Goodbye Ads: A Comprehensive Guide to Removing Ads from Your Xiaomi Phone

Xiaomi phones, while offering excellent value for money, are often criticized for the amount of advertising baked into their MIUI operating system. These ads can appear in various places, from the app drawer and settings menu to pre-installed apps and even system notifications. While Xiaomi has toned down the ad frequency in recent MIUI versions, they can still be intrusive and annoying. Fortunately, there are several methods you can employ to significantly reduce or even eliminate ads from your Xiaomi device. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, providing detailed instructions and screenshots where necessary, to help you reclaim your phone and enjoy a cleaner, ad-free experience.

Why Does Xiaomi Show Ads?

Before diving into the removal process, it’s essential to understand why Xiaomi incorporates ads into its phones. The primary reason is to subsidize the cost of their hardware. By generating revenue through advertising, Xiaomi can offer its devices at more competitive prices than its rivals. While this strategy benefits consumers looking for affordable phones, the trade-off is the presence of advertisements. Some argue that these ads are a necessary evil, allowing Xiaomi to provide feature-rich phones at a lower price point. However, most users find the sheer volume of ads disruptive and prefer a clean, ad-free interface.

Methods to Remove Ads from Your Xiaomi Phone

There are several ways to remove ads from your Xiaomi phone, ranging from simple toggle switches to more advanced techniques. We’ll cover each method in detail, starting with the easiest and progressing to the more involved options. Remember to follow each step carefully and at your own risk, as some changes might affect system functionality if done incorrectly.

1. Disabling Personalized Ad Recommendations (MSA)

MSA (MIUI System Ads) is responsible for serving personalized ad recommendations across the MIUI interface. Disabling MSA is one of the most effective ways to reduce the overall number of ads you see. Here’s how to do it:

* **Step 1: Open the Settings app.** Locate the Settings app icon on your home screen or app drawer and tap to open it.
* **Step 2: Navigate to Privacy.** Scroll down the Settings menu and find the “Privacy” option. Tap on it.
* **Step 3: Select Ad services.** Within the Privacy settings, look for “Ad services” and tap on it. On some MIUI versions, this may be under a category like “Advertisements”.
* **Step 4: Disable Personalized ad recommendations.** Toggle the switch next to “Personalized ad recommendations” to the off position. A confirmation popup might appear. Tap “Revoke” to confirm.
* **Step 5: Wait.** It may take a few seconds or minutes for the revocation process to complete. Ensure you have a stable internet connection during this time.

Disabling MSA will prevent Xiaomi from using your data to tailor ads to your interests, resulting in a more generic and less targeted ad experience. While this won’t eliminate all ads, it significantly reduces their relevance and frequency.

2. Disabling Ads in MIUI System Apps

Many of Xiaomi’s pre-installed system apps, such as Mi Browser, Mi File Manager, Mi Video, and GetApps, display ads. You can disable ads within each of these apps individually. Here’s a general guideline for disabling ads in system apps, but the exact steps may vary slightly depending on the specific app and MIUI version:

* **Step 1: Open the System App.** Launch the system app you want to configure (e.g., Mi Browser, Mi File Manager).
* **Step 2: Access the App’s Settings.** Look for a settings icon (usually three horizontal lines, three dots, or a gear icon) within the app’s interface. Tap on it to open the app’s settings menu.
* **Step 3: Find Privacy/Advertisements/Recommendations.** Within the settings menu, look for options related to privacy, advertisements, or recommendations. The exact wording may vary depending on the app and MIUI version.
* **Step 4: Disable Recommendations/Ads.** Toggle the switch or uncheck the box next to the relevant option to disable recommendations or advertisements. This option might be labelled as “Show recommendations”, “Personalized recommendations,” “Advertisements,” or something similar.

Let’s look at a few examples:

* **Mi Browser:** Open Mi Browser, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom-right corner, go to Settings > Privacy & security, and disable “Personalized services”.
* **Mi File Manager:** Open Mi File Manager, tap the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner, go to Settings > About, and disable “Recommendations”.
* **Mi Video:** Open Mi Video, tap the Profile icon (usually in the bottom-right corner), go to Settings > Online recommendations, and disable “Personalized recommendations”.
* **GetApps (Xiaomi’s App Store):** Open GetApps, tap on “Manager” (bottom right), then settings icon (top right). Disable “Recommendations” and “Personalized Recommendations.”

Repeat these steps for each system app that displays ads to minimize their presence. Be diligent in checking each pre-installed app, as ads can be hidden in unexpected places.

