In the era of digital consumption, our mobile devices collect a colossal amount of data about user behavior. Xiaomi smartphones running on the operating system Androidare no exception. Each device has a unique digital fingerprint that is used by advertising networks for targeting. Many gadget owners are wondering how to regain their privacy and stop intrusive tracking by algorithms.
The procedure for erasing this digital footprint does not require superuser rights or complex technical manipulations. It is enough to go to the system settings and perform the sequence of actions provided by the developers Google and adapted by the engineers Xiaomi in the shell MIUI or HyperOS. This action will break the connection between your current browsing history and future advertising offers, forcing systems to start collecting data from scratch.
In this guide, we will analyze in detail how advertising identifiers work and provide comprehensive instructions on how to reset them. You will learn not only about standard methods, but also about additional settings that will help minimize the leakage of personal information. Understanding these processes is critical for anyone who values their digital independence.
The Nature of the Android Advertising ID
The Advertising ID, often referred to as GAID (Google Advertising ID), is a unique string of characters assigned to each device based on Android. Unlike the immutable IMEI or serial number, this code is created specifically for marketing purposes and can be changed by the user at any time. Its main purpose is to create a profile of interests without being tied to a specific person or physical device in the long term.
When you install applications or visit websites, advertising networks read this code and match it with your actions. If you frequently search for information about tourism, algorithms will tag your GAID relevant tags. Subsequently, you will start seeing hotel and flight deals in other apps. Resetting the identifier deletes the accumulated profile, making you a “new” user for advertising algorithms.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the advertising identifier does not block advertising completely, but only resets the history of your interests accumulated by advertising networks based on previous actions.
Company Google periodically changes the policy for using this data, introducing new privacy standards. For example, the latest versions Android introduce Privacy Sandbox technology, which changes the principles of targeting. However, the mechanism for manually resetting the identifier remains an available control tool for device users Xiaomi.
Technical details of GAID operation
The identifier is generated randomly when Google Play services are first activated on the device. It is stored in a protected area of system memory and can only be read by applications that have the appropriate permissions. When resetting, the old string of characters is permanently deleted, and the system generates a new one, which is in no way related to the previous one.
Preparing to change privacy settings
Before you start modifying system parameters, it is recommended to make sure that the software of your smartphone is up to date. The settings interface in the MIUI 12, MIUI 13, MIUI 14 and new HyperOS shells may differ slightly in the location of menu items. Updating the system ensures that you see the most recent interface and security features.
It is also worth checking which account Google you are currently logged in to. The advertising identifier is tied specifically to Google services, so changes will be applied to the profile that is active in the settings menu. If you have multiple accounts on your device, make sure you manage the primary one.
- 📱 Make sure the battery charge is at least 20% to avoid screen blackouts while navigating menus.
- 🔒 Remember or write down your current pattern or PIN, as the system may ask you to confirm your identity when changing critical settings.
- 📶 Check the stability of your Internet connection, as some changes may require synchronization with servers Google to take effect.
It would be a good idea to familiarize yourself in advance with where the “Passwords and Security” section is located in your firmware version. In some regions and versions ROM this item may be hidden within general settings or placed in a separate menu "Advanced settings".
Take a screenshot of the current advertising settings screen before resetting. This will help you visually evaluate the changes or return to the original state if unexpected difficulties arise with the operation of applications.
Step-by-step guide for resetting the identifier
The main reset process is carried out through the standard operating system settings application. The algorithm of actions is the same for most models Xiaomi, from the budget Redmi series to the flagship Mi. Follow the given sequence to successfully complete the procedure.
First, open the main application menu and find the "Settings" icon. Scroll down to the privacy section. Depending on the version of the shell, you need to select “Passwords and Security” or immediately “Privacy”. Next, find the subsection related to advertising.
Settings → Passwords and security → Privacy → AdvertisingIn the menu that opens, you will see the current advertising identifier as a long string of characters. Below there will be a button or switch labeled “Reset Advertising ID” or “Remove Advertising ID”. Click on it. The system will display a warning window describing the consequences of this action.
☑️ ID reset algorithm
After confirmation, the old code will be destroyed and the system will automatically generate a new one. Visually, you will notice that the character string has changed. From now on, apps that request this ID will receive a new value that has no connection to your past activity.
Limiting ad personalization
Simply resetting the ID may not be enough for those who want to limit data collection as much as possible. In the same advertising settings menu, the option to completely reject personalization is available. Enabling this option prevents ad networks from using your GAID to tailor content based on your interests.
