Spam on smartphones Xiaomi Redmi is a problem that every third user faces. Advertising notifications, suspicious SMS, pop-up banners and background processes are not only annoying, but also slow down the devicedrain your battery, and in worst cases, steal personal data. Unlike the iPhone, where the ecosystem is closed, Android on Redmi (especially with firmware MIUI) often becomes a target for aggressive marketing and malware.
The reasons for the appearance of spam are varied: from pre-installed system applications (Mi Browser, GetApps, Mi Video) to third-party utilities downloaded from unverified sources. Even after resetting the settings, spam may return if its root is not addressed. In this guide we will look 7 working methods from basic to advanced, including hidden settings MIUI, working with ADB and alternative firmware. You will learn how to not only remove existing spam, but also prevent it from appearing in the future.
1. Identification of sources of spam on Redmi
Before you start cleaning, you need to understand what exactly infects your phone. Spam on Redmi is divided into three categories:
- ๐ฑ System spam - built-in applications Xiaomi (
com.miui.systemAdSolution,com.xiaomi.midropthat show advertising even without your consent. - ๐ฒ Third-party applications - apps from Google Play or APK files that load advertisements via push notifications.
- ๐ฆ Malware - viruses, trojans or spyware modules masquerading as legitimate utilities (for example, "cleaners" memory").
To identify the culprit:
- Open
Settings โ Applications โ Manage applications. - Sort the list by
Data usageโ spam applications often consume traffic in the background. - Check the section
Notificationsโall apps that send push messages are displayed there.
If you see unfamiliar names in Chinese in the application list (for example, com.duokan.phone.remotecontroller), this is most likely malware. Do not delete it manually - first create a backup copy of your data.
Pay special attention to applications with rights Device Administrator (located in Settings โ Passwords and Security). Viruses often request these rights to block their removal.
2. Removing system spam through MIUI settings
Xiaomi embeds advertising in its own services, but it can be disabled without root access. To do this:
- Go to
Settings โ About phoneand click onMIUI version7 times to activate mode Developer. - Go back to
Settings โ Advanced โ Accessibilityand enableUSB debugging. - Open
Settings โ Passwords and security โ Autorunand disable autorun for Mi Browser, GetApps, Mi Video. - In the section
Notificationsfind the same applications and block their access to notifications.
To completely remove system advertising modules:
- Install ADB Tools on a PC (you can download from the official website Android).
- Connect Redmi via USB and enter in the command line:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution - Repeat command for other spam modules:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.midropadb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.analytics
What to do if ADB does not recognize the device?
Make sure that the mode is turned on in the phone settings File transfer (MTP)and not ChargingAlso check if the drivers are installed Xiaomi USB Drivers . PC. If the problem persists, try another USB cable (original from Redmi).
After removing system modules via ADB, some MIUI functions (for example, themes or cloud storage) may not work correctly. This is not a critical error, but please note that firmware updates can return spam modules back.
3. Blocking spam SMS and calls
Spam messages and calls from scammers are a separate headache. MIUI there is a built-in blocker, but it is not always effective:
- Open the application Messages โ click on the three dots in the upper right corner โ
SpamโSpam settings. - Enable options:
- ๐
Filtering spam messages - ๐ต
Blocking unknown numbers - ๐ก๏ธ
Checking phishing links
- ๐
For enhanced protection, install third-party applications:
- ๐ก๏ธ Truecaller โ blocks spam calls and identifies scammers.
- ๐ต SMS Block โ filters SMS by keywords (for example, โwin,โ โcreditโ).
- ๐ Hiya โ analyzes numbers in real time.
If spam comes from short numbers (for example, 1234 or 5555), contact your telecom operator. MTS, Beeline and MegaFon provide blocking services for such mailings upon request.
4. Cleaning from malicious applications
Viruses and spyware are often disguised as useful utilities (for example, Clean Master, DU Battery Saver). To detect them:
- Install an antivirus with a signature database for Android:
- ๐ก๏ธ Dr.Web Light - free, without unnecessary water.
- ๐ Malwarebytes - specializes in spyware.
- ๐ฑ Bitdefender Mobile Security - paid, but with a high level detection.
If the antivirus does not find anything suspicious, but spam remains:
- Check the list
Device Administrators(Settings โ Passwords and Security โ Device Administrators). Remove rights from unknown applications. - Open
Settings โ Battery and performance โ Battery managementand see which apps consume the most energy in the background mode. - Use VirusTotal to check APK files (upload a suspicious application to the site
virustotal.com).
โ๏ธ Removal checklist malware
Warning: some viruses block the installation of antiviruses. If you cannot download Dr.Web or Malwarebytes from Google Play, try:
- Install the antivirus APK file manually (download from the official website).
- Download the phone into
Safe Mode(hold the power off button โ long press onDisable powerโSafe mode).
