If you own a Xiaomi Redmi Note (any model from Note 4 to Note 13 Pro)+), I'm sure you've been using the acronym. MSA — Whether it's in system settings, in forum discussions, or in device optimization instructions, this mysterious service raises a lot of questions: what it does, why it consumes resources, whether it can be turned off and whether it will harm the smartphone?
In this article, we will discuss MSA (Mi System Ads is detailed – from the official purpose to hidden features that Xiaomi does not always advertise. You’ll learn how the service affects performance, battery and privacy, and you’ll get step-by-step instructions for managing it, from simply turning off ads to completely removing them (with consequences warnings!). MSA Often behaves differently than on the flagships Mi or POCO.
Warning: the information in the article is based on firmware analysis MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions), as well as data from independent researchers who tested the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Note 11 and Note 12. If your model is older or runs on custom firmware, some nuances may differ.
What is it? MSA Xiaomi: official version vs reality
According to Xiaomi documentation, MSA (Mi System Ads is the system service responsible for:
- 📢 Showing personalized advertising in standard applications (Browser, Music, Themes, etc.).
- 🔄 Collecting anonymous data about device usage to improve services MIUI.
- 🔗 Integration with Xiaomi cloud services (synchronization, backup).
However, in practice MSA It performs many more functions that the company does not mention. XDA Developers have shown that the service:
- 🕵️♂️ Monitors user activity even when ads are turned off (including app launches and geolocation).
- 🔋 Consumes up to 5-15% of battery power in the background on some Redmi Note models.
- 🐢 Slows down the system due to constant synchronization with Xiaomi servers (especially noticeable on budget devices with 4 GB of RAM).
Interesting fact: on Chinese firmware MSA It's more aggressive than global ones, like Redmi Note 12 Pro in China, and it can block the installation. APK from third-party sources, if they are not “certified” by Xiaomi, but there are no such restrictions on the European versions of this model.
How MSA Redmi Note: Tests and Comparisons
To understand the real impact MSA On the Redmi Note smartphones, we analyzed test data from users and enthusiasts, and also conducted our own measurements on three devices:
| Model | MIUI version | Battery consumption (background, 8 h) | Use of RAM (medium) | Slowing down the system |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | MIUI 13 Global | 8–12% | 250-300MB | No. |
| Redmi Note 11 (China) | MIUI 14 China | 15–18% | 350-400 MB | Lags when opening applications |
| Redmi Note 12 5G | MIUI 14 EEA | 5–7% | 180–220 MB | No. |
Critical observation: on Chinese firmware MSA It consumes 30 to 50 percent more resources than global services, which is because in China Xiaomi is integrating the service with local services such as Mi Pay or Xiaomi Cloud that are actively using user data.
Another important moment: MSA It can block background activity of some apps (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) if they are not optimized for the use of the app. MIUI. This is due to a conflict with the energy management system that is controlled by the government. MSA.
⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 8/9 s MIUI 12 and below complete removal MSA This can cause Google Services to crash, because the service is partly responsible for syncing accounts.
Where "hiding» MSA Redmi Note: Full list of places
Many users mistakenly think that MSA — It's one application that you can just uninstall. It's actually a set of services and processes that are integrated into the system:
- 📱 Standard Applications: Browser, Music, Themes, Security, Settings (Section "Advertising»).
- ⚙️ System processes: com.miui.systemAdSolution, com.xiaomi.msa.global, com.miui.analytics.
- 📁 System files: Folders /system/priv-app/MSA/ and /data/app/com.xiaomi.msa-*/.
- 🔄 Autoboot: The service starts automatically when the device is turned on and does not appear in the AutoStart menu».
On the Redmi Note with MIUI 14 part of the function MSA This is especially true for models with HyperOS firmware preinstalled (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro) even after deleting local files.+).
How to check activity MSA on his device?
How to turn off MSA Redmi Note: 4 working methods
If you decide to get rid of it MSA, You have a few options, from the safest to the radical.
1. Disabling advertising in settings (the safest way)
This method does not remove MSA, But it minimizes its activity:
- Go to Settings. → Memory. → Advertising (or Settings) → Additionally. → Advertising preferences).
- Turn off the slider Personalized advertising.
- In the same menu, click Reset Advertising ID.
- Reset the device.
