How to Block Ads on Xiaomi Phones

Xiaomi's Ad Integration Strategy

Xiaomi phones are known for their lower price points, especially outside the US market. This affordability is partly achieved by integrating a significant number of advertisements directly into the user interface and pre-installed applications. These ads appear across various parts of the phone's software, from file management tools to music players and the basic UI.

Disabling System-Level Ads

To begin reducing ads, users should disable the MIUI System Ads (MSA) app. This can be done by navigating to Settings > Passwords & Security (or Fingerprints, face data, and screen lock on HyperOS) > Authorization & revocation, and toggling off 'msa'. Following this, users should go back to Passwords & Security and access Privacy > Ad Services to turn off 'Personalized ad recommendations' (or 'Personalize ads').

Managing Ads in Individual Applications

Beyond system-wide settings, ads can be disabled within specific Xiaomi applications. For the Downloads app, users can go into its Settings and turn off 'Show Recommended Content'. In the Themes app, 'Personalized recommendations' and 'Show ads' should be toggled off. The Music app requires navigating to Settings > Advanced Settings to turn off 'Show Ads'. For Mi Browser, users can find 'Personalized services' under Settings > Privacy and Security and disable it.

Addressing Ads in Security and File Manager

The Security app requires a slightly different approach: users need to tap the hexagon icon in the top-right, turn off 'Receive recommendations', and then proceed to the Cleaner section to also turn off 'Receive recommendations'. For the File Manager, on older MIUI Xiaomi phones, ads can be disabled by tapping the three lines in the top left, going to Settings > About, and then turning off 'Recom'.