Smartphone owners Xiaomi i Redmi often face a situation where the screen is suddenly blocked by intrusive banners. This phenomenon is especially common on models such as Redmi 10, where the MIUI shell (or the new HyperOS) contains built-in marketing modules. However, if advertising appears at random times, closes the desktop, or occurs while using third-party applications, it may not be system notifications, but malware.
This problem cannot be ignored, since constant redirects to dubious sites reduce the device’s performance and jeopardize personal data. In this article we will analyze detailed action algorithms to identify the source of the problem. You will learn how to distinguish legitimate advertising from viruses and what tools to use to completely clean the system.
The process of eliminating pop-up windows requires care, but it is completely doable without contacting a service center. We will look at both standard security settings and advanced blocking methods via DNS and debugging. Let's take a look at why yours Redmi 10 behaves this way and how to return it to a clean interface.
Diagnosing the source of pop-up windows
The first step before any active actions is to accurately identify the culprit. Advertising banners on Android can be generated by the MIUI interface itself, system applications or third-party software that you accidentally installed. If windows appear on the desktop or in the lock menu, the function is most likely activated MSA (MIUI System Ads).
The situation changes dramatically if advertising pops up on top of other running applications, for example, while watching a video or reading a book. This is a clear sign of adware an adware virus disguised as a useful utility. Often such apps hide their icon from the general list, which makes them difficult to detect.
For initial diagnostics, use the built-in task manager. Press the Application Menu button (square or three stripes) and see which application is active when the banner appears. It is also worth checking your battery usage statistics, as viruses often consume resources even in the background.
⚠️ Attention: If you see a “Virus detected” message from an unknown source with a “Clean” button, do not click on it under any circumstances. This is a classic trick of scammers to install real malicious code.
Pay attention to the moment the advertisement appears. MIUI system notifications most often occur when you unlock the screen or open standard applications (Music, Explorer). Viral advertising is not tied to specific actions and can appear randomly.
Disable MIUI system advertising on Redmi 10
The company Xiaomi uses advertising as a way to subsidize the cost of its devices. On the model Redmi 10 this feature is enabled by default, but it can be legally disabled through the personalization settings. This will not remove all banners from third-party applications, but will clear the system interface.
The main tool for managing advertising is the service msa. Disabling it requires a confirmation, which the system can reject several times, simulating a network error. This is normal behavior of the protective mechanism, so the procedure may have to be repeated 3-4 times in a row.
Go to the settings menu and find the section Passwords and security. In the list of services, find the item Access to personal data (or “Authorization and revocation”). Find it in the list msa and switch the slider to the inactive state. Wait for the countdown timer to appear (usually 10 seconds) and confirm the revocation of rights.
If the “Revoke” button is grayed out or displays an error, try turning off Wi-Fi and mobile data before trying again. This often helps to bypass server verification.
In addition to the msa service, you must disable ad personalization in other system modules. Go to Settings → Passwords and security → Privacy → Advertising. Activate the switch “Opt-out ad personalization”. This will prevent the collection of data about your interests for targeted impressions.
| System application | Opt-out path advertising | Blocking type |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer | Settings → About the application → Receive recommendations | News feed |
| Security | Settings (gear) → Receive recommendations | Banners in the scanner |
| Downloads | Three dots → Settings → Show recommended | File advertising |
| Themes | Profile → Settings → Show ads | Banners in the catalog |
Don't forget to check the application settings "Music" i "Video". They often contain hidden clauses about receiving recommendations that broadcast video advertisements when launching media files. Disabling these options significantly speeds up the launch of standard software.
Search and remove malicious applications
If disabling system services did not help, and advertising continues to pop up on top of other windows, you need to look for hidden malicious applications application. Attackers often disguise them as “Flashlights”, “Memory Cleaners” or “QR Code Scanners”.
The most effective way to find a virus on Redmi 10 is a list of all installed apps through the settings menu, and not through the desktop. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Carefully scroll through the list, paying attention to apps without an icon or with a transparent icon.
☑️ Virus scan
Often virus applications do not have a name in the list, appearing simply as an empty space between other icons. If you notice such an “empty” element, immediately click on it and select “Delete”. If the delete button is inactive, first go to “Other permissions” and disable the right to “Display on top of other applications.”
In some cases, malicious code is introduced into legitimate applications through updates. Remember what apps you installed or updated shortly before the problem appeared. Removing recent updates or the entire application often solves the problem.
For a deep scan, it is recommended to use specialized anti-virus scanners, such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light. Run a full system scan. Even if the built-in defender Xiaomi does not find anything, third-party signature databases can detect the threat.
⚠️ Attention: Never grant device administrator rights to unknown applications. If a app requires these rights for the flashlight to work, this is a 100% sign of fraud.
Ad blocking via private DNS
One of the most effective methods of combating pop-up advertising at the network level is to use a blocking DNS server. This method does not require the installation of additional applications and works for all device traffic, including browsers and games.
