If you have a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone, you've probably already come across ads in the most unexpected places: on the advertising in the notification bar, within system apps, on the lock screen, or even when installing applicationsYou're not doing anything wrong; it's something that comes enabled by default in both MIUI and HyperOS and HyperOS 2, because it's part of the brand's business model.
The good news is that much of that advertising can be disable advertising with a few settings scattered throughout the systemThere's no magic button to remove them instantly, but there are a series of steps that, when combined, will leave your phone practically ad-free. In this comprehensive guide, you'll see, step by step, how to do it on MIUI, HyperOS, and HyperOS 2, which options to adjust, and what the consequences are.
Why do ads appear on MIUI and HyperOS?
The first thing to understand is the reason. Xiaomi includes ads in its custom interface because it allows them to. Selling highly competitively priced mobile phones while maintaining reasonable marginsThis advertising, which the brand often calls "recommendations" or "recommended content," appears integrated into various parts of the system.
In MIUI, HyperOS, and the latest version HyperOS 2, advertising is mostly displayed in System applications (Security, Downloads, Explorer, Music, Themes, Browser, Video, App Vault, etc.)This includes the lock screen wallpaper carousel, certain notifications, and the system's analysis when installing apps. Additionally, there's a central service, called msa, that handles many of these ads and the associated telemetry.
While Xiaomi doesn't allow you to completely remove all ads globally, it does offer system-wide settings that provide considerable control. By following the instructions below, you can... reduce advertising to an almost non-existent level, both in MIUI and in HyperOS and HyperOS 2.
The role of MSA (MIUI System Ads) and how to limit it
The MSA service (Mobile System Ads or MIUI System Ads, according to the documentation) is the main driver of advertising on these phones. It runs in the background and is responsible for display ads and recommendations in different areas of the system and to handle some of the data used for that segmentation.
This service cannot be uninstalled like a normal app, but it can be to disable for practical purposes revoking their authorization and blocking their notifications. The process is very similar in MIUI, HyperOS, and HyperOS 2, although the names of some sections may change slightly depending on the version or region.
Revoke MSA authorization
One of the key steps is to revoke MSA's authorization so it can no longer operate freely on your phone. The standard procedure for doing this is usually as follows:
- Open Settings on your Xiaomi.
- Sign in “Fingerprints, facial data, and screen lock” (in some models it may appear as “Passwords and security”).
- Tap on “Authorization and Revocation”.
- In the list that appears, locate the entry called “msa”.
- Disable MSA and, when the system asks, confirm with the option to revoke.
With this simple change, the service will no longer have free rein to manage so many ads on the system. In many cases, this alone will make a noticeable difference. significant reduction of intrusive advertising that appears in notifications and banners.
Disable MSA notifications
Finally, it's highly recommended to disable any notifications the service itself may continue to display. The usual procedure is as follows:
- Open the app again. Settings.
- Go to section "Applications" and enters “Manage applications” or “Manage applications”.
- Touch the three dots from the upper right corner and select “Show all apps” to also see system apps.
- Search “msa” using the search engine or by scrolling through the list.
- Go to their profile and click on "Notifications".
- Turn off the option "Show notifications".
By combining revocation with notification blocking, MSA almost completely stops causing problems. Many users report that after applying only these changes, The ads on your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO are reduced to a minimum..
Disable personalized ads and advertising services
Even if you agree to see the occasional ad, some people don't want the system to personalize them using their activity, interests, or data. In MIUI, HyperOS, and HyperOS 2, Xiaomi includes a specific section for this purpose. personalization of advertising and recommendations.
To stop these targeted ads, the general steps are usually:
- Opens Settings.
- Accede to "Privacy" (depending on the version, it may also appear under “Fingerprints, facial data and screen lock > Privacy”).
- Enter the section “Advertising services” or “Advertising services”.
- Uncheck the box “Personalized ad recommendations” or similar settings.
In some newer versions, such as HyperOS 2, you can find a section called “Advertising Privacy” where it is possible to turn it off. Ad topics, app-suggested ads, and ad measurement optionsDisabling these features does not eliminate all advertising, but it does prevent it from adapting to your behavior and reduces the amount of data shared.
