Modern smartphones are equipped with many functions designed to extend battery life and save your money. One of these functions is Android are equipped with many features designed to extend battery life and save you money. One such function is saving traffic (Data Saver). This option limits background data transfer for applications that you are not currently actively using. In conditions of limited tariff plans or unstable mobile data, this is a really useful tool.
However, there are situations when you need all notifications to arrive instantly, and cloud synchronization to work without delay, regardless of whether the application is open or minimized. In such cases, the function becomes more of a hindrance than a helper. Users often encounter problems when important messages from instant messengers arrive late, or photos are not loaded into the gallery while the screen is off. A reasonable question arises: where to find this setting and how to deactivate it?
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithms for disabling traffic saving on different versions of the operating system and shells from different manufacturers. You will learn not only about the standard paths in the menu, but also about the nuances that may be hidden behind different names in the settings Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei. We'll also look at how to set up exceptions for specific apps so you don't disable the feature globally if you want to maintain a balance between data consumption and performance.
What is Data Saver Mode and how it affects the system
Mode Data Saver is a system mechanism that blocks the use of mobile data in the background for most applications. When this function is active, the operating system allows data transfer only to those apps that are in the active window on the screen. All other processes trying to access the network are queued or completely blocked until the user opens the application.
This means that your mail may not be updated until you log into the client, and social networks will stop loading the news feed in advance. For some users this is critical, as it disrupts the usual rhythm of working with the device. Problems are especially noticeable with messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp, which may not send push notifications about new messages if the chat is not open.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling data saving will lead to an increase in the consumption of gigabytes from your tariff plan. Make sure you have an unlimited package activated or a sufficient balance before changing settings.
In addition, this mode often affects the quality of the content. Video services, such as YouTube or Netflix, when saving is enabled, can automatically reduce video resolution to consume less bitrate. Music streaming services may also switch to lower audio quality. If you want to enjoy content in maximum quality 1080p or 4K via a mobile network, this function must be deactivated.
Universal way to turn off on pure Android
On smartphones with a “clean” version of the operating system (for example, line Google Pixel, Moto, Nokia), the path to configuration is as standardized as possible. Developers Google strive for a unified interface, so finding the right switch usually doesn’t take much time. However, the names of the items may vary slightly depending on the version Android (from 10 to 14).
To find the desired section, you need to open the main settings menu. Typically the icon is a gear. Next, you should go to the section responsible for network connections. In most cases it is called Network and Internet (Network & Internet). This is where all the parameters related to SIM cards, Wi-Fi and data transfer are concentrated.
Inside this section, find the item Saving traffic. It can be located either in the general list or inside a subsection Mobile network. The switch is usually gray when the feature is disabled, and appears in the system's signature color (often blue or green) when it is active. You need to put it in an inactive state.
☑️ Checking network settings
After turning off the function, the system may request confirmation of the action, warning about a possible increase in data consumption. Confirm the action by pressing OK or Allow. Now all applications will have unrestricted access to the Internet. It is worth noting that on some devices with very old software versions this item may be called Restrict background data, but the essence remains the same.
Interface features in the Samsung One UI shell
Owners of devices from the South Korean giant Samsung are faced with a proprietary shell One UI, which has its own unique menu structure. The path to the settings here is a little longer, and the terminology may differ from stock Android. The company often renames standard features to better fit into the brand's ecosystem.
To get started, go to Settings and scroll down to the section Connections. This is an analogue of the “Network and Internet” section in pure Android. Inside you will find the item Data usage. This is where the main traffic control tools are hidden. Please note that in some versions of One UI this item may simply be called Mobile data.
In the data usage menu you will see a switch Traffic saving. However, the ecosystem Samsung has an important feature: even with the general mode turned off, individual applications may have personal restrictions. Therefore, after disabling the global function, it is recommended to go to the subsection Allowed in background or Unlimited data use.
| One UI version | Path to settings | Name features |
|---|---|---|
| One UI 6.0+ | Connections → Data usage | Saving traffic |
| One UI 5.0 | Connections → Data usage | Data Saver |
| One UI 4.0 | Connections → Data usage | Data saving |
| One UI 3.0 | Connections → Data usage | Traffic saving |
If you cannot find the switch in the specified location, use the built-in settings search. Click the magnifying glass icon at the top of the Settings screen and search for "traffic" or "savings." The system itself will redirect you to the desired section, which is especially convenient when the interface is frequently updated.