5. Reset settings to factory settings
If spam is not deleted or the phone is very slow, the last chance is full reset (Hard Reset). reset
- ๐ฑ Create a backup via
Settings โ About phone โ Backup. - ๐ Save account passwords (use Google Password Manager or KeePass).
- ๐ Transfer photos and videos to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Disk).
Reset instructions:
- Go to
Settings โ About phone โ Reset settings. - Select
Delete all data. - Enter the PIN code or pattern.
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (takes 5-10 minutes).
After resetting, DO NOT restore data from a backup created BEFORE the spam infection! Viruses may come back with the backup. Install applications only from official sources.
If after resetting spam appears again, the problem is in the firmware. In this case, it will help:
- ๐ Updating
MIUIto the latest version (Settings โ About phone โ System update). - ๐ฑ Installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) - requires unlocking the bootloader.
6. Preventing spam in the future
To prevent spam from returning, follow the rules:
| Action | Risk | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Installing APK from unknown sources | Viruses, spyware | Download only from Google Play or trusted sites (APKMirror) |
| Use of pirated applications | Built-in advertising, Trojans | Buy licenses or use legal analogs |
| Connecting to public Wi-Fi | Data interception, phishing | Use a VPN (ProtonVPN, Windscribe) |
| Clicking on advertising banners | Redirecting to fraudulent sites | Install an ad blocker (AdGuard, Blokada) |
Additional security measures:
- ๐ Disable installation from unknown sources (
Settings โ Passwords and security โ Unknown sources). - ๐ฑ Regularly update
MIUIand applications. - ๐ก๏ธ Use two-factor authentication for Google Account and Mi Account.
There is a hidden "Children's Mode" feature that blocks the installation of new applications without a password. Turn it on. c MIUI There is a hidden feature called "Kids Mode" that blocks the installation of new applications without a password. Turn it on Settings โ Accessibility โ Mode for childrenif you give the phone to a child or an inexperienced user.
7. Alternative firmware: a radical solution
If system spam in MIUI irritating, and disabling advertising via ADB does not help, all that remains is to reflash the phone. Popular options:
- ๐ฑ LineageOS - pure Android without unnecessary water and unnecessary services Xiaomi.
- ๐ Pixel Experience - firmware with interface Google Pixel and regular updates.
- ๐ก๏ธ Havoc-OS โcustom firmware with advanced privacy settings.
Firmware process:
- Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (binding required Mi Account to the device).
- Install TWRP Recovery (custom recovery).
- Download the firmware from the official website (for example,
lineageos.org) and transfer it to the phone. - Boot into
TWRP(holdPower + Volume up) and flash the ZIP file.
Risks of custom firmware
Unofficial firmware may contain bugs, and unlocking the bootloader resets all data. Also Xiaomi may void the warranty if changes are detected in the system.
Warning: before flashing, check the compatibility of your model Redmi with the selected firmware. For example, LineageOS for Redmi Note 10 Pro will not be suitable for Redmi 9A.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about spam on Redmi
๐ Why does spam come back after deleting the application?
Some viruses create "child" processes or disguise themselves as system services. Try:
- Uninstall the application via
ADB(commandadb uninstall com.package name). - Check folder
/system/priv-app/for suspicious files (requires root).
๐ต How to block spam calls from โyourโ numbers (for example, +79xxxx)?
Use the application Truecaller or Should I Answer?. They allow you to:
- Block numbers by mask (for example, all numbers with a code
926). - Add numbers to the black list using keywords (for example, "credit", "bank").
You can also contact the operator with a request to block the range numbers.
๐ก๏ธ Is it possible to remove spam without root access?
Yes, most of the methods in this article (disabling advertising in MIUI, blocking notifications, resetting settings) do not require root. However, to completely remove system modules (com.miui.systemAdSolution) you need it. either ADBor root.
If you are not ready to deal with ADB, use alternative launchers (for example, Nova Launcher) that hide advertising widgets MIUI.
๐ฑ Why after updating MIUI spam has appeared again?
Xiaomi frequently returns advertising modules with new updates. To avoid this:
- Disable automatic updates
MIUI(Settings โ About phone โ System update โ Three dots โ Settings โ Auto update). - Before updating, check reviews on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).
- Use MIUI Downloader to select the firmware version without unnecessary water (for example,
MIUI EU).
๐ What to do if spam comes through instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)?
In messengers, other rules apply:
- B WhatsApp: open a chat with the spammer โ
Three dots โ Block โ Complain. - In Telegram:
Settings โ Privacy โ Blocked users. - Use bots for automatic blocking (for example,
@SpamBotin Telegram).
If spam is sent on your behalf, immediately:
- Recall sessions in
Settings โ Devices(WhatsApp). - Enable two-factor authentication.