Many Xiaomi smartphone owners have faced a situation where a call incoming displays a logo or the name "Yellow Pages", and sometimes a full-fledged ad screensaver instead of the standard interface, a phenomenon that is often puzzling, since users did not install such applications voluntarily, in fact, it is an embedded service that is integrated into the MIUI shell by default and is responsible for the extended identification of callers.
The main function of this module is to identify the number and find the organization if the call comes from a business. However, Yellow Pages often uses its platform to show banner ads, videos or offer paid subscriptions for improved identification. In some regions, this service can be replaced with local counterparts, but the essence remains the same - it is a layer of software overlaid on top of a standard "bell ringer".
For most users who appreciate the cleanliness of the interface and the absence of unnecessary visual noise, this component is an irritant. Fortunately, the Android system and the HyperOS shell make it easy enough to deactivate or restrict the operation of this service without the need to obtain superuser rights (root).
Technical Essence of Yellow Pages Component
Technically, Yellow Pages on Xiaomi devices is not a standalone application in the conventional sense that can be simply removed through a standard Manager, but a system package, often referred to as com.android.yellowpages in the app list, or having a similar name depending on the firmware region, and is deeply integrated into incoming call handling processes.
The main task of this system module is to reconcile the incoming number with the online database. If the number belongs to a well-known company, the service tightens the logo, the name of the organization and sometimes even the mode of operation. This is convenient for business, but it is implemented in such a way that the user receives an intrusive interface. Advertising integrations are built directly into the call code, which allows you to display content before you pick up the phone.
⚠️ Note: Removing system packages through ADB or third-party programs without a complete understanding of the process can lead to unstable operation of the telephony module.
It's important to understand the difference between a number determinant and an ad module. The first is useful, the second is a commercial add-on. In MIUI Global's global firmware, this component is often less aggressive than in the Chinese versions of MIUI CN, where advertising is the main way to monetize the device.
Why you need this service and how it works
The Yellow Pages feature was originally designed to make it easier to communicate, like if you get a call from a delivery service or a bank, and instead of an unknown number, you see a company name, and it helps you decide whether to pick up, especially if the number is hidden or identified as spam.
The mechanism is simple: when a call arrives, the system sends a request to the servers of the service provider (in this case, Xiaomi services or their partners), the server returns the number data. If the database has a label "advertising partner" or "sponsor", the call interface changes, which is the mechanism that causes the main criticism from users who are accustomed to minimalism.
The service can also collect call statistics to improve the database, raising questions about data privacy. Although the company claims to be complying with security policies, sharing your contacts and calls to third-party servers is not always desirable for all smartphone owners.
Main problems and risks of use
Despite the claimed benefits, having an active Yellow Pages module on a smartphone carries a number of problems, primarily traffic consumption. Since the number is checked in real time with every incoming call (especially from unknown numbers), the phone constantly accesses the network, consuming your mobile Internet.
The second important aspect is performance: on budget models of Redmi or Poco with limited RAM, the background processes of system services can cause micro-delays when responding to a call, the screen can light up late, and the interface of the bells can hang when a call arrives.
Here are the main negative factors that users face:
- 📢 Intrusive advertising: the appearance of banners and videos during an incoming call.
- 🔋 Battery consumption: background service activity and constant network search to check databases.
- 🔒 Privacy: potential leakage of contact data and call history to third party servers.
Also worth mentioning is the risk of fraud: Attackers may try to mimic the interfaces of number-detection services to convince the user to take certain actions. Disabling untested system add-ons increases the overall digital hygiene of the device.
💡
Before disabling system components, back up important contacts to rule out any chance of them being lost in the event of a synchronization failure.
Instructions: How to disable Yellow Pages through settings
The safest and easiest way to get rid of intrusive service is to use the phone's built-in settings, which require no connection to a computer and are completely reversible, but the location of the items may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS.
To start, open the standard Phone app (green handset). In the upper right corner, look for the gear icon or the three menu dots. Go to Settings. Here we're interested in the item associated with the number detector or ID.
☑️ Algorithm of disabling through settings
In the menu that opens, look for "Determination Number" or "Calling Subscriber Identifier." Inside, you'll see a switch that activates Yellow Pages. Turn it to "Off." Then the system can request confirmation of action, agree.
Next, it is recommended to clear the cache and data of the application itself to remove saved advertising templates. Go to Settings → Apps → All applications, find in the list of “Yellow Pages” or “Number Definition”. Click “Memory” and select “Clear Data” and “Clear Cache”.
| Action. | The way is on the menu | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Shutdown of service | Phone. → Settings → Determinant | Termination of number checks |
| Clearing the cache | Settings → Applications → Yellow Pages | Deletion of temporary files |
| Stopping the process | Annexes → Yellow Pages → Stop it. | Conclusion of the current session |
| Withdrawal of permits | Annexes → Yellow Pages → Permits | Blocking access to contacts |
If the ads still appear after these actions, a related service, such as Mi Video or Mi Music, may be activated, which can also project content onto the lock or call screen.
Advanced method: Disconnection via ADB
For power users who want to securely remove a component from the system, there is a method using USB debugging (ADB), which allows the package to be deactivated so that it will no longer appear in the application list and will not start even after resetting (until the first complete firmware reset).
To perform the operation, you will need a computer, USB-cable ADB Driver. You need to activate the developer mode on the phone: go to Settings → About the phone and quickly press 7 times on the "Version" MIUI". Then in the extended settings, turn on "Debugging by USB".
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.yellowpagesIf the packet has a different name (which often happens in different regions), first execute the command adb shell pm list packages | grep yellow to find out the exact name. Once the deactivation command is executed, the service will disappear from the system.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful when removing system packets, removing critical components (such as Dialer itself) will make it impossible to make calls. Make sure you turn off the detector, not the phone book.
To get it back to the way it was, use the command:
adb shell pm enable com.android.yellowpages