Yandex Zen’s Zen feed in the browser of the same name often annoys Xiaomi users with aggressive advertising, intrusive recommendations and traffic consumption. Despite the fact that Zen is integrated into the browser at the code level, it can be disabled or hidden in several ways, from simple tab hiding to complete removal through ADB. The problem is complicated by the fact that MIUI restricts access to system settings, and standard methods (such as unsubscribe from channels) work unstable.
In this article, we present the current 2026 Zen removal methods for all Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.), tested on MIUI 12-14 and the latest versions of Yandex Browser. If you are tired of endless celebrity news and clickbait headlines, read on.
Some methods require developer rights or USB-If you are a beginner, start with the simplest ways (sections 2–3) and move on to the radical ones (sections 5–6) only when necessary.
1. How to hide the Zen tab without deleting (the easiest way)
If you just need to remove Zen from the home screen, but not completely block it, use the built-in browser settings. This method does not require root rights and works on all versions of MIUI.
Open Yandex Browser and follow the following steps:
- Slip on the icon "Three dots"** (menu) in the lower right corner.
- Select Settings → Main page.
- Find the Zen Tape section and move the slider to the “Off” position.
- Restart the browser to make the changes effective.
⚠️ Attention: After updating the browser settings may reset. To avoid this, disable the auto-update Yandex Browser in Google Play:
- Open Play Store → find Yandex Browser.
- Slip on Three Points → Remove from Auto Update.
Update Yandex Browser to the latest version|Make a backup copy of bookmarks|Disable the browser auto-update|Reboot your phone after the changes-->
This method does not remove Zen completely - the tape will remain available via a direct link (for example, when you enter zen.yandex.ru in the address bar).
2. disable Zen personalization through Yandex account
If you are logged in to Yandex ID, the Zen feed is tailored to your interests based on your search and browsing history, to reset recommendations and reduce the number of impressions:
1. Open your browser and go to your profile page.
2.In the Personalization section, search for “Interests” and delete all topics.
3. Return to your browser and in the Zen settings (Settings → Zen Tape → Set up the tape) uncheck all boxes from categories.
🔹 Why it helps: Without data on your preferences, the algorithm will show a minimum amount of content. However, the feed will still be displayed, just with less relevant news.
| Several times a week | Nearby | Only if Chrome-->
3. Remove Zen through resetting browser settings
If previous methods didn’t work, try resetting Yandex Browser to factory settings.This will delete all data, including cache, cookies and Zen settings.
Instructions:
- Open Phone Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Yandex Browser in the list and tap it.
- Select Warehouse → Clear the data and confirm the action.
- Start your browser again and do not log in to your Yandex account when you first start.
Once reset, the Zen tape may disappear, but there is a risk that it will return after syncing with the account.
💡
Before resetting, export your bookmarks: open your browser settings → Bookmarks → Export and save the file to Google Drive or send it to your mail.
| Action. | The result | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Reset browser settings | Removes Zen cache, resets personalization | Loss of bookmarks and history |
| Clearing data without deletion | Temporary tape hiding | Zen may return after the update |
| Shutting down synchronization | Stops loading recommendations | You must manually cancel each entry. |
4. Zen locking through hosts file (without root)
This method completely blocks access to Zen servers at the system level, suitable for users who do not want to delete the browser, but want to permanently disable the tape.
To change the hosts file without root rights, use the Hosts Editor app (available in the Play Store):
⚠️ Note: Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast) may block hosts editing. Disable protection before starting or add Hosts Editor to exceptions.
🔹 Check: After restart, try opening zen.yandex.ru in your browser. If you have a connection error, the lock is triggered.
What to do if hosts are not used?
5. Radical Zen removal via ADB (for advanced)
If you're technically manipulative, you can turn off Zen at the system level with the help of ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which doesn't require root, but you need developer and computer rights.
📌 Preparation:
- Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate USB-debugging.
- Download Platform Tools on your PC and connect your phone via USB.
🔧 Commands to shut down Zen:
adb shell pm hide com.yandex.browser:.zen
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.yandex.browser/.zen.ZenActivity🔹 What teams do:
- 🛡️ Pm hide – hides the Zen component from the system.
- 🔄 Disable-user – disables the activity of the tape for the current user.
⚠️ Note: After updating your browser, Zen may return. To avoid this, block auto-update through the Play Store (see section 1) or use App Cloner to create a "cut-off" version of the browser without Zen.
💡
ADB-commands only work until the next browser update. For permanent effect, combine this method with blocking through hosts or disabling auto-updates.
6. Zen-free alternative browsers for Xiaomi
If fighting Zen seems too difficult, consider alternative browsers that don't have a built-in news feed. Here are the best options for MIUI:
🌐 Top.-5 Zen-free browsers:
🔹 How to transfer data:
In order not to lose bookmarks when switching to another browser:
- In Yandex Browser export bookmarks (Settings → Bookmarks → Export).
⚠️ Note: Some browsers (for example, UC Browser or Opera Mini have their own news feeds. Check the privacy settings in the Play Store before installing.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When removing Zen, Xiaomi users often face typical problems. Here's how to solve them:
🔧 Problem 1: After resetting the browser, Zen returns.
🔹 Solution: Disable synchronization with Yandex account (browser settings) → Account. → Exit) and clear the data again.
🔧 Problem 2: ADB-The commands are not working, the error is device unauthorized.
🔹 Solution: On the phone in the window USB-Debugging confirm trust in this computer (a request will appear when connecting).
🔧 Problem 3: Hosts file is reset after rebooting.
🔹 Solution: Use the Hosts Go app (it saves changes even after system updates).
🔧 Issue 4: Some websites (e.g. government services) are not opened in alternative browsers).
🔹 Solution: Enable the desktop version option in your browser settings or Disable the blocking of trackers for problematic sites.
💡
If Zen still appears after all the manipulations, check your phone for viruses using Malwarebytes. Some advers (for example, HiddenAds) replace the browser settings.