How to completely disable background data transfer on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are actively using mobile traffic and Wi-Fi even when the screen is off. Apps are synchronized, the system checks for updates, and Google and Mi Account services transmit data in the background. As a result, the battery goes down in a few hours, and gigabytes from the mobile Internet package melt in front of your eyes, especially for Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13 models, where background activity is turned on as aggressively as possible by default.

In this article, we'll look at 5 working methods for turning off background traffic, including hidden MIUI settings that aren't shown in the standard menu. We'll look at how to limit data transfers for individual applications, how to block system services through ADB, and why, even after all the manipulations, Mi Push can continue to eat traffic. Importantly, some methods require developer or unlocked bootloader rights, we'll warn you about this in advance.

Why Xiaomi is using background traffic

The MIUI firmware out of the box is set to integrate as much as possible with the Xiaomi ecosystem, which means your smartphone:

• 🔄 Syncs data with Mi Cloud (contacts, notes, photos) every time 15-30 minute
• 📱 Gets push notifications from Mi Push Service even for blocked apps
• 🔍 Sends anonymous usage statistics to Xiaomi Analytics (on by default)
• 🔄 Checks for security and software updates through System Update
• 📊 Synchronizes data with fitness bracelets Mi Band or smart watch Xiaomi Watch

In addition, Google Play Services and Google Mobile Services (GMS) on global versions of MIUI add their layer of background activity: synchronization of Google account, backup, security check, etc. As a result, even in standby mode, the smartphone can transmit up to 50-150 MB of data per day – and this does not take into account messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram.

⚠️ Warning: A complete blackout of background traffic may cause delays in receiving notifications (e.g. from Viber or Instagram) and stop syncing emails. 1-2 day-day.

Method 1: Standard traffic restriction settings in MIUI

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It does not require superuser rights and is suitable for most models (Redmi 10, POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T, etc.).

Steps:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several)
3. Tap on Data Transfer → Limit background traffic
4. Activate the switch to limit background traffic

For Wi-Fi:

1. Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi
2. Click on the current network (or icon) ⚙️ near her name)
3. Enable the option to limit the use of data in the background

This method doesn't block background activity completely, it just reduces its priority. System applications (Mi Push, Security) will continue to work, but less often.

Are the notifications from messengers still working?

Are contacts synchronized with Mi Cloud?

Are there any weather or calendar widgets missing?

Does geolocation work in Google Maps?-->

Method 2: Manually shutting down background activity for individual applications

If you only need to block traffic for specific programs (like Facebook or TikTok), use the Data Use menu:

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Select the desired app (e.g. YouTube)
3. Tap on Mobile Data and Wi-Fi
4. Turn off the switches: Background data (blocks traffic when the application is folded) Autostart (prevents starting when the smartphone is turned on)

For system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser), the path is different:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Three points (⋮) → Show all applications
2. Find the app (use a title search)
3. Select Battery → Limit background activity

Steps:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and allow debugging over USB
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder
3. Run a command to block background traffic for a specific package (e.g. Facebook): adb shell cmd appops set com.facebook.katana RESTRICT_BACKGROUND_DATA deny
4. To block all applications (caution!): adb shell settings put global restrict_background_data 1

List of popular packages for blocking:

Method 4: Using Firewall applications (without root)

If ADB It seems too complicated, you can use third-party firewalls, which allow you to flexibly configure the rules of access to the network for each application. MIUI:

• 🛡️ NetGuard – No Root Requirements, Works Through VPN-You can block traffic through the tunnel. Wi-Fi/mobile data separately.
• 🔥 NoRoot Firewall – Simple interface, supports time-based rules (e.g., block traffic at night).
• 🚀 TrackerControl – blocks not only traffic, but also trackers in applications.

Example of settings in NetGuard:

1. Install the app from Google Play
2. Launch and grant permission to create VPN-linkage
3. In the list of applications, tick the ones for which you want to block traffic.
4. Press the badge. 🔄 In the top menu to apply the rules

Firewalls have the advantage of flexibility, like allowing WhatsApp to use mobile data but blocking Wi-Fi, or vice versa. VPN-This can increase battery consumption (only a small scale). 3-5%).

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You can create two profiles in NetGuard: one for mobile data (hard restrictions), one for Wi-Fi (more loyal rules), switch them manually or on a schedule.

Method 5: Disable Xiaomi system services (for advanced)

Some MIUI services cannot be disabled by standard methods, they can recover after a reboot, and to permanently block them, you will need to:

1. Unlock the bootloader (official way through Mi Unlock Tool)
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP)
3. Get root rights through Magisk

After that, you can:

• 🗑️ Uninstall unnecessary system applications through Titanium Backup or SD Maid
• ❄️ Freeze services with App Quarantine or Ice Box
• 🔧 Edit files /system/build.prop foreshoot

List of safe to remove system packages (before removing it, make a backup!):

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications may result in bootloop (locked boot) or loss of functionality (e.g., the camera stops working or the camera stops working). NFC). Always check if the other part of the system is dependent on the package.

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If after removing the system applications, the smartphone stopped booting, restore them through TWRP from the backup or run a clean MIUI through Fastboot.

What to do if notifications stop coming after traffic is turned off

Problem: You blocked background traffic, but now Telegram or VK don't show new messages until you open the app.

1. Add the app to exceptions: Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management Select an app (like WhatsApp) Activate Without Limits or No Background Activity Restrictions

Use alternative notification channels:

• For Telegram, turn on Settings → Notifications → Use FCM (Firebase Cloud Messaging)
• In VK, activate Settings → Notifications → Push notifications via Google
• Set up a firewall to let traffic through for instant messengers: In NetGuard or NoRoot Firewall, add apps to the whitelist for mobile data and Wi-Fi.

If the notifications don’t come, check:

• 🔕 Do you have a security lock (in Settings)? → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start)
• 📵 Is not included in the mode Do not disturb or Saving battery power
• 🔄 Have you lost your synchronization settings (in Settings)? → Accounts and synchronization)

FAQ: Frequent questions about background traffic on Xiaomi