Why it is important to turn off roaming on Xiaomi Redmi Note
Roaming is a feature that allows your Xiaomi Redmi Note to connect to other carriersβ networks when youβre out of coverage at home. Itβs a convenient option, but it carries hidden risks. Many users face unexpected mobile bills after traveling abroad or even while in border regions of Russia. In 2023, for example, Roskomnadzor recorded more than 12,000 complaints about unauthorized connections to foreign networks in Crimea and the Kaliningrad region.
The feature of Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones (including Note 10/11/12/13 Pro models) is that it automatically searches the network at a weak signal. The phone can switch to a foreign operator on its own, even if you have not physically crossed the border. This leads to charging at roaming rates that are 5-10 times more expensive than standard ones.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to deactivate roaming on Redmi Note, including hidden settings. MIUI, You'll learn how to block roaming for specific users. SIM-Set up automatic shutdown when crossing the border and what to do if the phone still connects to foreign networks.
Method 1: Disabling roaming through basic settings
The easiest method is to use the standard MIUI settings menu. This method works on all Redmi Note models regardless of the firmware version (including MIUI 12/13/14). Importantly, disabling roaming through this menu only blocks outgoing connections (calls, SMS, mobile Internet), but does not prevent incoming calls.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon)
- Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks
- Choose the right one. SIM-Card (if you have a dual-SIM)
- Tapping at Roaming Point
- Move the slider to the Retraction position.
After performing these actions next to your name SIM-The card will appear with an "R" icon in gray, meaning that roaming has been successfully deactivated, but this method does not protect against automatic connection to foreign networks in border areas where the signal of the home operator is weak.
βοΈ Checking the roaming shutdown
Method 2: Block roaming through the "In the plane" mode
If you need to securely disconnect all network connections (including roaming), use In-plane mode, which is suitable for traveling abroad where you do not plan to use mobile communications, and the advantage of this method is the complete blocking of any unauthorized connections to foreign networks.
How to turn on:
- π± Open the notification bar (swipe down from the top edge of the screen)
- π Find the Mode icon on the plane and tap it.
- π΄ Alternative: Settings β Connections β Airplane mode
In this mode, the phone is completely disconnected from cellular networks, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. To leave the ability to use Wi-Fi (for example, in a hotel), after activating the "On the plane" mode, you can manually turn on Wi-Fi through the notification panel, while mobile communication remains blocked.
π‘
If you need to temporarily turn on the communication in "On the plane" mode (for example, to call), just turn off this mode for 1-2 minutes, and then activate again.
Method 3: Manually configuring network selection
One of the most reliable ways to prevent unwanted roaming is to prevent the phone from automatically selecting networks, in which case the Redmi Note will only connect to the operators you explicitly specify in the settings, a method that is especially relevant for regions with unstable coverage (Crimea, Kaliningrad, the Far East).
Step-by-step:
- Go to Settings β SIM-cards and mobile networks
- Choose the right one. SIM-map
- Tap Network Selection (or Network Operators in some versions)
- Turn off the option automatically
- Wait until the phone finds the available networks.
- Manually choose your operator (for example, MTS, Beeline, MegaFon)
After that, the phone won't connect to foreign networks even if the domestic carrier signal is weak, and note that if you cross the border, the connection will completely disappear until you turn on the automatic network selection again or manually select the local operator.
| Method of shutting down | Blocks outgoing | Blocking incoming | Works in border areas | Requires manual action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main settings | β Yes. | β No. | β No. | β No. |
| On the plane mode | β Yes. | β Yes. | β Yes. | β No. |
| Manual selection of the network | β Yes. | β Yes. | β Yes. | β Yes. |
| USSD codes | β Yes. | β No. | β No. | β Yes. |
Method 4: Use USSD-operator code
Each mobile operator provides special services USSD-This method is convenient if you need to quickly turn off roaming without deep dives into the phone settings.The codes work independently of the Xiaomi Redmi Note model and version. MIUI.
USSD-codes for popular operators:
- π MTS: Dial *111*777# and select "Disable roaming"
- π Beeline: *110*777# β "Roaming management" β "Shut down"
- π MegaFon: *105*444# β Follow the voice instructions
- π Television2: *155*1# β "roaming" β "Banned"
After shipping. USSD-you will receive the request SMS-confirmation of roaming disabling. Importantly, this method does not block incoming roaming calls. USSD-Manually selected codes (Method 3).
β οΈ Note: Some operators (e.g. Iota) automatically connect roaming when you first cross the border, ignoring previous settings.
Method 5: Disabling mobile data in roaming
If you need to leave the possibility of calling, but block mobile Internet in roaming (the most expensive type of communication), use separate settings for data transfer. This method is relevant for Redmi Note 10 Pro models and later, which supports separate voice and Internet control.
How to set up:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks
- Choose. SIM-map
- Tap data transfer
- Turn off the data roaming option (or mobile internet roaming)
- For reliability, also disable the Automatic Network Connection in the same menu.
After that, the phone will not use mobile Internet roaming, but will be able to make and receive calls. Please note that some applications (such as WhatsApp or Viber) can continue to work over Wi-Fi even when roaming is turned off.
What to do if the roaming is turned on by itself?
Additional protection against unexpected roaming
Even after turning off roaming through all possible settings, there is a risk of automatically connecting to foreign networks.
- π‘ Weak signal of the home operator in the border areas
- π Updates to the firmware that resets network settings
- π± Double. SIM-maps where roaming is activated on the second line
To minimize the risks:
- Turn off automatic updates MIUI before the trip: Settings β The phone. β Updating the system β βοΈ β Auto-update
- Use network monitoring applications such as Network Signal Info (shows the current operator in real time)
- Activate the operator service "Roaming ban" - this blocks the connection at the SIM-card level
- Check the network icon when crossing borders: if an unknown name appears instead of your operatorβs name (for example, Life, Kyivstar), immediately disable mobile communication.
For Redmi Note 12 and later, roaming notification is available in settings SIM-Turn it on to receive warnings when connecting to foreign networks.
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The most reliable way to avoid roaming is to use a combination of manual network selection (Method 3) + In-Air mode (Method 2) + disabling mobile data (Method 5).