How to turn off DNS ads on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Are you tired of intrusive ads in the Mi Browser browser, system applications or even on the lock screen of your Xiaomi smartphone? DNS-These servers not only slow down page loading, but they also replace some requests with banner ads, redirect to affiliate sites, and collect data about your activity.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to disable ads through a DNS change, from simple settings in the phone menu to manually editing configuration files. The methods will work for all devices on MIUI 12/13/14, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13T and other models.

Before you start, consider that changing DNS can affect internet speed (for better or worse) and the availability of some Xiaomi services. We tested all methods on current firmware in 2026 – see the results in the comparative table below.

Why does Xiaomi display ads through DNS?

Xiaomi defaults to using its own DNS-servers (dns.miui.com) that:

• 📌 Replace 404 errors – instead of the standard page “Website not found”, you see an advertising banner with a suggestion to download an application or visit an affiliate resource.
• 🔄 Redirect traffic – some requests (e.g., to non-existent domains) are automatically sent to advertising pages.
• 📊 Collect statistics – servers log your visited sites for targeted advertising in Mi Browser and system notifications.
• 🚫 Blocking competitors – there are cases when DNS Xiaomi has restricted access to Google or Samsung services in some regions.

According to the study Top10VPN (2023 year), standard DNS Xiaomi 37% substitute NXDOMAIN-The answers (when the domain does not exist) to advertising pages. DNS This is the same 0%. The speed of response of alternatives DNS often higher 20-30 opportunistic 80-120 MS at Miui servers.

Method 1: Change the DNS in Wi-Fi settings (without root)

The simplest method that works on all Xiaomi devices without additional permissions is suitable for disabling ads in the browser and some system applications.

1. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the connected network (or hold your finger if not connected).
3. Select Change the Network → Additional settings.
4. In the field DNS 1 Enter one of the addresses: 🛡️ AdGuard DNS (blocks advertising: 94.140.14.14 or 94.140.15.15 ☁️ Cloudflare (private): 1.1.1.1 or 1.0.0.1 🔍 Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4

Save the changes and reconnect to the network.

⚠️ Warning: This only works on the current Wi-Fi network, and when you connect to another network or mobile Internet, the settings will reset. DNS For mobile data, root or a special application is required (see Method 3).

Make sure the internet works |Open your browser and check the page load speed |Try to enter a non-existent address (e.g. asdfghjkl.com) – a standard 404 error should open, not ads |Check no banner ads in Mi Browser

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Method 2: Configure a private DNS (Android 9+)

Starting with Android 9 Pie, the system added the Private DNS feature, which allows you to globally change the DNS for all connections (Wi-Fi, mobile Internet, VPN).This method does not require root and works on most modern Xiaomi smartphones.

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Private DNS.
2. Select the host name of the private DNS provider.
3. Enter one of the addresses: 🔒 AdGuard DNS: dns.adguard.com 🌍 Cloudflare: 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com 🅿️ Control D (Block Trackers): freedns.controld.com

Save.

Important: Some mobile operators (such as MTS or Beeline) may ignore the private DNS and use their servers, in which case only Method 3 or 4 will help.

nslookup google.com

The answer should show what you have entered. DNS-server.-->

Method 3: Applications for DNS Change (without root)

If previous methods didn’t work, try specialized applications that allow you to flexibly configure DNS, block ads and trackers, and bypass carrier restrictions.

The best apps for Xiaomi:

• 🛡️ AdGuard – Blocks Advertising at Level DNS, It works without root. Download: official website.
• 🔄 DNS Changer supports more than 20 public DNS, There's a speed test. Available on Google Play.
• 🚀 1.1.1.1: Faster Internet – Cloudflare application with a simple interface and protection against trackers.
• 🔒 NextDNS – allows you to create custom blocking rules (for example, for advertising in Mi Browser).

Instructions for AdGuard:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Go to Settings. → DNS-filtering.
3. Enable the option to Use AdGuard DNS.
4. Select a server (we recommend AdGuard DNS or Family Protection to block adult content).
5. Activate the protection and confirm the creation VPN-Connection (this is necessary for the function to work).

⚠️ Note: When using AdGuard or similar applications, an icon will appear in the status bar VPN. This does not affect the speed of the Internet, but it can interfere with the operation of some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff). DNS-filtering.

Method 4: Edit the hosts file (root required)

If you have root rights, you can block ad domains at the system level by editing the hosts file.This method works for all applications, including system notifications and ads in Mi Browser.

Instructions:

1. Install any file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/etc/hosts.
3. Copy the hosts file to any folder (like Download) for backup.
4. Open the original hosts file in the text editor.
5. Add to the end of the file the lines to block the advertising domains Xiaomi: #Blocking ads Xiaomi DNS 127.0.0.1 ad.mi.com 127.0.0.1 data.mistat.xiaomi.com 127.0.0.1 sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com 127.0.0.1 dns.miui.com 127.0.0.1 api.brs.intl.miui.com
6. Save the changes, return the file back to /system/etc/ and restart the device.

🔹 Where to get the current list of domains? Use ready-made hosts files from the community:

• StevenBlack/hosts (updated weekly)
• Adaway Hosts (specialized for Android)

Method 5: Using a VPN with ad blocking

If previous methods don’t work (e.g. you don’t have root or the operator is blocking the shift) DNS), take advantage VPN-They're built-in ad-blocking services, and they encrypt traffic and they let it through their own networks. DNS-servers bypassing Xiaomi's restrictions.

The best VPNs to block ads on Xiaomi:

🔹 How do you set up? ProtonVPN:

1. Download the app from Google Play or from the official website.
2. Register (a free account is sufficient).
3. In the settings, enable NetShield (Malware or Malware + Ads).
4. Connect to any server (e.g. Japan#1 or Netherlands#2).

⚠️ Attention: Free of charge VPN They have traffic and speed restrictions. For permanent use, it is better to choose a paid tariff (from the ~3$ In the month, there are also some VPN They may conflict with banking applications – in this case, add them to the exceptions.

💡

Ad-blocking VPNs are the only method that works on 100% of Xiaomi devices, including those where the operator blocks DNS change, but this can reduce internet speeds by 10-30%.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a comparative table of all ways:

🔹 Recommendations for selection:

• 📱 For most users, private DNS (Method 2) or AdGuard (Method 3).
• 🔧 For advanced - edit hosts (Method 4) + AdGuard.
• 🌍 If the operator is blocking DNS — VPN (Method 5).
• 💻 For PC and Xiaomi together – set up DNS on the router (see the next section).

Bonus: Configure DNS on the router (for all devices at home)

If you want to disable Xiaomi DNS ads not only on your phone, but on all devices on your home network (including Redmi TV, Mi Box, and laptops), change the DNS directly on the router.

Instructions for popular routers:

• 📡 Xiaomi Mi Router: Open up http://miwifi.com (or 192.168.31.1). Go to Settings. → Internet → Setting up DNS. Enter addresses. 94.140.14.14 (AdGuard and 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare. Save and restart the router.
• 🌐 TP-Link: Go to the control panel (tplinkwifi.net).Open DHCP → Settings DHCP. In the field Main DNS Please enter 1.1.1.1, in the Secondary DNS — 8.8.8.8.
• 🖧 Keenetic: Go online → DNS-servers. Mark Use the following DNS-servers and enter the desired addresses.

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🔄 Once configured – works on all devices.
• 🛡️ Blocks advertising even in smart devices (Mi) TV, Mi Band).
• 🚀 There is no need to set up each gadget separately.