Monitoring mobile traffic on Xiaomi smartphones is a task that becomes especially relevant with limited tariffs or roaming. Unlike iOS, where traffic statistics are hidden in the depth of settings, the shell is a very important task. MIUI It offers a number of ways to monitor, from basic built-in analytics to detailed reports on each application, but many users face the challenge of: counters are reset after rebooting, Wi-Fi and mobile data are scattered on different menus, and some applications (for example, Google system services) consume traffic βsilently".
In this article, we will analyze all available methods for checking traffic consumption on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO β standard-tool MIUI 12/13/14 We'll focus on the nuances of why the data might not match the operator, how to track background consumption, and what to do if the statistics are zero. SIM-maps or switching between networks often, here you will find solutions for accurate accounting.
First, letβs define the terms: βtrafficβ in the context of Xiaomi is understood as mobile Internet (2G/3G/4G/5G), But the metering systems for these types of connections work differently, like the mobile meter can be manually reset, but the Wi-Fi statistics often depend on the router and don't always show up correctly on the phone.
1. Standard traffic statistics in MIUI: Where to look and how to set up
The basic monitoring tool is the built-in Traffic Usage menu in Xiaomi's settings. To open it, go to:
Settings β Connections and Sharing β Using TrafficThis shows the total mobile data usage for the current period (default: since the last reset), but many users are unaware that this menu hides additional options.
To see the detailed statistics on the apps, tap on the graph at the top of the screen.
- π Consumption schedule for the selected period (day/week/month).
- π± List of applications, sorted by the amount of traffic used (from more to less).
- βοΈ Reset button counter β useful if you want to start counting from a clean slate (for example, after changing the tariff).
β οΈ Note: If you use two of these SIM-maps, the statistics in this menu show the total cost of both cards. SIM separately, go to Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β [choose SIM] β Using traffic.
Notice the "System Processes" line in the application list. MIUI, synchronization of Xiaomi account and Google Play services, which often consume traffic unnoticed by the user.If the cost seems suspiciously high, check this item first.
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To limit background traffic consumption, go to Settings β Annexes β Application management β [select the application] β Use of data and disable the option "Foundation".
2. Hidden MIUI settings: Advanced traffic monitoring
Few people know, but Xiaomi has a hidden menu with more detailed statistics.
- Go to Settings. β The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the line "Version" MIUI" (A notice will appear, You have become a developer").
- Return to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
- Find the option "Network stats".
On this menu you will see:
- πΆ Separation of traffic by connection types: mobile network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN.
- π Data for the last hour/day/week/month with the possibility of exporting to the file.
- π UID Applications β useful for identifying βgluttonousβ system processes.
The main advantage of this method is that it is impossible to reset meters without root rights, which means that data accumulates from the moment of the first turn on of the phone (or the last reset to factory settings), but the menu interface is not adapted for ordinary users: application names are displayed as technical identifiers (for example, com.android.vending instead of the Google Play Store).
How to decipher UID applications?
β οΈ Note: In some versions MIUI The 14th menu, Network Statistics, may be missing or not working properly, due to Xiaomi's policy of restricting access to system data. ADB-teams (see section 5).
3. Wi-Fi Traffic Monitoring: Why Data May Not Be the Same
Xiaomiβs Wi-Fi consumption statistics are often questionable, and unlike mobile traffic, these data depend on two factors:
- The use of traffic takes into account only outgoing traffic (downloads), but does not always correctly fix the incoming traffic.
- Router settings β Many routers keep their own statistics, which can be significantly different from the data on the phone.
To check the Wi-Fi traffic on your phone:
- Open Settings β Connections and Sharing β Wi-Fi.
- Put your name on your network (currently connected).
- Scroll down to the "Network Use" block, and this shows the data for the current connection session.
However, this method has limitations:
- β Statistics are reset when disconnected from the network or rebooted the phone.
- β No account is taken of traffic consumed in modem access point mode (if the phone is distributing Wi-Fi).
- β There is no division by application β only the total volume.
For more accurate accounting, we recommend using router statistics. Most modern routers (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router, TP-Link, Keenetic) have built-in monitoring tools. The login address is usually indicated on the device sticker (for example, 192.168.0.1 or miwifi.com).
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If the data on the phone and router are very different, the problem may be in the background activity of applications (for example, torrents, cloud backups) or accounting errors. MIUI.
