How to completely disconnect the Internet on Xiaomi: 7 proven ways

Wireless Internet shutdowns on Xiaomi devices can be needed in a variety of situations, from saving battery power to protecting against data leaks or restricting access for children. However, standard methods (like swiping into the notification panel) do not always work consistently β€” especially if it comes to completely shutting down all network connections, including background processes. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disconnect the Internet on Xiaomi smartphones and tablets running MIUI 14/15 and the new HyperOS firmware, including hidden settings and circumventing manufacturer restrictions.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi is actively integrating cloud services into its shell, so even after Wi-Fi or mobile data is turned off, some applications (such as Mi Cloud, GetApps or Mi Video) can continue to use the Internet through alternative channels.

1. Quick shutdown via notification panel

The most obvious way is to use the Quick Settings Panel, which is suitable for temporary Internet shutdowns, but has limitations:

  • πŸ“Ά Wi-Fi: Swipe down from the top of the screen, find the Wi-Fi icon and tap it. On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) You may need to hold the icon to completely disconnect.
  • πŸ“‘ Mobile data: similarly find the Data icon (or 4G/5G) And deactivate it. POCO F5 And new devices icon can be hidden under the button "More".
  • ⚠️ Limitation: This method does not block background processes. Apps like Mi Push or Google Play Services can restore connection.

If Wi-Fi or mobile data icons are not present in the panel, you can add them:

  1. Open the notification bar in full (swipe down twice).
  2. Put it on the icon "βš™οΈ Edit” (or "πŸ–ŠοΈ").
  3. Drag the desired icons into the active area.
πŸ“Š How often do you turn off the internet on your smartphone?
Every day.
Several times a week
Only on trips.
Never.

2. Complete shutdown through system settings

For a more reliable shutdown, use the Settings section β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks (for mobile Internet) or Settings β†’ Wi-Fi. Not only can you deactivate the connection, but you can also deactivate it:

  • πŸ”„ Disable automatic connection to known Wi-Fi networks (Switch "Autoconnection").
  • πŸ“΅ Block background data for individual SIM-cards (on two-symbol models like Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Activate In-Air mode, which disables all wireless modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile communications).

On HyperOS (new firmware for Xiaomi 14 and POCO F6), the path has changed a little:

Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Mobile Network / Wi-Fi

πŸ’‘

If the internet continues to work after the mobile data is turned off, check the APN settings. Some carriers (such as Tele2 or Yota) use "perpetual data" that can be activated automatically.

3. Shutting down the Internet for individual applications

MIUI and HyperOS allow you to restrict access to the network for specific applications, which is useful if you want to keep the Internet on, but block it for social networks or games.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Select the app you want (like TikTok or Instagram).
  3. Slip on Data Use.
  4. Turn off the switches Mobile data and Wi-Fi.

On HyperOS, this section is called Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Permissions β†’ Data.

⚠️ Note: some system applications (e.g. MiuiDaemon or SecurityCenter) do not have the option to disable data.

How to get around the limitation for system applications?
To block background traffic of system processes, you will need to use a firewall (for example, NetGuard) or ADB-However, this requires root rights or an unlocked bootloader, which voids the warranty.

4.Use of the "In Aircraft" mode and its features

In-plane mode (Air mode) disables all wireless modules, but on devices Xiaomi works with its own nuances:

Action.MIUI 14HyperOS
Wi-Fi shutdownβœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.
Shutting down mobile dataβœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.
Blocking Bluetooth.βœ… Yes.❌ No (a separate shutdown is required)
It works with GPS.❌ Shutting it down.βœ… You can keep it on.

To activate the mode:

  • Swipe down the notification panel and tap on the icon "✈️".
  • Or go to Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ In-Air Mode.

On HyperOS appeared the option to Allow Bluetooth in aircraft mode, which is convenient for using wireless headphones.

β˜‘οΈ Checking the Internet shutdown

Done: 0 / 4

5. Disconnecting the Internet via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods do not help (for example, on Xiaomi Pad 6 with custom firmware), you can use the same method. ADB-This method requires connecting the device to the PC and enabling debugging mode. USB.

Instructions:

  1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (shap 7 times according to version, then go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers).
  2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global airplane_mode_on 1 To turn off the mode "On the plane" replace 1 on 0.
  3. To disable mobile data: adb shell svc data disable

⚠️ Note: on some devices (e.g. Redmi) K60 Pro after ADB-commands require a reboot, otherwise the settings will reset in 5-10 minutes.

6.Blocking the Internet through parental controls

If you want to restrict access to the network for a child or a second user of the device, use the built-in parental control:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Digital Well-Being and Parental Controls.
  2. Select a user profile (or create a new one).
  3. Activate the time limit or block access to Wi-Fi/mobile data completely.

On HyperOS, this section is called Settings β†’ Family.

  • πŸ‘Ά You can set time limits (for example, 1 hour of Internet per day).
  • πŸ“΅ Ability to block certain sites or categories (social networks, games).
  • πŸ”’ Requires Mi Account Linking to Synchronize Settings.

πŸ’‘

Parental controls on Xiaomi work even without root rights, but it can be bypassed by resetting settings or deleting your Mi Account. For reliability, combine with blocking through a router.

7. Alternative methods: Firewall and router

If you want to turn off the internet at the network level (for example, for all Xiaomi devices in your home), use:

  • πŸ”§ Router settings: add MAC-Device address to blacklist or disconnect the Internet on schedule (available on routers Xiaomi Mi Router, Keenetic, TP-Link).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Third-party firewalls: applications like NetGuard (requires root) or NoRoot Firewall (works through a network of firewalls) VPN).
  • πŸ“± Energy saving mode: on some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) activation of Ultra battery saver automatically disables mobile data.

For Xiaomi routers, the path to locking is:

Router settings β†’ Devices β†’ Select device β†’ Block the Internet

FAQ: Frequent questions

Why does the Internet still work after Wi-Fi is turned off?
Chances are you have activated mobile data or the Wi-Fi Assistant (automatic switching to mobile Internet with a weak Wi-Fi signal) function. Turn it off in Settings β†’ Wi-Fi β†’ Additional β†’ Wi-Fi Assistant.
Can I turn off all applications except one?
Yes, but only with third-party firewalls (like NetGuard) or through ADB. Built-in MIUI/HyperOS tools don't support this functionality.
How to turn off the Internet on Xiaomi Watch or Mi Band?
On Xiaomi smartwatches, the Internet shuts down automatically when you don’t have a phone connection. To force it to lock: Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for Mi Band 8). Go to Device Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Notifications. Disable Mobile Data (if available) or delete the SIM card (for eSIM-enabled models).
Why does the internet turn on itself after the reboot?
This is a feature of Xiaomi firmware. To avoid automatic activation: Turn off the Auto-connection to Wi-Fi in the network settings. Remove the stored Wi-Fi networks. β†’ Delete. Use it. ADB-Command to permanently shut down: adb shell settings put global mobile_data 0
How to check if the internet is really off?
Use one of the traffic monitoring apps (e.g. Internet Speed Meter or GlassWire). Alternative: Open your browser and try to load any page (e.g. google.com). Check the connection status in Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Data usage (graphs should be empty).