…and prevent massive data collection. This is how I do it, although not completely foolproof it’s good enough for the majority of users who are concerned about their privacy but don’t know what to do.
1. Flash MIUI EU ROM. GDPR and privacy laws in the EU have made it so that Xiaomi requires permissions for data collection to almost any app they have running on your device. You can disagree or reject when the permission is requested. Also inside Settings -> Password & Security -> Authorization & Revocation you can turn off additional data collection permissions.
2. Debloat using Szaki [Fastboot ADB](https://github.com/Szaki/XiaomiADBFastbootTools) to get rid of virtually everything Xiaomi (except Themes, UniPlay and MiConectService & Security otherwise you risk bricking your phone)
3. Use [nextdns.io](https://nextdns.io) custom DNS that offers Operating System level tracker blocking. ([nextdns.io](https://nextdns.io) \-> Privacy -> Native Tracking Protection -> Xiaomi). Once you have configured your AdBlocker list and other settings on nextdns, go to the Setup tab on nextdns and grab the DNS-over-TLS link. Put that link under Settings -> Connection & Sharing -> Private DNS on your Xiaomi phone.
4. Turn off recommendations/data collection/personalized services/feedback from Settings app, Themes app, Security App & any other Xiaomi apps that you have left on the device. This is painful and slow, but essential.
5. If you use Gboard or another keyboard, go into permissions and turn off communication via Data & Wifi. You can also do this for apps you don’t trust. This essentially cuts off their connection to the internet.
I recommend removing Gboard using the debloat tool mentioned above and getting Openboard instead. No permissions required by the app.
Thanks u/white_carbon, u/4tmuelle and u/pol-der for additional helpful information.
[Edit 1] Since there are so many comments about nextdns.io, here’s another tip. You can ensure Adblocking for your entire household if you plug the DNS Servers found on nextdns.io -> Setup -> LinkedIP in your router DNS. Each router has a different interface panel for doing this so I’m not going to discuss how to do it but you can do a quick Google search for “Custom DNS for
I did not realise this was going to explode, but as long as I can share useful information, I will. Thanks for reading.
Note that removing certain services [allegedly wrecks the casting functionality](https://www.reddit.com/r/Xiaomi/comments/em1ke6/xiaomi_mi_9_lite_miui_11_cast_function_not_working/fdm71qd?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3).
That’s for MIUI custom ROMs. Just get rid of MIUI altogether, use Lineage, PE, or Havoc.
Another question if you don’t mind, will nextdns still work if im connected to a VPN?
If you want to use conventional vpns then it is better to use a custom DNS for ad blocking system-wide. Apps like adguard uses the local VPN connection so it doesn’t allows you to connect using other VPN. I personally use dns.adguard.com as my custom DNS for ad blocking.
damn weird factory reset update etc
you can get some shady apps from the play store also.
Same I haven’t had any issues so far , also purchased from Amazon (UK)
What’s the different between them? Which version is better?
by adguard default block list you mean adguard dns filter or adguard mobile ads filter?
I got mine from Amazon and I’m yet to have issues with any native app, is that an issue only with local roms?
you must have downloaded something really shady to get something like that, or visited some shady websites.
Uninstalled a bunch of apps. This is 10T Lite direct from Xiaomi EU
I’ve stopped using customized MIUI ROMs after i checked their internet traffic, which showed me that core/system components (on which the functionality of the ROM depends heavily) contact chinese servers regurarly
Can’t remember the details but this is what i experienced, moved to LineageOS since then
Hahaha only shady app I installed was gcam and I don’t go on shady websites. It must have been an app from play store as I’ve uninstalled a bunch more apps and it’s not showing
Use blockada app. It block ads and trackers. Download it from their official website.
I’ve done it no effect
cool ty
Do you actually need an EU rom or just select an EU country? I stop getting ads after setting my country as Spain.
try the cleaner, look for unsuspecting apps ,u might have a fake rom
I’m getting a really annoying advert that I can’t seem to get rid of. Every so often after I unlock my phone I get a full screen advert for Play store, I’ve revoked access to almost everything but I can’t seem to get rid of it. Can anyone help ? https://imgur.com/gallery/qDOXPNS
https://github.com/Szaki/XiaomiADBFastbootTools
This tool will definitely help you
How to do step 5 using gboard on Poco x3??
Any idea, I’ve removed some apps but still getting it https://imgur.com/gallery/qDOXPNS
Yeah to some extent I agree, I also have read good things about the Poco’s I got a Mi9T Pro around a year ago and been very happy with it. but ofc they do have issues like the annoying Mi stuff.
I’ll have to start uninstalling apps until I find it I think
Using blokoda it was crazy to see the amount of times Xiaomi phone home. Definitely good to take the time to say no to tracking as much as possible.
Don’t you know that here you can only praise Xiaomi. No criticism allowed. Just praise.
I don’t have it. Do you have any idea about this please https://imgur.com/gallery/qDOXPNS
remember when he’s talking about MIUI EU he is NOT talking about [xiaomi.eu](https://xiaomi.eu) but european miui stock rom don’t get it confused also don’t lock bootloader on european rom if your device had chinese miui by stock, it will cause brick
In developer options you should have a “Show CPU usage” option. It displays in the upper right corner of the screen the most demanding processes in real time. So it might give you the name of the app you are looking for when the ad pops up (or at least a process name to google, to then, retreive the guilty app).
Most likely because those versions are based on the Chinese MIUI rom.
When you see the ad, try to go the recent menu / open apps and see if the ad is showing open in an app to know which one is causing it.
Never get this, I use MIUI as is
yes 100%
You have a very valid point, it’s just good bang for the price imo. But they do have problems and need to do some stuff on them, but overall decent enough phones. Also about your question don’t have a clue.
thanks for recommending me nextdns its really great it also can block ads in games and apps really great app
Thanks!
IDK, I absolutely hate how MIUI looks, so I don’t use it. However, I think ROMs like lineage actually run better due to being very close to AOSP and with no bloat.
seems like a rogue apk
Can I turn off the switch of revoke and auth of everything?
dont like it dont buy
Do I have to install the nextdns app if Im already connected to next dns through the private dns option on my settings? On the setup it already says “All good”, even though I still don’t have the nextdns app. Sorry for noob question
go to phone settings and enable developer options, and usb debugging, after that whenever you get the ad keep it on screen -> connect your phone to a PC that has adb and check the current running app it will give you the package name of the app showing ads then you can uninstall or disable it
Do not know what that is but I installed the vpn you suggested and see whethe it will help. I will try take a screenshot next time it happens
OP is talking about official European MIUI. Not the custom xiaomi.eu rom.
why would I turn logs off?
Thanks… Xiaomi collects a lot of data, i also use the zepp app because i have a zepp watch and mi home too…