How to permanently disable app recommendations in Xiaomi folders: the full guide

You open a folder on Xiaomi, and instead of a clean list of files, you see intrusive banners with suggestions to install new applications? This feature of MIUI annoys millions of users — advertising takes up space, slows down the interface and prevents quick access to the desired data. The worst thing is that these recommendations appear even in system folders like Download or DCIM, where no one asked for them.

In this article, we will look at all the working ways to disable ads in folders, from standard settings to hidden developer settings.+, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13T, It is suitable for most devices on MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions) Important: some options will require ADB Root rights – we will explain in detail how to minimize risks.

We warn you right away: Xiaomi regularly changes the location of options in firmware, so if a menu item does not match your version, check the alternative methods below. And yes, you can not completely remove ads without root rights, but it can be minimized or replaced with less intrusive elements.

Why Xiaomi Shows Recommendations in Folders and Can They Be Deleted Forever?

Advertising in folders is part of the monetization of MIUI. Xiaomi integrates an ad SDK into system applications (like File Manager or Security) that load banners from the company’s servers. These recommendations are personalized: the system analyzes which apps you install and offers “useful” alternatives (often from Xiaomi partners).

Can we take them away forever? Technically, but with reservations:

• 🔧 No root rights: you can only disable some of the advertising through settings or ADB, System banners may return after updates.
• 🛠️ Root rights: You can remove advertising modules forever, but it is risky (may malfunction in the work of firmware).
• 📱 Chinese firmware: more advertising, and it is harder to turn off without knowing Chinese.

In the European Region (EEA), Xiaomi has pledged to reduce the amount of advertising due to regulatory pressure, and if your smartphone is bought in the EU, try changing the region in your Mi Account settings — sometimes it helps.

⚠️ Note: Disabling advertising through ADB or modification of system files may result in blocking certain features (such as registration themes or cloud backups!

Method 1: Disabling recommendations through File Manager settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI Explorer options. It works on most devices, but does not guarantee 100% results (advertisements can appear in other system applications).

Instructions:

1. Open the File Manager application (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Stick to three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Recommendations section (or Recommendations in English firmware).
4. Turn off the sliders: 📌 Show recommendations of the annexes 📌 Personalized recommendations 📌 Show popular files (if any)

Reset the device.

If there's no recommendation in the settings, then your version of MIUI is hiding it. Try the following method.

Method 2: Using ADB to Deeply Disable Advertising

If standard settings don’t work, it’s time to connect Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that allows you to disable system-level advertising services, but requires a computer and minimal technical skills.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux;
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original);
• 🔌 Included Debugging by USB smartphone;
• 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution

This command disables the main MIUI advertising module.

File Manager

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.fileexplorer

⚠️ Warning: This command can reset the Explorer settings! After it is executed, reinstall File Manager from Google Play if it disappears.

Reset the device.

If the ad returns after the reboot, try additional commands:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop

Method 3: Remove advertising packages via TWRP (for advanced)

This method is only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and a TWRP installed. It allows you to physically delete the files responsible for the ad impressions, but requires caution - an error can lead to a bootloop ( looped download).

Conditions required:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader);
• 📱 Established custom recaveri TWRP;
• 📦 Backup of all partitions (Boot, System, Data).

Instructions:

1. Download to TWRP (hold Power + Volume Up when enabled).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete the following folders and files (if any): 📁 /system/priv-app/SystemAdSolution 📁 /system/app/Analytics 📄 /system/etc/msa.dat (analytics)

Wipe → Dalvik/Cache

Reboot to the system.

⚠️ Note: Deleting system files can lead to loss of warranty and problems with the system OTA-If after manipulation, the smartphone stopped booting, restore the backup through TWRP Or run the firmware through Fastboot.

Method 4: Install an alternative file manager

If you're tired of fighting ads in a standard File Manager, it's easier to install a third-party explorer.

• 📁 Solid Explorer – supports dark theme, cloud storage and has no advertising (paid, but there is a trial).
• 🗂️ FX File Explorer is free, open source and extensions to work with root.
• 📂 MiXplorer – unofficial fork with support MIUI-without advertising (requires manual installation) APK).

How to make an alternative file manager by default:

1. Install the selected application from Google Play.
2. Open any folder through the standard File Manager.
3. Stick to three points (⋮) and select Open with the help.
4. Choose a new manager and check the box Always.

The downside of this method is that system applications (such as Gallery or Downloads) can still open folders through a standard Explorer where the ads will remain. To avoid this, disable or freeze File Manager via ADB:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.fileexplorer

💡

If after disabling the standard File Manager, some functions (for example, access to the file) have stopped working. SD-Install an alternative manager with support FUSE (For example, MiXplorer).

Method 5: Changing Region and Disabling Personalization

Xiaomi adapts ads to the user's region, and in some countries (e.g. the EU) they are less likely to be shown because of local data protection laws, and you can take advantage of this by changing the region in your Mi Account settings.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account.
2. Slip on the profile avatar and select Account Settings.
3. Go to the region (or Country/Region).
4. Select a country from the list with minimal advertising: 🇪🇺 Germany or France (EU); 🇬🇧 The UK (sometimes works better than the EU); 🇮🇳 India (a lot of advertising, but it is less intrusive).

Confirm the change of region (reset may be required).

After changing the region, also turn off personalization:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Storage settings.
2. Turn off Personalized Recommendations and Usage Analytics.
3. In Settings → Applications → Application Management, find Security and turn off the permission to display on top of other windows.