3. Disabling Contextual Suggestions in App Vault

App Vault, the screen to the left of your home screen, often displays contextual suggestions and promoted content. To disable these suggestions, follow these steps:

* **Step 1: Open App Vault.** Swipe right from your home screen to access App Vault.
* **Step 2: Access App Vault Settings.** Tap on the profile icon (usually in the top-left corner).
* **Step 3: Open Settings.** Scroll down and tap on the “Settings” option.
* **Step 4: Disable Suggestions.** Disable options such as “Contextual cards” or similar options that enable suggestions. You may need to experiment to identify the exact setting responsible for the ads.

By disabling contextual suggestions, you can remove much of the clutter and promoted content from App Vault, resulting in a cleaner and more useful experience.

4. Disabling Ads in Security App

The Security app is another source of ads on Xiaomi phones. Here’s how to disable them:

* **Step 1: Open the Security App.** Locate and open the Security app.
* **Step 2: Access Settings.** Tap on the gear icon in the top-right corner to access the app’s settings.
* **Step 3: Disable Recommendations.** Scroll down to the “Recommendations” section and disable the switch next to “Receive recommendations.”

Disabling recommendations in the Security app will prevent it from displaying promotional content and ads.

5. Removing Adware Using Third-Party Apps (Advanced – Use with Caution)

While the above methods can significantly reduce the number of ads on your Xiaomi phone, some persistent adware might remain. In such cases, you can consider using third-party apps designed to detect and remove adware. However, it’s crucial to exercise extreme caution when using such apps, as some can be malicious or ineffective. Stick to reputable apps from trusted developers with positive reviews and a proven track record. Read reviews carefully before installing anything. Look for apps on the Play Store that specifically target ad detection, rather than general ‘cleaner’ apps.

**Important Considerations Before Using Third-Party Apps:**

* **Research Thoroughly:** Before installing any app, research its developer, read reviews, and check its permissions. Be wary of apps that request excessive permissions or have a history of suspicious behavior.
* **Backup Your Data:** Before using any app that modifies system settings, back up your important data to prevent data loss in case something goes wrong.
* **Use a Reputable App:** Stick to well-known and reputable apps from trusted developers with positive reviews and a proven track record. Some examples (research before using, recommendations change): AdLock, Blokada.
* **Be Aware of Fake Apps:** The Google Play Store can sometimes contain fake or malicious apps that mimic legitimate ones. Double-check the developer’s name and app details before installing.
* **Consider Rooting (Expert Users Only):** Rooting your phone gives you more control over the system and allows you to install ad blockers that operate at the system level. However, rooting voids your warranty and can be risky if not done correctly. This is for expert users only.

**Example Usage Scenario (Disclaimer: This is an example; Always research any app before installing):**

Let’s say you are considering using AdLock. Before you download it, you should:

1. **Check the Developer:** Verify that the developer listed on the Google Play Store is the official AdLock developer.
2. **Read Reviews:** Read recent reviews from other users to see if they have had any positive or negative experiences with the app.
3. **Check Permissions:** Review the permissions that the app requests. Does it need access to your camera, contacts, or location? If so, why? Be cautious of apps that request unnecessary permissions.
4. **Scan with Antivirus:** After installing the app, run a scan with a reputable antivirus app to check for any malicious code.

Remember, using third-party apps to remove adware carries inherent risks. Proceed with caution and do your research to minimize the potential for harm.

6. Using a Custom ROM (Advanced – For Experienced Users Only)

For experienced users who are comfortable with flashing custom ROMs, installing a custom ROM can be the most effective way to remove ads from your Xiaomi phone. Custom ROMs often come without the bloatware and advertising that are present in MIUI. However, this method is significantly more advanced and carries a higher risk of bricking your device. It requires a deep understanding of Android and flashing procedures. It will also void your warranty.

**Warning:** Flashing a custom ROM is an advanced procedure that can potentially damage your phone if not done correctly. Proceed at your own risk and only if you are comfortable with the technical aspects involved. Make sure to back up all of your data before proceeding.

**General Steps for Installing a Custom ROM (These are GENERAL steps; specific instructions will vary depending on your phone model and the ROM you choose):**

1. **Unlock the Bootloader:** Unlocking the bootloader allows you to flash custom software onto your phone. This process is usually device-specific and may require obtaining permission from Xiaomi (which can take several days). Be aware that unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your phone.
2. **Install a Custom Recovery:** A custom recovery, such as TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), allows you to flash custom ROMs and perform other advanced tasks. You’ll need to flash the custom recovery image using ADB and Fastboot tools on your computer.
3. **Download a Custom ROM:** Choose a custom ROM that is compatible with your phone model and based on a version of Android that you prefer. Research the ROM thoroughly to ensure it is stable and reliable.
4. **Backup Your Current ROM (Optional but Recommended):** Before flashing the new ROM, create a backup of your current ROM using the custom recovery. This will allow you to restore your phone to its previous state if something goes wrong.
5. **Wipe Data and Cache:** In the custom recovery, wipe the data, cache, and Dalvik cache partitions. This will erase all of your data, so make sure you have backed up anything important.
6. **Flash the Custom ROM:** Use the custom recovery to flash the custom ROM zip file that you downloaded. This process may take several minutes.
7. **Flash GApps (Optional):** If the custom ROM does not include Google Apps (GApps), you’ll need to flash a separate GApps package after flashing the ROM.
8. **Reboot Your Phone:** After flashing the ROM and GApps (if applicable), reboot your phone. The first boot may take longer than usual.

