Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face intrusive marketing that is embedded in system applications. Google Play ads on these devices can appear not only inside the app store, but also pop up on top of other programs or as push notifications. This annoys, distracts and wastes traffic, turning the use of the gadget into a test.
The problem is that the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS aggressively promotes content using system services to display banners. Android’s standard settings often don’t completely block this data stream, but there are several proven ways to remove ads and bring back a clean interface.
In this article, we will discuss a comprehensive approach to cleaning the system: we will touch on the settings of the Google Play Store itself, changes in Xiaomi system parameters and the use of advanced methods of blocking traffic, you will learn to distinguish legitimate offers from junk software.
Analysis of advertising sources in the Xiaomi ecosystem
Before you start blocking, it is important to understand where exactly the unwanted content comes from. Often users blame the Play Market itself, although the source can be an MSA (MIUI System Ads) system application or cache of other installed software.
Xiaomi’s system analytics collects your preferences to show targeted ads, which runs in the background and requires a constant connection to the company’s servers, without disabling the relevant services, advertising traffic will flow continuously.
Also, it is worth considering that some applications downloaded from third-party sources can embed their banners on top of the Google Play interface, which is especially true for free versions of utilities and games, in which case blocking system advertising MIUI will not give full effect without removing malware.
- 📢 System Services: Built-in shell modules responsible for (push) and marketing.
- 📱 Third-party applications: programs with aggressive monetization, working in the background.
- 🌐 Advertising Networks: Traffic that passes through standard DNS-request.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse personalized recommendations in the "Recommended for You" section of the app store with intrusive pop-up ads. The first are part of the store's functionality, the second are the result of system settings or viruses.
Understanding the source of the problem allows you to choose the most effective method of combating, if banners appear randomly on the desktop, it is likely that the specific application is to blame, and if the recommendations are built into the menu, you need to set up the system.
Basic settings for Google Play and account
The fight for a clean interface should start from the very source – the Google Play app store. While it is impossible to completely disable all marketing elements within the application without root rights, you can significantly reduce their number through account settings.
First of all, you need to limit the personalization of ads, and this won't remove ads completely, but it will make them less intrusive and less tied to your actions. To do this, open your phone's settings, search the Google section, and go to the Ads menu.
You should activate the option to disable advertising personalization, and it is also recommended to reset the advertising ID to break the link with previously collected data about your interests.
Then go directly to the Play Store app. Click on the profile avatar in the upper right corner and select Settings. In the General section, find App Auto Update and select Wi-Fi Only to avoid hidden downloads of ad modules over the mobile network.
- 🔒 Privacy: Disabling Google Account History.
- 🚫 Limits: Setting limits on data use in the background.
- 🔄 Reset ID: Regular change of advertising identifier.
It is important to note that these measures are more preventive in nature, they are not a guaranteed way to completely remove advertising, but create the necessary foundation for further, deeper cleaning of Xiaomi’s system.
Disabling MIUI and HyperOS system advertising
The most effective way to remove ads on Xiaomi smartphones is to disable the system advertising service MSA (MIUI System Ads), which is responsible for most pop-ups and banners in standard applications.
To start, go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to Personal Data. In the list, find the msa app and turn off the access slider. The system will alert you to the consequences and start a countdown timer (10 seconds).
After counting, click Disable. If the first time fails (the system can write "failed to disable"), try repeating the procedure 3-5 times in a row, usually on the 4th or 5th time the permission is successfully canceled.
☑️ Shutdown checklist MSA
Next, disable ads in each system application separately. Go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Privacy → Special Permits → Accessing the Application List. Disable this feature for all suspicious system utilities, especially for Security, Cleanup and Explorer.
