Advertising on smartphones Honor is one of the most annoying features of the firmware MagicOS (previously EMUI). Even after purchasing a premium model, users are faced with banners in the settings menu, push notifications from Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and intrusive advertising in standard applications like Browser or Weather. Unlike “pure” Android, where advertising can be turned off with a couple of clicks, on Honor this requires an integrated approach.

In this article we will look at 7 proven methods - from basic (without rights superuser) to advanced (using ADB and custom DNS). All methods were tested on models Honor 50/60/70/80/90/100, Magic4/5/6 Pro and Honor X6/X7/X8/X9 with firmware MagicOS 7.0–8.0. If you are tired of advertising in AppGallery, pop-ups when unlocking or banners in Huawei Video , you are on the right track.

⚠️ Important: Some methods may conflict with system updates. For example, after a major update MagicOS the blocking via ADB may be reset. We will note such cases separately.

1. Basic settings: what can be disabled without additional tools

Start with the simplest thing - check the system settings, where Honor hides some of the advertising mechanisms. Many users do not even suspect that some banners can be removed using standard means.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application management and find the following system services:

  • 📱 Huawei Mobile Services (HMS Core) — turn off notifications and background activity.
  • 🌐 Honor browser —in the browser settings, disable “Personalized recommendations” and “Show news on the main screen.”
  • 🎥 Huawei Video / Honor Video —disable notifications and delete the application (if you don’t use it).
  • 📊 HiCare / Honor Support —this application often sends out advertising push notifications.

Also look at Settings → Notifications → Advanced and disable the option "Recommendations on the lock screen". This item is responsible for the banners that appear when you unlock the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Disabling HMS Core may disrupt the operation of some system functions, for example, Huawei ID or AppGallery. If after the changes the services stop working, return the settings back.
📊 Which advertising annoys you the most?
Banners in settings
Push notifications
Advertising in browser
Pop-up windows when unlocking
Other

2. Blocking ads via DNS: method for all Honor models

One ​​of the most effective and safest methods is to use alternative DNS serversthat filter advertising domains. This method works at the network level, so it blocks advertising in all applications, including system ones.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings → Mobile network / Wi-Fi (depending on the connection type).
  2. Click on the current network → "Change network" → "Additional parameters".
  3. In the field "DNS" enter one of addresses:
    • 🛡️ AdGuard DNS: 176.103.130.130 and 176.103.130.131
    • 🔒 Cloudflare Family: 1.1.1.3 and 1.0.0.3
    • 🚫 NextDNS: 45.90.28.167 (requires registration to configure filters)
  • Save changes and reboot the phone.
    • DNS server Blocks Cons
    AdGuard DNS Advertising, trackers, phishing May slow down the loading of some sites
    Cloudflare Family Advertising + content 18+ Does not block trackers
    NextDNS Customizable filters Requires registration, limited number of requests

    🔹 Note: If, after changing the DNS, some sites (for example, banking) no longer open, return the default settings or try another server.

    💡

    For maximum efficiency, use DNS together with an ad blocker in your browser, for example Brave or Firefox with uBlock Origin.

    3. Using ADB to deeply block system advertising

    If standard methods did not help, it's time to connect Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This tool allows you to disable system applications that are responsible for displaying advertising, even if they are not removed manually.

    What you will need:

    • 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
    • 📱 USB cable (preferably original)
    • 🔧 Utility ADB Tools (download from the official website)
    • 🔑 Enabled USB debugging on the phone

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Activate Developer mode:
      • Go to Settings → About phone
      • Click 7 times per "Build number" (a notification "You have become a developer" will appear)
  • Enable USB debugging in Settings → System → Developer Options.
  • Connect your phone to the PC and confirm permission to debug.
  • Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
  • Run command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    The serial number of your device should appear.

  • Run commands to disable advertising services (one at a time): 
    adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.huawei.android.hsf

    adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.huawei.hwid
    

    adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.huawei.appmarket
    

    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.huawei.hiaction

    • ⚠️ Attention: Disabling com.huawei.android.hsf (HMS Core) may disrupt the operation of AppGallery and others services Huawei. If after executing the commands important functions stop working, use the command adb shell pm enable to revert the changes.

    ☑️ Preparing for ADB commands

    Done: 0 / 5

    4. Ad blockers for Honor: which applications work in 2026

    Despite restrictions MagicOS, some third-party ad blockers continue to work on Honor. The main thing is to choose those that do not conflict with system services.

    Top 3 tested applications:

    • 🛡️ Blokada 5 —does not require root, blocks ads at the VPN level. Works with MagicOS 7.0+, but may reduce Internet speed.
    • 🔒 RethinkDNS + Firewall - open software with support for user rules. Effectively blocks trackers Huawei.
    • 🚫 AdGuard - a classic blocker, but Honor it is better to use the version without VPN (DNS filtering only).

