Tired of Ads on Your Xiaomi Phone? Here’s How to Get Rid of Them!
Xiaomi is a popular choice for budget-conscious smartphone users, but one common gripe among owners is the prevalence of ads in their MIUI software. While Xiaomi did promise a one-tap option to disable these ads during the launch of MIUI 12, this feature unfortunately didn’t make it to the global build. But don’t worry, you can still take back control of your phone and effectively purge those pesky ads from your experience. This guide walks you through the steps to remove those ads from MIUI 12, providing a cleaner and more enjoyable user experience.
Disabling the MSA Process
The MSA (MIUI System Ads) process is one of the primary culprits behind ads popping up in your stock Xiaomi apps. Here’s how to disable it:
Open the Settings app.
Navigate to Passwords & security > Authorization & revocation.
Disable the "msa" option in this menu. This will cut off the source of many ads.
Next, scroll down a bit and disable "GetApps" as well. This ensures you aren’t bombarded with app recommendations and promotions.
You’ll see a 10-second warning message. After the countdown, select Revoke. If it doesn’t allow you to turn it off initially, try again until it’s successfully disabled.
- Rest assured, even after rebooting your phone, MSA should remain disabled.
More Changes to Stop Seeing Ads in MIUI 12
While disabling MSA takes care of a significant portion of the ads, there are some additional tweaks you can make for a completely ad-free experience.
Disabling Personalized Ad Recommendations
Within the Password & security submenu, select Privacy.
- Tap on Ad services and disable Personalized ad recommendations. This prevents Xiaomi from collecting your data to provide targeted ads.
Turn Off Ads From Specific Apps
Xiaomi’s ads aren’t just limited to system-level functions; they extend to some of the pre-installed apps as well. Let’s take care of them individually:
Downloads App
Launch the Downloads app.
Tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) and then select Settings.
- Disable the toggle for "Show recommended content." You’ll get a prompt; simply select OK.
File Manager App
Open the File Manager app.
Tap the hamburger menu on the top left.
- Go to About > disable Recommendations.
Music App
Open the Music app.
Head to the hamburger menu > Service and settings.
Select Advanced settings > Receive recommendations.
- You can also disable Online recommendations on startup and Song recommendations here. Keep in mind that this will only turn off data collection from this app, not necessarily stop all ads within the app.
Security App
Open the Security app.
- Tap on the Settings button > Receive recommendations.
Themes App
Open the Themes app.
Go to My page > Settings.
- Disable the toggle for Recommendations.
Promoted Apps in Folders
Some default folders, such as Tools and More Apps, often display Promoted apps. You can get rid of them by:
Open the Tools and More Apps folder and long-press on the folder name to rename it.
- Turn off the toggle for Promoted apps.
Keep in Mind
While these methods are quite effective and should significantly reduce the number of ads you encounter, it’s important to note that:
Updates: Xiaomi occasionally releases software updates that might re-enable some of these features, including the MSA process. Be sure to check these settings after any update.
- Third-party apps: Some third-party apps might still show ads, even after you’ve disabled them on your phone. Consider using alternative apps in these cases.
Embrace a Cleaner MIUI Experience
Disabling ads on your Xiaomi phone is a simple process that can significantly enhance your user experience. By carefully following these steps and staying vigilant about any potential changes, you can gain control over your device and enjoy a cleaner, more efficient MIUI experience.
