How to remove redirects on Xiaomi devices: from smartphones to Smart TVs

You go to your favorite site, but instead you open miui.com, browser.mi.com, or a strange search page? This is a classic redirect problem on Xiaomi devices, which occurs on both smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi) and Mi TVs. The reasons can be different from aggressive advertising in a branded browser to viruses in the system. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to eliminate redirects, from simple settings to deep cleaning the system.

It's important to understand that redirects aren't always virus-related, and they're often a feature of MIUI or HyperOS itself that redirects users to Xiaomi partner services, for example, if you type an incorrect URL in the address bar of your Mi Browser browser, you automatically open the search page mipcdn.com, but if redirects occur on all sites or other browsers, that's a serious diagnosis.

1. Browser check: disable embedded redirects

Start with the obvious, browser settings. The branded Mi Browser (or Mint Browser on some models) is known for its user care: it automatically corrects typos in the URL and redirects to the Xiaomi search page to disable this:

1. Open the Mi Browser and tap on the three-point menu (⋮) top-right.
2. Turn off the option "Clear typos in addresses" (or similar in name).

If you use Google Chrome or another browser, but redirects still occur, the problem is deeper. You may have software that modifies network traffic. Check the list of installed applications for suspicious services like com.miui.browser.provider or com.android.browser.helper.

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If URL redirects continue after autocomplete is disabled, try resetting your browser to factory settings. To do this, in Mi Browser, go to Settings → Reset and confirm the action.

2. Cleanup DNS-cash-and-change DNS-server

Incorrect. DNS-servers are one of the most common reasons for redirects. Xiaomi can use its own servers by default. DNS, They're redirecting traffic through the company's servers to fix it:

• 📱 On your smartphone: go to Settings → Connections and sharing → Private DNS. Select Automatic or manually type dns.google (for Google) DNS) or 1.1.1.1).
• 📺 On Mi. TV: Open the settings. → Network → Additionally. → Setting up DNS and give the same meanings.
• 🔄 Clear the cache. DNS: In Settings → Annexes → App management find "DNS-service" (or com.android.dns) and click "Clear cache".

If the redirects disappeared after the DNS change, that was the problem. On some MIUI 14+ firmware, the DNS change may reset after the reboot, in which case use applications like DNS Changer to fix the settings.

3. Removal of viruses and malware

If the redirect occurs in all browsers (including Chrome or Firefox) and is accompanied by advertising, your device is infected.

• 🦠 com.android.fmradio (fake radio, redirects to advertising)
• 🕵️ com.miui.analytics (can modify traffic)
• 🚫 com.duapps.ad (advertising) SDK from DU Apps)

For cleaning:

1. Install Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light from Google Play and perform a full scan.
2. Manually check the list of applications in Settings → Applications → Application Management. Delete anything suspicious (even if the names are similar to the system).
3. If the virus blocks removal, go to Safe Mode (press the power button → “Reboot Safe Mode”).

⚠️ Note: Some viruses on Xiaomi are disguised as security updates (com.android.security.update!

4. Network reset and factory reset

If previous methods failed, the problem may lie in network settings or corrupted configuration files.

• 🔄 Resetting network settings: Settings → Connections and sharing → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
• 📱 Reset browser settings: In Mi Browser go to Settings → Additionally. → Resetting settings.
• 🏭 Factory reset (last resort): Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings → Delete all data.

Before the factory reset, it is necessary:

1. Create a backup in Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Remember the data of the Mi Account - after the reset, you will need authorization to unlock.
3. Make sure that the phone has enough charge (at least 50%).

Save photos and videos on PC

Export contacts to VCF

Sign up for a username/password from Mi Account

Untie the device from Google (if you have FRP)

Checking the battery charge (minimum 50%)

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On Mi TV, the procedure is similar: Settings → Device → Reset and Reset → Reset to factory settings. After reset, do not connect to your old Wi-Fi network - first check if the redirects on the mobile Internet have disappeared.

5.Blocking redirects through hosts file

Some redirects (e.g., to mipcdn.com or api.browser.mi.com) can be blocked through editing the hosts file.This works if a virus or system software uses specific domains to redirect.

Instructions for smartphones:

1. Install Root Explorer or any file manager with access to root folders.
2. Go to /system/etc/hosts (root rights required!)
3. Add the line at the end of the file: 127.0.0.1 mipcdn.com 127.0.0.1 api.browser.mi.com 127.0.0.1 ad.mi.com
4. Save the file and restart the device.

For Mi TV, the process is more complicated, you need ADB and unlock the bootloader. If you're not sure about your skills, you better turn to other methods.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of hosts without root rights can lead to bootloop. If you are not sure, use apps like AdAway (requires root) or Blokada (works without root).

6. Alternative methods: VPN and custom firmware

If none of the methods worked, radical measures remain:

• 🔒 VPN: Install ProtonVPN or Warp from Cloudflare. VPN Encrypts traffic and bypasses redirects at the level DNS.
• 📱 Custom firmware: Install LineageOS or Pixel Experience (unlocked bootloader required) This will completely remove all Xiaomi services, but will take away the warranty.
• 🛡️ Anti-tracker: Apps like NetGuard or TrackerControl block suspicious connections.

For Mi TVs, the alternative is ATV (Android TV) firmware instead of PatchWall, but this requires experience and can disrupt the remote or embedded services (Netflix, Prime Video).

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A VPN is the fastest way to bypass redirects, but it doesn't eliminate the cause. If the virus stays on the system, the problem will come back after the VPN is disabled.

FAQ: Frequent questions about redirects to Xiaomi