How to completely disable data savings on Xiaomi: all ways to MIUI 12–14

Xiaomi’s data saving mode is a useful feature for those who want to save megabytes of mobile traffic or reduce the background consumption of Internet applications. However, sometimes this mode works too aggressively: it blocks automatic updates of applications, restricts the download of media files in instant messengers or even interferes with the normal operation of online games. If you notice that the Internet on Xiaomi has become slower and applications have stopped updating in the background, it is likely that data saving is to blame.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable traffic savings on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO β€” basic MIUI To the hidden parameters of the developer. MIUI 12, MIUI 13 and MIUI 14, as well as for most models released after 2019.If you are using an older version of the shell (e.g., the slats are not available, MIUI 11), some menu items may be slightly different - we will mention this too.

1. disable saving mobile data in the main settings

The easiest way to deactivate traffic restriction is through the standard Settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the model and firmware version.

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
  2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or SIM cards and mobile networks in older versions of MIUI).
  3. Select Data Use (may be referred to as Data Traffic).
  4. Tap on Data Saving (or Background Limitation in) MIUI 14).
  5. Move the slider to the off position.

After that, the restrictions on background mobile Internet use will be removed, but note that some applications (such as Google Play Store or Mi Video) may have their own savings settings, which you will have to disable separately.

πŸ’‘

If the data saving has not been turned off, try restarting your smartphone, and sometimes the changes only take effect after the reboot.

V MIUI 14 interface has changed a little: now data savings can be hidden in the submenu Settings SIM-If you can't find the right item, try it:

  • πŸ” Go to Settings. β†’ SIM cards and mobile networks β†’ [Yours. SIM-map] β†’ Use of data.
  • πŸ“± In some models (for example, POCO F5 Redmi Note 12: The data saving is called background traffic.
  • βš™οΈ On older devices (until 2020), look for Traffic Restrictions under Additional.

2. Disable data savings for individual applications

MIUI It allows you to flexibly adjust the traffic restrictions for each application individually, which is convenient if you want to leave the savings on, but allow full Internet access for specific programs (for example, Telegram, YouTube or Google Maps).

To customize the exceptions:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Data Use.
  2. Select Application Data Use (or Traffic Details in the Applications) MIUI 13).
  3. Slip on the application for which you want to remove restrictions.
  4. Activate the Background Data Switch (or Allow Data Use in the Background).
  5. If there is an item Unlimited access to data, turn it on.

Please note: some system applications (such as Mi Cloud or Theme Store) may automatically enable data savings after an update. MIUI. Check the settings after each major firmware update.

Which applications are most often blocked by data savings?
Among Xiaomi users, the most frequent complaints about the limitations in the work of the following applications: - Messengers: Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber (media files are not downloaded in the background). - Social networks: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook (video is loaded in low quality). - Games: PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty (lag when playing online). - Navigators: Google Maps, Yandex.Maps (do not update maps in the background). - Cloud services: Google Drive, Mi Cloud (do not automatically sync files automatically).

AnnexWhat is blocked by data savingsHow to fix it
TelegramAutoloading photos/video, notifications in the backgroundAllow background data + turn off savings in Telegram settings
YouTubeHigh quality video playback over mobile networkEnable "Unlimited Data Access" in the settings MIUI
Google Play StoreAutomatic update of applicationsDisable data savings for Google services in account settings
PUBG MobileLags and Delays in Online GamblingAdd the game to the exceptions + performance-set

3. hidden settings of data saving in MIUI (power-user)

If standard methods have not worked, it is possible that the data savings are activated at the system settings level. MIUI There are hidden options that are not displayed in the main menu:

Method 1: Through Developer Settings

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About the phone and 7 times tap on the item Version MIUI.
  2. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
  3. Find Background Data Restriction (BTC) and turn it off.

Method 2: Through Special Opportunities

  • πŸ”§ Go to Settings. β†’ Special facilities β†’ System settings.
  • πŸ“΅ Find the item Limit background processes and set the value without restrictions.
  • πŸ”„ After the changes, restart the device.

πŸ’‘

Hidden data saving settings can be automatically enabled after the phone is reset to factory settings or upgraded MIUI. Always check them after such operations.

Attention! Changing the settings in the developer mode can affect the stability of the smartphone. Do not activate options that you do not know the purpose of, for example, disabling the item Limit background processes can lead to an increase in battery consumption by 15-20% due to constant activity of applications.

4. Data savings in roaming: how to disable separately

Many Xiaomi users face the problem of automatically enabling data savings in roaming, which is designed to protect against unexpected costs, but often interferes with the normal operation of messengers and navigators.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ SIM cards and mobile networks.
  2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
  3. Tap on data roaming (or mobile data in roaming).
  4. Activate the Data Allow Switch.
  5. Below, find the item Save data in roaming and turn it off.

If you travel frequently, we also recommend:

  • 🌍 Set a traffic limit in the settings SIM-Cards to avoid large expenses.
  • πŸ“Ά Disable automatic connection to networks 5G roaming (this will reduce battery consumption).
  • πŸ”„ Manually update applications only via Wi-Fi.

