How to completely disable traffic savings on Xiaomi phone: all ways

Why Xiaomi is limiting traffic and when it gets in the way

MIUI’s mobile traffic saving feature was originally intended as a useful tool for users with limited tariffs, which automatically compresses data, blocks background application activity, and reduces the quality of media files when transmitted over the mobile network. However, in 2026, when most carriers offer unlimited rates or large packages of gigabytes, this feature often becomes a hindrance.

The problems begin when traffic savings interfere with messengers (messages come with a delay), slow down the upload of files to cloud services or reduce the quality of streaming on YouTube/TikTok. This is especially noticeable on the flagship models Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+, where powerful hardware can process large amounts of data, but artificial limitations of MIUI negate all the benefits.

Another trap is the hidden traffic savings that Xiaomi includes by default on some firmware: users for years do not suspect that their phone is in “hunger mode” until they face unexpected restrictions, such as the POCO F5 can block automatic map updates to Google Maps or refuse to upload high-resolution photos to Telegram.

Where to look for traffic savings in MIUI

Depending on the firmware version and smartphone model, the path to settings may vary. In the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 (as well as HyperOS), developers have moved some items, which causes confusion.

• 📱 The main path (for most models): Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data → Saving traffic
• 🔄 Alternative path (if no item): Settings → Connections and sharing → Use of data → Saving traffic
• 🛠️ For older versions. MIUI (up to 12.5): Settings → Mobile network → Data savings
• 🌐 For two. SIM-map: select the right one SIM At the top of the screen, transfer data, then look for the saving option

On some models (such as the Redmi 12 or the POCO X5 Pro), the traffic savings can be hidden deeper in the Special Application Resolutions section, and there is sometimes a separate switch for background data transfer, which is also worth checking.

Step-by-step: how to turn off traffic savings

The shutdown process seems simple, but there are pitfalls. Follow the instructions carefully so you don't miss important details:

1. Open Settings and go to the section SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or Connections and Sharing on New Firmware).
2. Choose an active one SIM-If you have multiple maps, you'll see the traffic you've consumed on the screen.
3. Slip on Traffic Saving (or Background Limitation on some models).
4. Turn off the master switch at the top of the screen.It's usually signed as Save Data or Limit background traffic.
5. The important step is to scroll down and check the list of unlimited traffic apps, and add messengers, navigators, and other critical programs.

On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra), after turning off traffic saving, you need to additionally reset your network settings: go to Settings → Connections → Network Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. This is due to the features of the new shell, where the changes do not take effect immediately.

What to do if traffic savings are not turned off

Sometimes the traffic saving switch goes back into active on its own or simply doesn't respond to changes, which is a typical problem for custom firmware devices or after a failed update.

1. Check Administrator Rights: Some applications (like DualSpace or Second Space) can block setting changes. Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions → Special Access → Device Administrators and remove suspicious programs from the list.
2. Clear the system cache: Go to Settings → About → Memory → Clean (or use the combination ##4636## to call the engineering menu, then select Usage statistics → Clear data).
3. Reset network settings: This will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and passwords, but often solves the problem with "stuck" settings. → Connections → Resetting the network.
4. Update your firmware: go to Settings → About Phone → Update your system and install the latest version of MIUI/HyperOS. In new builds, Xiaomi has fixed traffic-saving bugs for the Redmi Note 12 and POCO X4 Pro.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the network, the phone stopped catching the mobile network, check the settings APN. Dial it ##4636##, Select Phone Information and make sure that the preferred network type is selected in the Set section. LTE/4G/3G/2G (auto).

Hidden restrictions: what else is stopping traffic on Xiaomi

Even after the traffic savings are turned off, some MIUI features continue to limit Internet speed.

Especially insidious is the Smart Traffic Distribution feature, which automatically limits speed for "unnecessary" applications, to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Improvements.
2. Find Adaptive Communication or Intelligent Network.
3. Turn off all switches in this section.

Xiaomi models with hidden savings settings

Some Xiaomi devices have unique features that make traffic management more difficult, and here is a list of problem models and features:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13T/13T Pro: Traffic savings are duplicated in the Game Turbo section. Disable Network Optimization in Games if you are not playing.
• 📱 Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G: has a separate switch 5G Smart, which prioritizes savings on high-speed network.Search in Settings → SIM-map → Settings 5G.
• 📱 POCO F4 GT: In Performance mode, traffic savings are turned off automatically, but returned after rebooting. Solution: Set Balanced Mode and manually turn off savings.
• 📱 Xiaomi Pad 6: on tablets, traffic savings are related to Mobile hotspot settings. → Access point → Additionally.

For Xiaomi Civi 3 and Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, the problem with duality is relevant SIM-Maps: Traffic savings can be active on one SIM And it's disabled on another card. Always check the settings for each card separately!

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If you often switch between SIM-With maps, create a shortcut to quickly access traffic settings. Click on the empty space on the home screen. → Widgets → Settings → Label for “Use of data".

How to Check if Traffic Savings Are Actually Disabled

Turning off the switch is half the battle, and you have to make sure that the system actually stops restricting traffic.

1. Speed Test: Run Speedtest or nPerf before and after saving is turned off. The difference in download speed should be noticeable (especially on 5G).
2. Traffic Monitoring: Use GlassWire or NetGuard to track which programs are now consuming more data.
3. Check messengers: send yourself a large video on Telegram or WhatsApp, if it downloads without compression, the savings are turned off.
4. Diagnostics through the engineering menu: dial ##4636##, select Phone Information and see the status of Mobile data activity. If it says Data saver: off, it's okay.

On Xiaomi 14 and other flagships with HyperOS, a new diagnostic tool has been added - the Network Monitor.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5 times on the item MIUI version (the message will appear "You became a developer").
3. Go back to the main settings menu and find a new section for developers → Network monitor.

⚠️ Attention: Some firmware may activate an energy saving mode after turning off traffic savings, which indirectly restricts network activity. → Battery. → Power mode and select Performance.

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Turning off traffic savings does not guarantee increased internet speed if the problem is carrier settings or weak network signal. Always check coverage in your region via 4G/5G cards (e.g., nperf.com).

FAQ: Frequent questions about traffic savings on Xiaomi