How to completely disable the radio module on Xiaomi smartphones: all the ways and risks

The radio modules in Xiaomi smartphones are the hardware components that are responsible for wireless communication: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS and mobile data. In some situations, users need to turn them off — whether to save battery power, improve security or eliminate interference. However, a complete shutdown of radio modules can lead to unexpected consequences, from loss of functionality to hardware failures.

In this article, we will look at all available methods, from standard MIUI settings to hidden commands through ADB and engineering menus, focusing on the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and other current devices from 2023 to 2026, and learn which radios can be turned off safely and which are only at your own risk.

Why turn off the radio modules on Xiaomi?

The reasons for deactivating wireless modules range from banal to critical:

• 🔋 Battery savings: even in standby mode, radio modules consume up to 15-20% of charge per day (according to GSMArena tests on Xiaomi) 12T).
• 🛡️ Security: Disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth protects against BlueBorne attacks or connecting to fake hotspots.
• 📡 Interference elimination: in areas with poor coverage (metro, basements), a constant search for the network drains the battery and heats the processor.
• 🚫 Testing of equipment: for example, checking the work GPS mobile-free.
• 🔧 Repair or diagnostics: If the module is damaged, shutting it down may temporarily stabilize the device.

It is important to understand that a complete hardware shutdown of radio modules (through a soldering iron or flashing) deprives of warranties and can bring the smartphone down.

Method 1: Standard shutdown via MIUI settings

The safest and most reversible method is to use built-in system options, which is suitable for temporarily shutting down individual modules without risk to the device.

To turn off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing.
2. Transfer the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth sliders to the off position.
3. To completely disable the mobile network, go to SIM cards and mobile networks → Mobile data.

To deactivate NFC (if the module is in the model):

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Connected devices → NFC.
• 🔄 Turn off the slider or uncheck the tick from the item Enable NFC.

Note that on some devices (e.g. POCO F4), the GPS option is hidden in the Settings menu → Privacy → Permissions → Geodata. You can turn off geolocation for all applications, but the GPS module itself will remain active at the hardware level.

Method 2: Engineering menu (for experienced users)

The engineering menu (#4636## or #36446337##) allows you to control radio modules at a low level, which works on most Xiaomi models, but requires caution - incorrect settings can lead to loss of communication.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination ##4636##.
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Testing on some firmware).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block – you can turn off the mobile network (select Turn off radio).
4. To manage Wi-Fi, go to the Wi-Fi information tab and click Disable Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi 10, POCO M4) The engineering menu may be missing or blocked. RF Band Selection or Network Lock – This can lead to a loss of the network. IMEI!

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — This is a tool for debugging through a computer, and it's a way to disable modules that don't have an interface in the computer. MIUI (for example, FM-radio 5G-modem).

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Enable USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute on the command line: Adb devices (your device should appear).
4. To turn off Wi-Fi, enter: adb shell svc wifi disable For Bluetooth: adb shell svc bluetooth disable

To get it back, replace disable with enable.

⚠️ Warning: svc commands only work until the device restarts. Permanent shutdown will require editing system files, which requires root rights and can disrupt the operation. MIUI.

💡

If after the shutdown through ADB The module does not turn back on, try restarting the smartphone or run the command adb shell am broadcast. -a android.intent.action.AIRPLANE_MODE --ez State False for Aircraft Resetting.

Method 4: Hardware shutdown (extreme case)

Physical shutdown of radio modules is a radical solution that is used in rare cases:

• 🔧 Repair or replacement of a module (for example, if a Wi-Fi antenna is damaged).
• 🛡️ Extreme security measures (e.g. for devices used on closed networks).
• 📵 Electromagnetic compatibility testing (EMC).

This requires:

1. Disassemble the smartphone (violated tightness and warranty).
2. Find the appropriate chip on the motherboard (e.g., a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module is usually labeled as Broadcom, Qualcomm WCN, or Murata).
3. Solder out power contacts or cut tracks (sweeping station and experience with the SMD-component).

On Xiaomi models with a combined chip (for example, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in Xiaomi 13 Pro), physically disabling one module can disable other functions (for example, Bluetooth will turn off along with Wi-Fi).

💡

Hardware shutting down radios is an irreversible process, and even if you restore contacts, there's no guarantee that the module will work correctly, and this method is recommended only for devices that aren't expected to be used in standard mode.

Consequences of radio modules shutdown

Before you deactivate wireless modules, assess the possible risks:

On devices with MIUI 14+, disabling radio modules may result in a No Network Connection notification that cannot be removed without at least one module (Wi-Fi or mobile data) being turned on.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling radio modules