How to remove ads on the lock screen Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step instructions

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones running MIUI 14, MIUI 15 and the latest HyperOS often cause complaints from users because of intrusive marketing content. Especially annoying ads that appear directly on the lock screen or in the form of pop-ups in system applications. This is not a bug, but a feature of the company’s monetization strategy to keep prices affordable, but for many owners this becomes a serious obstacle in the comfortable use of the gadget.

Fortunately, Xiaomi engineers have made it possible to turn off most of the ad modules, although they have hidden these settings quite deeply. The deactivation process does not require root rights or a global flashing of the device if you use a Chinese build. It is enough to go through several menu items consistently to clear the interface of unnecessary visual noise. It is important to understand that the advertising system in Xiaomi consists of several layers: MSA (MIUI System Ads), and recommendations in applications, and personalized advertising.

In this article, we will discuss how to find and disable all sources of advertising, including those that appear on a locked screen. We will look at the current paths for Android versions 13, 14 and 15, and also discuss the nuances of Google services and Xiaomi’s own services. Following the instructions, you will return your device to a clean look and improve the speed of work, as background processes for loading banner ads will also be stopped.

⚠️ Note: Before making changes to system settings, it is recommended to back up important data. Although the steps described below are safe, accidental changes to other parameters may affect the operation of the system.

Disabling Advertising in the Security App

The main source of pop-up ads on Xiaomi is the system app Security, which scans the device and periodically prompts the user to “clean up the garbage” or “speed up work”, while showing banner ads. To remove this source of annoyance, you need to find a hidden setting inside the application itself.

Open the Security app (green icon with shield). In the upper right corner, click on the gear icon to enter the settings. Here you will need to find General Settings. In the list that opens, look for an option called Get recommendations. The switch next to it should be deactivated. It is also worth checking the Cleanup section inside the security settings and disabling a similar option there if it is present separately.

Once this feature is disabled, the app will stop downloading ad modules from the network. However, if you already have a cache of advertising, it may be displayed for a while longer, in which case it is recommended to clear the cache of the Security application through the application management menu in the main settings of the phone, this ensures that the old banners disappear immediately.

Setting up the lock screen and wallpaper carousel

Most often, adverts on a locked screen appear thanks to the Wallpaper Carousel function (Glance), which automatically changes the wallpaper on the lock screen and shows the news feed or promotional offers when the display is turned on. If you see pictures with store logos or news headlines, then this feature is active.

To turn off, go to Settings → Always on screen and lock (or Lock Screen). Find Wallpaper Carousel (or Glance for Mi). Inside this menu, turn off the Wallpaper Carousel switch. The system may try to convince you to leave the feature by offering “premium content” or “exclusive themes”, but you need to stand your ground and choose “Disable”.

If you have left the Carousel off, it may be streamed through the theme of the design. Some third-party themes from Themes store contain built-in ad units. In that case, return the standard theme: go to the Themes app, go to the profile (human icon) → My themes and choose classic Classic or Default design.

Deactivation of MSA (MIUI System Ads)

The most effective way to remove ads throughout the system is to turn off the MSA system service, which is the main demon responsible for collecting user data and displaying ads in the interface. The process of disabling has one feature: the deactivation button becomes active only 10 seconds after clicking, which is a psychological device of developers.

Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to Personal Data (or Authorization and Review). In the list, find msa. Switch the slider to “Switched Off.” A countdown timer will appear. Wait until the time ends and press the “Revocation” button. If the system writes “failed to withdraw” the first time, don’t worry — this is a frequent “error.” Just try 3-5 times until confirmation comes.

• 🔍 Search for service: In the list of applications, look for msa, not just “Advertising».
• ⏱️ Timer: Be sure to wait 10 seconds, the button won't be active sooner.
• 🔄 Repeat: If there is a network error, try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile Internet.

Once permissions are successfully revoked, MSA will cease to function, which may cause some widgets or personalization features to stop working properly, but it will be worth it to clean up the system, and it is also worth revoking the rights of GetApps (Mi Video, Mi Music) if you do not use them, as they are also sources of advertising traffic.

⚠️ Attention: Disconnection MSA This may affect some built-in widgets and personalized recommendations in the theme store. Make sure you are not critical of these features before revoking access.

Cleaning up from advertising in standard applications

Even after MSA is disabled, some of Xiaomi’s standard apps can continue to display ads or intrusive notifications, including Explorer, Music, Video and Cleanup apps, each with their own ad settings on their own menus.

In File Manager, click on three menu bars, select Settings → About the app and turn off Receive recommendations. Downloads also needs to go to settings (three dots) and turn off “Show recommended content.” Similar actions should be repeated for the Topics: profile → settings → disable personalized recommendations.

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Use third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair to completely replace Xiaomi’s standard interface.This will not only remove ads, but also speed up the smartphone, as launchers are often optimized better than stock solutions.

Don’t forget to check notifications from system applications. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Application Notifications. Go to the list of system utilities (Security, Cleaner, Themes, Mi Video) and disable the notification category Marketing notifications or simply disable all notifications for unused services.

Privacy and personalization settings

Xiaomi is actively collecting data about device usage to target ads, limiting this feature not only to increase your privacy, but also to reduce the amount of relevant (and therefore more annoying) advertising, through global privacy settings.

Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Privacy. Go to Ad Services. You need to turn off Personalized Advertising. You can also use Reset Ad ID on this menu, which is useful after clearing the ad to reset your profile.

• 🔒 Identifier: Resetting advertising ID Breaks the link between your actions and your advertising profiles.
• 📉 Data collection: Disconnection improves interface speed by stopping background telemetry transmission.
• 🛡️ Protection: In HyperOS, settings can be divided into “Security” and “About Phone” sections».

Newer versions of HyperOS based on Android 14/15 have expanded permission control, recommend checking the Special Permissions section and denying system applications access to the clipboard or background activity unless they are critical, which will prevent hidden data collection for advertising algorithms.

Additional Methods and Working with ADB

For advanced users who do not have enough standard settings, there is a method of removing advertising components through USB and ADB debugging (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to completely “saw” advertising packages from the system without risking violation of the firmware integrity, since applications are not deleted, but “freeze” for the current user.

To do this, turn on For Developers (7 times click on the build number in About Phone), activate Debugging via USB. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB, and execute the command to freeze the MSA packet:

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

You can also remove or disable the com.miui.personalization package, which is responsible for personalization and the carousel. However, use this method with caution: improperly disabling system components can lead to unstable phone operation. Always check the name of the package before entering a command.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-Disabling critical system services (e.g., those related to phone or messages) may make it impossible to boot the device.

An alternative to ADB is to use assistant apps like Universal Android Debloater, which have a graphical interface and allow you to safely disable Xiaomi system software, including advertising modules, by simply switching switching switches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Removing ads from Xiaomi requires a comprehensive approach: disabling MSA, configuring each system application, and verifying access rights, all of which ensure a clean interface.