Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, running on the shells MIUI and HyperOS, offer users a wide range of customization interface. One of the most popular features for active users is the ability to constantly monitor the speed of incoming and outgoing traffic, this is especially true for those who regularly download large files, stream video in high resolution or just want to monitor the consumption of mobile traffic in real time.
Unfortunately, by default, this option is often hidden or disabled in standard system settings to avoid cluttering the status bar with unnecessary elements. Many device owners do not even suspect that the speed indicator is already built into the firmware and does not require the installation of third-party applications. To activate it, you need to know the exact path in the settings menu, which may vary slightly depending on the Android version and regional build.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways to display traffic information on the lock screen and in the top notification bar. We will look at the regular system tools, the use of widgets for the desktop, and also touch on the nuances of working with the engineering menu for advanced users. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to effectively manage the network connection of your gadget.
Activation of the speed indicator in system settings
The easiest and most reliable way to see the current data rate is to use the built-in function of the system, which does not consume battery power additionally, since it is a native part of the shell, and first you need to unlock the device and go to the main application menu.
Find the Settings icon and click on it. In the list that opens, look for the section related to notifications and status bar. Depending on the version of your firmware (Chinese, global or European), the path may vary, but the logic remains the same. You usually need to find the Notifications item and the status bar or the Lock Screen.
Inside this menu, you'll need to find a switch that displays digital speeds, which can be called Internet Speed or Network Speed. Once you activate the slider in the upper right corner of the screen, next to the Wi-Fi or mobile icons, you'll see numbers showing the amount of data you're transmitting per second (kB/s or MB/s).
☑️ Speed activation check
It's worth noting that some HyperOS devices may have changed their location, and if you don't find a switch in that location, try searching for the settings, type the word "speed" or "traffic" into the search box, and the system will come up with the menu item it wants, and it's a universal method that works even when you have a deep localization of the interface.
Setting up speed widgets on the desktop
An alternative way to monitor traffic is to use widgets on the home screen, which is convenient because it allows you to see not only the current speed, but also the overall statistics of data usage for the month, widgets can be either standard or downloaded from the theme store.
To add a widget, you need to pinch the empty area on your desktop with your finger before the edit menu appears. At the bottom of the screen, select Widgets. In the list that opens, find a category associated with tools or network. Often, this is the Traffic Monitor or Speed test element.
Drag the selected widget to the free screen space. Some widgets require additional settings when you first start. You may need to set a traffic limit or select a SIM card if there are two in the device. Once set up, the widget will display information even without unlocking the phone, if it is placed on the lock screen (with support for this feature).
If you use a widget with frequent data updates, this may have a slight impact on the autonomy of the device. To save energy, it is better to use static widgets updated on a schedule, or return to the system indicator in the curtain.
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Use widgets only on the main screens where they are really needed. Placing a large number of active widgets on all desktops can lead to accelerated battery discharge.
Use of the Application Security and Statistics
Each Xiaomi smartphone has a Security system app preinstalled, which includes many useful utilities, one of which is the traffic control module, which allows you to not only see the speed, but also adjust the restrictions to keep you from exceeding the operator's limits.
Launch the Security app and select Data Transfer or Traffic Statistics. This shows you detailed information about Internet usage by each app installed. At the top of the screen, there is often a settings button (cogwheel) where you can activate the speed display in a floating window or status bar.
This section allows you to set a daily or monthly limit, and when you get close to a given threshold, the system will notify you, which is especially useful when using mobile Internet for roaming or for limited gigabyte rates.
⚠️ Note: When you reset your security settings or delete updates, all traffic limits and statistics you set may be reset.
In addition, you can customize network behavior for individual applications in this section, for example, you can prevent certain programs from using mobile Internet by allowing only Wi-Fi. This helps to avoid background downloads of updates over the mobile network, which is also displayed in the speed indicator.
Problems with displaying speed on Wi-Fi and 4G
Users often experience a situation where the speed indicator is turned on in the settings, but the numbers do not appear or show zero values. This can occur for several reasons related to both software and signal quality.
First, check if the Internet itself is active. The indicator shows the data rate only when packet exchange is done. If you just hold the phone in your hands and no apps are working, the speed will be 0 or the indicator may disappear to save space. Try to start a file download or open a heavy page in the browser.
Second, the problem may be a design conflict, where if you've installed a third-party theme from MIUI Themes, it can overlap the system elements of the status bar, some themes don't support Internet speed output or make the font unreadable, so try switching to a standard theme.
- 📶 Weak signal: In poor network coverage, the communication module may often lose connection, which will cause the speed indicator to constantly blink or show erratic values.
- 🔄 System error: A temporary failure in the work of the network services of Android can block the output of information.
- 🛡️ Antivirus: Third-party memory cleanup applications or antiviruses can block access to system API, traffic-monitoring.
If the problem persists after rebooting and changing the theme, try resetting your network settings. This won't delete your personal data, but will return the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile settings to factory values.The path to this feature: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.
Comparison of methods of traffic monitoring
To help you choose how to control your internet speed, we have developed a comparison table that will help you understand which method is best for you, depending on your needs and smartphone model.
| Method | Impact on the battery | Accuracy of data | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status bar (Settings) | Minimum | High (real time) | Maximum (always in sight) |
| A widget on the desktop | Average. | Tall. | Medium (need to be unlocked) |
| Security Annex | Low (only at launch) | Statistical | Low (you need to open the menu) |
| Third-party annexes | High. | Depends on the app. | Different. |
As you can see from the table, the native method through system settings is the best for most users, it provides a balance between informativeness and power consumption. Third-party applications only make sense if you need advanced analytics, connection history or logging.
It’s also worth mentioning that on older Xiaomi models with low RAM (RAM), the use of heavy widgets or third-party monitoring can lead to the unloading of background applications.The system will force processes to close to free up resources for displaying widget graphics.
Additional settings and engineering menu
For advanced users who did not find the desired option in the standard menu, there is access to advanced settings through the engineering menu or ADB-However, using these methods requires caution, because wrong actions can lead to unstable operation of the system.
One way is to use commands. ADB (Android Debug Bridge to change hidden flags, you need to connect your phone to your computer, enable debugging. USB and enter a command to change the global setting show_traffic. However, on the modern versions MIUI This method is often blocked or requires root rights.
adb shell settings put global show_traffic 1Another option is to use special codes in the dial menu to log into the engineering menu (for example, ##6484## or #4636##), which can check the modem status and signal quality, which indirectly affects the displayed speed. If the communication module is not working correctly, the system may not output speed data.
⚠️ Warning: Changing the parameters in the engineering menu without understanding their purpose can lead to signal loss, inability to make calls, or even software damage to the communication module (IMEI). Only act if you are confident in your actions.
What do you do if nothing helps?
In most cases, users do not need to resort to complex methods. Standard tools MIUI and HyperOS are enough for comfortable speed control. If you encounter a bug that interferes with work, it is recommended to report this to the Service and Reviews application so that developers can fix the error in future updates.
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The best solution for 95% of users is to activate the built-in indicator in the notification settings, since it does not require the installation of additional software and does not load the system.
In conclusion, managing network indicators on Xiaomi is a simple but useful skill that keeps your connection on the pulse and responds to Internet problems. Check system updates regularly, as Xiaomi is constantly improving the shell functionality, adding new features to customize the interface.