How to completely disable data transfer to Xiaomi: 7 working ways

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are known for their functionality, but many users face the problem of excessive data transfer in the background. This not only consumes Internet traffic, but can also compromise privacy. The manufacturer collects telemetry to improve services, and preinstalled applications often exchange data with servers even without your knowledge.

In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can limit data transfer, from standard MIUI settings to hidden settings for power users, how to turn off statistics, block ad services, and minimize background activity. Importantly, some methods require developer rights or root access, but most are accessible to everyone.

1. Disconnection of statistics and diagnostics collection

Xiaomi, by default, collects device usage data to "improve user experience." This feature is called MIUI Optimization, and it works even if you turn off "Sending Error Reports." To completely deactivate it:

Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap version 7 times to activate developer mode.

1. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers
2. Find the option to Disable MIUI Optimization and activate it
3. Reset the device

After that, additional data collection services will be disabled, and for complete certainty, also deactivate:

• 📊 Settings → Memory. → Autocleaning (disables sending memory usage data)
• 🔍 Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Special access → Battery Optimization (remove the tick from system applications)
• 📈 Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account. → Synchronization (disable unnecessary items)

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If some system applications have started to malfunction after MIUI Optimization has been disabled, return the setup back.This is normal behavior for some Redmi models on older versions of MIUI.

2. Block background data transmission for applications

Many applications continue to use the Internet even when they are folded, and MIUI has built-in tools to limit this:

Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Data Use. Here you will see a list of applications, sorted by traffic consumption. Tap on any application and select:

• 🚫 Prohibit background data transmission (completely blocks access to the Internet in a folded state)
• ⚠️ Restrict the use of mobile data (only Wi-Fi allows)
• 🔄 Reset statistics (useful for monitoring)

Pay special attention to system applications:

Important: Disabling system applications through settings can cause MIUI to work unstable. Root access is required to completely remove them.

3.Using a VPN to block trackers

If you want to have full control over what data your smartphone sends, you can use a VPN with tracker locking, such as NetGuard or Blokada, which allows you to:

• 🛡️ Block connections to specific domains (e.g. data.mistat.xiaomi.com)
• 📡 Control the traffic of applications in real time
• 🔗 Create white/blacklists for domains

Instructions for NetGuard:

1. Install the application from F-Droid (the rootless version)
2. Turn it on. VPN-mode
3. Go to the Domain rules tab and add domains to block:

data.mistat.xiaomi.com


sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com




tracker.ai.xiaomi.com

For power users: You can export connection logs and analyze them through Wireshark to identify hidden trackers.

4. Disabling MIUI advertising services

One of the main sources of background activity is Xiaomi's ad services, which not only display banners, but also constantly exchange data with servers to turn them off:

Method 1 (without root):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Type in msa (Mi System Ads)
3. Select com.miui.systemAdSolution and click Disable
4. Similarly, disable com.xiaomi.midrop (Mi Drop) and com.miui.analytics.

Method 2 (with root):

• 📱 Install Titanium Backup or SD Maid
• 🗑️ Find and remove the packages:

com.miui.systemAdSolution


com.xiaomi.mipicks




com.xiaomi.midrop




com.miui.analytics

After removing the advertising modules, you will notice:

• ⚡ Reducing battery consumption by 5-15%
• 📉 Reduce background traffic to 30%
• 🚀 Faster operation of the interface

5. Set up firewall via ADB

For advanced users, there is a way to completely block the network activity of system applications through ADB. This requires a connection to a computer, but gives maximum control.

Instructions:

1. Install Platform Tools from Google
2. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command:

adb shell pm block-network com.miui.analytics


adb shell pm block-network com.miui.systemAdSolution

To see all applications with network access, use:

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep "INTERNET"

To cancel the lock:

adb shell pm unblock-network com.miui.analytics

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The ADB lock persists even after resetting, but can be removed when you update MIUI.This method does not require root rights, but requires re-use after each major update.

6. Alternative firmware (for experienced)

If you want maximum privacy, consider installing custom firmware. Popular options for Xiaomi:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary services
• 🛡️ GrapheneOS – firmware with a focus on security
• 🔧 Pixel Experience – Android as in Google Pixel

Advantages of custom firmware:

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty and may lead to unstable operation of the device:

⚠️ Make a full backup through TWRP Or Orange Backup. ⚠️ Check firmware compatibility with your model in the forum XDA Developers ⚠️ Make sure the battery charge is at least 60%

7. Additional security measures

In addition to disabling data transfer, we recommend:

• 🔒 Install AFWall+ flexible firewall management
• 📋 Use Exodus Privacy to analyze tracker applications
• 🔄 Regularly check application permissions in Settings → Annexes → Permits
• 🛡️ Disable Mi Cloud if you are not syncing

To verify the effectiveness of the measures taken:

1. Install GlassWire to monitor traffic
2. Use PCAPdroid to capture network packets
3. Check the connections via netstat in Termux:

netstat -tulnp | grep -E 'ESTABLISHED|TIME_WAIT'

If after all the manipulations, some applications stopped working, try:

• Temporarily allow them access to the network
• Use Island to Isolate Problem Apps
• Find alternatives in F-Droid

Frequently asked questions