How to watch the Internet traffic on Xiaomi: all the ways

Monitoring mobile traffic on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces: Unexpected charges for exceeding the limit, slow Internet speeds at the end of the month, or suspicions of background data consumption by applications make you look for ways to monitor. In this article, we will examine all available methods for checking traffic on MIUI devices, including hidden features, third-party utilities and mobile carrier tools.

It's important to understand that traffic flow data can vary slightly depending on the source, for example, the statistics in the settings of the phone and the operator rarely match 100% due to the nature of the counting (some systems only take into account data transfer, others also take into account service packets), and we will show how to minimize errors and get the most accurate information.

1. Built-in MIUI statistics: the basic method

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI shell tools. They are available on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11, regardless of the Android version.

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
  3. Tap on Data Use or Mobile Network Traffic (the name may vary depending on the version of MIUI).

Here you will see the traffic consumption chart for the current month, the breakdown by application and the ability to set a consumption limit with a notification. Note: the default reset period is tied to a calendar month, but it can be changed manually.

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If the statistics are not reset on the desired date (for example, the operator’s tariff is updated on the 15th), set the user traffic accounting cycle in the MIUI settings that coincides with the billing period of your tariff.

  • πŸ“Š Pros of the method: does not require the installation of additional applications, the data is updated in real time.
  • ⚠️ Cons: Does not take into account traffic consumed in roaming (unless the function is manually activated), and may show inflated values due to system processes.
  • πŸ”„ Feature: in MIUI 14 and later added the ability to export statistics to the.csv file for analysis on PC.

2. Detailed analysis through "Security App"

The MIUI Security app offers advanced monitoring tools, including application traffic in the background, which is useful if you suspect that an application is eating the Internet without your knowledge.

  1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
  2. Go to Data Management or Data Usage.
  3. Select the Mobile Data tab.
  4. Click More to view the expense for each application.

Not only can you see the exact numbers, but you can also block the background traffic consumption for specific programs, for example, if Facebook or TikTok spend gigabytes updating content in the background, you can limit it to two clicks.

⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI (Especially on budget models like Redmi. 10A) The data management section may be hidden. To activate it, go to Settings. β†’ About the phone and several times tap on the version MIUI, until the developer mode is notified, then go back to Security, the section should appear.

AnnexAverage monthly expenditure (background)Can we limit it?
YouTube300-800 MBYes (turn off autoplay)
WhatsApp150-400 MBYes (turn off autoload media)
Google Play Services200–1200 MBPartially (limit background activity)
MIUI System50–200 MBNo (systemic processes)

3. Check traffic through USSD-operator

If you need data directly from the mobile operator (for example, for billing checks), use the USSD-They work on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of model or firmware version. Below are the current commands for popular Russian operators:

  • πŸ“Ά MTS: Dial *100*1# or *111*0887# (for tariffs with unlimited traffic).
  • πŸ“Ά Beeline: *102# or *106*3# (spread-out).
  • πŸ“Ά MegaFon: *105*0# or *558# (For "All is possible").
  • πŸ“Ά Television2: *155*1# or *611# (for the "My Tele" fare2").

After you set the command, you will receive an SMS with traffic flow, minutes and SMS. Note that operators can round the values (for example, up to 1 MB), so it is better to combine this method with built-in MIUI statistics for accurate accounting.

πŸ“Š Which communications operator do you use?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2.
Yota
Other

⚠️ Attention: USSD-teams may not be roaming or working on virtual operators (for example, Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobail), in which case, check the traffic in the personal account on the operator's website or in its official application.

4. Third-party applications for traffic accounting

If built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, install specialized utilities that offer advanced features: daily reports, flow forecasts, background traffic blocking, and even home screen widgets. The best options for Xiaomi are:

  • πŸ“‰ My Data Manager supports several SIM-maps, shows real-time traffic, there is a function "Saving data".
  • πŸ›‘οΈ GlassWire – visualizes traffic consumption in the form of a graph, blocks suspicious connections.
  • πŸ” NetGuard – allows you to completely turn off the Internet for individual applications without root rights.
  • πŸ“Š Traffic Monitor – Minimalist widget for notification panel with flexible settings.

