What does “Internet in roaming” on Xiaomi with MTS: analysis of the concept, tariffs and settings

The wording “Internet roaming” on Xiaomi smartphones with MTS SIM card is often confusing, and users see this notification in the status bar or in the mobile network settings and do not understand what it means: It's either connected to a foreign network automatically, or it's internal roaming between regions of Russia, and in practice it depends on the geolocation of the device, the operator's settings, and even the smartphone model — for example, on the Redmi Note 12, the display logic may differ from that of the device. POCO X5 Pro.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what lies behind the term “roaming” in the context of Xiaomi and MTS, how to distinguish home roaming from international roaming, how much it costs and how to avoid unexpected write-offs. MIUI, This information will help you to control the connection to other networks, as well as the nuances of MTS tariffs for different regions. If you travel or often visit border zones (for example, in Crimea or the Kaliningrad region), this information will help you save on communications.

To clarify the key point right away, roaming is not always abroad. MTS uses national roaming technology inside Russia, when your smartphone connects to another operator’s network (for example, Tele2 or MegaFon) in low-cost areas, while charging can remain “home” or change – it all depends on the agreements between providers. On Xiaomi, this is displayed as R (roaming) next to the network indicator or the inscription “Internet in roaming” in the notification curtain.

The second important aspect is the automatic connection to foreign networks when crossing the border, where the rules are tougher: without special options, MTS blocks mobile Internet abroad to avoid huge bills. However, some users are faced with the fact that the Internet still works (and writes off money!), even though they did not activate roaming. APN or "smart" switching networks in firmware MIUI. Next, we will show you how to check and fix it.

1.What is the “internet in roaming” on Xiaomi: we analyze the terms

Roaming is a technology that allows your smartphone to connect to other carriers’ networks when the native MTS network is unavailable. In the context of Xiaomi, this can mean three scenarios:

1. Domestic (national) roaming – connection to partner networks within Russia (for example, in remote areas or on highways).

2. International roaming - the use of networks of foreign operators abroad.

3. False positive – when a smartphone mistakenly identifies a home network as roaming (often in border areas).

On Xiaomi smartphones, the “Internet in roaming” notification appears in two cases:

• 📡 Your device is connected to someone else’s network (even if you haven’t left Russia).
• 🌍 You are abroad and MTS has automatically activated roaming (if you have the appropriate option connected).

It's important! Just because you have a sign doesn't mean you're going to be charged, it depends on:

• 📌 Your tariff plan (e.g., “Tariff” or “Ultra” includes free roaming in some countries).
• 📌 Region of connection (in Crimea or Kaliningrad there are special conditions).
• 📌 Settings APN and network parameters in MIUI.

2.How to distinguish home roaming from international roaming on Xiaomi

To understand what type of roaming is activated on your Xiaomi, follow the following steps:

1.Look at the network indicator in the top panel:

- If the letter “R” or the inscription “MTS” is displayed next to the signal level-R», roaming.

If you see the name of another operator instead of MTS (for example, Beeline or T-Mobile), you are connected to another network.

2. Check the network name in the settings:

- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Name of the network.

If there is an operator other than MTS, it is roaming.

3.Clarify the geolocation:

- Turn it on. GPS Check your location in Google Maps or Yandex.Maps.

If you are in Russia, but the network of another operator is national roaming.

If it is international abroad.

A critical nuance for Xiaomi: some models (for example, Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) They may mistakenly show roaming in border areas (for example, in Primorye or near Kazakhstan), although you are actually in Russia, in which case the tariff remains home, but the notification still appears.

3.How much does the Internet cost in roaming on MTS: tariffs 2026

The cost of Internet roaming depends on the type of roaming and your tariff plan. Below is the current table of tariffs MTS for 2026 (for individuals):

⚠️ If you do not have any roaming option connected but you are abroad, MTS defaults to block mobile internet to avoid charge-offs at standard rates (up to 10,000). ₽/MB in some countries!) However, Xiaomi sometimes automatically connects to local networks through settings. APN. To avoid this, disable the option “Roaming Data” in Settings → SIM-map → Mobile network.

💡

Before traveling abroad, check whether you have activated the option "Roaming Auto Connection" in the personal account of MTS. USSD-team *111*777# or in the appendix "My MTS».

4.Why Xiaomi is showing 'internet roaming' if I'm not abroad

This problem is typical for Xiaomi owners in Russia and is related to the peculiarities of work. MIUI and MTS coverage, the main reasons:

1. National roaming:

MTS has agreements with other operators (for example, Tele2 in remote areas of Siberia or the Far East).

Your smartphone connects to their towers, but the charging remains “home”.

The word “Internet roaming” appears because you are not technically on the MTS network.

Border zones:

In regions near Kazakhstan, Belarus or Ukraine, the smartphone can “cling” to foreign towers.

For example, in the Rostov region or Bryansk, there are frequent cases of connection to Ukrainian operators.

In this case, the tariff may change, even if you have not crossed the border!

