Brand smartphones Infinix have gained popularity due to their excellent price-performance ratio, but users often encounter intrusive advertising notifications. These ads can appear in the notification shade, in built-in applications, or even on the lock screen, which significantly reduces the comfort of using the device. Understanding the nature of these pop-up windows is the first step towards eliminating them completely.
The problem is based on a proprietary shell XOSwhich by default integrates advertising modules to monetize low-end devices. Fortunately, Android's architecture allows for flexible control over permissions and data access, making it possible to completely neutralize this source of irritation without the need to root. We'll look at a comprehensive approach that covers system settings and working with third-party software.
Before getting into deep configuration, it's important to realize that some system applications may require Internet access for their core functionality, such as updating weather or news. Completely restricting network access for all processes may lead to incorrect operation of widgets. Therefore, our strategy will be aimed at specifically disabling advertising services, and not the entire network activity of the device.
Analysis of sources of advertising noise in the XOS system
Advertising in smartphones Infinix is rarely accidental; most often it is generated by specific system services or pre-installed software. The main culprits are applications like Phoenix Browser, HiOS Launcher or specialized recommendation services. These apps run in the background and periodically check servers for new promotional materials.
To effectively deal with the problem, you need to identify the application that generates the pop-up window. When an advertisement appears on the screen, do not close it immediately. Instead, open the menu of running applications (square button or swipe up from bottom and hold). You will see the card of the application that initiated the display, and you can immediately go to its settings.
⚠️ Attention: Some system processes may be disguised as neutral names. If you see a process with a name consisting of a string of characters or simply "System Service" showing advertisements, this is a clear sign of malware or an aggressive advertising module that requires disabling.
Often advertisements come in the form of push notifications from browsers or game stores. Users inadvertently allow sites to send notifications by clicking “Allow” when visiting dubious resources. This creates the illusion of a virus infection, although in fact the problem lies in the browser settings and permission to send notifications.
The “Recommendations” function in the launcher deserves special attention. The shell XOS can load a news feed or application suggestions directly to the desktop. These are not viruses, but a standard feature that many users perceive as spam. Disabling this option requires access to the home screen settings.
Disabling personalized advertising in settings
The first and most important stage of cleaning is disabling global settings for targeted advertising. This won't remove all ads instantly, but it will significantly reduce their number and relevance. Android provides a standard mechanism for resetting the advertising ID and opting out of personalization.
Go to the main settings of the device and find the section related to privacy or security. In different versions XOS the path may differ slightly, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the item Privacy and go to the subsection Advertising. Here you will see a switch for "Opt out of personalized advertising."
Activate this switch. The system will warn you that advertising will not disappear completely, but will become less relevant to your interests. Also available in this menu is the Reset the advertising identifierbutton. Regularly performing this procedure prevents advertising networks from building a long-term user profile.
After resetting the advertising identifier, it is recommended to restart the device for the changes to take effect for all background services.
In addition to general Android settings, in the shell Infinix there are their own recommendation services. Go to Settings → System settings (or Advanced settings). Look for items labeled "Get Recommendations", "Offer Notifications" or similar. Disabling these toggle switches will prevent promotional content from appearing in system folders and menus.
| Setting type | Menu path (approximate) | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Personalization | Settings → Privacy → Advertising |
Enable "Opt-out of personalization" |
| System tips | Settings → Advanced → Recommendations |
Turn off the switch |
| Application updates | Settings → Auto update |
Select "Only via Wi-Fi" |
| Analytics | Settings → System → Improvement |
Disable data sending |
Don't forget that interfaces are being updated. The manufacturer may change the location of the items in new firmware versions. If you do not find the specified item, use the search inside the settings menu by entering the keywords “advertising”, “recommendations” or “personalization”.
Manage notifications and application access
The most effective way to deal with annoying banners is to revoke permissions to display notifications from suspicious applications. Many users ignore requests to send notifications when installing apps for the first time, which subsequently leads to clogged curtains.
Go to the section Settings → Notifications and status bar → Manage notifications. You will see a complete list of all installed apps. Study it carefully. Pay special attention to applications that you rarely use: flashlights, QR code scanners, simple games or browsers other than the main one.
- 🔍 Flashlights and utilities: These applications often do not need access to the Internet or sending notifications. Feel free to disable all rights for them.
- 🌐 Browsers: If you are using a third-party browser (for example, UC Browser or Opera), go to its internal settings and disable the "News" section or "Push notifications".
- 🛒 Stores and aggregators: Applications like Phoenix Browser or built-in game stores are often the main source of spam. Limit their background activity.
For each suspicious application, click on it and find the switch Allow notifications. Set it to inactive state. This action will instantly stop the flow of advertising messages from this source to the top panel.
☑️ Checking application rights
It is also worth checking the permissions for displaying on top of other windows. This feature allows applications to draw interfaces on top of all other apps, which is often used for pop-up advertisements. Path to setting: Settings → Special features (or Applications) → Display on top of other applications. Revoke this right from all apps except instant messengers and system services.
