Mobile Internet on Xiaomi smartphones can cause unexpected costs if the tariff is limited by traffic or the device connects to the network in roaming. Disabling data transmission is a simple procedure, but in the shell of MIUI it has several nuances. Depending on the firmware version (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14) and the phone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13, etc.), the settings menu may differ, and some functions may be hidden behind additional parameters.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to deactivate mobile Internet, from standard disconnection through the notification panel to fine-tuning for individual applications, and focus on hidden options that allow you to automatically limit traffic when you reach a limit or under certain conditions (for example, when connecting to Wi-Fi), and learn how to avoid the typical errors that keep data spent even after a disconnection.
1. Quickly disabling mobile data through the notification panel
The most obvious and quick way is to use the control center (notification curtain) which works on all Xiaomi models, regardless of the version of MIUI, and takes no more than 2 seconds.
- 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- 🔍 Find the Mobile Data icon** (usually it looks like two up/down arrows or an antenna).
- 🔘 Slap it once – if the button turns grey, the internet is off.
On some devices (such as the POCO F4 or Redmi 10C), the icon may be hidden behind an additional swipe to the right. If it is not on the first page of the panel, swipe left to see all available switches.
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If the mobile data button is missing from the curtain, you can add it manually. Press any icon in the notification bar → click Edit → drag and drop Mobile data to the active zone.
Important nuance: this method turns off the Internet only for the current SIM-If you have a dual slot (two cards) SIM), Check that the data is deactivated for the card you want. MIUI 14 when you click on the icon, the selection menu can open SIM — Make sure you turn off the correct one.
2. Disconnection through system settings: full control
If you need to not just turn off the Internet, but adjust its behavior (for example, limit background traffic or disable data for specific applications), use the Settings section. → SIM-And this is a way of doing more than a notification panel.
Instructions for MIUI 12-14:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Move to the SIM-maps and mobile networks (on some models - Mobile network).
- Choose. SIM-The card you want to disable the data for (if there are two of them).
- Move the mobile data slider** to the off position.
You can also set up the menu:
- 🔄 Roaming – a separate Internet outage abroad.
What to do if the "Mobile Data" item is inactive?
3. disabling mobile Internet for individual applications
One of the key benefits of MIUI is that it can selectively ban the use of mobile data for specific programs, which is useful if you want to keep the Internet on, but limit voracious applications like TikTok, YouTube, or instant messengers.
How to do this:
- Open Settings → Applications → Data Management.
- Select an app from a list (such as Instagram or Google Play Store).
- Turn off the mobile data switch**.
Please note:
- 🚫 Some system applications (e.g. com.android.phone) cannot be restricted.
- 🔄 If the app is updating in the background, it can consume traffic even after it's turned off.Ban it auto-update on Google Play.
- 📱 Nana POCO-The path may be different: settings → Special facilities → Data management.
Is the application settings open?|Whether the correct profile is selected (Wi-Fi/mobile)|There are no exceptions to system processes|Checked background processes in "Battery and performance"-->
4. Automatic data shutdown when connecting to Wi-Fi
If you want mobile internet to automatically shut down as soon as your phone connects to Wi-Fi, MIUI has a hidden feature for that.It's called Network Switch** and isn't available on all models, but it works on most flagships (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50 and later).
You can activate it like this:
- Activate the option “Disable mobile data when connecting to Wi-Fi”** (if any).
Older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5) may not have this feature, so use third-party apps like Tasker or MacroDroid to create an automatic shutdown rule.
All the time, no limits.|Only when there's no Wi-Fi.|Limiting traffic to save money|I am completely disconnected, I only use Wi-Fi.-->
5. Disabling background traffic and saving data
Even if the mobile Internet is turned on, it can be made less voracious. MIUI has built-in tools to limit background activity and compress traffic, which will not shut down data completely, but will significantly reduce its consumption.
Where to look for these settings:
| Function | Path in settings | The effect |
|---|---|---|
| Saving traffic | → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Data savings | Compresses images and videos in the browser, limits background synchronization |
| Background restriction | Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management → Applications Selection | Prohibits applications from running in the background without Wi-Fi |
| Traffic limit | Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Data limit | Blocks the Internet when exceeding a specified volume (for example, 1 GB) |
Important: Data Savings may conflict with some VPN-applications (e.g. NordVPN or ProtonVPN) causing connection errors if it has stopped working after activation VPN, Turn off savings or add the app to exceptions.
6. Network reset: if nothing helps
If mobile data is not turned off despite all attempts (for example, the icon is gray, but traffic continues to be consumed), the problem may be a failure of system settings, in which case resetting network parameters will help, this will return all connections (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile network) to factory values, but will not affect personal data.
How to perform the reset:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (if it is not already enabled).
- Return to the main settings menu and select Settings → Memory → Resetting.
- Click Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth settings.
- Confirm the action with a password or pattern lock.
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Network reset removes all stored Wi-Fi passwords and associated Bluetooth devices. Write down important data in advance or back up through Settings → Google → Backup.
After restarting, check the mobile data. If the problem persists, the cause may be:
- 🛠️ Damaged firmware – requires flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When you turn off mobile data on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
⚠️ Warning: If the icon remains colored after the notification curtain is turned off, but the Internet is not working, this may mean that the Always Online function (for Wi-Fi calls) is active. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Additionally. → Wi-Fi call.
Error 1: Data is disabled, but traffic is still being consumed.
- 🔄 Check if the modem is on (Settings) → Access Point and modem).
- 📡 Make sure that background data for system applications (such as Mi Cloud or Google Play Services) is turned off).
Error 2: You can't turn off the data for the second SIM-map.
- 📱 On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) second-second SIM It can be tied to a memory slot. Check if the card is installed correctly.
- 🔧 Update the firmware to the latest version – in older versions MIUI There was a mistake in managing two. SIM.
Error 3: The mobile data switch has been lost after the MIUI update.
- 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the interface resets after an update.
- 🛠️ Reset the notification panel settings: Settings → Notification centre → Reset.