Finding Android smartphones without bloatware can be quite a challenge, though there are a few exceptions. Xiaomi is one brand that has often fallen short in this area. Users frequently face the dual annoyance of numerous pre-installed apps and pervasive ads, which can significantly diminish the user experience. Xiaomi is now aiming to address this issue by decreasing the number of pre-installed apps on its devices. However, despite earlier rumors, the company has reportedly abandoned plans to introduce a single toggle to disable ads.
Last month, reports surfaced that Xiaomi was developing an easy method to disable ads on its smartphones. Specifically, a new toggle labeled “ads in system apps” was spotted in the settings menu of Xiaomi’s HyperOS. As its name implies, turning off this toggle would remove all ads within system apps.
However, Xiaomi has confirmed to Android Authority that it currently has no plans to implement such a toggle. The company explained that only a small fraction of users would likely discover and use this feature. Instead, Xiaomi prefers to focus on changes that are “easily accessible and beneficial to all of our users.”
While the absence of a universal ad-disabling toggle is disappointing, Xiaomi did indicate that it will reduce the number of pre-installed apps and content display entry pages on its devices. These improvements will be noticeable in upcoming flagship models.
Although the reduction in pre-installed apps is a positive development, it seems these changes will primarily affect flagship phones. Unfortunately, the issue of ads will persist, as Xiaomi has confirmed that it will not introduce a single toggle to remove them. This feature would have been highly useful, given that the current method for removing ads is quite cumbersome.
Currently, to eliminate ads from system apps on Xiaomi phones, users must disable the MSA (MIUI System Ads) app through the settings. This process is already complex, and users must still disable ads for each app individually within the settings menu.
In summary, while Xiaomi’s move to reduce pre-installed apps is a step in the right direction, the continued presence of ads without a simple disabling option remains a significant drawback for users.
