Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer a wide range of features, but sometimes users encounter intrusive services that automatically connect when a device is first launched or a system upgrade. One such service is often a Start subscription (or similar partnerships from telecom operators), which can charge money from the balance without the owner’s explicit consent, this is due to preinstalled software or agreements taken carelessly during the initial configuration of the gadget.
Users often notice regular charges for services they do not use, which causes a natural desire to figure out how to disable the Start subscription on a Xiaomi phone. The deactivation process can vary depending on the smartphone model, the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, and from the specific carrier that provided the service. It is important to understand that simply removing the application icon is not enough, since the subscription itself is tied to your phone number and account.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all existing ways of terminating paid options, from standard system settings to use. USSD-You will learn how to check active subscriptions on Google Play, how to manage services through the operator’s personal account and what to do if money continues to be written off even after attempts to disconnect. Competent approach will help to save the budget and regain control of your device.
Situation Analysis: Why Subscription is Connected
Before you start active actions to disconnect, you need to understand the mechanism of the problem. Often, the subscription Start on Xiaomi devices is the result of a partnership with large telecom operators. When you first activate the smartphone or after resetting to factory settings, the system can offer the user a set of start bonuses, which after the trial period are converted into a paid service.
Another common reason is inattention when installing applications from third-party sources or updating system software, and long text user agreements often contain clauses about consent to connect additional services. The key feature of these subscriptions is that they are tied to SIM-Map, not just your Mi or Google account.
Also, consider that some malware or aggressive advertising may initiate the sending of hidden SMS or clicking on links that activate paid services. Therefore, it is important to regularly monitor your account status and connection history. Understanding the source of the problem will help you choose the most effective method of solving it and prevent re-connection.
Disconnection through the settings of Google Play Store
One of the most common ways to manage subscriptions on Android devices, including Xiaomi, is through the Google Play app store. Many services, including Start, can be processed as periodic payments through a Google account.
In the top right corner of the screen, click on your profile icon. In the menu that opens, select Payments and Subscriptions, then go to Subscriptions, and you'll see a list of all active services that are linked to your card or phone balance via Google.
Once you have selected the desired subscription, you will see the Unsubscribe button. The system may try to hold you down by offering to suspend the service or get a discount, but for a complete rejection you need to choose the option of complete termination.
- 📱 Open the Play Store app on your smartphone.
- 👤 Click on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
- 💳 Go to the Payments and Subscriptions menu -> Subscriptions.
- 🚫 Select "Start" and click Unsubscribe.
It is worth noting that if the subscription was made directly through the operator (not through Google), it may not be on this list, in which case this method will not help, and you will have to use other methods described below.
☑️ Pre-switch check
Managing Services through MIUI and HyperOS settings
MIUI shells and the new HyperOS have built-in tools to manage Xiaomi account and related services. Sometimes, a Start subscription can be part of the Mi ecosystem.
At the top of the settings screen, click on the line with your Mi Account. Inside the profile, find the section related to subscriptions or services (often called "Subscriptions", "Services" or "VIP"). Active services connected to your ID can be displayed here. If you see an unnecessary option there, it can be deactivated by a switch.
Also, check the App section -> All Apps. Find an app that may be associated with Start (such as "Mi Video", "Mi Music" or an operator affiliate app). Once you go to the app information, you can try to click Stop or Clear data, which sometimes breaks the connection with the subscription service, although it does not always guarantee the termination of write-offs.
⚠️ Warning: Clearing an application’s data or deleting it from your desktop doesn’t always turn off a paid subscription if it’s tied to a phone number.
Some firmware versions have a separate Security app that can also contain information about connected services, run a scan or go to the settings of this app to make sure there are no hidden threats or active paid options.
Use of the USSD-operator codes and commands
The most reliable way to disable the subscription "Start", if it is charged by the operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2 etc., is the use of USSD-Each operator has its own codes for managing content subscriptions, you can find them on your operator's official website or in the application "My operator".
Often, a universal code is used to disable all paid subscriptions, which redirects to the service management menu, for example, for many operators, the code *111# or *100# (depending on region and operator) is used.
An alternative method is to send an SMS to a short number with the text "0" or "STOP", if such a number was specified in the notification of debiting of funds. Incoming SMS from operators usually contain information about exactly how the service was connected and how to disable it.
| Operator. | Check-in team | Shutdown command (example) | Support number |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | *111# | *111*1582# (Service "Start") | 0800 |
| Beeline | *100# | *110*0780# | 0611 |
| Megaphone | *105# | *105*0055# | 0500 |
| Tele2 | *155# | Through the menu *155*00# | 611 |
What do I do if the codes don't work?
Disconnection through the operator’s personal account
Modern mobile operators provide convenient applications and web versions of personal accounts where you can manage all services in detail. Download the official application of your operator (for example, "My MTS", "MegaFon", "Beeline", etc.) to your Xiaomi.
Sign in to the application (usually login is automatically by SIM-map SMS-Find a section called Services, Subscriptions or Content, and this section shows a list of all active paid options, including Start".
Select an unnecessary subscription and click the Disable button. The system can suggest alternatives or ask for a reason for the rejection, but insist on its. After the disconnect, you should receive a confirming SMS. This method is good because you see the full picture of your spending.
- 📲 Download the application of your operator.
- 🔐 Enter your personal account.
- 📂 Go to the Services or Subscriptions section.
The advantage of this method is the ability to set up auto-block paid subscriptions in the future. In the profile settings, there is often an option “Disconnect Paid Services”, which will protect your balance from accidental or imposed spending in the future.
Blocking paid subscriptions and refunds
If you find that money has been written off for a long time, it makes sense to try to refund the funds. Telecom operators often go to meet customers, especially if the disconnection occurred immediately after the problem was discovered, you need to call your carrier's support team.
When you talk to an operator, tell them that the Start service was connected without your knowledge or you did not plan to use it. Ask them to turn off the service and make a recalculation or refund for the last period. Be persistent but polite.
To prevent future problems, it is recommended to ban subscriptions, a free service that blocks the ability to connect any paid content through the operator, and you can activate it through the operator's application or by calling in support.
⚠️ Attention: Refunds are not always possible, depending on the operator's policies and the time since the write-offs. The faster you turn, the better the chances of success.
It is also worth checking the settings of your banking application. If payment was made from a card, you can try to issue a chargeback (cancel operation) through the bank, arguing that the service was not provided or was connected fraudulently, but this is an extreme measure, and first it is better to resolve the issue with the operator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did the “Start” subscription not go off after the application was removed?
Can I turn off the Start subscription forever?
Will I get my money back if I don’t subscribe?
Is it safe to enter USSD-Xiaomi codes?
What to do if the operator refuses to disconnect?
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The most effective way to combat forced subscriptions is a comprehensive approach: disconnecting through the operator, setting a ban on paid content and regular monitoring of accounts.
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Keep screenshots of all shutdown operations and support numbers, which will be useful in case of money back disputes.