How to disable ads in the browser on Xiaomi Redmi

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often encounter intrusive banner ads that suddenly appear while using a browser or other applications. This phenomenon is annoying, distracting and consuming Internet traffic. The main reason for pop-ups is usually not system errors of the MIUI shell, but malicious applications or permissions given to dubious sites.

Advertising can be caused by installing free software that hides advertising modules, and it is also common for a user to accidentally consent to display notifications from suspicious web resources, and understanding the source of the problem is the first step to fix it and regain control of the device.

In this article, we will detail effective ways to block unwanted content: you will learn how to configure secure DNS, manage application permissions, and use built-in system features to protect against pop-ups. Follow the instructions to make your gadget comfortable and safe to use.

Analysis of sources of advertising debris on Android

Before you start setting up blockers, you need to understand where exactly the ad stream is coming from, and most often the culprits are apps that you recently installed from third-party sources or downloaded from an official store but forgot to remove, which can run in the background and activate the display of banners.

Another common scenario is allowing sites to display notifications, whereby a user can accidentally click "Allow" on a questionable resource pop-up, after which the browser starts broadcasting ads even when the tab is closed. It is important to distinguish between MIUI system advertising and viruses introduced by the user.

To diagnose a problem, try to remember which program the windows appeared after installing. If you can't identify the source visually, pay attention to the name of the process in the notifications when the banner appears, which will help to accurately identify the culprit.

⚠️ Warning: If an ad appears on your desktop when the screen is off or blocks the system interface, this is a sign of a serious virus infection. In such cases, a normal browser setting may not help, and you will need a full antivirus check or reset settings.

Android has built-in security mechanisms, but they are not always effective against aggressive ad modules, so manual control of installed applications and their access rights is a critical skill for the smartphone owner.

📊 Where do you get the most advertising?
From the established games
After clicking on links in social networks
From unknown sites
I don't know, she shows up on her own.

Set up a private DNS to block ads

One of the most effective and easy ways to remove ads in all browsers and most applications is to change the DNS settings. This method does not require the installation of additional software and works at the network connection level, blocking requests to known ad servers.

To do this, you'll need to go to your device's network settings, and the path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the partition that handles the connection settings.

In the DNS settings field, you need to enter the address of a special server that filters traffic. One of the most popular and reliable services is AdGuard DNS, which automatically screens out requests for domains containing ads and trackers.

  • 🔹 Go to your smartphone settings.
  • 🔹 Select Connection and Sharing or Wi-Fi.
  • 🔹 Find the Private section DNS (Private DNS).
  • 🔹 Select the mode "Host Name provider" DNS».
  • 🔹 Enter the address: dns.adguard.com.

Once you save the settings, you need to restart the device or simply turn on and off flight mode to update the network connection, which works globally for the entire device, including Chrome browsers, MI Browser and others.

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Using a private DNS is a system solution that blocks ads before they load, saving traffic and battery.

Managing permissions and notifications in the browser

If the ads only appear when using a specific browser, such as Google Chrome or the built-in MI Browser, the problem lies in the permissions of sites. Web pages often request access to send notifications, masquerading this as a robot check or a content viewing requirement.

To fix the problem, you go to the browser settings, and you'll find a section on notifications or sites, and this list will show you all the resources you've ever given your consent to display messages.

Carefully review the list and remove any suspicious or unfamiliar domains. Even if you don't remember how you gave permission, it's best to revoke it for all sites except those you fully trust, such as email services or instant messengers.

☑️ Checking browser settings

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It’s also worth checking the extensions installed. Mobile Chrome has limited functionality, but if you’re using other browsers like Firefox or Kiwi, make sure they don’t have a malicious add-on installed.

Identify and remove malicious applications

Often the source of pop-up advertising are applications that disguise themselves as useful utilities: flashlights, scanners. QR-codes, memory cleaners, or simple games, which may not have icons on the desktop to go unnoticed.

