocks trackers and banners in the browser, but can conflict with banking applications.
- 🔍 AdGuard: Supports custom filters (add EasyList China to block Chinese ads).
Method 6: Disabling Advertising in Specific Applications
Some Xiaomi system apps have hidden settings to disable ads, and here’s how to do it for the most problematic services:
Annex "Themes" (com.android.themes)
Open Topics → Profile → Settings → Advertising and disable:
- 📢 Promotional notices
- 🔄 Personalized recommendations
- 📊 Collection of data on use
2. Security appendix (com.miui.securitycenter)
Go to Security → Settings → About → Version (click 5 times on the version to open the hidden menu).
- 🛡️ Show recommendations
- 📱 Notifications of new functions
3. "Mi Video" app (com.miui.video)
This service is particularly aggressive in showing ads, to reduce the number of ads:
- Open Mi Video → Profile → Settings → Personal recommendations.
- Turn off all sliders related to personalization.
- Clear the app cache in Settings → Apps.
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Even after disabling all settings, Mi Video and Mi Browser will show minimal advertising, as part of Xiaomi’s licensing agreements with partners.
Method 7: Resetting the phone to factory settings (last resort)
If the ads are after the MIUI update or the installation of questionable applications, hard reset will help, which removes all user data, but returns the system to a "clean" state where the ad modules are not activated yet.
How to perform the reset:
- Back up important data (photos, contacts, SMS) through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
- Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
- After the reboot, do not restore data from the Mi cloud – this can return advertising settings.
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 8 Pro reset via Fastboot (fastboot erase userdata command) can lead to loss IMEI. Use only the recovery menu in the system!