How to block advertising on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi smartphone users often face intrusive advertising that appears in system applications, when unlocking the screen and even in the settings menu. This is a fee for the affordable cost of the device, but it is not necessary to put up with constant pop-ups and banners. Modern versions of the shell MIUI and HyperOS allow you to flexibly configure the system, removing unnecessary visual noise.

In this article, we’ll look at proven techniques to help you clear the interface of marketing junk.You’ll learn to disable system analytics services, block ad identifiers, and customize DNS-Filters that run on the entire operating system, which do not require root rights and are safe to guarantee the device.

Before we get to the tricky manipulations, it’s worth starting with the basic settings of the smartphone itself. Many of the ad-generating features are on by default, but they’re easy to manually deactivate. Disabling MSA is the first and most important step every Xiaomi owner should take.

Disabling the MSA System Service

MSA (MIUI System Ads) is responsible for loading and displaying advertising materials in the interface. Without it, all other settings may not be effective. The deactivation process has one thing: the system will persistently try to keep the service on.

To start, go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Data Access. In the list, find msa and turn off the switch. A 10 second countdown timer will appear. Once it's over, the system will prompt you to choose the reason for failure. Press "No, thank you" or a similar opt-out button.

⚠️ Note: If after pressing the switch off button, an error message appears or the window simply closed and the service remained active, repeat the procedure. 3-4 This is a well-known interface bug that often only gets solved on the third try.

Some versions of the firmware may have a slightly different path: Search for Authorization and Security or search for settings by typing in "msa." Once you successfully shut down, restart the device so that the changes take effect.

Setup of system applications

Advertising integrations are embedded deep in Xiaomi’s standard utilities, and to remove banners from Explorer, Music and other services, you need to check each app’s settings separately, which will take a few minutes, but the result is worth it.

Let’s look at the main applications where advertising is most common:

• 📂 Explorer: Open the application, click on the menu (three bars), select Settings" → "About the program" and disable the item "Receive recommendations".
• 🎵 Music: Go to the app settings, find the "Advanced Settings" section and remove the ticks from the "Show Ads" and "Receive recommendations" items".
• 📁 Downloads: From the app menu, select "Settings" and turn off "Receive recommendations".
• 🧹 Security: This app often shows ads after scanning. Go to the cleaner settings and remove the recommendation content.

Also worth paying attention to is GetApps, which will go to its settings and turn off auto-update apps and notifications if you don't use them, and prevent pop-ups with suggestions to install games.

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In the "Security" application, you can turn off advertising by clicking on the gear in the upper right corner, select "About the program" and turn off the "Receive recommendations" switch.

Blocking through Private DNS

One of the most effective ways to remove ads throughout the system and even in some browsers is to use private advertising. DNS-This method blocks requests to known ad servers at the network connection level.

You don't need third-party apps to implement this method. Current versions of Android (9.0 and higher), which are installed on most Redmi and Poco smartphones, have a built-in feature. → Connection and sharing → Private DNS-server.

Select the DNS Host Name mode (or Manual) and type in the address: dns.adguard.com. Save settings. Now all traffic coming through Wi-Fi and mobile network will be filtered, cutting off advertising requests.

⚠️ Attention: Use of third-party DNS If you are a professional esportsman, test the connection before continuous use.

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Private DNS method blocks advertising not only in the system, but also in many browsers and applications, without requiring the installation of additional software.

Disabling recommendations in the interface

MIUI likes to offer users “useful” tips, news and app recommendations right on the desktop and menu, and these widgets are also a form of advertising and consume device resources.

To clear your desktop, look for the wallpaper carousel or the "Glance" widget, which is usually to the left of the main screen. Click on it and select "Delete" or "Disable" in the lock screen settings. It's also worth checking the widget settings for the "Widget Ribbon" (left swipe) and turning off the news feeds there.

In the theme settings, go to the profile and disable the display of ads in the theme recommendations. Often banners appear when you change the design. Also, under Settings → Passwords and Security → Special features can be restricted for suspicious applications that can display ads on top of other windows.

Configure the browser and notifications

Often the source of irritation is not the system services, but the permissions issued to sites in the browser. Sites can request the right to send notifications, turning the lock screen into an advertising board.

In Chrome or Standard Browser MI Browser Go to Settings → "Site settings" → "Notifications. Review the list of permitted sites and delete any suspicious addresses. The best way to do this is to ban the request for notifications by default.

For MI Browser, it is also recommended:

• 🌐 Disable the "News Tape" in the settings of the start page.
• 🚫 Enable the built-in ad blocker in the privacy settings.
• 🗑️ Clear the browsing history data if the ad has already accumulated.

If you use third-party browsers like Firefox or DuckDuckGo, make sure they include extensions to block trackers, which will not only improve the cleanliness of the interface, but also your digital security.

Additional measures and resetting of advertising ID

Each device is assigned a unique advertising ID that is used for targeted advertising, which can be reset or completely disabled, making your profile less interesting to advertisers.

Go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Privacy → Advertising. You need to activate the “Disable Ad Personalization” switch. You can also use the “Reset Ad ID” button. Regularly resetting this code prevents you from accumulating a long-term profile of your interests.

It is important to understand that system updates may return some settings to factory values. After a major MIUI update or a transition to HyperOS, it is recommended to recheck the status of the msa service and DNS settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)