How to remove redirects on Xiaomi smartphone: causes and solutions

Have you noticed that a browser on your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO spontaneously redirects you to unknown sites? Or after clicking on a link, an advertising, an app store or even a suspicious resource opens instead of the expected page? These are classic signs of redirection, which can be caused by both harmless system settings and malware. In this article, we will analyze all possible causes and give step-by-step instructions for their elimination, from simple methods to radical measures.

Redirection on Xiaomi smartphones is often related to MIUI firmware, pre-installed services or third-party applications. In some cases, even the settings of the mobile operator are to blame. It is important to understand that if the redirect occurs only in a particular browser (for example, Mi Browser), the problem is local. If the redirect affects all applications, it is a systemic threat. Let's start with the diagnosis.

1. Diagnosis: how to determine the source of redirection

Before you start fixing, you need to identify the root of the problem, and redirects can manifest themselves in different ways:

• 🔗 Links in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) open the wrong site.
• 🌐 Browser (Chrome, Mi Browser) redirects to advertising pages.
• 📱 Apps (like Google Play) suddenly open third-party resources.
• 📡 Redirect occurs only when connected to the mobile Internet (not via Wi-Fi).

Do a simple test:

1. Open your browser in incognito mode (without extensions).
2. Go to any website (e.g. google.com).
3. If there is no redirect, the problem is in the browser’s extensions or cache.
4. If the redirect remains, check the system settings.

Critical point: if the redirect occurs to sites with suspicious domains (for example,.xyz,.top), this can be a sign of a virus or a DNS spoof.

2. Removal of malicious applications and extensions

Most often, redirects are caused by suspicious applications installed from third-party sources, or malicious browser extensions. On Xiaomi smartphones, this can be:

• 📦 Rights annexes ADMIN or Overlay (e.g., cache cleaners, optimizers).
• 🔍 Browsers with pre-installed extensions (Mi Browser, UC Browser).
• 🎮 Game launchers or mods for games (especially if downloaded from outside of Google Play).

How to delete:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by installation date (⋮ → Sort by: Installation date).
3. Remove all unknown apps (especially those with Chinese or random names).
4. For browsers: Open Browser Settings → Extensions and disable all suspicious plugins.

⚠️ Note: Some viruses are disguised as system applications (e.g. com.android.system) Do not delete them without checking through antivirus!

3. Network reset and DNS change

If the redirect only occurs when using the mobile Internet or a specific Wi-Fi network, the problem may lie in connection settings. Mobile operators (especially in roaming) sometimes replace DNS to display ads. and some public Wi-Fi networks redirect to their login pages.

Solutions:

1. Reset network settings: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset network settings. Confirm action. This will delete all stored Wi-Fi and mobile Internet settings.
2. Manually modify DNS: For Wi-Fi: click on network name → Change network → Additional → IP settings (Static). In DNS field 1, type 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

Disable the proxy:

• In the same Wi-Fi settings, check to have the Proxy field set to No.

⚠️ Attention: If after the shift DNS the forwarding remains, but the nature of the redirects has changed (for example, instead of advertising, a connection error opens), this may indicate a virus in the firmware.

4. Disable MIUI services that cause redirects

MIUI is known for its “chips” that sometimes interfere with users, and some Xiaomi system services can redirect traffic to collect statistics or display ads, including:

• 📊 Miui Analytics (collection of usage data).
• 🛒 MSA (Miui System Ads – Advertising Service).
• 🔄 Browser Provider (browser provider, can substitute requests).

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and 5 times click on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the USB Debugging option and turn it on (this will unlock hidden settings).
4. Install the ADB AppControl app (available on Google Play) and disable it: com.miui.analytics com.xiaomi.msa.global com.android.browser.provider

5. Reset to factory settings (if nothing helped)

If the redirect remains despite all the manipulations, the last chance is a complete reset, which will delete all data, including viruses and incorrect settings, but return the smartphone to a "clean" state.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (if necessary, enter a password).
3. Confirm action. The smartphone will restart and start the cleaning process (it will take 5-10 minutes).
4. After turning on, go through the initial setup, but don’t restore data from the backup – it can bring back the virus!

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) after the reset, you may need to re-activate your Mi Account!

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Factory reset is the only way to remove viruses embedded in system files, but it will also delete all your data, so use this method only as a last resort.

6. Flashing through Fastboot (for power users)

Even if the reset didn’t work, it could have damaged the MIUI system files, which would only help with a full flashing through Fastboot mode, a method that requires a PC and command line knowledge, but is guaranteed to remove all third-party changes.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📁 Official firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi Firmware website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the phone to the PC.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh (your device should appear).
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes).

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Before you run your firmware, check the MIUI version on Xiaomi’s website. Installing an inappropriate firmware can cause a device to “brick” (inoperability) and models with a locked bootloader (Redmi 9, POCO M3 and later) will need to be unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool.

7.Prevention: How to avoid future redirection

To prevent the problem from returning, follow simple rules:

• 🔒 Install apps only from Google Play (avoid) APK source).
• 🛡️ Use an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light).
• 🌐 Check your settings regularly DNS (Especially after connecting to public Wi-Fi).
• 📱 Disable the installation from unknown sources: Settings → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications.

Also, you should abandon the use of the pre-installed browser Mi Browser - it is known for swapping links and displays of advertising.

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Most redirects to Xiaomi are due to pre-installed services or malicious APKs. Regularly checking installed applications and updating the firmware minimizes the risks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about redirects to Xiaomi