How to restrict Internet access to a Xiaomi app: a complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS offer users a huge opportunity to customize the system. One of the most popular features for advanced users is selective network traffic management. Internet access restriction allows not only to save mobile traffic, but also to increase privacy by preventing data from being transferred to certain applications in the background. This is especially true for games that require constant connection for advertising, or for specific utilities whose network activity is suspicious.

Unlike standard Android versions, where third-party firewalls or root rights are often required for such manipulations, in the Xiaomi ecosystem these tools are built deep into the system. System-level access locking works even without root rights, making the process safe for the average user. You can flexibly adjust the rules: deny access only through the mobile network (3G/4G/5G), leaving Wi-Fi, or completely isolate the application from the network. In this article, we will discuss all available methods, from standard settings to hidden engineering menus.

Before we get to the concrete steps, it is important to understand the risks and benefits of completely isolating an application. Shutting down the Internet can lead to a service that is not working properly if it requires online authorization or synchronization. However, for local players, recorders or offline games, this is the ideal way to extend battery life and remove intrusive advertising.

Use of the built-in "Security" application

The easiest and most reliable way to manage network permissions is to use the regular Security app, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. This tool is front-end for system traffic settings and allows you to quickly change the access status for any installed programs. To get started, unlock the device and find a green icon with a shield on your desktop or in the Tools folder.

Once you start the app, you need to go to the traffic management section. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic remains the same. Find Data Transfer or Traffic. In the menu that opens, you will see Internet usage statistics, as well as a list of options at the bottom of the screen. We are interested in Restrict data use. By clicking on it, you will be placed in a list of all installed applications with switches for Wi-Fi and mobile data.

You can find any application on this list, like a gallery or a calculator, and you can deny it access to the network. The red cross means total ban, green means permission. It's important to note that the changes take effect instantly, without having to restart the device. If the application is already running, it can try to restore the connection, but the system will immediately terminate this request.

Be careful when disabling system services such as MIUI Daemon or System Services. While this can save traffic, in some cases it leads to errors in the operation of notifications or timing. Xiaomi warns about possible risks, but does not block user actions, relying on their awareness.

Configure through the system menu of applications

An alternative way to do the same is through the standard Android settings menu, which may seem more familiar to users who are switching from other smartphone brands, where access control is integrated directly into each app card. To get there, go to Settings → Apps → All apps.

In the list, find the app you want to restrict access to, tap it to open the information page, select Data usage from the menu, and you can see detailed statistics like how many megabytes are spent in the background, how many are in active mode, and you can also have switches to access the network, you need mobile data and Wi-Fi.

By disabling the sliders, you completely isolate the application from the external network. background activity can also be limited to a separate switch, which is useful for energy saving., in new versions of HyperOS, the interface can be slightly changed, but the keywords "Data" and "Wi-Fi" remain markers for the desired partitions.

The advantage of this method is that it works at the Android permission level, not just through the MIUI add-on. This ensures that even after you upgrade or reset your network settings, your preferences will remain. However, if the application has device administrator rights (rarely for conventional programs), it may ignore some restrictions.

Using No-Flight Mode for Individual Applications

Many users are unaware of the existence of a hidden but extremely useful feature in MIUI that allows you to turn on Flight Mode selectively for specific applications. This is not quite the same as blocking traffic, since the communication module also turns off, but the effect for the user is similar - the application remains without a network. This feature is especially useful for games to avoid pop-up ads during the passage.

To activate this option, reopen the Security app and go to the Battery section or look for the App airplane mode. In some firmware versions, this feature is hidden in the Tools within the security app menu. If you don't find it right away, search the settings by typing in "flight mode."

In the list that opens, you'll see all the games and apps installed. Just tick or switch against the right software. Now, when you run this app, the smartphone will automatically go into flight mode, turning off all the radios. Once you quit, the connection will automatically recover. This is a unique feature of the Xiaomi shell, which is not in the stock Android.

⚠️ Note: Using selective flight mode may interrupt incoming calls and instant messenger messages while the application is running.

Parental controls and user profiles

If your goal is to restrict your child’s access to certain sites or apps, standard traffic blocking techniques may not be enough, with Parental Control tools and profile creation coming to the rescue. Xiaomi integrates Google Family Link services that allow you to remotely manage Internet access on your child’s device.

In addition, in the system settings (Settings → Advanced Settings → Second Space), you can create an isolated environment. In the Second Space, you can not install browsers or game applications, leaving only educational content. Internet access in this space can also be limited through a password that only the owner of the main profile knows.

To fine-tune it, use Google Family Link, which allows you to set time limits and block Internet access for specific applications at a given time of day, a more flexible tool than simply blocking traffic because it works on a schedule.

Table of comparison of blocking methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you quickly navigate the possibilities of each method and understand which one is best for your particular situation.

As you can see from the table, Xiaomi’s standard tools are the most optimal for most tasks. They do not require complex settings and do not land the battery as hard as a constant work. VPN-Third-party solutions should be considered only if the standard functionality is categorically lacking.

Hidden functions and ADB-team

For advanced users who are not afraid of the command line, there is the ability to manage network permissions through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to automate the process or apply settings that are hidden in the GUI. To work, you will need a computer and enabled debugging over USB on your smartphone.

The command to deny access to mobile data is as follows: you need to know the exact name of the application package (for example, com.facebook.katana).

adb shell appops set --uid com.facebook.katana INTERNET deny

Use the same command to return access, replacing deny with allow. This method works at the Android level and is very reliable. ADB-commands can cause system instability. Always check the name of the packet before entering the command.

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You can find out the name of the application package in the Play Market store in the browser address bar (after app?id=) or by installing any application manager from the Play Market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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System traffic blocking in MIUI is a powerful tool that allows you to fully control the network activity of each application without the need to install additional software.