How to get rid of ads in the application folders on Xiaomi

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often encounter intrusive content that appears in the most unexpected places of the MIUI and HyperOS interface. Especially annoying is when you open the folder with applications to run the desired program, and instead of a blank list, see the “Recommendations” block with a suggestion to download games or go to the app store. This is not a system bug, but a built-in monetization feature that developers activate by default.

Fortunately, folder recommendations are not a non-removable system component, but a launcher setup that can be manually disabled to return the system to its original, clean appearance. In this article, we will discuss a step-by-step algorithm that will help you remove this digital noise, and also touch on related settings that affect the amount of advertising in the system.

The shutdown procedure is pretty simple, and it doesn't require root rights or a computer connection, and you just need a few minutes of free time and care when you switch switch switch toggles in the settings menu, and let's figure out where this option is hiding and how to deactivate it forever.

Why is there an ad in MIUI folders?

The phenomenon of ad units in application folders is explained by the company's business model: by selling devices with high price-performance ratios, the manufacturer provides the opportunity to earn money through software services. The MIUI system launcher analyzes your actions and tries to offer content that algorithms think may interest you, but most often these are just banner ads.

The recommendation block is usually loaded through system services such as MSA (MIUI System Ads) or the built-in modules of the GetApps app store. These services run in the background and periodically update the contents of folders. Unless you have banned them from accessing the Internet or disabled the corresponding switches in the settings, advertising will appear with enviable regularity.

It's important to understand that removing application icons from the folder doesn't remove the recommendation block itself. It's part of the folder's design, not the contents, so the only effective way to fight it is to reconfigure the launcher through the standard settings menu.

Disabling recommendations through launcher settings

The most direct and effective way to remove intrusive sentences is to use the launcher’s own built-in settings, which work on most current firmware versions, including MIUI 12, 13, 14 and the new HyperOS. The algorithm may vary slightly depending on the regional version of the firmware, but the logic remains the same.

First, you need to find the folder that displays the ads, open it on your desktop, and at the top of the folder, above the app icons, you'll see the name of the folder, and maybe a little gear icon, or just a text that says, "Recommendations," and that's where the switch is.

Click on the folder name or the gear icon (if any) and a small pop-up menu will open, and you will need to find the "Recommendations" (or "Promoted apps" in the English version) menu and move the switch to the "Off" position, and then the block with the suggestions should disappear instantly.

💡

If the toggle switch doesn't disappear immediately, try closing the folder and opening it again. In rare cases, you need to restart the launcher or the entire smartphone to apply the changes.

In some versions of the shell, the path may look different. If you click on the folder name, the menu does not open, try clicking on three dots in the corner of the screen or swipe down inside the open folder. Xiaomi's interface often changes, but the function of hiding recommendations remains a priority for users.

It’s worth noting that the settings are customized for each folder, and if you have ten folders with games and apps on your desktop, you may need to repeat the procedure for each if automatically applying the settings to all folders doesn’t work.

Global MSA Service Shutdown

Blocking ads in folders is only part of the struggle for a clean interface, with most of the advertising activities in the system being managed by the MSA (MIUI System Ads) system service, which can significantly reduce the amount of advertising throughout the system, including the browser, music and themes.

To access system services management, you need to activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7-10 times on the MIUI Version (or OS Version) field until the message “You’re a developer” appears.

Then go to the menu Advanced settings. → For developers, find the item "Enable Device Search" (or "Allow"). USB Debugging in some translations, but look for debugging or search settings. However, a more direct way to manage advertising is by disabling the service itself in the app list.

Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Show System Processes. In the list, find the msa app. Click on it and select Turn off Ads (if available) or just Stop and Disable. The system will insist on leaving things as they are, requiring you to wait 10 seconds before confirming a shutdown. Be patient.

⚠️ Note: When you try to disconnect the service MSA The system will prevent this from happening in any way, saying that it could disrupt some of the functions, which is the standard protection of the advertising module.

Customization and advertising

Another layer of customization that influences recommendations is personalization: Xiaomi collects your preferences to show more relevant (from an algorithmic point of view) ads, which makes ads less “smart” but often less frequent.

To manage these settings, go to Settings → Password and Security → Access to Personal Data (or “Privacy”). You can find the “Advertising Services” or “Ad Personalization” section here. By disabling this, you will prevent the system from using your ad ID to select content.

Also, check your Mi Account settings. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Credit and Advertising. This often duplicates settings to limit the display of advertising materials in system applications. Make sure that all switches associated with Get Recommendations are turned off.

Remember that after updating the firmware, these settings can be reset to factory values, and periodic checking of these sections will help keep the phone clean from information noise.

Comparison of methods of cleaning the interface

There are several approaches to combating intrusive content on Xiaomi devices, which vary in complexity, effectiveness and potential risks. Below is a table that will help you choose the best method for your situation.

As you can see from the table, the first method is enough to solve a specific folder problem, but a comprehensive approach that includes disabling MSA gives the best result for comfortable use of the smartphone as a whole.

Using third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher is a radical but effective solution, replacing Xiaomi’s interface with pure Android, where folder ads by definition cannot be, as it is a feature of the MIUI shell.

Use of third-party launchers

If the standard methods are not satisfied or you want to completely change the appearance of your Redmi or POCO, installing a third-party launcher is a great solution.

Popular launchers like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Smart Launcher don’t have built-in ads or create recommendation folders. You create folders yourself, and they only have your apps in them, which brings the smartphone experience back to “pure” Android.

To install a third-party launcher, download it from the Google Play Store. Once installed, click the Home button or launch a new application. The system will prompt you to select the default launcher. Choose the one installed and click Always. Now the interface will change, and there will be no ads in the folders guaranteed.

Additional Tips for Cleaning the System

In addition to folder settings, you should look at other sources of annoyance, such as the Security and Cleanup app often show ads after scanning, and the app settings also have "Get recommendations" that you should turn off.

Another source of noise is the wallpaper carousel lock screen, which shows pictures of news and advertising. To turn it off, go to Settings → Lock screen and select Wallpaper carousel, then turn off the function, which will return static wallpaper or a standard change of images without unnecessary debris.

Regularly cleaning the browser and app store cache also helps reduce the frequency of targeted advertising.Algorithms are less "remember" about your interests if the data is constantly updated.

⚠️ Attention: Be careful with third-party “cleanup” apps. Xiaomi’s built-in cleaner is enough, and third-party utilities are often the source of advertising and slow down the system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💡

A comprehensive approach – disabling recommendations in each folder plus stopping MSA service – ensures that your Xiaomi interface is as clean as possible.