Full-screen pop-up ads on Xiaomi: 7 proven ways to remove forever

Why Xiaomi is getting full screen ads and how to fix it

Xiaomi smartphone owners regularly face aggressive ads that suddenly take up the entire screen, interrupting work or viewing content, a problem that is common in devices based on MIUI, the brand’s brand shell, where ad units are embedded in system applications (Browser, Music, Theme Store) and even in settings. Unlike banners at the bottom of the screen, full-screen advertising blocks interaction with the phone until the user closes it manually or waits for a timeout.

The reason for this is because of the monetization of MIUI: Xiaomi integrates advertising SDKs into firmware to offset the low price of devices. However, after the 2023-2026 updates, display algorithms have become more aggressive, as ads can pop up even when you unlock the screen or call. Fortunately, there are ways to turn it off completely without resorting to root rights or custom firmware.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods, including hidden MIUI settings, resetting advertising ID, blocking through ADB and alternative solutions for older models (for example, Redmi Note 5/6 or Mi 8). All instructions are tested on current firmware versions (up to MIUI 15 inclusive) and do not require technical skills.

Method 1: Disabling personalized advertising in MIUI settings

The easiest method is to deactivate targeted ads through the settings menu. This won't delete all banners, but will significantly reduce the number of full-screen pop-ups. MIUI 12–15:

1. Open Settings → Google → Advertising.
2. Click Reset Advertising ID and confirm the action.
3. Return to the main settings menu and go to Settings → Additional → Special features → MIUI Services.
4. Turn off Personalized Recommendations and Advertising Services.

After this, the system will stop collecting data about your preferences, which will reduce the amount of targeted advertising, but pop-ups from system applications (such as Mi Video or GetApps) may appear further.

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If the MIUI Services item is not on the menu, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware or use the ADB method (described below).

Method 2: Blocking Advertising through ADB (without root)

For advanced users, there is a method to disable ads via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It works on all Xiaomi models, including POCO and Black Shark, and does not require superuser rights. You will need a computer with ADB drivers installed and USB debugging enabled on the phone.

Steps:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command in the terminal: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution This will disable the system module responsible for displaying ads.
2. To block ads in GetApps (Xiaomi app store) type: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks
3. Reset the device.

Once these commands are executed, the ads in the system applications will disappear. If pop-ups appear in third-party programs (for example, in games), use an ad blocker such as AdGuard or Blokada.

Method 3: Resetting the advertising ID and limiting background activity

Advertising ID is a unique code that Xiaomi and other apps use to display personalized ads, and resetting it helps reduce the number of pop-ups, especially if they appear after installing new programs.

How to reset:

1. Open Settings → Google → Advertising.
2. Click Reset Advertising ID and confirm.
3. Go back to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
4. Find Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps apps and turn off background activity for them (Battery → Limit background activity).

This method is effective for Redmi and POCO models with MIUI 13-14 firmware. On older versions (e.g. MIUI 11), additional adjustments may be required via ADB.

Turn off Google |Close all apps in the background |Connect to Wi-Fi |Reboot phone after reset-->

Method 4: Remove system applications (requires unlocking the bootloader)

If previous methods failed, you can remove the system applications responsible for displaying ads, which requires unlocking the bootloader and installing custom recovery (such as TWRP) for power users, as improper actions can lead to the device failure.

List of applications that can be removed:

• 📱 com.miui.systemAdSolution – system module of advertising.
• 🎬 com.miui.video – Mi Video (shows ads before videos).
• 🛒 com.xiaomi.mipicks – GetApps (shop with aggressive advertising).
• 🌐 com.android.browser – the standard browser MIUI.

For removal:

1. Install TWRP and boot to recovery.
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Find the file. /system/priv-app and remove APK-file.
4. Wipe your cache (Wipe → Cache) and restart.

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Removing system applications may disrupt some features (such as design themes or air updates). TWRP!

Method 5: Use of alternative launchers and browsers

If the ads appear on the home screen or in the browser, replace the standard MIUI apps with third-party ones.

• 📱 Launchers: Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, Microsoft Launcher (no ad and with flexible settings).
• 🌐 Browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Brave (with built-in ad blocker).
• 🎵 Music Players: Poweramp, VLC (bannerless and pop-upless).

After installing an alternative launcher:

1. Go to Settings. → Home screen.
2. Select the installed launcher as the main one.
3. Turn off notifications from Mi Browser and Mi Music in the app settings.

This solution is suitable for users who do not want to interfere with system files, but want to get rid of intrusive advertising.

Method 6: Blocking Advertising via DNS or VPN

Change. DNS-server VPN With traffic filtering, you can block the download of banner ads at the network level, which works for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi and the Redmi. POCO, and does not require root rights.

Instructions for changing the DNS:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Private DNS.
2. Select the DNS provider hostname and type in: dns.adguard.com or 1.1.1.3 (DNS from Cloudflare with ad blocking).
3. Save the settings and restart the phone.

To use a VPN with filtering:

• 🔒 Install AdGuard VPN or 1.1.1.1: Faster Internet.
• 📱 Enable the option of Blocking Ads in the settings VPN.
• 🌍 Connect to the nearest server for minimal delays.

This method blocks not only advertising in MIUI, but also in third-party applications, including games and social networks.

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If some websites (such as banking sites) have stopped working after changing the DNS, return the standard settings or use a VPN only to block ads.

Method 7: Resetting the phone to factory settings (last resort)

If none of these methods work, you'll have to completely reset your device, delete all user data, but also reset your ad settings and remove unnecessary apps, and after you reset, don't restore your backup through Mi Account, it'll bring back your ad settings!

How to reset:

1. Make a backup copy of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose to erase all data and confirm.
4. Once you reboot, set your phone up as new without restoring data from the cloud.

After reset, immediately disable personalized advertising (see Method 1) and do not install unnecessary system applications (Mi Video, GetApps).

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Factory reset deletes all data without recovery! Use this method only if other methods have failed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about advertising on Xiaomi