When you turn on Opt Out of Ad Personalization, you will continue to see advertisements, but they will be random and will not reflect your recent searches or purchase history. This creates an “information noise” effect, which makes collecting data about you economically impractical for marketers.
| Parameter | State "On" | State "Off" |
|---|---|---|
| Collection of interest data | Allowed | Blocked |
| Ad targeting | Active | Absent |
| Using GAID | For profiling | For counting purposes only |
| Advertising relevance | High | Low (random) |
It is important to understand that disabling personalization may affect the operation of some free applications that exist at the expense of displaying relevant advertising. Developers can limit functionality or more often show notifications asking you to disable blockers, although there is usually no direct ban on using the application for this.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may differ depending on the firmware region (Global, China, EEA). In European versions, privacy menu items are often placed in a more prominent place due to the requirements of GDPR regulators.
Additional privacy protection measures
Resetting the advertising identifier is just one of the stages of building digital hygiene on the device Xiaomi. For comprehensive protection, it is also recommended to disable the ad personalization service within the shell itself MIUI. This service is responsible for displaying branded recommendations in system applications such as "Explorer", "Music" or "Themes".
To disable system advertising, go to the account settings section Mi Account. Find "Authorization and Security" or "Confidentiality". There you will find a "Get recommendations" switch. Disabling this function will remove native advertising from system interfaces, which will significantly increase the comfort of using the smartphone.
It is also worth paying attention to the permissions that applications are given during installation. Many apps request access to geolocation or contact list for no good reason. Regular audit of permissions in the section Settings → Applications → Permissions will help prevent data leakage through legitimate channels.
- 🛡️ Disable the MSA service (MIUI System Ads) through the app menu if your firmware version allows this without root access.
- 🔍 Use the "Incognito" mode in the browser for search information so as not to save cookies and history.
- 🚫 Block applications from accessing the advertising identifier individually through the privacy settings of each specific application.
A comprehensive approach to setting up privacy takes time, but The result in the form of peace of mind for your data is worth it. Do not forget to periodically repeat the reset procedure, especially after installing a large number of new apps.
Disabling MIUI system advertising and resetting Google Advertising ID are two different procedures that must be performed both for maximum privacy.
Possible problems and solutions
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the reset button is inactive or the settings are not saved after reboot. This may be due to errors in the operation of services Google Play or data caching by the system. In such cases, it is recommended to clear the application data "Google Play Services".
To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find "Google Play Services" in the list. Select "Clear" and click "Clear all data". Don't worry, this won't delete your accounts or installed apps, but it will reset your sync settings and cache, which often solves stuck ad settings.
Another common problem is the presence of restriction profiles or parental controls. If your device is managed by a Google Family Group or Enterprise Profile, the ability to change ad settings may be blocked by your administrator. In this case, you need to either remove restrictions or perform a reset from the administrator's device.
⚠️ Attention: Clearing Google Play services data may temporarily disrupt the synchronization of contacts and calendar. Wait for background synchronization to complete after rebooting the device.
If none of the methods helps, check for installed VPN services or antiviruses with tracking protection. Sometimes they intercept requests to identity servers, which may conflict with the standard reset procedure in system settings.
What to do if the reset button is gray?
Make sure that your device has an active lock screen (PIN, pattern). For security reasons, Android often prohibits changing critical privacy settings unless the device is password protected.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does resetting the advertising ID affect the operation of installed applications?
No, the functionality of the applications is not affected. They will continue to operate as normal. The only change you may notice is a change in the theme of advertising banners inside free apps. They will become less relevant to your interests, as the system will begin to collect a new profile from scratch.
Do you need to reset regularly and how often?
Regularity depends on your preferences. To maintain a high level of privacy, it is recommended to reset once every 1-2 months. However, if you have enabled a complete opt-out of ad personalization, frequent resets are not critical since interest collection is already blocked.
Does this procedure remove virus software or spyware?
No, resetting the advertising ID is not an antivirus measure. It only breaks the connection between your device and advertising networks. If there is malware on the smartphone, it will continue to work. To remove viruses, you need to use specialized anti-virus scanners or perform a full reset to factory settings.
Is it possible to completely remove an advertising identifier forever?
It cannot be completely removed, since it is a system requirement of the operating system Android for the operation of many services. However, you can minimize its impact as much as possible by combining the reset with the “Opt-out of personalization” function and the use of DNS filters that block advertising trackers at the network level.
Is the process different on older Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 8)?
The basic principle remains the same for all devices with Google services. Differences may only concern the names of menu items due to different versions of the shell MIUI. On older devices, the path may lie through Settings → Google → Advertising, bypassing the MIUI privacy section.