On a smartphone Redmi 10 running Android 9 and higher, this function is built into the system. Go to section Settings → Connection and sharing. Find the item "Private DNS" (Private DNS). By default, the value is “Auto”.
Select mode DNS provider hostname and enter the address of the blocking service in the field. The most reliable and free option is the service from AdGuard. Enter the following line in the input field:
dns.adguard.comAfter entering the address, click “Save”. The system will check the availability of the server. If everything is done correctly, the DNS icon may appear in the status bar. Now most advertising requests will be blocked at the connection level, without downloading banners to your device.
What to do if the Internet is lost after enabling DNS?
Some providers or corporate networks may block third-party DNS. If the Internet stops working, return the Private DNS setting to Auto or Off.
It is important to understand that this method only blocks online advertising. It will not remove banners that are already hardcoded into the application code or that are output over secure connections that the DNS filter cannot parse. However, for browser pop-ups and light games, this solution is extremely effective.
Resetting application permissions and settings
Sometimes the source of the problem is not a specific application, but a glitch in the permissions system, when a legitimate app gains the right to display notifications on top of other windows. Resetting these settings returns the system to factory security settings.
To perform a reset, go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Click on the menu (three dots in the corner) and select "Reset application settings". Confirm the action. This will not delete your data, photos or contacts, but will return all permissions to default.
After the reset, you will have to re-allow access to the camera, microphone and geolocation for the necessary apps. This is a small price to pay for a clean system. Pay special attention to the browser Chrome or MIUI Browser. Go to their settings and clear site notifications.
In your browser, go to Settings → Notifications. You will see a list of sites that are allowed to send notifications. Often they imitate system messages about viruses or winnings. Click "Clear" or block notifications for each suspicious domain manually.
If the problem is related to a specific browser, try clearing its cache and data. Go to Settings → Applications → [Your browser] → Storage and click “Clear everything”. This will delete saved passwords and history, but is guaranteed to remove malicious scripts.
Extreme measures: Reset to factory settings
If none of the above methods helped remove pop-up ads, the virus may have penetrated deep into the system or damaged system files. In this case, the only reliable solution is to completely reset the device.
Before performing this procedure be sure to create a complete backup of all important data to a cloud service or computer. Resetting will delete absolutely all information from the internal memory of the phone, including photos, contacts and messages.
To start the process, go to Settings → About phone → Reset settings. Select item "Delete all data". The system will ask for an unlock password and confirmation. After the reboot, the phone will be in the “out of the box” state.
An important nuance: when setting up for the first time after a reset, do not restore applications from the old backup immediately. There is a risk that you will return the virus along with the data. It is better to reinstall the applications from the official store Google Play.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface and item names may vary slightly depending on the MIUI or HyperOS firmware version. If you do not find the specified item, use the search in the settings (magnifying glass at the top of the screen).
Preventing the appearance of advertising in the future
To prevent the problem from returning, you must maintain digital hygiene. The main source of viruses on Android is the installation of applications from unverified sources. In the settings, disable the ability to install APK files from the browser and instant messengers.
Regularly check the list of applications with the “Display on top of other windows” right. Go to Settings → Applications → Special access → Display on top of other applications. Leave this right only for instant messengers and system functions. If there are games or utilities there, deny access.
Use the built-in security scanner Xiaomi at least once a week. It is capable of identifying potentially dangerous applications that behave uncharacteristically. Also keep an eye on system updates, as new security patches often close vulnerabilities exploited by adware.
The main principle of security on Android is to install applications only from Google Play and carefully read the requested permissions before installation.
Be careful with sites offering to “speed up your phone” or “get premium access.” In 99% of cases, these are traps for installing advertising garbage. If the site persistently asks you to allow notifications, always click “Block.”
Why do advertisements appear even after deleting the application?
Some malware creates shortcuts or services that remain on the system even after deleting the main APK file. In this case, only resetting the settings or manually deleting residual files through Explorer in the Android/obb and Android/data folders helps.
Is it safe to disable the msa service on Xiaomi?
Yes, it is absolutely safe. The msa service is only responsible for displaying advertisements. Disabling it does not affect the operation of the phone, calls, the Internet or the main functions of the system. On the contrary, it may slightly increase battery life.
Can advertising be a sign of a phone being hacked?
Pop-up advertising itself most often indicates the presence of adware (advertising virus), rather than a targeted hack by hackers. However, such viruses can collect data about your activities. Timely removal of the threat minimizes the risks of information leakage.
How to distinguish system advertising from a virus?
System advertising (MIUI) appears in strictly defined places: when opening applications, in the notification shade, in folders. Viral advertising pops up chaotically, on top of any windows, often with sound and is not closed by the “Back” button.
Will an antivirus help remove all advertising?
An antivirus will remove malicious files, but will not disable legitimate Xiaomi system advertising. To combat system banners, you need to manually disable recommendations in the settings of each application and msa service, as described at the beginning of the article.