Shut down the data completely.|I use it without restrictions.|Including data savings|I only use messengers.|Another option-->

Important: Some mobile operators (such as MTS or Beeline) can forcibly limit Internet speed in roaming regardless of the phone settings. In this case, the data savings on Xiaomi are not to blame - contact your operator for more details.

5. Resetting network settings as a last resort

If none of the above methods worked, it may be that the network system settings fail, in which case resetting the network settings will help, which will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks, passwords and Bluetooth settings, but will not affect personal data (photos, contacts, messages).

To perform the discharge:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing.
  2. Scroll down and select Network Settings Reset (or Wi-Fi, Mobile Network, and Bluetooth Reset).
  3. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code.
  4. After restarting the phone, set up a Wi-Fi and mobile connection again.

Save passwords from Wi-Fi (take pictures or write down)|Remember the settings APN your operator|Disconnect important devices from Bluetooth|Make sure you have access to SMS (to confirm the connection to the mobile network)-->

Once reset, all traffic restrictions will be returned to factory settings, so the data savings will be turned off automatically.

  • πŸ”„ Connect to all stored Wi-Fi networks.
  • πŸ“± Set up parameters APN (Usually set up automatically, but sometimes manual input is required).
  • πŸ”Š Reconnect Bluetooth devices (headphones, fitness bracelets).

⚠️ Note: If the data saving problem persists after a network reset, this may indicate damage to system files. MIUI. In this case, only flashing the device through Fastboot or Recovery will help. Contact the Xiaomi service center if you are not sure about your skills.

6. Problems after disabling data saving: what to do?

In rare cases, users face the opposite problem: once the data savings are turned off, the Internet starts to work even worse, or some applications stop updating, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The Internet has slowed down.Background apps clog channelLimit background traffic for unnecessary apps manually
Applications not updatedFailure of Google Play ServicesClear the cache and data of Google services in the settings
Battery discharges fastApplication activity in the backgroundEnable Power Saving Mode for Individual Applications
No images loaded in the browserRestrictions in browser settingsEnable image upload in Chrome or Mi Browser settings

If you notice an increase in traffic consumption after turning off data savings, check which apps consume the most megabytes:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Data Use.
  2. Check out the statistics on apps over the past month.
  3. For voracious programs, set limits or ban background traffic.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) after the data saving is turned off, the Adaptive Battery mode can be activated on its own, which again limits background activity. To avoid this, turn off adaptive optimization in the battery settings.

7. Alternative ways to manage traffic on Xiaomi

If you need to flexibly control your Internet consumption without completely turning off data savings, you can use the MIUI There are a few useful tools:

1. Setting traffic limits

You can set a monthly limit of mobile Internet, after which access to the network will be automatically limited:

  • πŸ“Š Go to Settings. β†’ Connections and sharing β†’ Use of data.
  • πŸ“… Select the Data Limit (or Warning and Limit).
  • πŸ”’ Enter the desired limit in megabytes or gigabytes.
  • πŸ”” Set up notifications when approaching the limit.

2. Separation of traffic by SIM-map

If you have a smartphone with two SIM-cards (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro)+), You can appoint the main one. SIM-Mobile data card and the second one is used only for calls:

  • πŸ“± Go to Settings. β†’ SIM cards and mobile networks.
  • πŸ”„ Select your mobile data and indicate your preferred SIM-map.
  • 🚫 For the second. SIM-Deactivate the mobile data item.

3. Use of the β€œOnly” regime 4G/3G"

In some cases, data savings are activated automatically when connected to networks. 5G Because of their high energy consumption, to avoid that:

  • πŸ“Ά Go to Settings. β†’ SIM cards and mobile networks β†’ Preferred type of network.
  • πŸ”„ Choose. 4G (preferably or only 4G.

These methods will allow you to keep control over traffic flow without the strict restrictions that data savings impose.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data savings on Xiaomi

Can you turn off data savings only for mobile internet, but leave it for Wi-Fi?
Yeah, in MIUI These settings are shared. The data savings for the mobile network are configured in Settings. β†’ SIM cards and mobile networks β†’ Data usage and for Wi-Fi settings β†’ Wi-Fi β†’ Additionally. β†’ Wi-Fi data savings (not available on all models).
Why After Updating MIUI Data saving is back on?
It's standard behavior. MIUI: after major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) some settings are reset to factory settings, we recommend checking after the update: Data saving settings in the main menu, application exceptions, roaming options (if traveling).
How to check if data savings are actually turned off?
There are several ways: Run a speed test (for example, through Speedtest) and compare the results before and after the shutdown. Try uploading a large video to YouTube over a mobile network - if the quality is higher. 480p, Check the background activity of messengers: send yourself a file to Telegram - if it downloads without opening the application, the restrictions are removed.
Does saving data affect charging speed?
No, data savings and charging speed are completely different system processes. However, power saving mode (not to be confused with data saving!) can limit processor performance, which indirectly affects charging speed. To speed up charging, turn off battery mode in Settings. β†’ Battery and productivity.
Can data savings be turned off through ADB?
Yes, but it requires command line skills. Here's the basic command: adb shell settings put global. restrict_background_data 0 However, this method is not recommended for beginners, as the incorrect use of the method is not recommended. ADB It can cause phone malfunctions, and for most users, standard settings are enough. MIUI.