Remove Ads from Xiaomi Phones: Full Guide

Yes, you can remove or disable most ads on Xiaomi phones running MIUI or HyperOS. This guide shows you the exact settings to turn off system ads, uninstall bloatware, and stop personalized recommendations, with steps that work on current versions of Xiaomi’s software.

Why Xiaomi Phones Show Ads

Xiaomi sells its phones at lower prices than many rivals, and it makes up part of the difference by showing ads in its own apps and system areas. These are not third-party pop-ups; they are built into MIUI and HyperOS. Common places include the File Manager, Security app, GetApps store, Themes app, Music, and the system’s built-in browser. The ads are usually labeled as “recommendations” or “sponsored content,” and they can appear as banners, full-screen pages, or app suggestions.

Knowing where ads come from matters because turning them off is not a single switch. You have to disable several settings, and some ads require a bit more work, like using a computer to remove certain apps. The good news is that most users can get rid of nearly all ads without rooting the phone or installing third-party tools.

How to Turn Off Ads in Settings (MIUI and HyperOS)

Start with the built-in toggles. The exact wording may differ slightly between MIUI and HyperOS, but the steps are essentially the same.

1. Open Settings and go to Passwords & security (or Privacy on some versions).
2. Tap Ad services and turn off Personalized ad recommendations. This stops Xiaomi from using your data to target ads, but it does not remove all ads.
3. Go back to Settings, then Apps > Manage apps. Look for MSA (MIUI System Ads) and tap it. Choose Disable. This is the main system component that pushes ads.
4. In the Security app, tap the gear icon (top right), then Receive recommendations and turn it off.
5. Open File Manager, tap the hamburger menu (three lines), then Settings, and turn off Recommendations.
6. In the GetApps store, tap the profile icon, then Settings, and turn off Recommendations and Sponsored content.
7. For the Themes app, go to Settings and turn off Show recommendations.

These steps cover the most common ad locations. Some users also report ads in the Music app (turn off “Music recommendations” in its settings) and in the browser (use a private mode or change the homepage).

Removing Preinstalled Bloatware (Without Root)

Some Xiaomi apps are not just ad-supported; they are ads themselves. For example, apps like GetApps, Mi Browser, and Mi Video can be uninstalled or disabled if you do not use them. You can do this from the app drawer or via Settings > Apps > Manage apps. Tap the app and choose Uninstall if available, or Disable if not.

However, some system apps cannot be uninstalled from the phone. In that case, you can use a computer to remove them with Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands. This is a safe, widely used method that does not require rooting. You will need:

• A Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
• USB debugging enabled on the phone (Settings > Developer options > USB debugging).
• ADB tools installed on the computer (free from Google’s official platform tools).

Once connected, you can run commands like pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution to remove the system ads package. A quick search for “Xiaomi ADB debloat list” will show you safe packages to remove. Be careful: removing the wrong package can cause crashes. Stick to well-known ad apps like com.miui.systemAdSolution, com.miui.msa.global, and com.xiaomi.gamecenter.

Using a Private DNS to Block Ads

If you prefer not to disable system components, you can block ad servers at the network level. Xiaomi phones let you set a private DNS (Domain Name System) in Settings > Wi-Fi & network > Private DNS. Enter a public ad-blocking DNS hostname like dns.adguard.com (or another trusted provider). This filters many ads across apps and the browser, but it does not work for ads served from the same domain as the app itself (e.g., ads inside the File Manager may still appear).

This method is free, does not require root, and is reversible. The downside is that it may slow down DNS resolution slightly and could break some links if the DNS service has issues.

What About HyperOS? (Differences and Similarities)

HyperOS, which replaced MIUI on newer Xiaomi devices, keeps the same ad system but with some renamed settings. For example, the “MSA” app is still present, but the toggle may be under Settings > Passwords & security > Ad services. The steps above work for both MIUI and HyperOS, though the exact menu names may vary slightly by region and version.

One difference is that HyperOS has a stricter default for personalized ads in some regions (like the EU), so you may see fewer ads out of the box. But the toggles are still there, and users in other regions will still need to turn them off manually.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

• Ads reappear after an update: Xiaomi sometimes resets ad preferences after a system update. Re-check the toggles after updating.
• Cannot disable MSA: On some devices, the “Disable” button is grayed out. You can still use ADB to uninstall it, or you can clear its data and force stop it, but it may restart.
• Private DNS not working: Make sure you typed the hostname correctly and that your network allows DNS over TLS. Try switching to a different provider.
• Ads in the browser: The Mi Browser has its own ad settings. Go to browser settings > Advanced > turn off “Receive recommendations.” Or simply install a third-party browser like Firefox or Chrome.

Is It Safe to Remove Ads? (Risks and Trade-offs)

Disabling ads is generally safe and does not void your warranty. The phone will not lose functionality; you only lose the sponsored content. However, be cautious with ADB uninstalls: removing critical system apps (like the Settings app itself) can cause instability. Stick to the known ad packages and always double-check the package name before running a command.

Another trade-off is that some Xiaomi apps may not work correctly if you disable their ad components. For example, the Security app might show a warning if you disable MSA, but it will still function. Also, disabling ads does not unlock any premium features; it just cleans the interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will removing ads improve battery life?

Yes, slightly. Ads consume data and processing power, so blocking them can reduce background activity and improve battery life, though the effect is usually small.

Do I need to root my Xiaomi to remove all ads?

No. The methods in this guide (settings toggles and ADB) work without root. Rooting is not necessary and can void your warranty, so it is not recommended for this purpose.

Will disabling MSA break the Security app?

No. The Security app still works; you just lose the “recommendations” section. Some users report a notification asking to re-enable MSA, but you can dismiss it.

Can I re-enable ads later?

Yes. If you change your mind, you can re-enable the toggles in Settings, or reinstall the disabled apps via ADB (using the pm install-existing command).

Why do I still see ads after turning off all settings?

Some ads come from third-party apps you installed, not from Xiaomi. Check your installed apps for ad-supported free versions and consider upgrading to paid versions or using alternative apps.

Is it legal to remove ads?

Yes, it is legal in most countries. You are not circumventing any security measure; you are simply turning off a feature that Xiaomi provides an option to disable. However, it may violate Xiaomi’s terms of service in some regions, but that is a civil matter, not a criminal one.

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