How to turn off roaming on Xiaomi Redmi 9: the complete guide

Traveling on Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be a fun pastime, but unexpected bills from the operator for using mobile Internet abroad can ruin any experience. Roaming is a mechanism that allows your device to work on the networks of other operators, but the cost of such services is often unnecessarily high, which is why owners of Xiaomi smartphones need to know how to properly manage communication settings before crossing the border.

In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to limit background activity and data transfer to keep your budget safe. Modern MIUI shells offer flexible tools for traffic control, but they require proper configuration. We will look not only at standard switches, but also at hidden features that will help you stay connected only when you really need it.

Ignoring these settings can lead to even a simple weather update or checking your mail in the background eating up your entire money limit. So the question of how to turn off roaming on Redmi 9 is one of the most important for travelers. Let's move on to practical steps that will take you just a few minutes, but save you significant amounts.

Understanding Roaming at MIUI

Before making configuration changes, it’s important to understand what exactly happens to your device when you connect to a foreign network. International roaming is activated automatically when the phone detects available networks outside your home carrier’s coverage area. On Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell, this process is controlled by system services that constantly scan the air.

There are two main types of roaming that you should know about: voice and batch, voice and batch are responsible for incoming and outgoing calls, and batch are responsible for Internet operation. Data blackouts do not block incoming SMS, including confirmation codes from banks, a critical nuance, as many users mistakenly believe that turning off the Internet completely isolates the device.

The Android system that runs Redmi 9, by default, tends to maintain a permanent connection to the network to synchronize data. Without the right setup, background processes can initiate a connection to update servers or messengers, which will lead to traffic consumption.

⚠️ Note: Even when the mobile Internet is turned off, some system services may try to log in to receive service signals. To ensure that there is no cost, it is better to use In-Flight mode, followed by only Wi-Fi.

Basic settings through the menu SIM-map

The easiest and most effective way to manage roaming is in the standard settings menu. SIM-This method allows you to flexibly manage each SIM card separately, which is especially important for owners of two-symbol Redmi 9. SIM-maps and mobile networks.

In the menu that opens, you'll see a list of SIM cards installed. Choose the one that's used for mobile Internet or is scheduled to receive calls. This is where the key data roaming switch is located. Disabling it prevents the phone from using the mobile network to transmit data abroad, but leaves voice calls available (if allowed by the tariff).

It is worth noting that MIUI interfaces may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (Global, China or EU). However, the logic of the arrangement of elements remains the same for all devices in the Redmi line. If you do not see the switch right away, try clicking on the operator name or arrow next to it to reveal additional options.

Once you change the settings, the system can request confirmation of action, warning of possible additional costs. This is a standard Android security measure that should be ignored if you are confident in your actions, the main thing is to remember to repeat the procedure for the second SIM card, if it is installed in the phone.

Data transmission and limits management

Besides directly disabling roaming, it is crucial to set up traffic limits. Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners have access to a powerful built-in traffic monitor that allows you to tightly control megabyte consumption. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Traffic statistics.

You can set a daily or monthly limit where mobile internet will automatically shut down, which is an additional insurance policy in case the main roaming switch is accidentally activated, and a limit of a few megabytes or even 0 MB is recommended for a SIM card used abroad.

• 📱 Set a traffic limit to a minimum value to prevent background downloads.
• 🚫 Turn off auto-update apps via mobile network in Google Play and Mi Store settings.
• 🔒 Use the Traffic Saving feature in the battery settings to limit background activity.

Also worth paying attention to the settings of specific applications. In the Applications → Application Management section, you can individually deny access to mobile Internet for each program, which will allow you to use messengers only through Wi-Fi, eliminating the accidental data consumption in roaming.

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Install the Traffic Monitor widget on the home screen, allowing you to see current consumption in one click and quickly turn mobile data on/off without falling into the deep settings menu.

Use of flight mode and Wi-Fi

Airplane Mode is the most radical, but also the most reliable way to avoid any write-offs, and when activated on Redmi 9, all radios, cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, are completely turned off. MIUI This allows you to flexibly configure this mode.

With flight mode enabled, you can manually activate only the Wi-Fi module, which means that the phone will not search for carrier networks, meaning that roaming will not physically be activated, ideal for hotels and airports with wireless Internet.

To get to these features quickly, use the notification curtain. Swipe down to open the control center, and click on the airplane icon. If you need to leave the ability to take calls, this method is not suitable, but it is indispensable for saving battery life and money.

⚠️ Note: When the flight mode is on, incoming calls and SMS They won't be coming until it's turned off, and they'll only be coming back after you've reconnected with the operator's network.

Specificity of the two SIM-cards

Xiaomi Redmi 9 supports two SIM cards at the same time, which creates additional nuances when setting up roaming. Often users forget to set up the second card, believing that the settings apply globally. SIM-map MIUI has an independent profile of settings.

You need to check both cards consistently, and even if the second SIM card is only used for calls and it doesn't have an internet tariff, it's better to be safe, and in some cases, the phone may try to use the second card to transmit data if the first one loses the signal.

You can also select which card will be used for mobile Internet by default, make sure that this setting is in line with your plans, and if you plan to buy a local SIM card, it will need to allow data roaming and the home card will need to be completely restricted.

Alternative Methods and Engineering Menu

For advanced users, there is a possibility of more in-depth customization via the engineering menu, but on global versions of MIUI firmware, access to it is often limited.

If the menu opens, select Phone Information. Here you can find the Set Preferred Network Type switch. Changing the network type (for example, to GSM only) can help in some specific cases where the phone is constantly trying to find a 3G/4G network and discharges, but for the average tourist this is redundant.

Another method is manual network selection: In the Network Settings menu, turn off the operator's automatic choice and manually select your home carrier's partner network.This will not turn off roaming, but prevent you from connecting to expensive intermediary networks that are not on the partner list.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The most reliable way to avoid costs is a comprehensive approach: disable data roaming in SIM settings, set a traffic limit to zero and use Wi-Fi to communicate.