Roaming on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 can be unexpected, especially if you travel or live in border regions. Even in the home network, the phone sometimes connects to foreign carriers — this is called passive roaming, and it is charged at higher rates. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn off roaming on your smartphone, including hidden MIUI settings and alternative methods for different versions of the firmware.
Many users mistakenly think that it is enough to turn off data transmission manually. In fact, operators use automatic roaming connection at a weak signal of the home network. We tested each method on the Redmi Note 7 (models M1901F7G and M1901F7H) with MIUI 12-14 firmware, and found nuances that are not written about in the standard instructions. For example, on some MTS and Beeline tariffs, roaming is activated even when the mobile Internet is turned off through the APN settings.
Before proceeding to the instructions, check the current roaming status:
- 📱 On the main screen, look at the network icon: if the letter R or the inscription “Roaming” appeared next to the operator’s name, you are already roaming.
- 💰 Send. USSD-request *100# (for MegaFon/MTS or *110*09# (for Beeline) – the answer will indicate the current tariff and roaming status.
- 📊 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Operator name: if a foreign operator is displayed (e.g., "T-Mobile" instead of "MTS"), roaming is active.
Method 1: Turning off roaming through the basic MIUI settings
The most obvious method is to use built-in MIUI options. However, there are pitfalls: on some firmware, menu items may differ or be hidden.
1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to section SIM-Maps and mobile networks (on some versions) MIUI It's called the Mobile Network).
3. Choose. SIM-card you want to disable roaming for (if you have dual-SIM).
4.Tap on Roaming (or data roaming on MIUI 14).
5. Move the slider to the "Off" position for both items:
Data roaming (disables mobile Internet in roaming)
Roaming calls (blocks outbound/inbound calls via foreign networks)
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Attention! MIUI firmware below 12.5 may not have a separate call roaming switch, in which case, once the data roaming is turned off, all calls will be automatically redirected to voicemail - check with the operator.
Data roaming turned off|Call roaming is turned off (if any)|Reboot the phone to apply changes|Status checked through USSD-request (*100#)
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Method 2: Block roaming through USSD-operator
USSD-Codes are a universal way to manage services directly through the operator, bypassing the phone settings. For Redmi Note 7, the following commands will suit (choose depending on your operator):
| Operator. | Code to disable roaming | Code for status verification |
|---|---|---|
| MTS | *111*77# → 1 → Send | *100# |
| Beeline | *110*181# → Send | *110*09# |
| MegaFon | *130*1# → Send | *105# |
| Tele2. | *155*1# → Send | *155*0# |
| Yota | *100*15# → Send | *100# |
Once the code is sent, you will receive an SMS or push notification confirming the shutdown, and it is important that some operators (such as MTS) may turn on roaming back when crossing the border, in which case you will have to repeat the procedure.
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Attention! USSD-Teams are only working on the main SIM-If you have two SIMs, repeat the procedure for each separately, and also note that on unlimited roaming rates (for example, All for 500 from Tele2), the shutdown is over. USSD It may not work, but you need a call to support you.
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Save it. USSD-codes in phone notes or photos – in roaming, Internet access can be blocked, and you will not be able to find them.
Method 3: Manual network selection (disabling automatic roaming)
By default, the Redmi Note 7 is set to automatically select the network, which leads to connection to foreign operators at a weak signal.
1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose the right one. SIM-map → Operator name (or Network Selection).
3. Turn off the "Automatic" option and wait for the phone to find the available networks.
4. Select your operator from the list (e.g., "MTS-RU" instead of "MTS").
5. Save the changes and restart the phone.
🔹 The advantage of the method: the phone will not connect to foreign networks even in the absence of a signal from the home operator.
🔹 Disadvantage: If you move outside of your network coverage, the connection will disappear completely (no automatic switching).
What if your operator is not on the list?
Method 4: Disable roaming through the engineering menu (for advanced)
If standard methods don’t work, you can use Xiaomi’s engineering menu, which is suitable for MIUI 11-14 firmware, but you need to be careful – incorrect changes can disrupt the network.
1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination:
##4636##(If the code doesn't work, try ##36446337## for newer versions of MIUI).
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. Select LTE only or 3G only mode (this will limit network search to only modern standards where roaming is less likely).
5. Go back to the main menu and select Running Service → find the process com.android.phone → click Stop (this will restart the mobile network).
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Attention, changes in the engineering menu can lead to loss of network or inability to make calls. If after manipulation communication is lost, return the settings to the original state or perform a reset. APN: Settings → SIM-map → Access point (APN) → Reset to factory.
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The engineering menu is an extreme method. Use it only if other methods have not worked, and you understand the risks.
Hidden roaming charges: how to avoid them
Even after you turn off roaming through your settings, you may encounter write-offs, and here are 5 of the most common operator traps:
- 📞 Incoming roaming calls: some rates even charge incoming calls (e.g. Super MTS until 2023). Check the terms on 0890 (MTS) or on the operator's website.
- 📶 Passive roaming: The phone can briefly connect to a foreign network to update location (even without internet). → Google → Personal data → Location history.
- 💬 SMS roaming: sending messages abroad is often charged separately. SMS-roaming USSD or in the operator's personal office.
- 🔄 Auto-update applications: If data roaming is disabled but background processes (like Google Play) are trying to update, this can lead to a connection.Ban background traffic: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google Play → Mobile data → Background traffic.
- 🌐 Wi-Fi Calling: If you have Wi-Fi Calling enabled, Wi-Fi roaming calls can be charged as international. → SIM-map → Additionally. → Wi-Fi calls.
What to do if roaming is not turned off
If you have completed all the steps, but the phone still connects to roaming, try the following steps:
1. Check the APN settings:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-map → Access point (APN).
- Make sure you're in the field. APN-protocol IPv4 (not IPv4/IPv6).
If there are multiple APNs, leave only one with your carrier name (e.g. internet.mts.com).
2. Update the firmware:
Some versions of MIUI (especially 10–11) have roaming bugs. Update: Settings → About Phone → System Update.
3. Use the operator's application:
Install your carrier’s official app (like “My MTS” or “My Beeline”) and turn off roaming through it, sometimes it works where the phone’s settings don’t help.
4. Resetting network settings:
- Last measure: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth, and then you have to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords.
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If nothing helps, contact the operator's support and ask for a complete block on roaming on your number, which may require a passport and a code word, which MTS and Beeline call "International Roaming Blocking".