Xiaomi to cut down bloatware but system ads are here to stay

Xiaomi phones have long been praised for their affordability and feature-packed offerings. However, a persistent issue for users is the presence of ads within the user interface (UI). While it is possible to disable these ads, the process is complex and falls short of user expectations. A recent leak suggested that Xiaomi may finally be working to bring a single toggle to switch off system ads entirely. But in a move likely to disappoint many users, the company has now confirmed that this toggle won’t be making an appearance on its Android skin anytime soon.

Xiaomi’s Stance on Ads

In a statement to Android Authority, Xiaomi noted its plans to improve the user experience by reducing pre-installed apps and “content display entry pages,” hinting at a potential decrease in bloatware. However, the statement explicitly rejected the idea of a dedicated ad-disabling toggle. The company said

“We are re-optimizing our business strategy in this regard to improve the user experience through reducing pre-installed apps and content display entry pages. Users should be able to see these results quite soon in our upcoming flagships. However, our philosophy is to make changes that are easily accessible and beneficial to all of our users, so we aren’t currently planning to add a toggle that realistically, only a small amount of users would discover and use”.

Surely a single toggle for system-wide ads would be more accessible and beneficial than the current approach. Users currently need to disable the MSA app, which is buried deep in the settings menu. This doesn’t disable ads in system apps, though, so you’ll need to visit the settings menu in each app (e.g., File Manager, Music, Downloads) to disable them.

This tedious process stands in stark contrast to the simple solution users were hoping for. While the news of reduced bloatware is positive, it doesn’t address the core issue, which is the issue of ad removal. It is quite sad that a one-stop shop for toggling system ads won’t be coming to HyperOS or MIUI any time soon. Xiaomi’s reason for refusing a single toggle seems disingenuous. This is because the current system requires users to go deep into settings menus across multiple apps.

It remains to be seen if Xiaomi will reconsider its stance in the future. Until then, users yearning for a streamlined ad-free experience may need to look elsewhere or resign themselves to the current convoluted approach.

The appeal of Xiaomi Phones

Xiaomi phones have gained popularity due to their pricing and feature-rich nature. Users like the value these devices offer, often comparing them favourably to more expensive brands. Despite this, the presence of ads within the UI has been a consistent sore point for many. Ads can be intrusive and detract from the overall user experience. This makes the process of disabling them a major concern for many Xiaomi users.

However, it is also good to note that ads are one way that the company can make money. If the device is cheap and it is offering features comparable to more pricey brands, it means the company is getting its money from somewhere else, ads.

The idea of a single toggle to disable all system ads is good for users but this could hurt Xiaomi. It would offer a quick and easy solution to the distraction and enhance user experience. However, if Xiaomi makes this happen, it may have to increase the prices of its devices, something it will not like to do. So, the company’s confirmation that this feature won’t be coming anytime soon does not come as a huge surprise. Nevertheless, it dashed the hopes of Xiaomi fans who were hopeful.

Despite this, the current focus of Xiaomi is a good starting point. Just like ads, pre-installed apps and content display entry pages can be a big distraction in the system. So, reducing them is a step in the right direction. In the future, the company will likely do more to ensure that it keeps its users.

User Reaction & Impact

The reaction to Xiaomi’s stance on not introducing a single toggle has been largely negative. Users feel that a simple toggle would be a more accessible and beneficial solution than the current approach. The requirement to disable ads across multiple settings menus is seen as unnecessarily complicated. Many users feel that Xiaomi’s justification for not introducing a toggle, claiming it would only be used by a small number of users, is not sincere. This perception is compounded by the fact that the current method is cumbersome and not easily accessible to the average user. System ads can be very frustrating to users, especially disruptive ones like pop-ups and auto-play videos. Users often find such ads intrusive, leading to feelings of annoyance and frustration.

Conclusion

As Xiaomi continues to evolve its business strategy, it remains to be seen whether the company will revisit the idea of a single ad-disabling toggle. User feedback will likely play a crucial role in this decision. For now, users who want a streamlined, ad-free experience may need to look at other brands or continue with the multi-step process. Xiaomi’s commitment to reducing bloatware is a positive step, but it doesn’t fully address the ad issue. A more straightforward solution, like the proposed toggle, would go a long way in enhancing the user experience. Xiaomi’s decision to forego a single toggle for disabling system-wide ads is a disappointment for many users. Users hope that Xiaomi will reconsider its stance and introduce a simpler, more accessible solution in the future. Until then, the struggle with intrusive ads and a complicated disabling process continues.