To avoid conflicts with the built-in MIUI statistics, after installing the application:

β˜‘οΈ Set up a third-party traffic counter

Done: 0 / 4

Important: Some apps (like NetGuard) require special mode activation in Android settings ("VPN-This does not affect security, but may trigger a warning system of "suspicious activity".

5. Hidden MIUI functions: Advanced monitoring

The MIUI shell hides some useful tools for traffic control that are not obvious at first glance.

  1. Network activity log: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version and tap 7 times to turn on Developer Mode. Go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers. Find Network Activity Log and turn it on.

Now in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management, each application will have a tab with detailed statistics of network requests.

Limit background traffic for all applications:

Settings β†’ Battery and Performance β†’ Background Activity Management β†’ Limit background data

This feature forcibly blocks background Internet consumption for all programs except system ones.

Another secret trick is to use a traffic saving mode that automatically compresses data when it reaches a certain threshold.

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Use of data.
  2. Activate the Traffic Saving Switch.
  3. Set a limit (for example, 1 GB) after which compression will begin.

ADB is suitable for tech-savvy users because it requires command line knowledge, but it provides the most accurate data, including traffic to system processes that are usually hidden in the MIUI interface.

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For most users, built-in tools are sufficient. MIUI and USSD-Operator commands. Third-party applications and ADB It is only necessary for deep analysis or if standard methods do not work.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When monitoring traffic on Xiaomi, users experience common errors. Here’s how to fix them:

  • πŸ”„ Statistics not updated: Restart your phone. Check if traffic logs are disabled in Settings β†’ Use of data β†’ Menu (three dots) β†’ Auto-update.
  • πŸ“΅ Does not show traffic second SIM-maps: B MIUI Statistics are kept separately for each SIM. Switch to the desired map in the settings of the mobile network.
  • ⚠️ Traffic consumption is much higher than that of the operator: Enable mobile traffic only (excludes Wi-Fi) in the account settings. Check if the phone is connected to a hidden Wi-Fi network (for example, in the subway or shopping center).
  • πŸ”’ You can’t limit traffic to system applications: Use NetGuard or activate traffic saving mode in your system. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F4 Global firmware may not have the "Data Use" section in the settings. MIUI Use third-party applications like My Data Manager.

Can you see the traffic flow from last month?
In standard MIUI settings, the history is stored only for the current period. To save data, take a screenshot of the statistics on the last day of the month or export the report to My Data Manager (a feature available in the paid version), and some operators (for example, MegaFon) store a 3-6 month traffic flow archive in their personal account.
Why is traffic consumed when the phone is in airplane mode?
If you have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on in your airplane mode, you can consume traffic through these channels, and some apps (like Google Play Services) cache data and sync it when you first connect to the network, so to turn off all data, turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth manually, or use Do Not Disturb mode with the network lock.
How do you know which app is using the most traffic?
Open the Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Use the data and tap it on a graph, and it'll show you a list of applications, sorted by the amount of traffic you've consumed, and for a more detailed analysis, use GlassWire, which shows even short-term bursts of activity.
Can you limit traffic to a specific application without root rights?
Yes, MIUI does this: Go to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Application Management. Select the app you want (like Instagram). Tap your mobile data and activate the Background Disallowance. Alternatively, the NetGuard app, which blocks access to the network without superuser rights.
Why does the phone and the operator show different traffic?
The difference is due to: Service packs (operator takes them into account, phone does not); rounding (operators often round to 1 MB, and MIUI shows the exact values in the KB); delays in updating statistics (operator-side data can be updated with a delay of up to 24 hours); To be accurate, compare the figures at the same time of day and take into account the error of 5-10%.