Have you noticed that Xiaomi's mobile internet is running out too fast? Or did the carrier send you a notice that you've exceeded the limit even though you've barely used the network? 90% of the time, the problem is the background traffic consumption of apps, auto updates or hidden system processes. But how do you know exactly how many megabytes or gigabytes your smartphone has spent - and what exactly is eating up your tariff?
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to check traffic consumption on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO β standard-tool MIUI You'll learn not only to look at statistics, but also to block voracious applications, to set up warnings about exceeding the limit, and to distinguish real consumption from operator errors. MIUI and operator data β why they often do not match and who to believe.
1. Standard MIUI traffic statistics: where to look and how to drop
The easiest way to check mobile internet usage is to use built-in statistics. MIUI. It is available on all Xiaomi smartphones, starting with the version. MIUI 8 (last MIUI 14/15). However, this method has nuances: for example, the data reset occurs automatically at the beginning of each billing period, and some system processes may not be taken into account.
To open up the statistics:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
- Tap on Data Consumption (or Use of Mobile Traffic in Older Versions).
Here you'll see:
- π Schedule of expenditure for the current period (by default - from the 1st day of the month).
- π± List of applications sorted by the amount of traffic consumed.
- βοΈ Reset button (Reset statistics) β useful if you want to start counting from the current day.
β οΈ Note: If you use two of these SIM-maps, the statistics are kept separately for each. Switch between them at the top of the screen.
Note the System Processes line in the application list β it often hides the traffic cost for updates. MIUI, synchronize your Xiaomi account or Google Play services to see details:
- Tapping System Processes.
- Turn on the Toggle Show System Processes (password confirmation may be required).
To tap on each application from the TOP-5, see details|Compare Wi-Fi and mobile spending|View System Processes|Reset statistics if the accounting period does not coincide with the tariff-->
2.How to set up traffic limit warnings
MIUI It allows you to set a traffic threshold when the system will show a notification, which is useful if your tariff has a strict limit (for example, 10 GB per month.
To activate the warnings:
- Open the Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Data expenditure.
- Slap the icon. βοΈ (settings) in upper right corner.
- Select the Exceeding Limit Warning.
- Specify the limit in megabytes or gigabytes (e.g. 9,500MB for a 10GB tariff).
- Save the changes.
Now, when you reach 90 percent, 95 percent and 100 percent of that limit, you'll get a notification in the curtain, but there's a pitfall: it doesn't automatically block the Internet, it just warns you, and you'll need to use third-party apps to completely shut down your mobile data when you exceed the limit (as we'll discuss in Section 5).
You can also set up in this menu:
- π The date of resetting statistics is the default 1st number, but you can select any date (useful if the operator has a different billing period).
- π Automatic reset β turn on so you donβt forget to reset data manually.
- π΄ Disable mobile data when exceeded β the option appears only on some firmware (for example, MIUI EU).
Unlimited|5 to 15 GB|15 to 30 GB|More than 30GB|I pay for megabytes.-->
3. Hidden traffic settings: engineering menu and USSD-code
If the standard statistics MIUI It seems inaccurate to you (e.g., the phone and the operator are very different), you can use hidden tools that show more detailed information, including traffic roaming or the expense of individual protocols (TCP/UDP).
Method 1: Engineering Menu (MTK/Qualcomm)
On most Xiaomi smartphones (except flagships on Snapdragon) 8 Gen 2/3) There's an engineering menu available to get there:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the code: ##4636###.
- Select Usage Statistics (or Usage Statistics).
Here you'll see:
- πΆ Total traffic consumption since the last reboot.
- π‘ Breakdown by type of compound (2G/3G/4G/5G).
- π Active data transfer time (useful for diagnosing communication problems).
β οΈ Attention: The data in the engineering menu is reset when you restart your phone. To keep long-term statistics, write down the metrics manually or use screenshots.
Method 2: USSD- operator codes
Each mobile operator provides USSD-codes for checking the balance and traffic flow. Here are the current commands for popular operators in Russia and the CIS:
| Operator. | Code for checking traffic | Code for checking balance |
|---|---|---|
| MTS | *100*1# or *111*1# | *100# |
| Beeline | *102# | *102# |
| MegaFon | *105*500# | *100# |
| Tele2. | *155*1# | *105# |
| Yota | *104# | *100# |
After you have the code, you will receive SMS and the details of the current period's expenditure. MIUI β if the difference is greater 10-15%, problem:
- π Unaccounted for system updates (for example, downloading firmware over the air).
- π΄ Background data transfer (cloud synchronization, backup).
- π΅οΈ Operator accounting errors (especially relevant for virtual operators such as Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobile).
Why is the data MIUI The operator may be different?
4. Third-party apps for traffic monitoring: TOP-3 plus-and-minus
If embedded tools MIUI You don't like it, you can install specialized applications, they offer advanced features like blocking background traffic, hourly detail, exporting reports, even forecasting the flow.
1. Internet Speed Meter Lite
A free application with a minimalist interface that shows real-time traffic consumption right in the notification bar.
- π Displays download/return speed in Mbit/s.
- π Flexible settings for the accounting period (week, month, arbitrary dates).
- π No advertising or data collection.
