Tired of Ads on Your Xiaomi Phone? Here’s How to Banish Them From MIUI
If you’ve ever used a Xiaomi smartphone, chances are you’ve encountered the pervasive ads that seem to lurk in every corner of MIUI. From the Security app to the home screen widgets, it often feels like these ads are inescapable. But fret not! While it may seem daunting, removing ads from MIUI is possible, though it might require some dedication and exploration of your phone’s settings. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, enabling you to reclaim your Xiaomi device from the clutches of advertising.
How to Remove System Ads from Xiaomi’s MIUI
The first step in conquering the ads involves tackling those pervasive system-level advertisements. These typically appear within pre-installed applications and on the home screen widget. To effectively counter these, you’ll need to make a few adjustments in your MIUI settings:
Disable MSA Authorization: MIUI uses a service called "msa" to personalize ads. Disabling it is crucial for reducing the onslaught. Head to Settings > Additional settings > Authorization & revocation. Scroll down and locate msa, then tap Disable and confirm by tapping Revoke in the pop-up window. You might receive an error message the first time you try this. Simply repeat steps 2 and 3, and you should see a confirmation that the authorization has been revoked.
- Turn off Personalized Ad Recommendations: While this doesn’t directly disable ads, it does cut down on the tracking of your data for advertising purposes. Go to Settings > Additional settings and tap Ad services. Finally, disable Personalized ad recommendation.
How to Remove Ads from Xiaomi’s Mi Browser
MIUI’s default browser, Mi Browser, is known for its seemingly endless stream of ads, particularly on the start page. Fortunately, you can significantly mitigate these by following these steps:
Open Mi Browser and tap the three vertical lines (hamburger icon) in the bottom-right corner.
Select Settings and tap Notifications. Disable the Notifications option.
Go back to the previous page and tap Privacy & Security. Disable Recommended for you.
Navigate back to the Settings page and tap Advanced. Select Top sites order and disable Receive recommendations.
- Return to the Settings page and tap Set start page. Choose Custom and enter the URL of your preferred website (e.g., https://www.gadgets360.com). Tap OK.
This intricate journey through the Mi Browser’s settings aims to prevent spam notifications, remove the default start page laden with ads, and ensure your preferred start page loads upon opening the browser.
How to Remove Ads From Specific MIUI Apps
While the previous steps targeted system-wide ads, many individual apps within MIUI still harbor promotional content. Here’s how to tackle ads in some of the most common culprits:
How to Remove Ads from MIUI Security
Launch the MIUI Security app.
Tap the Settings icon in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down and disable Receive recommendations.
How to Remove Ads from Cleaner
Open the MIUI Security app.
Tap the Settings icon in the top-right corner.
Tap Cleaner.
- Scroll down and disable Receive recommendations.
How to Disable Ads from MIUI Downloads App
Open MIUI’s Downloads app.
Tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
Select Settings.
- Disable Show recommended content. You’ll see a pop-up explaining the consequence of disabling this option. Tap OK as you’re likely more than willing to sacrifice the "recommended sources" in exchange for ad-free browsing.
How to Remove Ads from Mi Music App
Open Mi Music.
Tap the three vertical lines (hamburger icon) in the top-left corner.
Select Settings.
Tap Advanced settings.
- Disable Receive recommendations.
How to Disable Ads from the Mi Video App
Open the Mi Video app.
Tap the three vertical lines (hamburger icon) in the top-left corner.
Select Settings.
- Turn off Online recommendation and Push message. Doing so will effectively prevent recommended videos from disrupting your experience in the app, as well as eliminate any related notifications.
How to Remove Promoted Apps from MIUI Folders
Even app folders within MIUI are not immune to the promotional onslaught. Fear not, for there’s a simple way to eliminate these unwelcome intrusions:
Open any app folder on your Xiaomi smartphone.
Tap the folder’s name.
- Disable Promoted apps.
By systematically disabling ads within each app and system settings, you can effectively eliminate the majority of MIUI ads. While this process involves visiting numerous settings menus, the reward of a cleaner, more focused user experience is well worth the effort. Remember, these steps are particularly applicable to MIUI 9 and may slightly vary in subsequent versions.
Beyond Manual Removal: Exploring Third-Party Solutions
For those seeking a more automated approach or a deeper level of ad control, third-party applications can be a valuable solution. A plethora of ad blocking apps are available on the Play Store, offering powerful filtering techniques and often extending their reach beyond just MIUI. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution when choosing and installing these apps, ensuring they are reputable and secure. Before installing any ad blocker, consider researching its functionality, user reviews, and potential impact on your device’s performance.
Gaining Control: A Final Thought
While MIUI’s ad policy can be irritating, ultimately, you hold the power to reclaim your smartphone experience. By diligently traversing the intricate settings and, if desired, exploring third-party options, you can banish the ads and enjoy a smoother, more focused interaction with your Xiaomi device. Remember, your smartphone is your personal space, and you have the right to control its content. Don’t hesitate to take action and make it work for you.