Ad blocking via private DNS
One of the most powerful and secure methods for removing ads at the system-wide level is to use private DNS (Domain Name System). This method does not require the installation of additional applications and works at the network connection level, blocking requests to. well-known advertising servers.
In modern versions of Android (starting from 9.0), this function is built into the system. You need to go to Settings → Connection and sharing (or Other connections). Find the item Private DNS (Private DNS By default, it is usually set to "Auto" or). "Disabled."
Select mode DNS provider hostname. In the input field that appears, you must enter the address of a reliable blocker. The most popular and proven solution is the service AdGuard DNS. Enter the following value in the field:
dns.adguard.comSave the settings. Now all DNS requests from your smartphone will go through AdGuard filters, which automatically reject requests to advertising domains. This will remove banners in most free apps and browsers without slowing down the internet.
⚠️ Attention: After enabling private DNS, some apps or sites may stop loading if they use the same domains as ad networks. If you encounter problems accessing a specific resource, temporarily return the DNS setting to Auto mode.
The advantage of this method is that it does not load the device's processor, unlike blocking applications that constantly analyze traffic. In addition, this solution works immediately for all connections, including mobile network and Wi-Fi, without the need for additional configuration.
What to do if DNS is not saved?
If the system gives an error when saving DNS settings, check the stability of the Internet connection. Also make sure you're not using third-party VPN apps that might conflict with your private DNS settings. Try disabling the VPN before changing the settings.
Cleaning from malware and hidden installers
Sometimes advertising is a consequence of the installation of malicious software that could have entered the system along with useful apps from unverified sources. Such viruses are often disguised as system processes or do not have an icon in the application menu.
The first sign of the presence of such software is the appearance of advertising on the desktop immediately after unlocking the phone or the presence of an application that cannot be removed in the standard way. To diagnose, go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
Carefully scroll through the list. Look for apps without a name and without an icon (an empty white box instead of a logo). They are often located at the very top or bottom of the list. If you find such an object, immediately tap on it and select Delete.
- 🛡️ Safe mode: If you cannot remove the application, reboot your phone into safe mode (usually you need to hold the power button on the screen until the corresponding prompt appears). In this mode, only system applications work, which allows you to safely remove the virus.
- 📂 Checking files: Use the built-in antivirus Phone Masterthat is preinstalled on Infinix, or install a reliable solution from a third-party developer, for example, Dr.Web or Kaspersky.
- 🚫 Prohibit installation: To prevent re-infection, disable the ability to install applications from unknown sources in the security settings.
It is also worth checking administrator rights devices. Viruses often take hold of a system, gaining administrator rights. Go to Settings → Security → Device administrator applications. If you see an unfamiliar app there, uncheck it and then delete it in the usual way.
Advertising viruses are often disguised as system services. Carefully examining the list of applications and checking administrator rights is the key to detecting them.
Configuring the built-in Phoenix browser and other services
Smartphones Infinix often have a pre-installed browser Phoenixwhich by default is configured to display news and notifications. Even if you don't use it, it can run in the background and generate traffic. It is recommended to either completely disable its notifications or replace it with a more private analogue.
If you prefer to use the built-in browser, go to its settings. Usually they are located in the menu (three dots) → Settings → Notifications. Disable the "Receive news", "Download notifications" and "Recommendations" options. This will turn the browser into a simple tool for surfing without unnecessary noise.
An alternative solution is to install a browser with built-in ad protection, for example Brave or DuckDuckGo. After installation, make it your default browser. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Browser and select a new app.
Don't forget to clear the data old browser to remove accumulated cache and cookies that may contain advertising identifiers. Go to Settings → Applications → Phoenix Browser → Storage → Clear data. This will return the application to its original state.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to use third-party apps to block ads?
Using proven solutions, such as setting up a private DNS or secure browsers (Brave), is absolutely safe. However, installing blocker applications from unknown sources (APK files from forums) carries risks. Such apps may request excessive permissions and collect your data themselves. Follow system methods or software from the official store Google Play.
Why does advertising appear even after resetting the settings?
If advertising returns after a full reset (Hard Reset), this may indicate that it is built into the firmware itself at the level of system applications, which are restored upon first startup. In this case, only disabling notifications for system services, using a private DNS, or flashing the device to a clean version of Android (Custom ROM), which requires high qualifications, will help.
Does blocking ads affect the speed of the phone?
On the contrary, disabling advertising and prohibiting background activity for advertising modules often have a positive effect on performance. The system spends less processor and RAM resources on loading banners, and also saves mobile data traffic and battery power.
Is it possible to remove the Phoenix Browser system application?
Without obtaining root access, complete removal of system applications is impossible. However, you can disable them. In the menu Applications find Phoenix Browser and click the button Disable. After that, it will disappear from the menu and stop working in the background, effectively being deleted for the user.
What to do if advertising covers the entire screen and the phone freezes?
In emergency cases, when the interface is blocked by advertising, try calling the menu multitasking (square button or swipe gesture) and close all applications. If this does not help, perform a force reboot by holding the Power button for 10-15 seconds. After turning on, immediately check the list of applications for viruses without an icon.