How to completely disable data transfer on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways

Xiaomi smartphones are using mobile traffic and Wi-Fi to synchronize data, update applications and background processes. This not only consumes the Internet package, but also reduces battery life. If you notice that the phone is eating traffic without your knowledge or quickly discharged due to constant data transfer, it’s time to take control of the situation.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable data transfer on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — From basic settings to hidden functions MIUI. You will learn how to temporarily or completely block mobile Internet, limit the background activity of applications and even turn off data transmission in sleep mode. MIUI 14 and HyperOS.

Before you start, check the current traffic flow: go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Traffic usage. If numbers scare you, read on.

1. How to turn off mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G) on Xiaomi

The easiest way to stop data transmission over the cellular network is to completely turn off mobile Internet. This does not affect Wi-Fi, so you can use the Internet at home or in the office, but save traffic on the way.

This can be done in two ways:

• 📱 Through the notification panel: swipe down from the top edge of the screen and click on the Mobile Data icon (usually marked as two up-and-down arrows). The icon turns grey - the Internet is off.
• ⚙️ Through Settings: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks and move the mobile data slider to the off position..

If you have two. SIM-You can turn off the data separately from each card. SIM-Maps and mobile networks select the desired SIM Deactivate the option to Enable Mobile Data.

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In some models (for example, POCO F5) In the notification panel, separate switches for each SIM-This is convenient if you use one card for calling and the other for the Internet.

2. Disabling background data transmission for applications

Many programs continue to consume traffic even when you are not using them. Social networks, messengers and cloud services synchronize data in the background, which leads to uncontrolled Internet consumption.

To limit background activity:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Facebook or TikTok).
3. Click Data Use.
4. Activate the option to limit background data.

For mass disabling of background data transmission:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Battery and productivity → Battery management.
• 📵 Select Background Activity Limitation and add the desired apps to the list.

3. How to turn off data transmission in sleep mode

By default, Xiaomi continues to use mobile internet even when the screen is off, which is needed for push notifications and synchronization, but greatly reduces battery life.

To prevent data transfer in sleep mode:

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Go to Battery Management. → Sleep settings.
3. Select Never Turn Off Mobile Data (on by default) and turn off this option.

After that, the mobile Internet will automatically deactivate after 15 minutes of inactivity, and to return the connection, you just need to unlock the phone.

4. Completely disabling data transmission through the "In the plane" mode

If you need to completely stop any data transmission (including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile network), activate In-Air mode, which blocks all wireless connections, which is useful in areas with poor signal or to save charge.

How to turn on:

• 🛫 Through the notification panel: swipe down and click on the airplane icon.
• ⚙️ Through Settings: Settings → On the plane mode».

In this mode, you will not be able to call or use the Internet, but some features (such as an alarm clock or camera) will remain available.

Mobile Internet down.|Background data limited for key applications|Sleep mode is set to save traffic|Wi-Fi is disabled if the network is not available|In-plane mode activated (if necessary)-->

5. How to disable automatic Wi-Fi connection

Xiaomi smartphones automatically connect to known Wi-Fi networks, even if the signal is weak, which leads to constant switching between mobile Internet and Wi-Fi, which consumes additional energy.

To prevent automatic connection:

1. Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Additional Settings.
3. Turn off the options: 🔄 Automatic connection to open networks 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi automatically

You can also manually remove unnecessary networks by holding your finger on the Wi-Fi name and selecting Remove Network.

6. Hidden settings for experienced users

If standard methods don’t work, you can use ADB development settings or commands to control data transfers in depth.

First, activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version (you are a developer!).
3. Return to the main settings and open Additional settings → Developer settings.

Now you can:

• 📡 Disable Automatic Data Synchronization (Section Accounts).
• 🚫 Prohibit Background Checking for Updates (System Update section).
• 🔧 Use it. ADB to block traffic at the system level (PC required).

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Developer mode allows you to disable even those processes that are usually hidden from the user, but be careful - incorrect settings can disrupt the phone.

To completely disable mobile data via ADB, execute the command:

adb shell settings put global mobile_data 0

To get it back, replace 0 with 1.

Table: Comparison of methods for disconnecting data transmission

The choice of method depends on your goals. If you just want to save traffic, just turn off the mobile Internet. If maximum autonomy is important, combine several ways.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you shut down data, you often have unexpected problems, and here are the most common ones and the ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If after the mobile data is turned off, the data stops coming SMS (For example, from the bank, check the settings. SIM-Some operators require an active Internet connection to deliver service messages.

Problem 1: After the background data was turned off, the weather and widgets stopped updating.

Solution: Add the Weather app to exceptions. To do this, go to Settings → Battery → Battery Management and select No Limits for the desired application.

Problem 2: The phone doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi after leaving In-Air mode.

Solution: Turn on Wi-Fi manually or restart the device. Sometimes resetting network settings (Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Resetting) helps.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11) after the mobile data is turned off, the signal level indicator may disappear. It's not a mistake - just turn the data back on and the indicator will return.

Problem 3: Apps (like Google Maps) don’t work offline, even though traffic is disabled.

Solution: Download offline maps or data in advance. For Google Maps: open the app → click on the avatar → Offline maps → select an area and download.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions