Carrier Services on Xiaomi: Why is this program necessary and should it be disabled?

Introduction: The mysterious app that everyone sees but no one understands

Have you ever looked into the installed app list on your Xiaomi and stumbled across the strange name Carrier Services? It doesn't have an icon, doesn't show up on the menu, but stubbornly takes up space in memory and is sometimes updated through Google Play, and in no official guide from Xiaomi or Google you will find a clear explanation why it is needed.

This software raises a lot of questions: why is it installed on my phone if I didn't ask for it? Why is it consuming Internet traffic in the background? Can it be removed to free up memory? And most importantly, will mobile communication break after that? In this article, we'll take Carrier Services under the microscope, from technical nuances to practical optimization tips.

What is Carrier Services and who created it?

Carrier Services is a system application from Google that is closely integrated into Android firmware (including: MIUI Its main task is to provide interaction between your phone and the mobile operator (for example, MTS, Beeline, MegaFon or MegaFon). Tele2). The program itself is not part of the firmware operator – it is universal and works on all devices with Google Mobile Services (GMS).

It is important to understand that Carrier Services is not the same as the Operator Services (which are set up separately by your provider).

• 🔹 Carrier Services (Google) is a universal bridge between Android and any carrier, responsible for basic functions such as transfer. SMS via Wi-Fi or network settings updates.
• 🔹 Service operator (MTS / Beeline /...) – proprietary software of your provider for specific chips (for example, MTS TV or Beeline Bonus").

The first version of Carrier Services was launched in 2016 as part of Google’s initiative to standardize mobile networks on Android. since then, the app has been regularly updated – the latest version at the time of writing (2026) is numbered 135.0 and weighs about 15-20 MB.

Why Xiaomi is installing Carrier Services on its smartphones

Xiaomi, like other manufacturers like Samsung or Realme, includes Carrier Services in the firmware for two reasons:

1. Google's requirement that a device be certified to work with Google Play Services requires it to support key system components, including Carrier Services, without which the phone will not pass Google Mobile Services' check (GMS).
2. Operator compatibility: The program ensures the correct operation of functions that depend on the operator's network: calls via VoLTE, ViLTE (video calls), transmission SMS Wi-Fi and automatic settings APN.

Without Carrier Services, you could be facing these problems:

• 📵 Inability to call through 4G (VoLTE – the phone will switch to the 3G during conversation.
• 📧 Uncoming MMS or SMS at a weak signal (for example, in the subway), as the transmission over Wi-Fi will not work.
• ⚙️ Manual setting of access points (APN) shift-by-shift SIM-map.
• 🔄 Delays in activating new operator services (e.g., "Unlimited Calls").

Xiaomi doesn’t modify Carrier Services, which is a standard Google app, like the Pixel or Samsung Galaxy, except that on naked Android it can be disabled and on the Android. MIUI Often this opportunity is blocked.

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If you have Xiaomi with global firmware (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G Global, Carrier Services will be updated via Google Play. on Chinese versions (without Google Play). GMS) This app doesn't exist at all.

How to check if Carrier Services is installed on your Xiaomi?

There are a number of ways to make sure that you have a program.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, enter Carrier Services.
3. If there is an app, you will see it in the list with or without the gear icon.

Alternative method – through Google Play:

1. Open the Carrier Services page in the browser or Play Store app.
2. If the button shows Installed or Updated, the program is active on your device.

Some Xiaomi models (especially with the MIUI 13/14) The app can be hidden, so you can see it:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "carrier"

If the answer appears in the line com.google.android.ims – Carrier Services is set.

Does Carrier Services consume traffic, battery or memory?

One of the biggest fears of users is that Carrier Services is secretly eating up the Internet or burning the battery, and let's see if that's true.

📊 Traffic consumption

The application does use mobile Internet, but in minimal volumes:

• 📱 Background traffic: ~5–10 MB per month (mainly to check for operator settings updates).
• 🔄 Upgrade: Up to 20MB per download (if you manually update the program through the Play Store).
• ☁️ Transferring SMS/MMS over Wi-Fi: traffic depends on the size of messages (for example, MMS photo-weight 1–3 MB).

🔋 Battery consumption

Carrier Services normally consumes 0.1-0.3% of its charge per day, but there are exceptions:

• 🔄 If the operator frequently updates the network settings (for example, when roaming), the consumption can increase to 1-2% per day.
• 📱 On older Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 4X or Mi A1) with a weak processor, the application can "hang" and waste unnecessary resources.

📱 Occupied memory

The application itself weighs 15-20 MB, but can additionally use:

• 🗃️ 5-10 MB for cache (cleansed automatically when space is scarce).
• 📄 1–3 MB for temporary operator settings files.

For comparison, here are the data on popular Xiaomi models (measurements were made on the basis of the model). MIUI 14):

⚠️ Note: If Carrier Services is consuming >100 MB of traffic per month or >5% of the battery a day is not normal! Chances are there is malware on your phone masquerading as a system app. Check your device with an antivirus (e.g. Google Play Protect or Dr.Web).

Can I remove or disable Carrier Services on Xiaomi?

Technically, you can remove the application, but it is highly discouraged, which can lead to loss of functionality of the mobile network.

🔧 Option 1: Disable (without root rights)

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 or Redmi) K50) You can turn off the application through settings:

Find the application in Settings → Applications

Tapping on Carrier Services

Select Disable (if the button is active)

Confirm the action-->

After the shutdown:

• ✅ No more updates coming through the Play Store.
• ✅ The app will not consume any traffic or battery.
• ⚠️ But, they might stop working:

🔧 Option 2: Remove (requires root or ADB)

If you are willing to take risks, you can remove the application through ADB:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.ims

Consequences of disposal:

• ❌ VoLTE/ViLTE It will stop working (the calls will only be made through the 2G/3G).
• ❌ Some operators (for example, MegaFon) may block access to the Internet. LTE.
• ❌ Push notifications from the operator will cease to arrive (for example, about the remainder of traffic).
• ✅ But will be freed 15-20 MB of memory and disappear background traffic.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI Deleting Carrier Services could lead to a bootloop the next firmware update, because the system is waiting for that component. If you're not ready for the device to build up, you'd better not risk it.

🔧 Option 3: Limit activity (no risk)

The safest way is to limit the background activity of the application:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Carrier Services → Battery.
2. Choose to limit background activity.
3. Turn off Auto Start and Secondary Start.

This will reduce your traffic and battery consumption, but retain the core features.

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If you do not use VoLTE or transmission SMS On Wi-Fi, you can safely turn off Carrier Services, nothing critical will break, but before you do, check whether your operator supports these functions (for example, in the case of a mobile phone). Tele2 VoLTE does not work in all regions).

Frequent problems with Carrier Services and how to fix them

Sometimes Carrier Services can cause a breakdown, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

🔄 "Carrier Services is constantly updated"

If the app is updated every day, try:

• 📥 Disable Auto Update in Google Play (find the app in the list and uncheck Auto Update).
• 🔧 Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Carrier Services → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 📵 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the switch off button) → Safe Mode. If the updates stop, it's third-party software that's to blame.

📵 "After the shutdown, VoLTE disappeared"

If you have disabled Carrier Services and stopped calling through 4G:

• ⚙️ Turn the app back on.
• 📞 Reboot your phone and check your network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Type of network → choose 4G (VoLTE).
• 🔄 If it doesn’t help, reset your network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings.

⚠️ "Error: Carrier Services stopped""

This error usually occurs after an update. MIUI Or resetting:

• 🔄 Reinstall the app via Google Play.
• 📥 Download the latest version APK with APKMirror and install manually.
• 🗑️ Clear the application data: Settings → Annexes → Carrier Services → Memory. → Clear the data.

📡 "It's not working. SMS/MMS via Wi-Fi"

The problem is relevant for MTS and Beeline operators.

• ✅ Is the function included in the settings SIM-maps: Settings → SIM-map → [Yours. SIM] → Additionally. → SMS via Wi-Fi.
• ✅ Does your tariff support this option (for example, MTS it works only on tariffs with unlimited rates) SMS).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and check your Wi-Fi connection.

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After the update MIUI If you lose VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling, try manually upgrading Carrier Services to the latest version. APK.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Carrier Services

Do you need Carrier Services on your Xiaomi?

So let's summarize:

• ✅ Leave the application on if:
• ❌ Can I turn it off if:

Critical point: if you remove Carrier Services on Xiaomi MIUI, The next firmware update may stop the phone from turning on (bootloop), because the system expects this component to work properly. Therefore, removal is an extreme measure, which should be resorted to only by experienced users with access to fastboot and the ability to restore firmware.

For most users, the best option is to limit the background activity of the application, but not remove it completely, so you save all the functions of the mobile network and get rid of unnecessary traffic consumption.

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Carrier Services is like a translator between your Xiaomi and the carrier. Without it, the phone will work but lose many of the modern features (VoLTE, Wi-Fi Calling). If you don't have any communication problems, you better not touch this app.