☑️ Preparation for shutdown MSA
2. Removal through ADB (for advanced users)
This method requires a computer and knowledge of commands. ADB. It removes the main components. MSA, It does not guarantee the complete disappearance of the service:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.msa.global
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.analyticsAfter completing the commands, restart the smartphone. Attention: on some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) This can cause a breakdown in the Mi Account.
3.Magisk and Disable module MSA»
If your Redmi Note has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk is installed, you can use the ready-made module:
- Download the Disable module MSA (available XDA).
- Install it through Magisk Manager.
- Reset the device.
This method is most effective because it blocks the MSA system, but requires root rights.
4. Flashing on custom firmware (radical method)
If you are willing to go to extreme measures, you can install firmware without MSA, for example:
- 📱 LineageOS (completely pure Android).
- 🔧 Pixel Experience (with Google Services).
- 🛠️ MIUI EU (modified MIUI publicity).
The disadvantage of this method is the loss of some functions MIUI (Second Space or Game Turbo).
⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 12 and newer, the installation of custom firmware can block Widevine L1, Why Netflix and Disney are+ They will work in low resolution.
💡
Before removal MSA through ADB Check if your banking application uses com.xiaomi.msa.global for two-factor authentication. Some Chinese banks (such as Alipay) require it to work.
What happens if you completely remove it? MSA: pros and cons
Removal MSA It's got to be completely balanced:
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Increase battery life by 10-20%. | ❌ Loss of synchronization with Mi Cloud (photos, notes, contacts). |
| ✅ Disappearance of Advertising in Standard Apps. | ❌ Mi Account incorrect operation (possible login problems). |
| ✅ Accelerate system performance (especially on Redmi Note with 4GB of RAM). | ❌ Lack of security updates through MIUI Updater. |
| ✅ More privacy (data collection is stopped). | ❌ Risk of “brike” with incorrect removal (on models with Dynamic) RAM). |
On Redmi Note 10 and older, complete deletion MSA It can lead to loss of functionality. IR-The system is a blaster (DU remote), because some of the drivers are tied to the system services of Xiaomi. on the Redmi Note 9 and below, such problems were not observed.
If you do decide to delete, monitor the behavior of the smartphone in the first 24-48 hours.
- 🔋 Battery charging (no sudden jumps in consumption).
- 📶 Network connection (problems with Wi-Fi or mobile internet).
- 🔒 Security (some apps may stop recognizing fingerprints).
💡
On HyperOS models (e.g. Redmi Note 13) complete removal MSA may disrupt AI-functions (e.g., scene recognition in a camera or adaptive brightness).
Alternative ways to reduce the impact MSA stripped
If radical measures scare you, you can take a different path: limit your activity. MSA, And it's not completely removed. Here's the working methods:
1. Freeze through "Developer Settings"
Activate Developer Mode (click 7 times on Version) MIUI in settings) and:
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Find Inactive Applications and add com.miui.systemAdSolution and com.xiaomi.msa.global.
- Reset the device.
Limitation of background activity
Settings menu → Annexes → Application management:
- Find it. MSA (or System advertising).
- Choose to limit background activity.
- Turn off Auto Start and Display Notifications.
3. Use of a firewall (without root)
Applications like NetGuard or TrackerControl can block access MSA internet:
- 🛡️ Install NetGuard from Google Play.
- Enable filtering of system applications.
- Add to the blacklist the domains.miui.com,.xiaomi.com and *.msa.xiaomi.com.
These methods are less risky, but require regular monitoring, such as after updating. MIUI the settings may be reset, and MSA re-energize.
MSA New Redmi Note models (2023–2026): What has changed?
With the release of the Redmi Note 12 and Note 13 Xiaomi has made changes in the work MSA:
- 🔄 Now the service is integrated with HyperOS, the new shell that has replaced the new MIUI.
Fun fact: Redmi Note 12 Turbo MSA job-bearer AI-Assistant (Voice Assistant Xiao) AI). If you turn it off, voice commands will stop working.
For new models, we recommend:
- 🛠️ Don't remove MSA and to limit it completely through ADB magisk.
- 🔄 Check HyperOS updates regularly – Xiaomi can restore service even after removal.
- 📱 Use alternative launchers (such as Nova Launcher) to avoid home screen advertising.