Controlling mobile traffic consumption on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a key skill for those who want to avoid unexpected write-offs or a sharp drop in Internet speed. MIUI It offers some built-in monitoring tools, but not everyone knows where to look for this data and how to interpret it correctly. In this article, we will examine not only the standard methods of checking through phone settings, but also alternative options - from operator's to the operator's. USSD-Requests to third-party applications with advanced analytics.
The Redmi 9 (codenamed Lancelot) features two models. SIM-So, the data is very difficult to track if you're using different rates or operators, and we're going to show you how to track consumption across each of these slots. SIM You will also learn which apps eat up the most megabytes and how to limit them without compromising functionality.
1. Check traffic through MIUI settings
The fastest way to know the traffic flow on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is to use the built-in counter in the MIUI shell. This method does not require installing additional programs and works even without an Internet connection. The data is updated in real time, but is reset automatically at the beginning of each billing period (usually the 1st day of the month).
To open up the statistics:
- Go to Settings (cog icon).
- Select the SIM Cards and Mobile Networks section.
- Tap on Traffic Consumption (may be called Data Use depending on the version of MIUI).
- At the top of the screen you will see the total expenditure for the current period, and below โ the details of the applications.
And if you look at the graph at the top of the screen, it shows you how you're consuming by day, and if you're going up abruptly, something unusual happened that day, like automatically updating apps or downloading a large file, to see traffic on each of these. SIM-map separately, tap the operator name at the top of the screen and select the desired SIM from the drop-down list.
Reset the meter at the beginning of the month | Set a traffic limit | View the top of the "gluttonous" applications | Set up warnings about exceeding-->
2. USSD-Checking balance and traffic
If you need to know not only the traffic spent, but also the remaining tariff limit, it is most convenient to use the data. USSD-These short codes work directly with the operator and show up-to-date information, including bonuses, connected options and the date of packet reset. The main advantage of the method is that the data comes immediately, without having to go to the personal account.
Here. USSD-codes for popular Russian operators:
| Operator. | Team to check traffic | Team to check balance |
|---|---|---|
| MTS | *100*1# or *111*1# | *100# |
| Beeline | *102# | *102# |
| MegaFon | *105*3# or *558# | *105# |
| Tele2. | *155*1# | *105# |
| iota | *104*1# | *104# |
To send a request, open the Phone app, go to the Keyboard tab and enter the code. In a few seconds, you'll be back. SMS Please note that some operators (e.g. MegaFon) may be charged for USSD-The requests are usually 1-3 rubles per team, and note that the data in the response may be different from the data shown by the phone: the operator takes into account the traffic on his equipment, and the smartphone is only the one that passed through his module.
MTS|Beeline|MegaFon|Tele2.|iota|Other-->
3. Applications for monitoring traffic: top-5 decision-making
The built-in MIUI tools provide basic information, but if you want advanced analytics โ like forecasting the consumption by the end of the month or breaking down by data type (video, music, social networks) โ itโs worth installing a third-party app. We tested dozens of programs and selected the ones that work best on Redmi 9 with its hardware features (4 GB of RAM, MediaTek Helio G80 processor).
The best apps for traffic control:
- ๐ My Data Manager โ shows real-time flow, supports home screen widgets and limit notifications. There is a Saving Mode feature that blocks background traffic for selected applications.
- ๐ GlassWire โ visualizes data as a graph, displays active connections, and warns of suspicious activity (for example, if the application has started transmitting data in the background).
- ๐ Traffic Monitor - a minimalist solution with a convenient interface and the ability to export statistics to the Internet CSV. It is suitable for those who do not like extra functions.
- ๐ก๏ธ NetGuard not only monitors traffic, but also blocks Internet access for individual applications without root rights.
- ๐ฑ Datally (from Google) โ automatically disables mobile data when youโre connected to Wi-Fi, and offers โsaving modeโ to limit background traffic.
Before installing, check the permissions of the application: it should only request access to the Internet and Data Usage Statistics. If the program requires the right to SMS, Contacts or Geolocation, this is a reason to be wary - such permissions are not necessary for monitoring traffic. Also pay attention to reviews in Google Play: some apps may show incorrect data on devices with dual devices SIM-map.
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If the data is not updated after you install the traffic monitoring app, restart your phone. Redmi 9 sometimes gets a data login service down after you install new software.
4. How to Reset the Traffic Counter by Hand
By default, the MIUI meter is reset automatically on the first day of each month, but if your plan has a different billing period (like the 15th) or you want to start counting again after you have a new package, you can do the manual reset, which is useful if you change the operator or fare in the middle of the month and don't want to get confused with the statistics.