**Popular Custom ROMs for Xiaomi Phones:**

* **LineageOS:** A popular and stable custom ROM based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
* **Pixel Experience:** A custom ROM that aims to provide a pure Google Pixel experience on your Xiaomi phone.
* **crDroid Android:** A feature-rich custom ROM with a focus on customization and performance.

Before choosing a custom ROM, research its features, stability, and compatibility with your phone model. Read reviews from other users to get an idea of their experiences. Always download ROMs from trusted sources to avoid malware.

7. Using ADB Commands to Disable System Apps (Advanced – Requires Technical Knowledge)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a command-line tool that allows you to communicate with your Android device from your computer. You can use ADB commands to disable system apps that display ads, even without rooting your phone. This method requires some technical knowledge and familiarity with using the command line.

**Prerequisites:**

* **Android SDK Platform Tools:** Download and install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your computer. These tools include ADB and Fastboot.
* **USB Debugging Enabled:** Enable USB debugging on your Xiaomi phone. To do this, go to Settings > About phone and tap on “MIUI version” seven times to enable Developer options. Then, go to Settings > Additional settings > Developer options and enable “USB debugging.”
* **Xiaomi USB Drivers:** Install the correct USB drivers for your Xiaomi phone on your computer. You can usually find these drivers on the Xiaomi website.

**Steps:**

1. **Connect Your Phone to Your Computer:** Connect your Xiaomi phone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. **Open a Command Prompt or Terminal:** Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
3. **Verify ADB Connection:** Type the following command and press Enter:

adb devices

If your phone is properly connected, you should see it listed in the output. If not, make sure you have installed the correct USB drivers and that USB debugging is enabled.

4. **Identify the Package Names of the Apps to Disable:** You need to identify the package names of the system apps that you want to disable. You can use a package name viewer app from the Google Play Store (e.g., Package Name Viewer) to find the package names. Some common apps to disable for ad removal include:

* **com.miui.msa.global:** MIUI System Ads
* **com.xiaomi.mipush:** Mi Push (for notifications; disabling may affect some app notifications)
* **com.miui.analytics:** MIUI Analytics
* Specific app package names (e.g., Mi Browser, Mi File Manager)

**Caution:** Be careful when disabling system apps, as disabling essential apps can cause system instability. Only disable apps that you are sure are not critical for system functionality.

5. **Disable the Apps Using ADB Commands:** Use the following command to disable each app, replacing `[package_name]` with the actual package name:

adb shell pm uninstall -k –user 0 [package_name]

For example, to disable MIUI System Ads, you would use the following command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k –user 0 com.miui.msa.global

6. **Repeat for Each App:** Repeat step 5 for each system app that you want to disable.

**Important Notes:**

* This method disables the apps for the current user (user 0). If you have multiple users on your phone, you’ll need to repeat the process for each user.
* The `-k` flag tells ADB to keep the app’s data directory, so you can re-enable the app later if needed.
* To re-enable a disabled app, use the following command, replacing `[package_name]` with the actual package name:

adb shell pm install-existing [package_name]

Using ADB commands to disable system apps is a powerful way to remove ads from your Xiaomi phone, but it requires technical knowledge and caution. Be careful when disabling apps, and only disable those that you are sure are not critical for system functionality.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate ads from your Xiaomi phone. Start with the simplest methods, such as disabling personalized ad recommendations and disabling ads in system apps. If you’re comfortable with more advanced techniques, you can consider using third-party apps or flashing a custom ROM. Remember to exercise caution when using third-party apps or flashing custom ROMs, as these methods carry inherent risks.

While completely eliminating ads on a Xiaomi phone may not be possible, these methods will undoubtedly provide a much cleaner and more enjoyable user experience. Remember to regularly review your settings and disable any new ad recommendations that may appear after MIUI updates. By taking these proactive steps, you can reclaim your phone and enjoy an ad-free experience that aligns with your preferences.

Ultimately, the choice of which methods to use depends on your technical skills and comfort level. Start with the easiest methods and gradually progress to the more advanced techniques if necessary. With a little effort, you can transform your ad-ridden Xiaomi phone into a clean and streamlined device.