Remove ads from the wallpaper carousel and lock screen
Another common focus of advertising is on the so-called Wallpaper CarouselThis feature displays rotating backgrounds on the lock screen and, incidentally, sneaks in recommendations and banners that aren't always pleasant.
To disable that part of the system, you can follow these general steps in MIUI or HyperOS:
- Enter the Settings of the mobile.
- Go to "Lock screen".
- Search and enter “Wallpaper Carousel” (sometimes “Carousel of funds”).
- Turn off the switch that keeps the carousel active.
When you turn it off, the lock screen stops displaying revolving funds with promotional contentYou will still be able to choose a static background or your own images, but without system-embedded ads in that area.
Remove advertising from Xiaomi system apps
A large portion of the ads that pop up on a Xiaomi device come from... pre-installed layer applicationsMany of them have a specific setting to disable "Recommendations," "Recommended Content," or "Show Ads." The problem is that you have to do it manually in each one.
Although the text may vary depending on the version or region, the pattern is similar across all of them. Here's a rundown of the most important apps you should check to get everything properly set up.
File Browser
Xiaomi's default browser often displays suggestions and banners at the top. To remove them:
- Open the app File Browser.
- Play the gear icon or the settings menu, usually in the top corner.
- Locate and disable the option "Receive recommendations" or similar.
With this, the explorer stops teaching promotional content blocks between your folders and filesand becomes a much cleaner manager.
Download Application
The Downloads app is another common source of ads, which it displays as recommended content. To turn them off:
- Opens Downloads (green icon with a downward arrow on many models).
- Touch the three vertical points in the upper right corner.
- Sign in "Settings".
- Turn off the option “Show recommended content” or “Show ads”.
Once this is done, downloads will be focused on what interests you, and app or game recommendations on that screen will disappear.
My Browser (Xiaomi browser)
Xiaomi's own browser also includes ads and suggestions, both on the homepage and in other sections. Although you can install another browser, if you want to continue using Mi Browser it's a good idea to clear its settings:
- Open the app My Browser.
- Click on the your profile icon, usually at the bottom or top.
- Sign in "Settings".
- Access the section "Advanced".
- Deactivate “Show ads”.
In many settings you can also reduce news recommendations and suggested content, leaving the browser much cleaner. elements external to the websites you visit.
Music player
Xiaomi's Music app combines local playback with streaming services and recommendations, but it also includes ads and persistent notifications. To reduce this advertising:
- Open the app Music.
- Go to profile (There is usually a dedicated icon, often in the top left corner).
- Sign in "Settings" and later “Advanced Settings”.
- Disable options such as “Show ads”, "Receive recommendations" y “Personalized recommendations” if they appear.
- In some versions, you can also uncheck “Allow persistent notifications” so that a constant notification doesn't remain in the status bar.
With all this, the app starts behaving more like a simple audio player, without so much layer of promotion of content and extra services.
My Video Player
The built-in video player also offers personalized suggestions. To turn them off:
- Open the app We Video.
- Go to the section Profile.
- Play the gear icon to enter Settings.
- Locate and disable the option to “Personalized recommendations”.
In some versions, this deactivation is only valid for a limited time and the setting needs to be checked periodically, but it can still be achieved. significantly reduce the presence of advertising in the video app.
Security application and app analyzer
The Security app is one of the areas where Xiaomi takes the most advantage to display banners, especially when Analyzes new application installations or runs the cleanerTo disable it:
- Open the app Security.
- Click on the gear wheel icon in the top corner.
- Uncheck the option of “Receive recommendations” or “Show recommendations”, including the one that appears in the Cleaner section.
If you want to go a step further and not even see the security analysis after each installation, you can:
- Walk into “Security Analysis” within the app settings.
- Deactivate the setting “Analyze before installing”.
In this way, the system will stop displaying the analysis screen with the corresponding advertisement every time you install or update an app from Google Play or from an APK.
Xiaomi Themes
The Themes app is another great source of recommendations, including wallpapers, icons, styles, and more. It often mixes helpful suggestions with advertising. To remove that part:
- Open the app Themes.
- Tap on your icon account/profile, usually bottom right.
- At the top, tap the gear to access Settings.
- Turn off options “Show ads” y “Personalized recommendations”.
With that small adjustment, you gain a somewhat cleaner experience when searching for backgrounds or themes, without so much Promoted content sneaking in among the free or paid options.
