Owners of Xiaomi smartphones often face a situation where the installed application stops receiving data through the cellular network, while working correctly through Wi-Fi. This behavior is not a mistake or a device breakage, but represents the operation of an aggressive MIUI energy saving system, which by default limits the background activity of programs to extend battery life. The user may not even suspect that access is blocked until he notices the absence of notifications or the inability to download content in the absence of a wireless network.
Allowing mobile traffic to be accessed for specific programs requires changing system settings that are hidden from the surface of the standard settings menu. Unlike other Android shells, data transfer control is placed in a separate control module, which allows you to flexibly adjust the behavior of each installed program. Understanding the logic of these constraints is critical for the proper functioning of messengers, navigators and delivery services.
In this guide, we will detail the algorithm required to activate an Internet connection via a SIM card for any application, you will learn where to look for hidden switches, how to diagnose connection problems, and what additional settings can block the transmission of data packets even when access is enabled.
Analysis of the reasons for blocking traffic in MIUI
The main reason for the lack of Internet in specific applications is the built-in battery optimization mechanism: the MIUI system analyzes the frequency of use of the program and, if it considers it to be rarely used or potentially energy-consuming, automatically limits its background activity, which means that the program will not be able to update the news feed or receive messages until you manually open it on the screen.
The second important factor is manual ban, which may have been set by chance when the application was first installed or after the system update. When Android first starts, it often requests permission to use data, and accidentally clicking the "Cancel" or "Disable" button leads to complete isolation of the program from the outside world.
There is also the concept of a "traffic limit" that the user can set on their own to save money: If a particular application has a limit or it is added to the exclusion list with a ban, the system will ignore connection requests even if the mobile data slider is turned on globally, checking these parameters is the first step in diagnosis.
⚠️ Note: If you ban background data for instant messengers, you will not receive notifications of new messages until you open the application.
To fine-tune it, you need to understand the difference between background and active use. In the background, the app works when the screen is off or you're in another program. Active mode is when you interact directly with the interface. MIUI allows you to control these modes independently of each other.
Global Data Access Configurement for Applications
Centralized network rights management is located in a special system application "Security", which is through this tool provides the main control over which programs can use the SIM card to transfer information, access to this menu is a must for any owner of a Xiaomi smartphone.
To get to the desired section, you need to run the Security app (green zipper icon) and find the Data Transfer item. In some firmware versions, this section may be simply called Traffic or be inside a group of tools, and within this menu, a key access control feature is hidden.
Select Statistics or immediately go to the list of applications if it appears on the main screen of the section. Here is a complete list of all installed programs with two columns of switches: one for Wi-Fi, the second for mobile data. You need to find the desired application in the list and make sure that the switch under the column with the antenna icon (mobile data) is activated.
☑️ Verification of access to data
Note the top of the screen in this section, which often shows the total traffic consumption and the current billing period. Make sure that the Traffic Limit function is not activated, as when you reach the set threshold, the system can automatically turn off the Internet for all or selected programs, requiring a manual reset of the meter.
Individual settings through the application menu
An alternative and more detailed way to manage access is directly in the properties of each application, which allows you to adjust not only network access, but also energy saving priorities, which is often a more effective solution for mission-critical programs.
In the settings list, look for the Apps section and select All Apps. In the list that opens, find a program that has connection problems. By clicking on it, you will be taken to the control menu where you select Battery Savings (or Battery).
Here you will be offered three options for the behavior of the system: For instant messengers and email clients, you need to select the option No restrictions. The standard Battery mode can limit background activity, and the Strong Limit mode completely prevents the application from working in the background, which will lead to loss of connections over the mobile Internet.
| Mode of work | Impact on the Internet | Impact on the battery | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| No restrictions. | Permanent access | High-end spending | Messengers, navigation. |
| Battery (Standard) | Limited in the background | Average expenditure | Social media |
| Strong constraint | Only when it's opened | Minimum expenditure | Rarely used games |
| Smart mode. | Automatic. | Optimized | System services |
After the settings change, it is recommended to completely close the application (unload from RAM) and start it again, this is necessary for the new MIUI parameters to take effect and the system to re-prioritize the process.
Management of dual applications and cloning
A unique feature of the MIUI shell is the ability to create app clones (Second Space or Dual Applications). Users often forget that the clone is a technically separate application with its own access settings. Just because you have allowed access to the main messenger, it does not mean that access is allowed to its clone.
To configure the cloned application, you need to go back to Security -> Data Transfer. In the application list, the clone will be marked with a special label or icon, often at the bottom of the list or in a separate tab if there are many such applications. Make sure that it also includes access to mobile data.
Why doesn't the clone receive notifications?
It’s also worth checking notification settings for cloned apps. Sometimes there’s internet access, but notifications are locked at the Android notification system level. Go to Settings –> Notifications and Status bar –> Notification management, find the app clone, and make sure the slider is active.
If you use the "Second Space" function (a full copy of the system), you need to configure Internet access separately within this second space by switching to it. Global settings of the first space do not affect the operation of programs in the second, since they are actually two different users in the system.
Diagnosing problems with SIM-map and access point
If the settings of the application are correct, but the Internet still does not work, the problem may lie in the settings of the application itself. SIM-maps (APN). In modern versions MIUI The function "Access Point" appeared WLAN", which allows you to distribute the Internet, but it can conflict with the work of some applications if not configured correctly.
Check the access point settings for your mobile operator. Go to Settings -> SIM-maps and mobile networks -> Choose your SIM card -> Access points (APN). Make sure your operator’s active access point is selected. If the list is empty or the options are downed, press the reset button or create a new access point with the parameters obtained on the operator’s website.
⚠️ Warning: Do not edit system access points with names that contain the words "admin", "carrier" or "default" if you are not sure about your actions.
Another common problem is the Traffic Saving mode in global settings. It can be activated randomly. Check the Settings path -> Connections and Sharing -> Traffic Savings. If the feature is enabled, add important apps to the exclusion list so they have priority network access even when battery power is low.
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Use 10 seconds flight mode to reboot the communication module, which often helps if the Internet suddenly disappeared after switching between cell towers, and resets the network sockets that are suspended.
Resetting network settings and additional solutions
In cases where software methods don't work, you may need to reset your network settings, which will bring Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile back to factory values, and it's important to understand that passwords from Wi-Fi networks will be deleted and re-entered, but personal files and contacts will remain in place.
To perform the reset, go to Settings -> Connections and Sharing -> Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Confirm and wait for the network modules to reboot. Once turned on, check if the problematic application has Internet.
If that doesn’t work, check if you have a third-party antivirus or firewall that can block connections, and check the date and time: incorrect system clocks can lead to errors. SSL-certificates, which will cause applications to consider the connection unsafe and block data transmission.
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A comprehensive approach to configuring access rights and energy saving parameters in 99% of cases solves the problem of lack of mobile Internet in applications on Xiaomi.