Cons: There is no traffic blocking for individual applications.
2. My Data Manager
One of the most popular traffic control apps, it's suitable for Xiaomi because it can distinguish between the costs of traffic. SIM-I'm not using dual-sim cards:
- π± Support for two SIM-separate-statistical.
- π‘οΈ Built-in firewall to block background traffic.
- π Cost forecast based on history.
Cons: The free version has limited firewall functionality.
3. GlassWire
A powerful tool with visualization of traffic in the form of a graph, ideal for diagnosing data leaks.
- π΅οΈ Shows which servers are connected to your phone.
- π¨ Alerts about suspicious activity (for example, unexpected expenditure at night).
- π€ Export of reports to CSV.
Cons: a complex interface for beginners, a paid Pro version for advanced functions.
β οΈ Note: When using third-party applications, disable the built-in traffic metering in MIUI, To avoid double counting, go to Settings. β Annexes β Manage applications, find a monitoring application and allow it to access Data Use.
π‘
If you notice that your consumption has increased after installing a traffic monitoring app, check if the new app has been added to the battery optimization exception list. Some programs (like GlassWire) consume additional traffic to analyze the network.
5. How to block traffic for individual applications
Did you find that TikTok, Instagram or Google Play Market are eating up the lionβs share of your fare? MIUI There is a built-in tool to limit background traffic, and with the help of an engineering menu you can completely block Internet access for unnecessary programs.
Method 1: Limiting background traffic in MIUI
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Select the appropriate app (such as Facebook).
- Smack on Data Consumption.
- Turn on the switch to limit background traffic.
Method 2: Completely block traffic through a firewall (without root)
For a radical solution, install the NetGuard app (no root rights required) that allows you to:
- π« Block Internet access for any application.
- π‘ Allow traffic only over Wi-Fi (useful for instant messengers).
- π Set up rules for individual domains.
After installation:
- Open NetGuard and turn on the protection.
- In the list of applications, tick the ones for which you want to block traffic.
- Click on the icon. π In the top menu to apply the rules.
Method 3: Blocking through the Engineering Menu (for advanced)
If your Xiaomi is running on a Qualcomm processor, you can use hidden settings to block traffic at the system level:
- Enter the dialer code: ##225###.
- Select Stats. β Data Usage.
- Find the app in the list and set a limit of 0 KB.
π‘
Blocking traffic for system applications (e.g. Google Play Services) can disrupt your smartphone. Do not restrict processes with the names com.android or com.xiaomi unless absolutely necessary.
6.Why traffic is consumed on its own: 5 hidden reasons
You turned off auto-update apps, blocked background traffic for social networks, but the Internet still leaks? Here are five non-obvious reasons that many people don't know about:
1. Auto-update firmware MIUI
Xiaomi smartphones by default download system updates in the background.One firmware can weigh 2-3 GB, to turn it off:
- Go to Settings β About the phone β System update.
- Tap it on. βοΈ β Update settings.
- Turn off Automatic Booting via mobile network.
2. synchronization of Xiaomi and Google account
By default, your smartphone is constantly syncing contacts, photos, notes and other data with the clouds to reduce consumption:
- π Turn off autosynchronization for unnecessary data in Settings β Accounts and synchronization.
- πΈ Stop Google Photos from using mobile traffic for backup.
3. Advertising in system applications
MIUI It's known for integrated advertising, which loads even when you're not using your phone, to reduce its impact:
- π« Turn off personalized advertising in Settings β Confidentiality β Advertising.
- π Install the patch. MIUI Optimizer (requires an unlocked bootloader).
4.Problems with IP-address (DHCP-lyse)
If your smartphone often loses its connection to the network, it may repeatedly request a new one. IP-address that leads to unnecessary expense:
- πΆ Network signal - if it's weak (1-2 dividing, the phone spends more data on maintaining the connection.
- π Network mode - forcefully install only LTE In Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Type of network.
5. Viruses and spyware
Some malware may use your traffic to mine cryptocurrency or send spam.
- π Increased traffic consumption at night.
- π Fast battery discharge.
- π± Heating your phone for no apparent reason.
To check:
- Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes).
- Check the list of running processes in Settings β Applications β Launched.
How to check which app is using traffic at night?
7.Reset traffic statistics: when and how to do it right
Many users forget to reset traffic statistics at the beginning of a new billing period, which causes data to accumulate and become useless.
When to drop:
- π On the day of the beginning of the new tariff period (check with the operator).
- π After shift. SIM-card.
- π If you want to start tracking your expenses from a specific date (e.g. before your trip).
How to reset:
- Open the Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Data expenditure.
- Tap it on. βοΈ β Reset the statistics.
- Confirm the action.
If the reset button is inactive, check:
- π Are there any restrictions from the operator (e.g. parental controls).
- π± Are you using a guest mode or a second space in the MIUI.
Automatic discharge:
To remember to zero out the statistics, set up an automatic reset:
- In the menu, the data consumption tap on βοΈ.
- Select Automatic Reset.
- Specify the date (for example, the 1st day of each month).
π‘
If you manually reset the statistics, but the data continues to accumulate β check whether the mode is turned on. SIM-In this mode, some applications can bypass the accounting. MIUI.