3. Mistake MIUI:

- Xiaomi firmware (especially on budget models like Redmi) A2+) Sometimes network definition settings are confused.

The system mistakenly labels the home network as roaming.

- Corrected by resetting network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).

4.Problems with SIM-card:

If the SIM is damaged or outdated (for example, released before 2018), the smartphone may not correctly identify the operator.

- Solution - replacement SIM new-look MTS.

⚠️ If you see the name of a foreign operator in your network settings (e.g., “Kyivstar” or “Kyivstar «A1»), But you didn't cross the border, you can turn off your mobile data immediately, and in some cases, MTS can write off international tariffs, even if you're physically in Russia.

5. How to disable unnecessary roaming on Xiaomi with MTS

If you do not plan to use the Internet in roaming (or want to avoid accidental charges), follow the following steps:

Step 1. Turn off roaming data in the settings MIUI:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Turn off the option “Data in roaming” (or “Data Roaming” in older versions). MIUI).

Step 2: Block automatic roaming from MTS:

• 📞 Dial it. USSD-team *111*777# Follow the instructions to disable all roaming options.
• 📱 In the My MTS app, go to the Roaming section and deactivate all connected packets.

Step 3. Set up. APN to block roaming (advanced method):

If your Xiaomi is persistently connecting to other networks, change the settings APN:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-map → Access points (APN).
2. Select the current profile APN (usually, internet.mts.ru»).
3. In the field "Typical" APN» Remove all values except default (remove supl, mms, etc.).
4. Save the changes and restart the smartphone.

⚠️ Attention, after the change. APN You may stop working. MMS and some MTS services (for example, MTS Music) You can return the standard settings by resetting APN factory (Settings) → Reset → Resetting network settings).

💡

Disabling "Data in roaming" in MIUI — It's the safest way to avoid write-offs abroad, but it doesn't block voice calls, which can be charged.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Xiaomi users with MTS often face typical roaming problems, and consider the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Mistake 1: Smartphone does not catch the MTS network, only roaming

🔹 Reason: Your region has poor MTS coverage, and your phone automatically connects to partner networks.

🔹 Decision:

• 📶 Manually select the MTS network in the settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Choice of network → MTS).
• 📡 If MTS is not available, check the coverage on the operator’s website or contact support.

Error 2: The Internet is roaming, although the option is disabled

🔹 Reason: Some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5) There is a bug in which the smartphone ignores the settings MIUI And connects to other people's networks.

🔹 Decision:

• 🛠️ Update the firmware to the latest version.
• 🔄 Reset network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi and Mobile Network).
• 📵 In the extreme, turn off your mobile data completely before you return home.

Mistake 3: After returning from abroad, roaming does not turn off

🔹 Reason: SIM-card "stuck" on a foreign network, or settings APN fumble.

🔹 Decision:

• ✈️ Reboot your smartphone on the plane (turn on Flight Mode for 30 seconds, then turn off).
• 🔄 Manually select the MTS network in the settings.
• 📞 Call *111# and check roaming status.

Mistake 4: Write-offs for roaming, even though I haven't used the internet

🔹 Reason: Some applications (such as messengers or cloud services) may run in the background and consume traffic.

🔹 Decision:

• 🚫 Turn off background data transfer for applications (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Data data).
• 📵 Turn off mobile internet completely in roaming (see Section 5).

7. Useful Tips for Traveling with Xiaomi and MTS

If you travel abroad frequently or visit regions with poor MTS coverage, use these recommendations:

Advice 1: Activate roaming in advance

🔹 Connect the option “Travel without borders” (for CIS) or “All the world” (for Europe / Asia) 1-2 days before your trip.

🔹 Check activation through *111*777# or in the appendix "My MTS».

Advice 2: Use eSIM for the second operator

🔹 If your Xiaomi supports eSIM (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite) or POCO F5 Pro, install a virtual SIM of the local operator.

🔹 This is cheaper than MTS roaming: for example, in Turkey, 10 GB per month are worth it. ~300 ₽ (1200 ₽ MT).

Tip 3: Set up spending notices

🔹 Include in the personal account of MTS the option “Control of expenses” – it sends SMS over-limit.

🔹 Set a limit on mobile Internet in the settings MIUI (Settings → SIM-map → Traffic limit).

Tip 4: Check the coverage before traveling

🔹 On the MTS website there is a coverage map where you can see the national roaming zones.

🔹 For foreign countries, use the service of partner operators coverage.

Advice 5: Alternatives to the mobile Internet

🔹 Use Wi-Fi in hotels or cafes (but be careful with public networks!).

🔹 Buy a local. SIM-A card is often more profitable. In Thailand, for example, 15 GB is worth it. ~200 ₽.

💡

If you travel to the same country frequently (e.g. Abkhazia or South Ossetia), get a special package for the region from MTS, for example, the Kavkaz option gives 5 GB of Internet per day for 99 GB. ₽.

FAQ: Frequent questions about roaming on Xiaomi with MTS