To find these programs, go to your phone's settings and open the App section. Carefully review the full list of installed software. Look for apps without a name, with an empty icon, or those you don't remember installing.

If you find a suspicious item, delete it immediately. If the delete button is inactive, it is possible that the application has device administrator rights, in which case you first go to the security settings and revoke the administrator rights for this application, and then delete it.

Type of applicationSigns of malignancyAction.
Memory cleanersIntrusive advertising, high load on the CPURemove, use embedded tools
LanternsRequesting permissions, full screen advertisingReplace with the standard annex
Games from unknown developersAdvertising after each actionCheck reviews, delete if there are complaints
Iconless appsNo name on the list, an empty iconImmediate removal

After removing any suspicious programs, it is recommended to restart the smartphone, which will allow the system to clear temporary files and complete the processes associated with the remote software.

What to do if the application is not removed?
If the app doesn't get removed in the normal way, try running the phone in Safe Mode. To do this, press the off button on the screen and press OK when you ask to go to Safe Mode. This mode only runs system applications, allowing you to remove malicious software that normally blocks removal.

Use of built-in MIUI protection features

The MIUI shell, which is installed on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, has its own powerful tools for protection against advertising and viruses, and they should not be ignored, as they are deeply integrated into the system and work efficiently.

First of all, you should use the Security app, which is pre-installed on all devices of the brand, it includes an antivirus and a threat scanner, and regular use of this tool allows you to detect hidden threats.

Also in the security settings there is a function “Fraud Protection” and filtering URL-Make sure these options are activated, and they alert the user when they go to dangerous sites that could infect the device with adware.

  • 🔸 Open the Security app.
  • 🔸 Launch the Antivirus and click "Check».
  • 🔸 Go to the Security App settings.
  • 🔸 Activate the filter option URL.

In addition, the MI Browser browser itself has a built-in ad blocker that needs to be activated manually, as it can be turned off by default for the sake of “compatibility” with some sites.

Alternative browsers and extensions

If standard methods don’t work, or you just want more private surfing, it makes sense to consider installing a dedicated browser. There are solutions that block ads at the engine level without requiring complex settings.

One of the best options for Android is the Brave browser.It initially has built-in protection against trackers and advertising, making it a great choice for users who appreciate the cleanliness of the interface and the speed of loading pages.

Another popular option is DuckDuckGo or Firefox with the uBlock Origin extension installed. The latter option is the most flexible, as it allows you to fine-tune the filtering rules for each site separately.

⚠️ Warning: When installing browsers from third-party sources (not from Google Play), be careful. download installation files only from official developer sites, so as not to infect the device with a real virus under the guise of a useful program.

Using an alternative browser often solves 90% of advertising problems, as modern rendering engines are able to effectively screen out advertising scripts even at the stage of page loading.

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For maximum privacy, use Incognito mode when visiting unverified sites, in which history and cookies are not stored, which reduces the likelihood of targeted advertising in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does advertising appear even after the app is removed?
This may be due to residual files or cache in the system. It is also possible that the permission to display notifications remained active in the browser settings itself.
Is it safe to use third-party DNS to block?
Yes, using public DNSs like AdGuard or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) is safe, they only redirect domain name requests and don’t have access to your personal data, passwords or content because they don’t decrypt traffic.
Could Xiaomi Advertising Be a Virus?
Browser advertising itself is most often a consequence of site permissions, but if ad windows appear on top of other apps or on the desktop without a browser running, it is likely that it is a virus (adware) that requires treatment.
How to disable system advertising in the MIUI interface?
To do this, you need to go to the Mi Account settings, find the Advertising Services section and disable advertising personalization, and in each system application (Music, Explorer, Cleanup), you need to find the Receive Recommendations switch in the settings and turn it off.
Do I need to install antivirus on Xiaomi?
In most cases, the built-in scanner in the Security app and Google Play Protect are enough; installing heavy third-party antiviruses can only slow down the device; and the main rule of security is not to install applications from unknown sources.