The apps themselves also have hidden switches, like in the Security app, click on the gear in the corner and find Receive recommendations by turning it off. Similar settings are found in Themes, Music and Video.
| Annex | The path to adjustment | What to turn off |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Settings (cogs) | Receive recommendations |
| Downloads. | Three points → Settings | Showing Recommended Content |
| Conductor | Menu → Settings | Receive recommendations |
| Music. | Menu → Settings | Showing advertisements |
Once you've done this, reboot your device. Advertising on Google Play and other interfaces should disappear or become minimal. This is the basic level of protection that every Xiaomi owner needs.
Blocking Advertising through DNS (Private DNS)
One of the most powerful methods that does not require the installation of third-party software is the use of the Private function. DNS (Private DNS), This method blocks advertising requests at the network level, preventing the phone from downloading banners.
To implement this, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing (or Wi-Fi) → Private DNS. The default value is “Auto.” Select the DNS Host Name (manual) mode.
The resulting field requires you to enter the address of the server that filters traffic. The most popular and reliable solution is the AdGuard DNS service.
dns.adguard.comSave the settings. Now all of it. DNS-Your device traffic will pass through AdGuard filters, which automatically cut off known advertising domains, which will help to remove ads not only in Google Play, but also in the browser and some games.
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If the Internet stopped working in some applications (for example, banking) after the Private DNS was turned on, try temporarily disabling this feature or using an alternative address dns-family.adguard.com, which also filters adult content.
Consider that using a third-party DNS can slightly increase ping in online games, but for everyday use, the difference is not noticeable. If the dns.adguard.com server is not available, you can try an alternative from NextDNS by registering on their site to get a personal address.
- ✅ Efficiency: Blocks up to 90% of advertising traffic.
- 🔋 Savings: Does not consume the battery, as it works at the system level.
- 🛡️ Security: Protects against clicking on malicious links.
⚠️ Note: When using a private DNS Some apps may not correctly determine your location or run slower.If you notice connection problems, return the setting to Auto mode".
Using ADB for deep cleaning of the system
For advanced users who want to achieve maximum results, there is a method of removing advertising components through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to “freeze” or remove system packages that cannot be disabled through the normal interface.
To start, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on MIUI Version (or OS Version). Then, in Advanced Settings, turn on USB Debugging.
Connect your phone to your computer through USB-The PC needs drivers installed. ADB. Open the command line or terminal in the folder with ADB and enter a command to check the connection:
adb devicesYou'll see a request for debugging permission on your smartphone screen, confirm it. Once you've successfully connected, you can start removing advertising packages. Be very careful: deleting system files can lead to unstable work.
List of deletion packages
To remove (freeze for the current user) the advertising service, use the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.msa.globalThe same can be done with analytics:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analyticsThis is the most radical method, which is guaranteed to remove ads on Google Play and the system, because it physically deletes the executables of the services, but when you reset the settings to the factory, all the changes will be lost, and you will have to repeat the procedure.
Prevention and additional recommendations
Even after a complete cleanup, the system remains vulnerable to new threats, often when the ads come back after updating applications or installing new software from unreliable sources, and it is important to maintain digital hygiene.
Do not install applications from unknown sources (APK-Google Play moderation is stricter, but there are occasionally parasitic programs. Carefully read the permissions that the application requests when installing.
It is recommended to check the list of applications regularly with the right to “Display on top of other applications.” Go to Settings → Privacy Protection → Special features (or search “Above other applications”). If you see a calculator or flashlight you do not know, delete it immediately.
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Regularly checking application permissions and refusing to install APK-Files from unverified sources – the best prevention of ad returns on Xiaomi.
Also keep an eye out for updates to MIUI/HyperOS. Sometimes newer versions of firmware will add additional privacy switches or new security holes. Keep Google Play Services and the app store up to date.
- 🧹 Clean up: Periodically clear the cache of the Play Store.
- 🚫 Prohibit: Don’t give apps unnecessary rights to notifications.
- 🔄 Update: Keep an eye on the relevance of antivirus databases.
Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to enjoy a clean interface and fast smartphone without annoying pop-ups. Your Xiaomi will once again become a handy tool, not an advertising platform.