App Vault
The App Vault is the side panel where quick access options, information cards, and app suggestions appear. These cards include: promoted content and advertising recommendations.
To minimize it:
- Opens App Vault.
- Click on the three point menu.
- Sign in “Manage services”.
- Disable options such as “Application suggestions” y “Promotion” or “Ads”.
Once this is done, App Vault will focus more on shortcuts and widgets than on recommending sponsored apps and services.
Remove suggestions and ads from the Xiaomi launcher
The launcher, that is, the home screen app that manages the desktop and app drawer, can also display app and game recommendationsThey usually appear as suggestions when you scroll up or as special cards.
To disable that part in MIUI or HyperOS:
- Press and hold on a Empty space on the home screen.
- Tap on Launcher “Settings”.
- Enter the section "More" if it appears.
- Uncheck the box “Show suggestions” or “Show recommendations”.
On some devices, it is also possible to find an option to “Ads in system applications” Within the Xiaomi Account menu > About account, you'll find an option that further reduces the built-in recommendations. It's worth checking if this feature is available for your model.
Specific settings in HyperOS and HyperOS 2
HyperOS and its evolution HyperOS 2 have significantly improved overall fluidity compared to MIUI, and have worked reasonably well since high-end models with plenty of RAM, down to very basic Redmi modelsEven so, Xiaomi has maintained the advertising base inherited from MIUI, so ads continue to appear in various areas.
In HyperOS 2, for example, advertising is concentrated mainly on Security app, File Explorer, Downloads, Gallery, Music and some notifications linked to the MSA service. The steps to disable it are almost identical to those we have already seen, but with some slightly different names.
Same steps, new interface
In HyperOS and HyperOS 2 you should repeat virtually all of the above actions:
- Revoke and limit msa (Authorization and revocation + notifications).
- Deactivate custom ads and advertising services from Privacy.
- Go into the system apps (Security, Downloads, Explorer, Music, Themes, Browser, Video, Vault, etc.) and turn off options such as "Receive recommendations", “Show ads”, “Recommended content” and the like.
- Remove the launcher suggestions from the Home screen settings.
Although some users report that there is slightly less advertising in HyperOS 2 than in MIUI or HyperOS 1, Xiaomi has not yet incorporated (as of the latest available information) a Official global switch that turns off all system ads at onceAlthough something similar has been seen in leaked beta versions, it's still necessary to go app by app.
Block ads with private DNS
An additional trick that many advanced users employ in HyperOS (and also in MIUI) is to configure a Private DNS that blocks advertising domains at the network levelThis option works for both system ads and advertising from other applications.
To activate it in HyperOS or MIUI:
- Go to Settings.
- Enter the section “More connectivity options” or in “Connections > Private DNS” (may vary).
- Choose the option “Private DNS provider hostname”.
- Enter a blocking DNS host, for example: dns.adguard.com.
- Save the changes.
From that point on, most requests to advertising servers will be filtered at the DNS level. It's not a perfect solution, but combined with the other settings, it will help. further reduce the number of ads you seeHowever, keep in mind that, in some cases, this type of DNS can affect the operation of certain services if they block domains that apps consider necessary.
Why it's worth disabling ads on your Xiaomi
It might seem tedious to go into each app and menu individually, but in practice, investing a few minutes in tweaking these settings is usually well worth it. By disabling MSA, removing recommendations, blocking personalized ads, cleaning up the launcher, and, if you want, adding a DNS blocker, you can achieve A Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO mobile phone is much cleaner, faster and less intrusive.
The benefits are not limited to no longer seeing banners: by reducing the activity of advertising and telemetry services, you also gain in privacy and efficiencyFewer background processes often result in a lighter system with slightly lower battery consumption. Furthermore, notifications are no longer filled with irrelevant promotions.
It is worth remembering, however, that after certain system updates some of these options may to reassemble or slightly change positionThat's why it's a good idea to periodically review your advertising and recommendation settings, especially after a major version upgrade from MIUI to HyperOS or within HyperOS 2.
By following all the steps above, your Xiaomi experience will go from being full of ads scattered throughout the system to becoming something much closer to what you would expect from a well-maintained mobile phone: Fluid, clean, with fewer interruptions, and focused on what you want to do, not what the manufacturer wants to teach you.. Share the guide and help others learn about the topic.