How to permanently remove ads from Xiaomi Explorer: proven methods of 2026

Embedded ads in MIUI Explorer (or MIUI File Explorer) are one of the most annoying features of Xiaomi firmware for users who prefer a clean interface. Advertising banners in the file manager not only distract but also slow down the work with files, especially on budget models of Redmi or POCO. Unlike system notifications that can be turned off in settings, ads in Explorer are often sewn into the firmware level and require specific actions to remove it.

The difficulty is that Xiaomi regularly updates its ad-show mechanisms, and the methods that worked in MIUI 12 may not be useful in MIUI 14 or HyperOS. This article is relevant for Android 11-14 devices with MIUI 12.5-14 firmware and HyperOS (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Xiaomi 11T/12/13). We will look at 5 ways – from simple settings to deep changes through ADB – and also analyze the risks of each method.

If you use POCO Launcher or third-party file managers (such as Solid Explorer), advertising in them is extremely rare. MIUI It is a major tool for many users, especially when working with OTG-It is important to understand that complete removal of ads without consequences is possible only on unlocked bootloaders (with unlock bootloader.

1. disable personalized advertising in MIUI settings

The safest and most reversible way to do this is to deactivate the targeting mechanisms through the settings menu, which doesn't remove ads completely, but it reduces the amount of ads, especially the banners from Mi Browser and Mi Video.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Google → Advertising.
2. Click "Disable Ad Personalization" and confirm the selection.
3. Go back to the basic settings and go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
4. Find File Explorer, open its settings and disable notifications.

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Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) Google → In this case, skip the first step and focus on disabling Explorer notifications.

The effect of this method is not immediately apparent — it may take 24 to 48 hours for the system to update the advertising profiles. If the banners are left after two days, move on to the next method.

2. Reset the Conductor settings and clear the cache

Often, ads appear because of accumulated cache data or misplaced application settings.A complete Explorer reset can temporarily fix the problem, especially if banners started showing after the MIUI update.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Explorer.
2. Click on "Storage" and select "Clear Cache".
3. Go back a step and click Reset Settings (or Delete Data if available).
4. Reset the device.

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Note: Reset Explorer data will delete your favorite files, search history, and sorting settings. Save important paths in advance to notes or screenshots.

If the ad comes back after the reboot, it's stitched into the firmware itself, and then only deep intervention, through ADB or modification of system files, will help.

Take screenshots of important folders|Write down paths to frequently used files|Check the free space in memory|Disable Auto-Update Explorer in Play Market-->

3. Disabling Advertising through ADB (without root)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is one of the most effective ways to remove ads without getting root permissions, and works on most Xiaomi devices, except HyperOS models (which require a different approach).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔗 Utility. ADB Platform Tools by Google.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (or Terminal) in the ADB folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
4. Execute the command to disable ads in Explorer: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution
5. Reset the device.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

This command unlocks hidden Android APIs, which can help disable ad modules, but increases the risk of system instability.

4. Installation of an alternative conductor

If system methods don't work, the radical solution is to completely abandon embedded Explorer in favor of third-party analogs, and it won't remove ads from the system, but it will eliminate them when working with files.

The best alternatives for Xiaomi:

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Note: When using MiXplorer or other APKs from third-party sources, disable installation from unknown sources after installation (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications).

To make the third-party conductor the main one:

1. Open any application to work with files (for example, Gallery).
2. When requesting a program selection, select your new Explorer and tick "Always."
3. In the app settings, turn off auto-update for the original MIUI File Explorer.

adb shell pm clear com.android.documentsui

5. Deep modification of the system (for advanced)

If you are willing to take risks, getting root rights or installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) is guaranteed to remove all ads. However, this voids the warranty and can lead to a device blinking if errors occur.

Modification options:

• 🔓 Root + Magisk: Remove system ad packages through Magisk Module (e.g, Disable_Miui_Ads).
• 📱 Custom recovery (TWRP): Sweep the patch to remove com.miui.systemAdSolution.
• 🔄 Flip-on AOSP: Install firmware without Xiaomi services (e.g. HavocOS).

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Note: On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), unlocking the bootloader can block data encryption or Find My Device. Before the procedure, make a full backup via adb backup or TWRP.

If you are a beginner, start with safer methods (ADB Root and custom firmware are recommended only to users with experience with fastboot and EDL-regime.

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On devices with HyperOS standard ADB-The only reliable way to turn off the ad is to root or switch to custom firmware.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users have problems trying to remove ads, and consider common mistakes and their solutions:

Error 1: After the ADB team, the ad came back a few days later.

• 🔄 Reason: MIUI Restores advertising modules when updating.
• 🛠️ Solution: Disable auto-update system applications in Settings → Annexes → Google Play Market → Auto-update.

Error 2: Explorer stopped opening files after resetting data.

• 🔄 Reason: Permits to access storage reset.
• 🛠️ Solution: Go to Settings → Annexes → Conductor → Permits and enable access to memory.

Error 3: ADB is a device unauthorized error.

• 🔄 Reason: Not confirmed debugging permission on the phone.
• 🛠️ Solution: Turn it off and plug it back in. USB-cable, confirm the request on the smartphone screen.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Firmware Version: HyperOS requires other commands ADB.
• 🔒 Antivirus: Some (e.g. Avast) block changes to system files.
• 🔄 Firmware Region: Global (Global) ROM) and Chinese ROM) version MIUI different advertising modules.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions