Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco are famous for their clever optimization of MIUI and HyperOS. One of the features designed to extend battery life and reduce user costs is the traffic saving mode. However, often this useful option turns into a real headache. Device owners are faced with the fact that messages in messengers do not arrive on time, pictures in the browser do not load, and the navigator silently stops updating the map.
The problem is that the manufacturer has an aggressive network management policy, which is that it can block the background activity of applications if it thinks you're using mobile Internet, and that leads to a situation where you open Telegram or Viber, but you only see an endless load indicator, and understanding how that mechanism works is the first step to solving it.
In this article, we will take a closer look at where the Internet-blocking settings are hidden and how to configure them correctly, and you will learn not just to turn off global switches, but also to configure exceptions for important programs, which will help to maintain a balance between the consumption of gigabytes and the comfort of using a smartphone.
Why the Internet is blocked and how it works
Xiaomi's shell data restriction mechanism is built on analyzing application activity, so when you fold a program, the system tags it as background. If you save it, the background data for those applications can be completely blocked, so that the programs don't eat up your traffic limit in the background by updating news feeds or synchronizing cloud storage.
But algorithms don't always work perfectly. Often, those applications that need to work all the time, like navigators, workout trackers, or corporate email, get blocked. The user may not even realize that the problem is network settings, not bad operator signal. The system may limit download speeds or deny connection when the screen is off.
It is important to distinguish between two types of constraints: global traffic savings and customization for each application. Global customization acts on all programs at once, creating a “silence mode” for the Internet. Individual settings allow you to fine-tune access, allowing work only for selected services. Understanding this difference is critical for competent configuration.
Disabling the Global Traffic Saving Regime
The fastest way to get back online is to turn off the main saving switch, which is suitable for those with unlimited rates or Wi-Fi connections, and they don't want to worry about spending gigabytes. The setup is in the system app Security, which is the control center of the smartphone.
To get to the menu, look for an icon on your desktop called Security (green shield). Inside the interface, you need to scroll down to the Tools or Network section. We're interested in Traffic. By clicking on it, you'll be taken to a statistical report, where the Traffic Savings button or switch is usually located at the top of the screen.
Once the slider is inactive, the system will stop forcibly breaking connections. However, if the problem persists, it is worth checking the deeper settings. Sometimes even with the economy turned off, active restrictions remain for specific applications that were installed earlier.
☑️ Checking network settings
Note that the locations of items may vary slightly on different versions of MIUI, and if you don't find the switch in the location described, try searching for the settings, type the word traffic or savings in the search bar, and the system will tell you the way to the menu you want, and this is a universal method that works on all versions of Android.
Set up Internet access for individual applications
It often happens that global savings are turned off, but a particular application still doesn't work. For example, you can sit in a browser, but Instagram says "No connection." This means that this application has a personal restriction. In the Xiaomi shell, you can manually deny or allow access to Wi-Fi and mobile network for each installed program.
To manage these parameters, go back to the Security -> Traffic app. You can find Traffic Limitation (or Connection Speed) here. You can see all the apps installed with two icon columns: green Wi-Fi and green cell tower. If the icon is crossed out or colored gray, access is denied.
Just click on the right icon to change its state. Green means resolution, red or gray with a cross is prohibition. It is recommended to check this list for all messengers and email clients, which ensures that you do not miss an important message even with active energy saving mode.
Hidden Systemic Limitations
Note that when you install new applications, the system can default to deny them access to mobile Internet by asking permission on the first run. If you accidentally click "Disable", you can only change this solution through the menu described above. Regularly checking this list helps to avoid many problems with connectivity.
Background data management and energy saving regime
Traffic saving mode is closely related to energy saving mode: When the battery power drops below a certain level (usually 20%), the phone can automatically turn on tight restrictions, in which the background activity of the applications completely stops, which leads to a stop of downloading files and receiving messages.
To control this, go to Settings -> Battery and Performance (or simply "Battery"). Here you can choose Balanced, Classic or Performance profile. Balanced or Classic mode will block many network functions for normal operation of all network functions.
There's also an item on the menu called "App Battery Consumption." If you go to the settings of a particular application (like WhatsApp), you can find the "Background Connection" option. Make sure it has a "No Limits" value, which will allow the application to work in the background even when the screen is off, which is critical for instant messaging.
It's important to understand that the resolution of background data increases battery consumption. But today's Snapdragon and MediaTek processors are efficient enough to minimize this effect. If it's important for you to always be connected, a couple percent of the battery is an acceptable price for a stable connector.
Reset network settings and APN access points
If the software settings do not help, the access point parameters may have gone astray (APN). This is the technical information that the carrier provides the phone to access the Internet, sometimes after updating the firmware or changing the phone. SIM-This data may conflict with the economy.
For reset, go to Settings -> SIM-maps and mobile networks. Choose yours. SIM-Map and find the access point (APN). In the menu that opens, press the reset button (usually a circular arrow or three dots in the corner ->"Reset to the baseline").
After that, the phone will request the operator's settings again, which often solves problems when the Internet "seems to be there," but the pages do not load, and you can also try to temporarily turn on and off "Flight Mode" to force the device to re-register on the network.
| Setup parameter | Where to find out. | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saving traffic | Security -> Traffic | Off. | Blocking the background internet |
| Background data | Application settings | No restrictions. | Allows work in the background |
| Traffic restriction | Security -> Restrictions | Green (Wi-Fi + LTE) | Allows access to the network |
| Access Point (APN) | Settings -> SIM-map | By default. | Operator connection parameters |
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Before resetting your APN settings, write down their current values or take a screenshot. In rare cases, manual adjustment is required for corporate rates or specific carriers.
Additional settings for stable connection
There are some more subtle settings that not everyone knows about: The developer menu (which is enabled by seven clicks on the build number in About Phone) has a "Do not remain active" option, which should not be enabled, as it causes the system to kill processes immediately after leaving the application, which also affects the data acquisition.
Another important aspect is the use of IPv6. Some carriers and routers work better with IPv4. If you are experiencing connection problems, try changing the APN protocol to IPv4/IPv6 or only IPv4 in the access point settings, which can increase the stability of the connection in areas of uncertain reception.
Also worth mentioning is the Wi-Fi Assistant feature, which allows the phone to automatically switch to mobile Internet if the Wi-Fi signal becomes too weak, and this option is located in Settings -> Wi-Fi -> Wi-Fi Assistant. Enabling this feature prevents downloads from freezing when the router signal is bad.
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Integrated approach: disabling only one switch may not solve the problem, and you need to check your traffic, background activity and APN settings for guaranteed results.
Possible problems and solutions
Even after all the settings, there may be nuances. For example, antivirus programs installed additionally can block traffic. If you have a third-party antivirus, check its firewall settings. Xiaomi's built-in antivirus usually does not interfere with work unless you have aggressive cleaning settings.
Sometimes the problem lies in the very SIM-Old cards that have been used for years may not work well with modern standards. 4G/LTE, Especially in energy saving modes. SIM-The new cards in the cabin of the operator often works wonders with speed and stability.
⚠️ Note: If the network settings are missing after resetting MMS (Images in messages, you will have to manually write the parameters MMS-You can find them on the official website of the operator.
⚠️ Warning: When you turn on the "Full Energy Saving" mode (when left) 5-10% All of the settings described above can be ignored by the system to save the battery.