Resetting instructions:
- Open Settings โ SIM cards and mobile networks โ Traffic consumption.
- In the upper right corner, press three dots (โฎ) Select the settings (or additionally).
- Slip on the item Reset statistics.
- Confirm the action by pressing OK.
After the reset, all the data will be reset and the countdown will start from scratch. Importantly, if you don't set a new billing period start date, the meter will reset again on the 1st, which can lead to double counting of traffic. To avoid this, immediately after the reset, go to the counter settings and set the correct start date for the period (for example, the 15th, if your tariff is updated in the middle of the month).
What happens if you don't drop the meter?
5. Analysis of traffic flow by application
One of the main benefits of the built-in MIUI counter is that it can see which apps are consuming the most traffic, which helps to identify voracious programs and limit their activity, for example, many users are surprised to learn that YouTube or TikTok can eat several gigabytes a month even with rare use, due to autoplay of video in the feed.
To view statistics on applications:
- Go to Settings โ SIM cards and mobile networks โ Traffic consumption.
- Scroll down to the block Using traffic apps.
- Click on any app from the list to see the details: how much it spent in the foreground and in the background.
The typical traffic flow leaders on Redmi 9 are:
- ๐ฅ YouTube โ up to 1 GB per hour when watching videos 1080p.
- ๐ท Instagram โ up to 500 MB per day with active use (tape, storis, rails).
- ๐ฎ Games (PUBG, Genshin Impact โ up to 200MB per hour due to constant synchronization with servers.
- ๐ฑ App Updates โ One major update (like Facebook or Google Maps) can weigh between 100 and 300MB.
- ๐ Background synchronization (mail, cloud drives) โ up to 50โ100 MB per day.
If you notice that an application is using too much data, you can limit its activity.
- In the same section Traffic costs tap on the application.
- Activate the switch to limit background traffic.
- To completely block access to mobile data, please note Prohibit the use of mobile data.
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Limiting background traffic to social media (such as Instagram or VK) can save up to 30-40% of mobile data without compromising core functionality.
6. Set up warnings about exceeding the limit
To avoid unexpected internet shutdowns or charges for extra megabytes, MIUI can set up an automatic alert when traffic is approaching a set limit, a feature that is especially useful for those with a tightly restricted rate (e.g. 5GB per month) or who travel frequently and roam.
How to set up alerts:
- Open Settings โ SIM cards and mobile networks โ Traffic consumption.
- Press three points (โฎ) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Turn on the switch Warning about exceeding the limit.
- Specify a threshold value (for example, 4.5 GB out of 5 GB) and save the settings.
When the traffic reaches this value, you will receive a notification in the curtain and an audible signal. You can also set up a complete shutdown of mobile data when you exceed the limit - to do this, activate the option to turn off data when you exceed it, which ensures that you do not spend a megabyte over the tariff, but note that in this case you will have to manually turn on mobile Internet if you suddenly need it.
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If you travel abroad frequently, set a separate roaming limit. To do this, select roaming in your traffic settings and set the maximum allowable expense (e.g. 500MB) to avoid huge bills.
7. Hidden causes of traffic overrun on Redmi 9
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where traffic โfliesโ to no one knows where, although they are not actively using the phone. On Redmi 9, this can happen for several reasons, related to both the MIUI settings and the peculiarities of the operation of individual applications.
The main culprits are:
- ๐ App Auto Update โ Google Play automatically updates programs, even over the mobile network, by default. One update for Facebook or WhatsApp can weigh 100-200 MB.
- โ๏ธ Synchronize cloud services โ Google Photos, Yandex.Disk or Mi Cloud can upload photos and videos in the background.
- ๐ก Poor network coverage โ if the signal is weak, the phone is constantly reconnected to the base station, which increases traffic consumption by 20-30%.
- ๐ค In-app advertising โ many free programs (especially games) download banners and video ads that eat up to 50MB per day.
- ๐ Geolocation services โ Google Maps, Yandex.Maps and even Weather โ constantly exchange data with servers to clarify your location.
To minimize the cost, follow the following steps:
- Turn off auto-update applications via mobile network: Play Store โ Settings โ Auto-update applications โ Only via Wi-Fi.
- Disable background sync for unnecessary accounts: Settings โ Accounts โ Sync.
- Turn on traffic saving mode in Chrome: Browser settings โ Traffic saving.
- Limit background activity for social networks: Settings โ Apps โ Permissions โ Autorun.
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If you notice a sharp jump in traffic consumption for no apparent reason, check your phone for viruses using Google Play Protect or Malwarebytes.Some malware can use your traffic to mine cryptocurrency or send spam.