Smartphone owners Xiaomi i Redmi often face an aggressive advertising system built right into the shell MIUI or new HyperOS. Pop-ups can appear at unexpected times: when you unlock the screen, after closing applications, or even during a call. This is not only annoying, but also creates security risks, since some banners lead to phishing resources.
The problem lies in system services, which are activated by default to monetize a free device. To restore the comfort of use, you need to sequentially disable several advertising sources. In this article we will analyze all the methods - from simple settings to disabling system daemons through developer mode.
Advertising content consumes battery and Internet traffic, and also slows down the interface. Completely clearing the system of intrusive notifications requires care, since menu items may be hidden or named in a non-obvious way. Below is a step-by-step strategy to combat digital garbage.
Disable MSA system advertising
The main culprit of most pop-up windows is the system application MSA (MIUI System Ads). It is this process that is responsible for loading and displaying banners in standard utilities. Disabling this service is the first and most important step in the fight for a clean interface.
First, you need to find the application in the list of installed apps. It is usually hidden among system processes, so be careful when searching. After detection, you need to go to its settings and try to revoke the work permit.
The system will in every possible way prevent this action by showing a countdown timer or offering alternative options. This is normal behavior of embedded advertising protection. You will have to wait 10 seconds and click the confirm button again to deactivate the service permanently.
⚠️ Attention: The Revoke button may not work the first time due to server errors. If you receive an error message, wait a couple of minutes and repeat the procedure. Sometimes you need to turn off the Internet at the moment you press the button.
After successfully revoking permissions, the process msa will no longer run automatically. However, this does not guarantee the complete disappearance of all banners, since other system applications have their own promotion modules.
If the "Recall" button remains inactive, try switching the system language to English, performing a recall, and then returning the Russian language. This often bypasses software blocking.
Setting up personalized advertising in the system
In addition to the active MSA service, there is a separate section in the smartphone settings that is responsible for collecting user data for targeted advertising. Disabling this feature prevents your interests from being profiled, although it does not remove the ads themselves completely.
You need to go to the settings menu and find the section related to passwords and security. In some firmware versions, this item may be simply called “Security” or located in the “Advanced Settings” section. The interface may vary depending on the version Android.
Inside the "Privacy" or "Advertising Services" section, you will find a "Personalized Advertising" switch. It needs to be put into an inactive state. This action resets your advertising ID, making the ads shown less relevant, but more random.
Also often found in this section is the “Get Recommendations” option. He is responsible for hints in application folders and on the desktop. Disabling this option will remove intrusive offers to download games or utilities directly from the main screen.
☑️ Checking privacy settings
Clearing notifications in standard applications
Even after disabling global advertising, individual applications Xiaomi continues to show promotional materials. This applies to the standard Explorer, Themes, Music, and even Downloads applications. Each of them requires individual configuration.
For example, in the “Security” application (green icon with a shield), advertising often appears after a system scan. To remove it, you need to go to the settings of the application itself (the gear icon in the corner) and find the “Receive recommendations” item. Similar actions are required for the Themes application.
In the file explorer the situation is similar. Open the File Explorer settings menu and turn off the "Recommendations" option. This will remove banners that appear when opening folders or viewing files. Don't forget to check the settings of each preinstalled service.
| Application | Where to look for the setting | What to disable |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Settings (gear) | Get recommendations |
| Topics | Profile → Settings | Show ads, Recommendations |
| Explorer | Menu → Settings | Recommendations |
| Downloads | Three dots → Settings | Show recommended content |
This approach takes time, but provides a comprehensive cleaning of the interface. If you missed an application, pop-ups may return from there.
Ad blocking via DNS (Private DNS)
One of the most effective methods of dealing with intrusive windows is to use a private DNS server. This method works at the network level and blocks requests to ad servers before they even reach your phone.
This method does not require superuser rights (Root). Just go to the connection settings. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Connection and sharing → Private DNS. In older versions of MIUI, this item may be in the "Advanced" section.
Select the "DNS provider host name" mode and enter the address of one of the reliable blockers. The most popular and stable solution is the service dns.adguard.com. After entering the address, save the settings.
dns.adguard.comThis method also blocks ads in the browser and some free applications, which is a nice bonus. However, it is worth remembering that when using public DNS servers, all your activity on the Internet goes through a third-party server.
⚠️ Attention: If, after enabling Private DNS, the Internet disappears or is unstable, return the settings to "Auto" mode. Some mobile operators may block third-party DNS requests.
Search for and remove malicious applications
Sometimes pop-up windows are a consequence of installing third-party software, and not the operation of the MIUI system. Viruses, miners or aggressive utilities for “memory cleaning” are often disguised as harmless apps.
The first sign of such an infection is the appearance of advertisements on the desktop when all applications are closed. The phone may also start to run slower and the battery may drain faster than usual. In such a situation, it is necessary to audit the installed software.
Go to the section Settings → Applications → All applications. Review the list carefully. Look for apps without an icon, with a clear name, or ones you haven't installed. Often, malicious code is hidden under names like "Flash Player", "Cleaner" or "Battery Saver".
If you find a suspicious object, remove it immediately. If the "Delete" button is inactive, it means that the application has received device administrator rights. In this case, you need to go to Settings → Passwords and security → Confidentiality → Special access → Device administrators and uncheck the pest.
What to do if the application is not uninstalled?
If normal deletion is not possible, try booting the phone into safe mode. To do this, hold down the power button, and when the menu appears, long press on the “Turn off” item. In Safe Mode, third-party applications will not launch, and you can safely remove them.
Resetting settings and extreme measures
If none of the above methods helped remove pop-ups, the system may be damaged or infected with deeply embedded malware. In this case, a radical but effective method remains - a full reset to factory settings.
This procedure will delete all data from the phone, including photos, contacts and applications. So before you begin, be sure to back up your important information to the cloud or to your computer. Resetting will return the phone to the state it was in when purchased.
To perform a reset, go to Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Delete all data. The phone will reboot and begin the cleaning process. After turning on, you will have to reconfigure the device, but without installing dubious apps, advertising will not return.
Remember that after resetting, you should not immediately restore all applications from the backup copy at once. Install apps one at a time, checking the system behavior. This will help identify the source of the problem if it was related to specific software.
A full reset is a guarantee of removing software viruses, but will not save you from MIUI system advertising if you do not disable the MSA service again during the first setup.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does advertising appear again after reboot?
Most likely, you disabled only one application, and not all sources. Check the settings of each system application (Themes, Security, Explorer) and make sure that the MSA service has indeed revoked rights. Also check if Private DNS is enabled again.
Is it safe to use dns.adguard.com?
Yes, this is one of the most reliable public DNS services that specializes in blocking ads and trackers. It does not store logs of your activities for commercial purposes. However, for maximum privacy, it is always better to use paid VPN services.
Can MIUI update bring back ads?
Yes, with major firmware updates, some settings may be reset to factory settings. After each major system update, it is recommended to re-check the “Get recommendations” items in system applications.
A window with a virus pops up, what should you do?
Do not click on any buttons inside the window, especially on “Clean” or “Fix”. This is deception. Close the window with the Home button or swipe gesture, then immediately uninstall the last installed application or use an antivirus.