Roaming on Xiaomi smartphones can be unexpected costs, especially if you often travel or live in border regions. Even in the “home” network, the operator sometimes connects international roaming without notice – for example, when the base station signal is weak. In this article, we will discuss all ways to turn off roaming on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices, including hidden MIUI settings and nuances for different versions of the firmware.
It is important to understand that simply turning off mobile data does not protect against roaming: the phone can still connect to other networks for calls and calls. SMS. We will show you how to block roaming at the level SIM-And at the end of the article, we'll answer some of the most common questions, like why roaming is activated by itself and how to get back money for unexpected expenses.
Why roaming on Xiaomi is automatically turned on
Many users experience a situation where roaming is activated without their knowledge, the reasons can be different:
- 📡 Weak home network signal: If your carrier does not provide stable coverage, the smartphone automatically connects to partner networks (for example, Beeline can use MTS networks in roaming).
- 🌍 In regions near the border (e.g. in the Kaliningrad region or Altai), the phone can cling to foreign towers even if you haven't crossed the border.
- 🔄 Software update. After update MIUI Sometimes network settings are reset and roaming is enabled by default.
- 📱 Double. SIM. On devices with two SIMs, roaming can be activated on one of them, while the other remains on the home network.
The most insidious situation is “hidden roaming”, when the operator does not notify you of connecting to another network, but writes off money for outgoing calls or SMS. For example, in 2023 Tele2 users complained about charges for roaming in the Crimea, although officially the region is considered “home” for this operator.
⚠️ Note: Some operators (e.g. Yota or virtual operators) MVNO) By default, roaming is activated for all subscribers!
Method 1: Turning off roaming via MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the standard MIUI menu. It works on all modern devices (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5, etc.) with MIUI 12-15 firmware.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or Mobile Network on older versions).
- Choose. SIM-card for which you want to disable roaming (if you have two SIMs).
- Tap on the item Roaming (can be called International roaming or data roaming).
- Transfer the slider to the off position for both parameters: 📞 Roaming of calls (voice roaming) 📶 Data roaming (Internet in roaming)
On some devices (e.g. Redmi 10C or POCO M5), the roaming option may be hidden behind an additional menu. If it is not on the home screen, try the path: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Mobile Network → Additional.
Data roaming turned off|Call roaming turned off|Checked every one. SIM-card (if two of them)|Rebooted smartphone to apply settings-->
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (firmwareware) RU) Sometimes there is no separate roaming switch. In this case, use Method 2.
Method 2: Block roaming through settings SIM-map
If it's on the menu MIUI There is no obvious roaming switch, try to disable it through the settings of the very SIM-This method works even in older models (Redmi). 7A, Mi A2) and custom-built devices.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose the right one. SIM-card (if there are several).
- Tap the name of your operator (for example, MTS or Beeline).
- In the window that opens, look for Network Type or Network Mode.
- Choose 2G Only or 3G Only (but not 4G/LTE!) this will limit connectivity to modern networks, which are most commonly used in roaming.
- Go back and turn off the Automatic Network Selection option (if any). Instead, select Manual Search and manually specify the operator's home network.
This method does not block roaming completely, but it significantly reduces the risk of accidental connection. For example, if you live in Sochi and your phone catches the Abkhaz AquaFon network, manual selection of the MTS-RU network will prevent automatic switching.
What if manual network selection is not saved?
Method 3: Turning off roaming through USSD-team
Each operator provides each USSD-This is the most reliable way, because the lock is at the level of the roaming control team. SIM-Maps, not phones: Topical teams for popular Russian operators (2026):
| Operator. | Team to turn off roaming | Team for status check |
|---|---|---|
| MTS | *111*777# → challenge | *111*088# |
| Beeline | *110*180# → challenge | *110*10# |
| MegaFon | *105*450# → challenge | *105# |
| Tele2 | *155*2# → challenge | *155*0# |
| Yota | *100*1*1# → challenge | *100# |
Once you have the command, you will receive an SMS confirming the shutdown, save this message, which will come in handy if the operator suddenly turns roaming back on (such cases were experienced by MegaFon subscribers in 2023).
If USSD-Teams are not working, try sending them. SMS:
- 📄 For MTS: send SMS 0 to 111.
- 📄 For Beeline: send 1800 to 5180.
💡
If so, USSD-commands roaming is still active, call the operator and ask to block the service manually.Say you want to "completely disable roaming, including voice and data».
Method 4: Use of an engineering menu (for power users)
If standard methods do not help, you can block roaming through the Engineering Mode, which is suitable for advanced users, since incorrect settings can disrupt the network.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636## Some models (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T) may require a code: ##36446337###
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
- Choose GSM only or WCDMA only (but not LTE!) this will limit your smartphone to older communication standards, which are less commonly used in roaming.
- Go back and find Disable data roaming or Roaming control. Activate it.
After this, restart your phone. Please note that the engineering menu may vary depending on the model and version of the MIUI. Some devices (e.g. Redmi K50) require root rights to access it.
⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the engineering menu may result in loss of network or inability to make calls. If the signal is lost after manipulation, reset the network settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
Through settings MIUI|USSD-operator|Engineering menu|Manual selection of the network|Don't turn off roaming.-->
Method 5: Completely blocking roaming through the operator
If you want to avoid roaming, contact the operator with a request to block the service at the level of the service. SIM-It can be done:
- 📞 By phone hotline (numbers: MTS - 0890, Beeline - 0611, MegaFon - 0500, Tele2 — 611).
- 💬 Through chat in the official application of the operator (for example, My MTS or MegaFon Personal Account).
- 🏦 At the communication salon (take your passport with you).
When contacting, use the phrases: “Please completely block roaming for my number, including voice and data transmission” or “Disable all international roaming services, including automatic connections”.
The operator must comply with your request within 24 hours. SMS-Notification. Check status through USSD-command (see Method 3).
💡
Blocking roaming through the operator is the only way to 100% avoid accidental charges, and even if the phone connects to someone else's network, calls and the Internet will not work.
What to do if roaming has already been activated
If you find that roaming is on and the money has already been written off, proceed by the algorithm:
- Shut down the mobile network immediately: 🔘 Put your phone in the plane mode. 🔘 Or turn off mobile data in the notification curtain.
- Check the operator's rates: 📄 Go to your personal account on the operator's website. 📄 See the section "Roaming" or "International Communications" for some operators (e.g., for example, for the Internet, Tele2) There are “roaming packages” that automatically connect when you first use them.
- Challenge the write-off: 📞 Call the operator and demand a refund, referring to Art. 16 of the Consumer Protection Act (the service was provided without your consent). 📧 Write an official claim to the operator’s email (addresses are usually listed on the site in the Contacts section»).
If the operator refuses to return the money, contact Roskomnadzor or the FAS with a complaint about the imposition of services. In 2023, MegaFon returned the funds to several subscribers after the intervention of regulators.