You picked up your Xiaomi or Redmi, unlocked your screen -- and instead of the usual time or wallpaper, you saw intrusive news cards? It's not a virus or a system failure, but a feature of the MIUI branded shell that automatically loads content onto the lock screen. For some, it's convenient, but most users find such news intrusive, especially when they eat traffic or slow down their smartphone.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to turn off news, from standard settings to hidden developer settings, why it appears even after a reset, how to ban it forever, and what to do if the shutdown button is inactive. The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 and all models, from the Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi’s flagship 14 Ultra.
Why does the news appear on Xiaomi’s lock screen?
The news feed on lockdown is part of the MIUI ecosystem that is integrated with Xiaomi and partners (e.g. Yandex Zen or Tencent News) and is a part of the MIUI ecosystem.
- 🔄 Automatic update MIUI: After installing a new version of the shell, the function can activate itself, even if you previously disabled it.
- 📱 First setting of the smartphone: when you first turn on the system offers to enable “useful” widgets, including news.
- 🌍 Regional settings: on devices for China or India, news can be hard-stitched into firmware.
- 📡 Background synchronization: com.miui.miservice application MIUI) It periodically uploads content, even if you don’t use it.
Important: News doesn’t always show up right away, and sometimes it comes up days after you buy a phone or upgrade, because of delayed activation of Xiaomi services.
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in system options, and the instructions are suitable for MIUI 12-14:
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to the Lock Screen section (or Lock and Password on older versions).
- Slip on the item Style of the lock screen.
- Choose Classic or Simple – they do not support news cards.
- If there is a separate Display News or Recommended Content switch, turn it off.
On some firmware (e.g., POCO F3 or Redmi K50), the path may be different: Settings → All settings → Lock screen → Additional settings → News and recommendations.
☑️ Checking the news blackout
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for China (firmware versions) CN) The news item can be hidden, and then only the method through the developer settings will help.
Method 2: Clearing the cache and system application data
If news continues to show up even after the settings are turned off, the problem could be the cache of the system services, and you need to reset the data of three key applications:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search box, type miservice and select com.miui.miservice.
- Click Warehouse → Clear the cache and Clear the data.
- Repeat steps 2–3 for apps: com.miui.weather2 (weather and news) com.xiaomi.channel (recommendation service)
Reboot your smartphone.
This method also helps if news is loaded with a delay or is partially displayed (for example, only headlines without pictures).
What happens if you remove system applications?
Method 3: Prohibit background activity through battery settings
The news on the block is updated through background processes that can be limited.
- Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
- Choose Power Saving or Super Energy Saving.
- Slip on Power Saving Settings for Applications.
- Find the MIUI Service (com.miui.miservice) and set a restriction to disable background activity.
You can also turn off auto-run for news services: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Auto-run → disable GetApps and Mi Video.
| Annex | Function | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| com.miui.miservice | Responsible for widgets and news on the block | Clear cache + ban background activity |
| com.xiaomi.channel | Uploads recommended content | Limit auto-start |
| com.miui.weather2 | Weather and news cards | Clear the data (safe) |
| com.miui.player | Music player (sometimes shows the news) | Disable notifications |
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If notifications from messengers have stopped coming after limiting background activity, add them to the exceptions in the Settings → Battery → Power saving exclusions section.
Method 4: Hidden Developer Settings (for experienced)
If standard methods don't work, you can use Developer Mode, which is suitable for MIUI 13/14 firmware with global or European localization.
First, activate the developer mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → tap 7 times on the build number.
Then:
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the item Disable news on the lock screen (in English firmware - Disable lockscreen news).
- Activate the switch.
- If there is no option, find Force Disable msa (disables Xiaomi services) and turn it on.
⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) After disabling msa may stop working updates over the air (OTA). To return them, turn on the msa again after the system update.
💡
Developer mode allows you to turn off news even on firmware, where this option is hidden in the standard settings. However, not all menu items are translated into Russian - be careful!
Method 5: Radical measures - reset and firmware
If the news comes after all the manipulations, there are two options:
- Reset to factory settings: Save data (photos, contacts) via Settings → About Phone → Backup. Reset: Settings → Additional → Reset. Do not connect your Mi Account when you first set up and refuse all personalization offers.
- Reflashing to custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS): Requires bootloader unlocked through Xiaomi's official website; removes all Xiaomi system applications, including news. May strip warranties.
On China (CN) firmware devices, news can return even after a reset, due to Xiaomi’s policy for the local market, and the only reliable way to flash the global (Global) or European (EEA) version of MIUI is to do so.
More tips: how to avoid returning news
To prevent news from reappearing, follow these guidelines:
- 🚫 Don't update. MIUI With GetApps – Only use Settings → Updating the system.
- 🔒 Turn off automatic sync in your Mi Account: Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Synchronization.
- 📵 Block Internet access for news services through Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data → Background restriction.
- 🛡️ Use a firewall (like NetGuard) to block api.miui.com and sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com domains.
If you notice that news only appears when you connect to the mobile Internet, check your carrier’s APN settings – sometimes providers implement ads through their servers.