Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shells MIUI or the new HyperOS, provide users with ample opportunities for personalization, but sometimes this leads to excessive traffic consumption. Many applications require constant connection to the server for notifications, synchronization or advertising, which can significantly reduce the limits of your mobile operator. Device owners often face a situation where background activity programs consume megabytes even when the screen is off and the user is not interacting with the gadget.
Fortunately, Android, with its own add-on, has a powerful network monitoring tool. Internet access blocking allows you to completely isolate a particular application from the external network, while keeping it functional offline. This is especially true for games that do not require an online connection, or for instant messengers that you want to use only on a tablet or at a certain time. Below we will discuss in detail all available methods of limiting traffic.
Use of built-in MIUI and HyperOS firewall
The most effective way to limit network activity is to use a regular firewall built into the Security system application, which does not require third-party software installation and works at the kernel level, which guarantees the reliability of the lock. You need to open the Security application (green icon with a shield), which is preinstalled on all devices of the brand. Inside the menu, find the Traffic section or Traffic usage, which displays data consumption statistics.
When you go to the traffic section, select Restrict data use, and you'll see a complete list of all the programs installed with two columns of switches: one for the mobile network (antenna icon), the other for Wi-Fi (fan icon), and the settings in this menu will be changed instantly, without having to restart the device or restart the application itself. Just turn the switch to the gray position to deny the connection.
It's worth noting that system applications can have a lock-down limit because they're necessary for the phone to work. But for third-party software, this works flawlessly. If you block Wi-Fi access but leave the mobile Internet, the app can only work through the SIM card, and vice versa. This gives you flexibility in managing costs.
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Xiaomi’s built-in firewall blocks network access at the system level, which is more effective than simply closing background processes.
Access settings through Android system settings
An alternative path that might be more familiar to pure Android users is through the standard system settings menu, which is useful if the Security app shortcut has been removed or changed as a result of the interface modification. Go to Settings, then find the App section and select All Apps. In the list that opens, find the program you want to restrict access to.
Inside the app card, go to Data Use, where you'll see detailed statistics and switches. It's important to understand the difference between background and background. Disabling background data doesn't always completely block the Internet, but it prevents the app from activating the connection when it's not running on the screen.
For complete isolation, some firmware versions also have separate switches for Wi-Fi and Mobile Data. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14) or HyperOS, but the logic remains the same: look for a point associated with the network, and disable the desired options.
Limiting background activity to save battery
Often users want to ban the Internet not only to save traffic, but also to save battery power. Background synchronization and constant ping servers drain the battery faster. In the application settings discussed above, the option of Background activity or Background activity is often found.
In addition, under the Battery section, you can set the mode of operation for specific programs in the general settings of the phone: choose Energy Saving or No Limits (for important applications that need the Internet). Austerity setting often automatically limits background network traffic, as the system believes that the application is inactive.
It is important to distinguish between background and background data, the first is code execution, the second is network traffic, and for maximum efficiency, it is recommended to combine these settings: prohibit background data transfer in the traffic menu and limit background activity in the battery menu, which will have a complex effect.
⚠️ Warning: Completely disabling background activity for messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) will result in you no longer receiving notifications about new messages until the app is opened.
Use of Do Not Disturb Mode and Profiles
Xiaomi’s shells feature a handy profile feature that allows you to quickly change network configuration. While this does not block access at the application level, Flight mode or creating a special profile with data transmission disabled can be a temporary solution. However, a more advanced method is to use automation scenarios, if they are available in your version of firmware.
You can set up automatic mobile internet shutdowns when you connect to your home Wi-Fi, which will prevent accidental traffic consumption. There are also scenarios that allow you to turn off the Internet for all applications except those selected at a certain time of day, this is implemented through the Security app -> Battery -> Planner.
Profiles are useful when you need to quickly switch to “only important calls” or “offline” mode, but for selectively blocking specific games or programs, this method is less effective than using the firewall described at the beginning of the article, rather serving as an addition to the main traffic management strategy.
Hidden opportunities of the developer mode
Comparison of Traffic Blocking Methods
To make it easier for you to choose the best way to manage your network connections, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand which method is best for your goals: saving traffic, saving battery or parental control.
| Method | Efficiency | Difficulty | Impact on notifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firewall (Security) | Tall. | Low. | Complete disappearance |
| Android settings | Medium | Low. | Delay or absence |
| Background restriction | Medium | Low. | Only when it's opened |
| Flight mode | Maximum | Low. | Locking everyone down. |
As you can see from the table, the built-in firewall is the most balanced solution, allowing you to flexibly configure access for Wi-Fi and mobile data separately, which is impossible to do with simple Android settings.
For most users, only the first method is enough, and the remaining methods can be considered as additional tools for fine-tuning or temporary solutions to problems with the autonomy of the device.
☑️ Checking the lock settings
Advanced Methods: ADB and Root Rights
For experienced users with superuser rights (Root) or familiar with debugging ADB, There are more radical methods. With the netguard utility (requires customization). VPN-You can create complex packet filtering rules without root or command line. MIUI Getting root rights is much more complicated and can disrupt the work of banking applications.
Use of the ADB-commands allow you to disable system components that are responsible for the network activity of specific packets. --user 0 com.package.name completely disables the application, which is equivalent to deleting, but saves data. ADB without root rights, the options are limited, as Android prohibits applications (and ADB-sessions without special rights to manipulate the network rules of other applications directly.
If you have Root rights, you can use firewall apps like AFWall.+. They provide detailed control over each network request, allowing you to block access to even specific network requests. IP-This is a level of professional customization that is rarely needed.
⚠️ Attention: Getting Root-rights cancels the warranty on the device and can lead to unstable system operation or “bricking” of the smartphone with inept actions.