How to remove ads on the locked screen Xiaomi Redmi 8: the complete guide

The blocked screen of Xiaomi Redmi 8 with annoying advertising is a problem that many users face after updating MIUI or activating Mi Account services. Banners appear even when the screen is blocked basic, interfering with smartphone use and creating the impression of an “infected” device. Unlike standard notifications, such advertising is built into the system processes of MIUI and requires a comprehensive approach to remove.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove ads from the lock screen on Redmi 8 – from disabling system services to radical methods such as resetting settings or unlocking the bootloader. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of working with devices on MIUI 12-14, where the ad mechanisms are integrated deeper than in the earlier versions. If your smartphone is locked with a password or a graphical key, some methods will require prior unlocking (instructions are given below).

Why is there an advertisement on a locked screen?

The reason for the problem lies in Xiaomi’s monetization policy: starting with MIUI 10, the company is actively implementing advertising modules in system applications. On Redmi 8 (model M1908C3LG/M1908C3LH), ads on the lock screen can appear because of:

• 🔹 msa (Mi System Ads) – the main module responsible for targeted advertising in the Internet MIUI. It analyzes your actions and loads banners even when the screen is locked.
• 🔹 Mi Browser or Mi Video apps – they have permission to display notifications over other windows, including the lock screen.
• 🔹 Updates MIUI through OTA — Some service packs will automatically activate ad services, even if you have previously disabled them.
• 🔹 Actively synced Mi Account connections – Xiaomi account can upload “recommendations” to locked screen.

It is important to understand that the ads on the lock screen are not a virus, but a legal MIUI mechanism. However, you can turn them off if you know what system settings are responsible for this. Below we will look at the methods from the simplest (disable in settings) to the most radical (flashing).

Method 1: Disabling Advertising in MIUI Settings (without root)

If your Redmi 8 is not password-locked, the first thing you should do is turn off ads using standard settings. This method works on MIUI 12-14 and does not require superuser rights.

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account and disable sync (this will prevent banner ads from loading through the cloud).
2. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications and manually disable permissions for msa, Mi Browser, and Mi Video.
3. In the same section, find System Applications → Advertising and disable autorun.

If you don't have an "Ad" item in your settings, it's hidden to show you:

1. Open "Settings → About the phone."


2. 7 times click on "Version MIUI" (Developer Mode activated).




3. Go back to Settings → Additional → Special Features → Advertising and turn off all switches.

Method limitation: Some firmware may have items missing or reset after updating, so move on to the next method.

Method 2: Reset the settings to factory (if the screen is locked)

If Redmi 8 is locked with a pattern lock, or PIN-And if you have a code, and you have ads that interfere with the unlock screen, you have to do a hard reset, and this method will delete all the data, including passwords and settings, but it will return the phone to a clean state without ads.

Instructions for Redmi 8 (model M1908C3LG):

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.

Important: After the reset, the phone will require you to enter data from Mi Account if you previously had an account attached. If you do not remember the password, use Xiaomi's recovery service.

Method 3: Using ADB to disable system applications

If the standard settings do not help, and unlocking the bootloader seems difficult, you can use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method allows you to disable advertising services without root rights, but requires a computer and a computer. USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. On your phone, activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to MIUI) and enable USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC and in the command line (in the folder with ADB) do:

adb devices


adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution




adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop




adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics

These commands will remove the main advertising modules. Restart your phone after you do it. If ADB issues a device unauthorized error, unlock access on your smartphone screen.

💡

If the ad returns after the reboot, repeat the commands by adding --user 0 to each line, which guarantees a shutdown for the current user.

Method 4: Unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware

The most radical, but also the most effective method is to unlock the bootloader and install the firmware without ads (such as Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS), which will completely remove all MIUI advertising modules, but it will take time and accuracy.

What you need:

• 🔧 Computer with Windows/Linux and USB-cable.
• 🔧 Mi Unlock Tool (download from the official website).
• 🔧 Xiaomi.eu for Redmi 8 (Olive model).
• 🔧 Backup data (unlocking erases everything!).

The unlocking process:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone and wait 7 days (a mandatory requirement for Xiaomi).
2. Enable OEM Unlock in the developer settings.
3. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account and follow the instructions.
4. After unlocking, slick through custom recovery (TWRP) and install clean firmware.

Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty and may result in a brick device in case of errors. Use this method only if others have not helped.

💡

Custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) not only removes advertising, but also improves performance, as they are deprived of excess software from Xiaomi.

Method 5: Alternative methods (without a computer)

If you don’t have access to a PC, try these methods:

• 📱 Disable mobile data on a locked screen: pull the notification curtain and deactivate the mobile Internet. Ads are loaded over the network, so without a connection, it will disappear (but will return when you turn on).
• 📱 Flight mode: activate it through the curtain, and this will shut down all network connections, including the download of ads.
• 📱 Alternative launcher installation (if screen unlocked): Some launchers (e.g. Nova Launcher) allow you to hide system notifications, including ads.

These methods are temporary, but can help if you need to remove ads without making deep changes to the system.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:

For most users, the best solution is a combination of Method 1 (settings) + Method 3 (ADB). If the ad appears even after the reset, only unlock the bootloader remains.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 8 ads

If none of the methods helped, check if the phone is installed third-party applications with rights. SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW (They can simulate system advertising. Use antivirus or manually browsing the list of applications in the settings.