    🔹 How to install:

    1. Download APK from the official website (not from AppGallery!).
    2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.
    3. Launch the application and activate protection.
    4. In the settings, select "Aggressive mode" to block system advertising.

    On models Honor 80 Pro and newer Blokada may conflict with HMS CoreIf after installation you stop receiving push notifications - add com.huawei.android.hsf exceptions of the blocker.

    What to do if the blocker does not work?

    If after installing Blokada or AdGuard the advertising does not disappear, check:

    1. Is VPN mode enabled in the blocker settings.

    2. Is the antivirus (for example, Huawei Mobile Security) blocking the application.

    3. Are the filters updated (manually click "Update" in the settings).

    4. Is a proxy or other VPN being used (disable it).

    5. Root access: a radical solution for experienced users

    If you are ready to take extreme measures, obtaining root access will allow you to remove advertising modules at the system level. This method is suitable for models Honor based on Kirin 980/990/9000 and some Snapdragonversions.

    What does root give:

    • ✅ Possibility remove HMS Core and other system applications without consequences.
    • ✅ Installation AdAway - a powerful file-based blocker hosts.
    • ✅ Manually editing system files to block ads.

    How to get root on Honor:

    1. Unlock bootloader via the official website Huawei (unlock code required).
    2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
    3. Flash Magisk to obtain root access.
    ⚠️ Attention: On models Honor 2022 and newer (for example, Honor 70/80/90), unlocking the bootloader can lead to Loss of warranty and problems with Huawei ID. Before the procedure, make a complete backup of your data!

    After receiving root, install AdAway from F-Droid and update the list of hosts This will block advertising at the OS level, including. banners in Settings and Notification Center.

    6. Alternative firmware: a last resort for enthusiasts

    If none of the methods helped, there remains the last option is installing custom firmware. This will completely remove MagicOS and replace it with “clean” Android (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

    Pros:

    • 🚀 Complete absence of system advertising.
    • 📱 Regular security updates.
    • 🔧 Ability to fine-tune the interface.

    Cons:

    • ⚠️ Loss guarantees.
    • 📵 Possible problems with the camera, NFC or 5G (depending on the model).
    • 🔄 Complex installation process (requires experience).

    🔹 Suitable firmware for Honor:

    Model Recommended firmware Status
    Honor 8X / 9X LineageOS 20 Stable
    Honor View 20 Pixel Experience 13 Stable (without 5G)
    Honor 30 / 40 Pro ArrowOS 13 Beta version

    ⚠️ Before installation, check the support for your model on the forum. Some functions (for example, XDA Developers or 4PDA. Some functions (for example, GPU Turbo or Kirin ISP) may not work on custom firmware.

    💡

    Custom firmware is a radical solution that is suitable only for experienced users. For most tasks, the methods from the previous sections (DNS + ADB + blocker) will suffice.

    7. Additional tips: how to reduce the amount of advertising without technical manipulation

    If you don’t want to delve into the settings, but advertising is still annoying, use these tips:

    • 📵 Disable ad personalization:
      • Go to Settings → Privacy → Advertising.
      • Disable "Personalized advertising" and reset "Advertising ID".
    • 🌐 Use alternative applications:
      • Replace Honor Browser with Brave or Firefox.
      • Install Google Play Market instead AppGallery (if possible).
      • For weather, use AccuWeather or Yr.no.
    • 🔔 Limit background activity:
      • In Settings → Applications for each application, disable "Autostart" and "Background activity".

    🔹 Bonus: If you often use AppGallery, access it through a browser (web version). There are no intrusive advertisements that appear in the mobile application.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking ads on Honor

    ❓ Why did the ads return after resetting the settings?

    Resetting to factory settings returns all system applications, including advertising modules. After the reset, repeat the steps from section 1 (basic settings) And section 3 (ADB)if you have used it before.

    ❓ Is it possible to block ads without a computer?

    Yes, use the methods from section 2 (DNS) i section 4 (blockers). For ADB a computer is required, but for most users DNS + Blokada is enough.

    ❓ Why do some sites not open after changing the DNS?

    Some resources (banks, government services) block requests from public DNS In this case:

    1. Return the standard DNS.
    2. Or add the problematic site to the blocker exceptions (if you use AdGuard or Blokada).
    ❓ Do these methods work on Honor with Google Services (GMS)?

    Yes, but with nuances:

    • On models with GMS (for example, Honor 50 for the European market) can be used Google Play Protection to block part of the advertising.
    • Methods s ADB and DNS work equally well.
    • The GMSversions are easier to install Google Play Market and use alternative applications.
    ❓ How to check if the blocking is working?

    Open test. website (for example, AdBlock Tester). If the blocking is working, you will see a message about this filtering. Also check the absence of banners in:

    • Settings → Home screen
    • Notification center
    • AppGallery or Huawei Video