4. Third-party applications for traffic accounting: top-5 decision-making
If Xiaomi's built-in tools aren't enough, look at third-party tools that offer advanced features like limit notifications, day-to-day traffic sharing, report export, and we tested dozens of apps and selected the best ones:
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Speed Meter | Widget on the home screen, real-time monitoring, support for dual SIM | Advertising in free version, no details on Wi-Fi | Google Play |
| My Data Manager | Smart notifications, traffic sharing by app, 30 days history | Paid functions (for example, blocking background traffic) | Google Play |
| GlassWire | Visualizing traffic as a graph, detecting suspicious activity | Complex interface for beginners, high battery consumption | Google Play |
| NetGuard | Blocking traffic for individual applications without root, open source | Requires manual adjustment of rules, no automatic resetting of counters | Google Play |
When choosing an application, pay attention to:
- π Battery consumption β some utilities (such as GlassWire) can significantly reduce battery life.
- π‘οΈ Access to data β avoid programs that ask for unnecessary permissions (e.g. access to contacts).
- π± Support MIUI β Some applications are optimized for βpureβ Android and may not work correctly on Xiaomi.
β οΈ Note: Traffic tracking applications cannot take into account data consumed in modem modem mode (when the phone is giving the Internet).+.
Install the app from Google Play
Launch and provide access to the use of data
In the Settings menu, select Mobile Data and specify your tariff limit.
Activate traffic exceedance notifications
Add a widget to the main screen for quick access-->
5. Advanced methods: ADB and system logs
If you are ready to go into technical details, ADB (Android Debug Bridge will provide the most accurate data on traffic consumption, which is suitable for users who are not using the service:
- π§ Want to see the full log of network activity (including system processes).
- π Data are required over a long period (e.g. several months).
- π Suspected traffic is βleakingβ through hidden channels (e.g. advertising) SDK).
To obtain statistics through ADB:
- Install Platform Tools on your PC.
- Connect your phone to your computer and enable debugging. USB (Settings β For developers β Debugging by USB).
- Open the command line and type in: adb shell svc wifi enableVerboseLogging 1 adb shell dumpsys netstats detail
In the command output, you will see a table with data for each application, including:
- UID β processor.
- Bytes sent/received β data sent and received.
- Foreground/background β traffic in the foreground and in the background.
To reset the counters, use the command:
adb shell cmd netpolicy reset-countersβ οΈ Attention: Use ADB The wrong commands can disrupt the system, for example, the adb shell svc wifi disable will turn off Wi-Fi until the next restart.
How to save traffic log to a file?
Frequent problems and their solutions
Xiaomi users often encounter common traffic monitoring errors, and consider the most common cases and ways to fix them:
Problem 1: Statistics are zeroed out after rebooting.
- πΉ Reason: B MIUI By default, the counters are reset when the phone is turned off.
- πΉ Solution: Use third-party apps (like NetGuard) or enable the option βSave Data When Rebootingβ in the Developer Menu β Network statistics (not available on all models).
Problem 2: Data MIUI They don't match the operator.
- πΉ Reason 1: The operator takes into account incoming and outgoing traffic, and the phone only outgoing traffic (in some versions). MIUI).
- πΉ Reason 2: Background activity of system applications (e.g., com.xiaomi.midrop) may not be displayed in standard statistics.
- πΉ Solution: Compare the data with the operator's report (usually available in your personal account or on the phone). USSD-For example, *100# for MegaFon).
Problem 3: High traffic consumption in standby mode.
- πΉ Reason: Auto-update apps, sync Google Account or Mi Cloud, advertising SDK play.
- πΉ Solution: Disable background data for unnecessary applications (Settings) β Annexes β Application management β [choose] β Data usage) and limit auto-update on Google Play.
Problem 4: There are no Wi-Fi statistics in the MIUI 14.
- πΉ Reason: In new versions of the firmware Xiaomi removed detailed accounting of Wi-Fi traffic from the interface.
- πΉ Solution: Use a router to monitor or install Fing, a local area network analysis app.
7. Comparison of methods: which way to choose
The choice of the tool for monitoring traffic depends on your tasks. Below is a comparison table with recommendations:
| Method | precision | Difficulty | Better suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI Standard Statistics | Medium | Low. | Basic control of mobile traffic |
| Hidden menu "For developers" | Tall. | Medium | Detailed analysis (requires decryption) UID) |
| Third-party annexes | Tall. | Low. | Convenient interface, notifications, history |
| ADB-team | Maximum | Tall. | Technical users, search for hidden leaks |
| Router statistics | High (for Wi-Fi) | Medium | Monitoring traffic of all devices on the network |
For most Xiaomi users, the best solution is a combination of:
- Standard statistics MIUI β Quickly check mobile traffic.
- My Data Manager app for notifications and history.
- Router statistics β to control Wi-Fi.
β οΈ Attention: If you are using VPN (For example, to bypass the locks, note that all traffic will pass through the VPN-server, in this case, the data MIUI Only the amount of time passed through VPN, Not real consumption.