You set up your new Xiaomi phone expecting the usual: solid performance, clean design, and the kind of features you’d normally pay twice as much for. But instead of just exploring your apps, you’re swiping away pop-up ads—in the Music app, File Manager, even Downloads. It’s not just annoying. It feels baked in.
These aren’t random pop-ups or shady third-party junk. They’re baked into Xiaomi’s own apps—and if you don’t know where to look, they’ll keep coming back. The good news is you can get rid of them—with the right steps.
Why Does Xiaomi Use Ads?
Understanding why Xiaomi incorporates ads into its MIUI and HyperOS operating systems requires a peek into its business model. Xiaomi’s hardware profit margins are famously capped at just 5%. This razor-thin margin allows the company to offer high-quality phones at jaw-dropping prices. To balance the books, Xiaomi relies on additional revenue streams, such as software services, ecosystem products, and—you guessed it—ads.
According to Counterpoint Research, Xiaomi’s ad strategy has helped the brand climb to the third spot globally, holding a 13–15% market share in recent quarters. But as more users come into the fold, the demand for ad-free options keeps growing. If you’re one of them, good news: you don’t have to keep swiping them away forever.
How to Start Blocking Ads on Xiaomi Phones
Now that you understand why Xiaomi shows ads, it’s time to take back control. Whether you’re dealing with pop-up ads in pre-installed apps or subtle suggestions in folders, removing them is easier than you think.
Step 1: Disable MSA App
The first step in cleaning up your Xiaomi is turning off MSA (MIUI System Ads)—a built-in service that quietly pushes sponsored content across various parts of the interface.
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Passwords & Security (or Fingerprints, Face Data, and Screen Lock in HyperOS).
- Tap Authorization & Revocation.
- Scroll to MSA and toggle it off.
- A warning message will pop up—wait for 10 seconds and confirm by tapping Revoke.
Once MSA is disabled, you’ll notice fewer ads right away.
Step 2: Turn Off Personalized Ad Recommendations
Even with MSA turned off, Xiaomi still finds ways to push ads through personalized recommendations based on your usage. While they’re less intrusive, they’re still unwelcome for most users.
- Go to Settings > Passwords & Security (or Fingerprints, Face Data, and Screen Lock).
- Tap Privacy.
- Tap Ad Services.
- Toggle off Personalized Ads.
Turning off this setting won’t eliminate ads entirely, but it ensures Xiaomi won’t tailor them based on your behavior. It’s a small but meaningful step toward greater privacy.
Step 3: Remove Ads from Pre-installed Apps
Ads are baked into many Xiaomi apps, including the Security app, Mi Video, and Themes app. Removing these ads requires diving into the settings of each app, but the payoff is a cleaner, less cluttered experience.
How to Disable Ads in Specific Apps
| Apps | Steps to Disable Ads |
|---|---|
| GetApps | – Open GetApps – Select My Profile – Hit the gear icon – Choose Privacy – Disable Personalized Recommendations |
| Game Center | – Launch Game Center – Click the gear icon – Go to Privacy & Security – Open Personalized Recommendations – Turn off Personalized Content |
| Security App | – Launch Security – Click the gear icon (top-right) – Turn off Receive Recommendations |
| File Manager | – Open File Manager – Press ☰ (top-left menu) – Navigate to Settings > About – Disable Recommendations |
| Mi Browser | – Launch Mi Browser – Select Profile (bottom-right) – Go to Settings > Privacy & Security – Disable Personalized Services |
| Music App | – Open Music – Tap ☰ (top-left menu) – Navigate to Settings > Advanced Settings – Disable Show Ads |
| Themes App | – Open Themes – Go to My Page (bottom-right) – Select Settings – Turn off Recommendations |
| Downloads App | – Open Downloads – Click ⋮ (top-right menu) – Tap Settings – Disable Show Recommended Content |
| Mi Video | – Launch Mi Video – Click the Profile icon (bottom-right) – Head to Settings – Turn off Online Recommendations |
| Cleaner | – Open the Cleaner app – Tap the gear icon (top-right) – Disable Receive Recommendations |
Step 4: Disable Promoted Apps in Folders
Ever noticed the ‘Today’s Recommendations’ banner in folders like ‘Tools’ or ‘More Apps’? It’s just another technique Xiaomi uses to promote additional apps. Fortunately, they’re easy to turn off.
- Open the folder displaying promoted apps.
- Tap the folder name.
- Toggle off Today’s Recommendations or Promoted Apps.
Step 5: Change Your Device Region
Here’s a lesser-known trick: Xiaomi devices in regions like Europe and the U.S. often show fewer ads due to stricter privacy regulations. In contrast, places like Asia and Africa tend to have looser rules, so ad frequency is usually higher. Switching your region to one with tougher privacy laws can reduce the number of ads you see.
- Go to Settings > Additional Settings > Region.
- Select a European country such as Spain or France.
- Restart your phone.
Step 6: Advanced Options for Power Users
If you’re ready to go beyond Xiaomi settings, there are two smart methods to completely stop ads at the source. One removes them entirely through a custom ROM, while the other filters them out at the network level using DNS or ad-blocking apps.
Option 1: Install a Custom ROM
Flashing a ROM like Xiaomi EU gives you an ad-free system. But it comes with downsides: you’ll need to back up your phone, unlock bootloader, follow flashing instructions carefully, and accept that your warranty is gone. This method isn’t risk-free—one mistake can brick your device.
Option 2: Block Ads Using AdGuard or Private DNS
Using AdGuard (App-based filter):
- Download AdGuard app from the official website.
- Launch the app and follow the on-screen setup.
- Grant VPN access when asked—this allows the app to filter traffic locally.
- Once enabled, it blocks ads in most apps.
Using DNS (No app needed):
- Open Settings > More connectivity options > Private DNS.
- Select Private DNS provider hostname.
- Enter one of the following:
dns.adguard.com(for AdGuard)dns.nextdns.io(for NextDNS — requires setup on their site)
- Tap Save.
Once applied, this method can permanently block all ads from Xiaomi, without extra apps running in the background or slowing things down.
What Happens After You Remove Ads?
You’ll notice an immediate difference. Your Xiaomi phone will feel faster, cleaner, and more enjoyable to use. Gone are the unwanted pop-ups, replaced by a streamlined interface that lets you focus on what matters most.
However, keep in mind that some settings might reset after system updates, requiring you to repeat certain steps. The effort, though, is well worth it.
Final Thoughts
Xiaomi’s business model is built on offering incredible value at a low price, and ads are the trade-off. But that doesn’t mean you have to endure them.
By disabling the MSA app, turning off personalized ads, tweaking individual app settings, changing your region, or using DNS and ROM-based solutions, you can enjoy a nearly ad-free experience without compromising the features that make Xiaomi devices so appealing.
Have you tried any of these steps on your Xiaomi device? Got a better trick for killing the ads? Drop it in the comments—we’re all ears.