How to remove pop-up ads on the phone Android Xiaomi Poco

Users of budget and mid-budget smartphones like Xiaomi Poco often face an obsession: sudden banner ads appear on top of the desktop or in system applications. This is not only annoying, but also significantly reduces the performance of the device, consuming Internet traffic and battery power. Most often the cause is pre-installed MIUI services, which thus monetize the affordable price of the gadget.

However, the situation can be more serious if the device got an advertising virus or unwanted software (adware), in which case banners pop up even without launching applications, blocking the entire screen. To return comfortable use of the smartphone, you need to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and consistently apply blocking methods, ranging from system settings to removing malware.

In this article, we will discuss all effective ways to remove pop-up ads on the Android phone Xiaomi Poco. We will look at the regular tools of developers, third-party blockers and manual cleaning of the system from hidden threats.

Search and Remove Malware Applications

The most common reason for chaotic ads that overlap the interface and interfere with work is the installation of an infected application, often disguised as useful tools such as flashlights, scanners. QR-These may not have an icon on the desktop to go unnoticed, but they may be active in the background.

To find the culprit, you need to carefully analyze the list of installed programs. Go to Settings → Apps → All applications and carefully study the list. Look for applications without a name, with an empty icon or those that you do not remember to install. Often these programs have a minimalist name like "Service", "Update" or even a set of characters.

If you can't find a suspicious app in the general list, try sorting them by installation time. An ad virus usually appears after installing a particular software. Deleting a problem component often solves the problem instantly.

• 🔍 Check the Special Features section in the settings where malware may have rights to display on top of other windows.
• 📉 Analyze battery consumption: a virus application often ranks at the top of the energy consumption list.
• 🛡️ Use the antivirus scanner built into Xiaomi’s Security app for initial diagnosis.

In some cases, deleting through the standard menu is not possible, as the Remove button may not be active, then go to Safe Download mode or use it. ADB-commands for forced uninstallation of system or hidden packages.

⚠️ Note: If the ads have not disappeared after deleting the application, there may be a few infected files or hidden modules on the phone, in which case it is recommended to check the device through the computer using an antivirus or reset to factory settings.

Disabling MIUI System Advertising (MSA)

The second, more common source of pop-ups is Xiaomi’s own advertising system, known as MSA (MIUI System Ads), which is built deep into the shell and is responsible for displaying banners in standard applications such as Explorer, Music, Themes and even in the lock menu.

First, you need to revoke your consent to receive recommendations. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to personal data. In the list that opens, find msa and turn off the switch. The system will ask you to wait 10 seconds, then you need to click "Revoke." If the first time failed (often a network error is issued), repeat the procedure 3-5 times in a row.

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If the "Cancel" button is inactive or gives an error, turn on the mobile Internet (turning off Wi-Fi) or vice versa - try changing the network. Sometimes changing the region in the phone settings to "India" or "Singapore", where the rules of advertising are stricter.

Once you revoke your rights for msa, you should disable ad personalization. Go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Privacy → Advertising Services and turn off the Ad Personalization option. This will not remove the ad completely, but will make it less intrusive and reset the advertising ID.

It is also worth checking the settings of specific system applications, for example, in the Security app, you need to click on the gear in the corner and turn off "Receive recommendations." Similar actions are required in the Themes, Music and Explorer apps (three-point menu → Settings → About us → turn off recommendations).

Blocking Advertising through Private DNS

One of the most effective and simple methods that does not require the installation of third-party software is the use of the Private function. DNS (Private DNS). This way, you block requests to known ad servers at the network connection level, and if the phone can't communicate with the ad server, the banner won't load.

To activate, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Private DNS. The default is Auto. Select DNS Host Name (or Manual) and enter the box at dns.adguard.com. Save settings. Now all traffic going through Wi-Fi and mobile will be filtered.

Use of private DNS It has little or no effect on internet speed, but can cause connection problems in some public Wi-Fi networks that require browser authorization. DNS better off temporarily.

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Private DNS blocks up to 90% of pop-up ads in apps and browsers without the need to install additional programs, saving battery life.

Setting up the browser and blockers

If ads are primarily popped up when using the Internet, the problem may lie in browser settings or the presence of malicious extensions. Even the standard MIUI Browser or Chrome browser can skip advertising scripts if you do not use blockers.

It is recommended to install a specialized browser with built-in protection, such as Brave or DuckDuckGo, or add an extension like uBlock Origin in Chrome (via the Kiwi Browser version), also in the settings of any browser, you should disable notifications from sites, since often “advertising” is just spam notifications from visited resources.

For global protection, you can use application-blockers that work through local security VPN-It's an interface, like AdGuard or Blokada, which creates a local tunnel and filters all the traffic on the device. DNS, As it allows you to select specific filters and applications where you need to block advertising.

• 🚫 Disable notifications for all suspicious sites in your browser settings.
• 🌐 Use browsers with built-in anti-tracking and protection against mining.
• 📲 Install AdGuard to filter traffic inside other apps, not just your browser.

On devices with 4 GB of RAM and less, it is better to limit yourself to the Private DNS method.

Cache cleanup and reset ad settings

Sometimes, ad modules store data in cache, allowing them to run even after changing settings. To ensure that you remove the ad traces, you need to clear the data of Xiaomi service applications. This is secure and will not delete your personal photos or contacts.

Go to Settings → Applications → All Apps. Find the Services and Feedback app (or Mi Credit, Mi Video, GetApps). Go inside, select Memory and click Clear All (or Reset) and repeat this procedure for all system applications related to Xiaomi content.

After cleaning, make sure to fully reboot the device. Do not use the “Switch off and on” function, namely “Reboot”, so that the system re-initializes all background processes with clean settings.

Additional security measures and advice

To prevent the problem from returning, it is important to maintain digital hygiene. Xiaomi Poco owners should be careful when installing applications from unknown sources. APK-files downloaded from dubious sites, not from the official Google Play store.

In the newer versions of MIUI and HyperOS, Xiaomi is gradually implementing stricter privacy policies and giving users more tools to control advertising. You can check for updates in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version.

⚠️ Warning: Never grant device administrator rights to unknown applications. If a program requires such rights to operate a flashlight or calculator, this is a complete sign of malware.

If none of these methods worked, perhaps the ad module is embedded deep in the system or is part of an informal firmware, in which case the only reliable solution is a complete reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset) with the pre-saving of important data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)