Many Xiaomi smartphone users are confronted with intrusive content that appears on the desktop or app menus.This feature, known as News Feed or Zen, often annoys those who prefer a minimalist interface: It consumes traffic, takes up RAM and distracts with notifications.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can get rid of excess debris on your device, learn how to deactivate widgets, disable system services, and use advanced methods to completely remove the component.
Regardless of the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, there are universal algorithms for actions. We will look at both simple settings and more complex options for power users.
What is a News Feed and Why Does It Interfere?
News Feed is an integrated service that aggregates articles, videos and promotional offers, and by default, it activates immediately after the first switch on of the smartphone, which is a surprise to many because the interface changes without the owner's knowledge.
The main problem is resource consumption: Background loading of content can significantly affect battery autonomy, and algorithms often plant unwanted ads that are difficult to filter out by standard means.
Developers embed this element to monetize their devices, but the user has the right to customize the gadget to suit their needs, and disabling the redundant functionality is the first step to personalizing Android.
- 📉 Reducing battery charge consumption by stopping background processes.
- 🚀 Increased free RAM for faster gaming.
- 🧹 Visual cleanness of the workspace without distractions.
⚠️ Note: Complete removal of system components through ADB This can cause the shell to function in an unstable way if you turn off critical services.
Why can’t Zen just be removed like a regular app?
Disconnection through launcher settings
The easiest and safest way to remove tape is to use the built-in features of the system, so you don't need superuser rights or a computer connection, all of the activities are done directly on the screen of the smartphone.
You need to go to the desktop control menu, and the path may be slightly different from firmware, but the logic remains the same, and find the option for "Advanced" or "More."
In the list that opens, look for the option associated with the tape on the left, usually called "News Tape", "Google Discover" or "Yandex", and the switch should be put inactive.
When you change the settings, swipe left to make sure the widget is gone, and if the tape is gone, it's a success, and in some cases, you need to reboot the device.
☑️ Checking the launcher settings
Management through system settings
If you can't turn it off from the desktop, you should check the global settings of the system. Sometimes access to widget management is hidden in the deeper menu. Go to Settings → Desktop.
There may be additional switches that control the behavior of the interface, look for sections related to "Recommendations" or "Wallpaper Carousel." Often these functions are related.
Also worth paying attention to is the Password and Security section, where some firmware regions hide privacy settings that affect the collection of data for the newsfeed.
| Parameter | Where to find out. | Action. |
|---|---|---|
| The ribbon on the left | Desktop settings | Turn it off. |
| Recommendations | Folder Security | Clear the cache |
| MSA | System services | Withdraw consent |
| GetApps | Account settings | Disable notifications |
⚠️ Warning: Do not disable system services that you do not know the name of, which can cause an interface launch error or loss of communication.
Use of Developer Mode and ADB
For advanced users who want to cut the component out of the system completely, there is a method using USB debugging, which requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and installing ADB drivers.
First, activate the developer mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the build number seven times, and then a new section will appear on the menu "Additional" or "Extended settings".
Turn on "USB Debugging." Connect your phone to your PC and start the command line. You'll need to type in a command to find the packet that's responsible for the tape, usually com.mi.android.globalminusscreen.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.android.globalminusscreenExecuting this command will remove the widget for the current user. The data will not be erased completely, but the functionality will stop working. To return everything back, use the command cmd package install-existing.
Risks of using ADB
Replacement of the launcher as a radical method
If the built-in techniques don't help or you want to completely change the look of the smartphone, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher. MIUI.
Popular options like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher don't have built-in ads and default news feeds.You get a clean Android experience.
Once you install a new launcher, the system will ask which application to use by default. Choose the installed option and click "Always." The old tape will never appear again.
- 🎨 Complete customization of icons, fonts and animations.
- ⚡ Often work faster than the manufacturer's standard shell.
- 🚫 Complete absence of intrusive services and advertising.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party launchers may not work properly with navigation gestures or the “Always On Display” feature on some Xiaomi models.
💡
Before installing a new launcher, take screenshots of the location of your icons to quickly recreate the usual folder structure.
Disabling Linked MSA Services
Newsfeeds often work in conjunction with the MSA (MIUI System Ads) service, and even if you remove the widget, it can continue to collect data. It can also be deactivated.
Go to Settings → Password and Security → Access to Personal Data. Find the "msa" and "Mi Daemon" list. Turn off the sliders and wait 10 seconds until the "Cancel" button is active.
The recall process may not go through the first time because of server errors. If the button doesn't click, try repeating the procedure 3-5 times in a row, which is an important step in the complete cleanup of the system.
You should also go to the Security app and turn off the recommendations in the cleaner and antivirus settings, which will remove the pop-ups with tips.
💡
Withdrawal of consent in MSA is a key step to stop collecting telemetry and displaying ads in system applications.