Modern Xiaomi smartphones with a shell MIUI or HyperOS are equipped with powerful communication modules that allow you to achieve high data rates. However, there are situations when the user needs to artificially slow down or completely restrict access to the network. This may be due to the desire to save traffic, prevent background loading of updates or simply reduce distractions. Built-in tools allow you to flexibly manage network connections without the need to install third-party software.
It is important to understand that there is no direct “Internet Speed” slider in the standard settings menu, as it is a parameter that depends on the provider and signal quality. However, there are effective methods to limit background activity, switch to slower communication standards (for example, from 4G to 2G), and set strict data consumption limits.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the available ways to control speed and traffic volume on Redmi and Poco smartphones. You will learn how to activate traffic saving mode, how to force the phone to switch to a slow communication standard, and what hidden engineering menu settings can help solve specific tasks. Completely disabling the communication module or setting a limit of 0 MB effectively stops data transmission, simulating a speed shutdown.
Using a traffic saving mode to limit speed
The easiest and safest way to reduce data consumption and, as a result, perceived content loading speed is to activate the built-in saving mode. MIUI aggressively manages background processes when this feature is turned on, which leads to a significant slowdown of applications that require constant connection. This does not shut down the Internet completely, but makes it less comfortable for streaming video or heavy pages.
To activate, you need to go to the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Traffic savings: Here you can turn on the function manually or set up automatic turn on when you reach a certain threshold, and the system will start blocking data transfer in the background for most applications, leaving only what you are using at the moment active. This creates a slow internet effect, as the content is not loaded in advance.
⚠️ Note: With active traffic saving mode, notifications from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) may come with a delay, as the background connection will break.
You can also set exceptions in this menu, and if you want only certain programs to run at full speed and others to choke on traffic, add them to the exclusion list. The rest of the apps will have to wait for you to interact directly with them to download data. This is a great way to monitor background activity without completely shutting down the network.
There is also the possibility of setting a monthly limit, which indirectly affects the speed of use. When the limit (close) to exhaustion, the system may suggest limiting background data. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Traffic limit: By setting the lowest possible threshold, you'll make your phone go into restricted mode more often.
Forced switching to 2G/3G standards
A radical but effective way to reduce Internet speed is to switch the mobile module to outdated communication standards. While modern 4G/LTE and 5G networks provide megabit speeds, the GSM (2G) or UMTS (3G) standard is physically unable to transfer large amounts of data quickly, which is ideal if you want to leave the possibility of calls and text messages, but make web surfing extremely difficult.
To perform this operation, go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choose yours. SIM-map → Network type. In the list that opens, select "Only" 2G" or "Preferred." 3G". After settings, the icon in the status bar will change to E or 3G. Page loading speeds will drop to tens of kilobits per second, effectively turning off the ability to view video or use navigation.
☑️ Checking before switching the network
It's worth noting that in some regions, carriers are gradually turning off 2G towers, so in 2G only mode, the phone may lose network altogether, in which case it's better to choose Preferably 3G mode, which provides acceptable speeds for messengers but remains too slow for heavy content.
If the standard menu does not allow you to select a specific type of network (the option is hidden by the operator), you can use the engineering menu. Dial the code ##4636#. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information and find the option Set up your preferred network type. Here you can select GSM only. Be careful: incorrect settings in this menu can temporarily disrupt the radio module.
Set up traffic limits to completely shut down
Although there is no direct “switch off speed” button, you can simulate this state by setting a traffic limit to a downward limit. The logic of Xiaomi’s system is that when the limit is exhausted, data transfer is blocked. If you set a limit of 1 MB and immediately “expend” it (or set a date for resetting in the past), the Internet will stop working until the next period.
To set up, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Set a monthly limit to the lowest possible value (e.g. 1 MB). Then look for the "Date of resetting statistics" and set it to tomorrow's date or even today, if the system allows. Once the meter reaches the limit, the system will block access to the network, which is equivalent to a speed shutdown.
| Setup parameter | Recommended value | The effect |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic limit | 1 MBB | Blocking after minimal activity |
| Date of discharge | Tomorrow's number. | Daily limit update |
| Background data | Disconnected. | Apps don't load in the background |
| Warning | 0.5 MB | Early notification of the limit |
This method is especially useful for parents who want to control their children's access to the Internet, or for those who are afraid of accidentally activating roaming, and by setting a tight limit, you ensure that even with mobile Internet turned on, the bill will not grow, and the speed will be zero after running out of a meager supply.
What to do if the limit is not reset?
Background data management for individual applications
Often the problem of high speed or traffic consumption is specific applications that constantly update content. MIUI allows you to configure network access rights for each program installed. By turning off the background mode, you leave the application to work only when it is open on the screen, which dramatically reduces the overall load on the channel.
Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Select the app you want (like YouTube or Instagram), go to Data Use and turn off the Background Connection switch. Now the app won't be able to download videos, pictures or messages until you force it to open, creating an "intermittent" and slow Internet effect for the software you select.
You should also check the auto-update settings in the app stores, and Google Play and GetApps (Xiaomi store) can ban auto-updates over the mobile network, which will prevent heavy updates from suddenly loading, which can “clog” the channel and slow down the speed for other tasks. Path: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Auto-update of applications → Only through Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling background data for instant messengers (Viber, WhatsApp) will result in you not receiving messages until you open the app in person.
System services such as MIUI Daemon or Analytics can also restrict network access, which not only reduces traffic, but can also have a positive impact on device autonomy, but beware: disabling network activity for critical system components can disrupt Mi Account synchronization or device search.
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Use the "Flight" mode with Wi-Fi enabled if you want to completely turn off mobile Internet, but leave the possibility of calling via VoIP or messengers.
Hidden Opportunities and Engineering Codes
For advanced users who want to gain full control of the radio module, there are hidden diagnostic menus that allow not only to switch communication standards, but also (see) the real connection speed and signal level in numerical format, which helps to understand whether the low speed is the result of phone settings or problems on the operator's tower side.
Enter #4636## in the Phone app. If the menu doesn't open automatically, it may be blocked by firmware or the operator. In this Phone Information section, you can see Set Preferred Network Type. Experimenting with these settings (for example, choosing Nr Only for 5G if the network is not caught, or GSM Only), you can achieve complete Internet absence with the mobile module formally turned on.
Another method is to reset the network settings. This won't shut down the speed forever, but will return all parameters to factory values by removing possible configuration errors that cause traffic "overclocking" or instability. Way: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. After this operation, the phone will work with basic, often more conservative network settings.
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The engineering menu is a powerful tool, but changing unknown parameters can cause a signal to be lost.
Third-party solutions and firewalls
If Xiaomi’s built-in tools aren’t enough, firewall applications like NetGuard or NoRoot Firewall come to the rescue, and they work at the system level, intercepting connection requests and blocking them at will. This gives granularity control that is not available by standard means: you can only allow the Internet at certain hours or only for specific purposes. IP-address.
Installing this application requires careful permission settings. Once you install the firewall, you can see a list of all the processes trying to log in. Just switch the switch to the correct application to the "Forbidden" state (usually indicated by an X or red) that will instantly "disable" the Internet for the selected program, regardless of whether it is running in the background or in active mode.
Using third-party solutions is especially important for older Xiaomi models that have not received the latest security updates or traffic management features. However, remember that installing applications from unknown sources (APK files) carries risks.