Why does Xiaomi have ads in the video and can it be removed?
If you own a Xiaomi Mi TV, a Redmi smartphone or a Pad tablet, you've probably encountered intrusive ads in video-watching apps, banner ads in Mi Video, prerolls in front of YouTube videos, pop-ups on Netflix all spoil the viewing experience, but the good news is that most ads can be turned off without root rights and complex manipulation.
The reason for the ad is because Xiaomi's business model monetizes its devices not only by selling them, but also by showing targeted ads on branded services. However, users often don't know that some ad units can be deactivated through system settings or third-party tools. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways, from standard options to advanced tricks for power users.
It's important to understand that you can't always remove ads completely, like Google, not Xiaomi, controls the inserts on YouTube, but even here there are workarounds, and then you have detailed instructions for different scenarios.
Method 1: Disabling personalized advertising in MIUI settings
The easiest way is to deactivate targeted ads in the privacy menu, which won't remove all banners, but will significantly reduce their number. POCO base MIUI 12–14:
- Open Settings → Google → Advertising.
- Slip on the item Reset advertising ID and confirm the action.
- Go back to the basic settings and go to Apps → Application Management → Mi Video (or another problematic app).
- Select Permissions → Advertising and turn off the slider.
On Mi TVs, the path is a bit different:
Settings → Account and Security → Privacy → Personalized Advertising → Disable💡
If after turning off the ad still appears, try clearing the cache of the Mi Video app in the Settings → Apps menu.
This method works for built-in ad units from Xiaomi, but does not affect advertising from third-party services (for example, on YouTube or TikTok).
Method 2: Use of alternative firmware (for advanced ones)
If you're willing to take drastic measures, you can install custom firmware without ad modules.
- 📱 Xiaomi.eu – modified version MIUI It's free of ads and Chinese services, and it supports most models. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO.
- 🖥️ LineageOS - "clean" Android without branded add-ons Xiaomi. requires unlocking the bootloader.
- 📺 ATV Custom ROM — TV firmware Mi TV (Like Mi. TV Stick or Mi Box).
⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware voids the warranty and can lead to a "brick" of the device if you make an error:
Make a backup of data through Mi Cloud or TWRP
Check firmware compatibility with the device model
Charge the battery at least 70%
Download the official Mi Flash Tool drivers-->
The process is more complicated for TVs: it will be necessary. ADB-Access and manual removal of system applications. Detailed guides are available on the forums 4PDA XDA-Developers (Search for your Mi model) TV).
Method 3: Blocking Advertising via DNS or VPN
One of the most universal methods is to redirect ad domains to empty servers, which works on smartphones and TVs.
| Method | How to set up | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| AdGuard DNS | In the Wi-Fi settings, specify DNS: 176.103.130.130 and 176.103.130.131 | No need to install software, works at the network level | Can block useful services (e.g. analytics) |
| NextDNS | Register on the site, create a configuration, prescribe DNS in the router or device | Flexible settings, statistics of blocking | Free rate is limited to 300k requests / month |
| VPN with ad blocking | Install ProtonVPN, Windscribe or AdGuard VPN | Encrypts traffic + blocks advertising | It can slow down the internet speed. |
For Mi TVs, the DNS setting looks like this:
Settings → Network → Wi-Fi settings → Additional → DNS 1/2 → Enter addresses⚠️ Note: Some streaming services (e.g. Disney)+ or HBO Max) may block access when using public DNS. In this case, you will have to return the standard settings.
DNS-servers (AdGuard, NextDNS)
VPN with filtering
Custom firmware
I've tried nothing.-->
Method 4: Disabling Advertising in Mi Video and Other Branded Apps
Mi Video (aka Mi TV Video) is the main source of advertising on Xiaomi devices, to reduce the number of banners:
- Open Mi Video and tap the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
- Select Settings → Notifications and turn off all sliders.
- Go back to the settings and find the Recommendations item – deactivate the Personalized Recommendations.
- Clear the app cache through Settings → Applications → Mi Video → Memory.
For Mi TVs, you can additionally:
- 📺 Uninstall pre-installed apps (such as Mi Home or Mi Game Center) ADB:
- 🔧 Disable Auto-Update Applications in Settings → Annexes → Auto-update.
- 🛡️ Install an alternative launcher (for example, ATV Launcher for Android TV).
If the ads appear on YouTube, only premium subscriptions or third-party clients like Vanced (for Android) or SmartTubeNext (for Android) will help. TV). The latter is established through ADB:
adb install smarttubenext.apk
adb shell pm grant com.liskovsoft.smarttubetv android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
adb shell pm grant com.liskovsoft.smarttubetv android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGEMethod 5: Manual removal of advertising modules through ADB (for experienced)
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) can deactivate the system components responsible for displaying ads, a technique that is suitable for smartphones and TVs, but requires the developer mode to be enabled.
Steps for smartphones:
- Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the Build Number in Settings → About Phone).
- Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect the device to the PC and execute commands:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.analyticsFor Mi TVs, the command list is different:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mitv.analytics
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.tv.adservice
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution⚠️ Attention: Removing system packages can cause unstable operation of the device. TWRP Mi Cloud.
What to do after ADB-Teams stopped working Xiaomi services?
Comparison of methods: which is better to choose?
The choice of method depends on your device and level of technical skills.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI settings | ⭐ (simple) | ⚠️ Medium (removes) ~40% of advertising) | No. | Smartphones, tablets |
| DNS/VPN | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ✅ High (blocks) ~80% of advertising) | Some services may not work. | All devices. |
| Custom firmware | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅✅ Maximum (removes all advertising) | Loss of warranty, risk of "brick" | Smartphones, TV-boxing |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐⭐ (forward) | ✅ Tall (takes away) ~90% of advertising advertising) | It can break system functions. | Smartphones, TVs |
For most users, the best solution is a combination. DNS-filtering (e.g. AdGuard) DNS) And you can turn off personalized ads in your settings. If you're ready to experiment, try it. ADB-custom-fix.
💡
On Mi TVs, the most reliable way is to install an alternative launcher (such as ATV Launcher) + block ads via SmartTubeNext for YouTube.