Xiaomi has spectacularly established itself as one of the world leaders in the market of Android mobile phones, especially in entry-level and mid-range models, thanks to a catalog with excellent value for money. If you're a Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO user, you've probably encountered the annoying message: “MSA has stopped working”This warning may appear repeatedly, interrupting normal use of the device and raising questions about its cause and solution.
In this article, we break down step by step What is the MSA error, why does it appear on Xiaomi phones, and how can you permanently fix it?, also integrating key information you won't find elsewhere. If you're looking for a practical solution, clear explanations, and alternatives to reduce or eliminate MIUI ads, read on.
Why is Xiaomi so popular and what's so special about its system?
Xiaomi's success is not only based on price, but also on a custom Android layer called MIUI, which stands out for offering exclusive functionalities such as infrared remote control, optimization tools, customizable themes, and, unfortunately for some, in-system advertising. This last feature is key to understanding why MSA exists and the conflicts that can arise.
Many of the brand's devices, both under the name Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, share components, designs, and software parts. While this helps keep costs down, it also means that System errors can be reproduced on multiple models simultaneously, as occurs with the MSA error.
However, these phones continue to be benchmarks, since they integrate advanced options present only in higher-range terminals, such as the aforementioned one. infrared sensor to use your phone as a remote control, or for advanced management of background apps.
What is MSA (MIUI System Ads) and why can't I remove it?
The term MSA corresponds to “MIUI System Ads”, a system application integrated into all Xiaomi mobile phones that manages personalized advertising displayed in various apps and system menus. This ad system is a tool Xiaomi uses to offset some of the low profit margins on its devices.
- MSA It is a native app: cannot be removed without root or superuser permissions.
- Allows you to see ads in the interface, for example, in the security app, browser, gallery, and other system modules.
- The message “MSA has stopped working” means that the service has experienced a failure and cannot continue to run normally.
The impossibility of uninstalling MSA conventionally is due to it being marked as a protected system application. However, it is possible. revoke permissions or partially disable the app using advanced settings.
Why do I get the “MSA has stopped working” error on Xiaomi?
When the mobile phone displays the recurring message "MSA has stopped working", we are facing a problem mostly related to the Android System WebView application or with faulty updates of Google ChromeBoth elements are responsible for enabling the display of web content within applications, and when they don't work properly, they can cause forced shutdowns in both MSA and other system apps.
- Android system WebView It is an essential component of Android that acts as a lightweight browser within other apps.
- If WebView crashes or is outdated, not only does MSA stop working, but apps like Gmail, Twitter, or Amazon can also close unexpectedly.
- The error may be linked to faulty automatic updates, version incompatibilities and, in less common cases, to problems with memory or cache management.
While this issue occasionally resolves itself after a new update, many users require manual intervention to stop seeing the error message and restore device stability.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix the "MSA Has Stopped Working" Error
The most effective method to permanently resolve the MSA error is to work with Android System WebView and Google Chrome, following these steps in order. Before starting, make sure you have internet access and that your battery is charged enough to avoid interruptions during the process.
- But Google Play Store. Use the search engine to locate Android system WebView.
- Update Android System WebView. If the “Update” option appears, click it to install the latest version.
- Do the same with Google Chrome. Open your Play Store listing and update it if any updates are pending.
- Restart your Xiaomi mobile. Wait for the system to fully boot.
After following these steps, most MSA error cases should be resolved. However, if the message persists, a more in-depth solution is necessary:
- Accede to Settings on your Xiaomi and enter Applications > Manage applications.
- Click on the three points from the top right corner and select “Show all applications. "
- Find and select “Android system WebView".
- Force stop: Tap this option to close the app completely.
- Uninstall updates: Select the option to delete conflicting versions and restore the original system version.
- Restart your Xiaomi again.
Restoring the default version of WebView should stop the error. If you wish, you can return to the Google Play Store to update WebView to the latest version after restarting.
What to do if Android System WebView is disabled
In some cases, WebView appears as inabilited because the system itself assigns that function to Google Chrome. If this happens, follow these specific steps:
- Sign in Settings > Applications > Manage applications.
- Search Google Chrome and select Disable temporarily.
- Go back to the list and locate Android system WebView.
- If disabled, click on Enable.
- Update WebView from the Google Play Store.
- Restart your device and once it's up and running, you can re-enable Google Chrome.
This method ensures that WebView resumes its function and repairs possible errors. management conflicts between the two components. This is especially useful when the system prioritizes Chrome for embedded web loads.
Advanced Techniques: Disable MSA Ads and Notifications in MIUI
If you want to go a step further and remove most ads from the system, you can revoke the MSA authorization from the settings. This feature doesn't delete the app, but it does prevent it from running ads—and in many cases, it helps prevent the error from appearing.
- Opens Settings > Passwords and security > Authorization and revocation.
- Search MSA (may appear in lowercase) and uncheck the box to revoke your authorization.
- Wait for the countdown and confirm the revocation when it ends.
The system may display an alert indicating that the app may stop working. Don't worry: this will only disable the ability to display ads, without affecting other essential functions of your Xiaomi.
If for any reason you want re-enable the MSA, repeat the previous steps and activate the corresponding box again.
Other solutions for persistent problems with MSA
In very rare cases, the error may continue to appear. Below are additional solutions and recommendations from specialized communities and official support:
- Clear WebView cache and data: From Settings > Apps > Android System WebView > Storage, clear cache and data. Restart your phone.
- Update all Google apps: Go to Google Play Store > Manage apps and device > Pending updates. Make sure to keep all your software up to date, as outdated apps can interfere with system performance.
- Disable MSA notifications: In Settings > Apps > Manage Apps > Find MSA > Notifications, set up notification blocking to stop receiving crash-related alerts.
Only in extreme situations, if none of the above solutions work, you may consider a factory reset (at your own risk and after making a backup copy). However, this is very rare, and most problems can be resolved with the steps provided.
FAQ about MSA error on Xiaomi
- Does the MSA error affect security or privacy?
- No. While it is visually annoying and may slow down your device, it does not compromise the security of your data.
- Can MSA be completely eliminated?
- Not through conventional methods, as it's a system app. You could try it with root permissions, but it's not recommended unless you're an advanced user.
- Does it affect other mobile brands?
- The bug is almost exclusively linked to Xiaomi, but a similar issue can occur in brands with highly customized layers and system ad management.
- What happens if I disable MIUI ads?
- The system will function as usual and without ads, although some automatic settings may re-enable certain modules after a major update.
Xiaomi devices, due to their large user base and MIUI peculiarities, can experience errors like MSA. However, the solution is available to any user without the need for root access or complex procedures.
After knowing in depth The causes of the "MSA has stopped working" message and all the ways to fix itYou can enjoy your Xiaomi mobile phone with the confidence that the vast majority of issues associated with this warning can be resolved quickly and easily. If similar errors occur in the future, remember to always keep your system and key apps updated from the Play Store; this way, you'll minimize inconvenience and get the most out of your device.
