How to completely turn off the Internet in roaming on Xiaomi: all ways

Mobile operators’ roaming rates are often a source of unexpected costs, especially if your Xiaomi smartphone automatically connects to the Internet abroad. Even background app updates or email synchronization can eat up hundreds of megabytes of traffic, which will cost thousands of rubles. In this article, we will explore all possible ways to turn off mobile Internet roaming on devices with a MIUI shell – from basic settings to hidden functions of the engineering menu.

It's important to understand that the methods vary depending on the firmware version and the smartphone model. MIUI 14 Way to Settings SIM-cards may be different from POCO F5 s MIUI 15 We took these nuances into account and gave universal solutions, and also specified features for popular lines. If you travel often, save this instruction bookmarks - it will help to avoid unpleasant surprises from the operator.

1. disabling mobile data for a specific SIM-map

The most reliable way to prevent roaming costs is to completely block the transfer of data to the Internet. SIM-This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of the version MIUI, It does not require the rights of a superuser.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🔄 Choose. SIM-The card for which you need to disconnect the Internet (if there are two of them).
• 🌐 Go to the Mobile Data section and move the slider to the off position.
• 🔒 For reliability, also turn off automatic network connection (if optional).

After that, the smartphone will not be able to connect to the Internet via the mobile network, even if you accidentally turn on data transfer. Note: this method does not block calls and SMS - they will work as usual. If you need to turn off them, use On the plane mode (we will discuss it below).

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On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) The option to disable mobile data may be hidden in the submenu → Data transfer. If you can't find a slider, check all the tabs in the section. SIM-map.

2.Setting up roaming restrictions in MIUI

The MIUI shell has a built-in mobile traffic restriction feature in roaming, which doesn't shut down the Internet completely, but allows you to control costs, which is suitable if you want to leave access to messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram), but block background updates.

How to set up:

• 📊 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data.
• 🛑 Find the Roaming Restriction (or the Roaming Data Limit on new versions).
• 🔧 Enable the limit and set a limit, such as 50MB.
• ⚠️ Activate the option to disable data when exceeding the limit.

Now that you’re outside the carrier’s home network, your smartphone will automatically block mobile internet after the limit is reached. Please note that some system processes (such as checking for MIUI updates) may ignore this limitation.

3. Use of "In Aircraft" mode with exceptions

On-plane mode completely shuts down all wireless modules on your smartphone, but you can set exceptions in MIUI, which is convenient if you only have to leave calls and SMS, but block the Internet. The method works on all models, including the Redmi 10, POCO X5 and the flagship series.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate In-Air mode through the notification curtain or in Settings → Connections and Sharing.
2. After activation, open the notification curtain again.
3. Tap the Wi-Fi icon or Mobile Data (depending on the MIUI version, it may be grey or crossed out).
4. Turn on only calls (telephone icon) – the Internet will remain off.

This is a reliable method, but it has a drawback: each time you reboot your smartphone, you will have to repeat the actions. To automate the process, use the scheduled mode activation (available in Settings → In-plane Mode → Schedule).

4.Block background traffic for all applications

If you want to keep mobile internet on but prevent apps from spending traffic in the background, use the built-in MIUI tools. This is true for instant messengers, social networks and system services that can pull data without your knowledge.

How to limit background traffic:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Select an app (such as Facebook or Facebook) MIUI Daemon).

For a mass shutdown, use Settings → Battery and Performance → Background Management. Here you can select Strictly Restricted Mode, which will block background activity for most applications. However, this can affect the notifications.

Mobile data is disabled for SIM-map

Roaming Restrictions in MIUI Activated

Background permissions for applications checked

Offline maps saved in Google Maps/Yandex.Maps

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5. Hidden settings of the engineering menu (for power users)

If standard methods do not help (for example, the operator forcibly activates roaming), you can use the Xiaomi engineering menu, which requires caution, as improper actions can disrupt the network.

Instructions for access to the engineering menu:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. Select GSM only (calls and SMS only) or LTE only (if you want to leave 4G, but no roaming).

Once you have set up your smartphone, you will lose access to the mobile Internet, but you will still be able to call. To return everything back, repeat the steps and select LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro), the engineering menu may be blocked, in which case use alternative methods.

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The engineering menu is a powerful tool, but changing the network settings can lead to loss of communication. Use it only if other methods have failed.

6.Alternative solutions: eSIM and virtual operators

If you travel frequently, consider virtual options. SIM-Many modern Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) eSIM support, allowing you to use local rates without physically replacing your card.

The advantages of eSIM in roaming:

• 🌍 You can connect a local operator without visiting the cabin (for example, via Airalo or Holafly).
• 💰 Tariffs are 5-10 times cheaper than Russian operators in roaming.
• 🔄 Easy to switch between profiles (e.g. one for calls, another for the internet).

To activate eSIM on Xiaomi:

1. Buy a virtual SIM from a supported carrier (the list is available on the Mi Community website).
2. B Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks select Add mobile network.
3. Scan it. QR-code or enter data manually.

After connecting, disable mobile data for the main SIM-maps as described in the first section and use the Internet only via eSIM.

Comparison of methods of disconnecting the Internet in roaming

The choice of method depends on your tasks. For maximum reliability, combine the data disconnection for SIM and the "In the plane" mode. If you want to leave access to messengers, use the roaming restriction or eSIM.

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The safest way to avoid roaming costs is to physically remove them. SIM-You can use a card and use Wi-Fi or eSIM, but it's only good if you don't need calls.

Frequent questions

If you travel regularly, we recommend that you check your operator's roaming rates in advance and set your smartphone according to this instruction. Remember: even a few megabytes of roaming traffic can lead to significant costs. It is better to be safe and turn off the mobile Internet in advance than argue with the operator about charges.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO M4 Pro after updating to MIUI 15 Way to Settings SIM-If you don't find the right options, search the settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner) and type in "mobile data" or "roaming".