Use the search in the settings (magnifying glass icon) if you cannot find the desired item manually. This is the fastest way to navigate complex Samsung menus.
Data saving settings in MIUI and HyperOS (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO)
Device users Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are often faced with an aggressive system policy towards background processes. The shells MIUI and the new HyperOS have deeply integrated optimization tools that can duplicate the functions of the standard Android. Here it is important to distinguish between system traffic savings and the restrictions imposed by the Security application.
The standard disabling path is as follows: go to Settings, then select the section Connection and sharing (in older versions it could be called “SIM cards and mobile networks”). Find the item Traffic saving and disable it. The interface Xiaomi often uses red accents for active warning functions, so be careful when reading the description.
However, Even after disabling this option, restrictions may remain due to the operation of the system application Security. Go to this application (green icon with a shield), select section Data transmission and further Traffic limitation. A separate switch may be active here that blocks the Internet for selected apps. This is a two-level protection system that many people forget about.
⚠️ Attention: In MIUI/HyperOS shells, settings may be reset after updating the system or running the memory optimizer. Periodically check the status of restrictions if you notice problems with the delivery of notifications.
It is also worth paying attention to the function Smart modethat can automatically turn on data saving when the battery is low or the network signal is weak. If you want complete control, disable this option in the same data transfer menu. Only an integrated approach guarantees that no application will be limited in access to the network.
How to create an exception list for important applications
It is not always advisable to completely disable traffic saving. If you want to maintain browser or game limits, but ensure uninterrupted operation of instant messengers and work email, the best solution is to create an exception list. This function allows you to select specific applications that will ignore the saving mode.
In the traffic saving settings menu (regardless of the phone model) there is usually an item Unlimited access or Allowed applications. By clicking on it, you will see a list of all installed apps. You just need to activate the switches next to those applications that should run in the background without restrictions.
- 📱 Messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber - for instant delivery of messages.
- 📧 Email clients: Gmail, Outlook, Yandex.Mail - for timely receipt of letters.
- ☁️ Cloud services: Google Drive, Dropbox - for automatic uploading of photos and documents.
- 🗺️ Navigation: Yandex.Maps, Google Maps - for loading traffic jams in real time.
This approach allows you to flexibly manage resources. For example, you can allow unrestricted access for Zoom or Skypeso that video calls are not interrupted, but leave restrictions for Instagram or TikTok, which consume a huge amount of traffic for auto-loading video.
What happens if you add the application to exceptions?
The application will be able to use the mobile data in in the background even when general data saving is enabled. This will ensure that you receive push notifications and data synchronization, but will increase your overall gigabyte consumption.
Remember that there is no limit to the number of exceptions, but the more apps you add to this list, the less effective the saving feature itself becomes. It is recommended to add only those apps whose latency is critical for your tasks.
Resetting statistics and hidden settings through the engineering menu
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the traffic saving switch is inactive (grayed out) or is reset immediately after shutdown. This may be a result of errors in statistics calculations or the actions of telecom operators who implement their APN profiles with strict restrictions. In such cases, you may need to reset data usage statistics.
In the same menu Data usage find the item Reset statistics or Usage statistics. Pressing this button resets the counters and often “unlocks” stuck settings. After the reset, try turning off data saving again. Also check the settings of the access point (APN): sometimes there are parameters that force data compression.
For advanced users, there is access to hidden settings through the engineering menu or ADB, but this requires caution. For example, you can send a command through the console to change a parameter globally.
adb shell settings put global data_saver 0This command forcibly disables traffic saving mode at the system level. Use it only if the GUI does not respond to your actions. Do not forget that interfering with system settings through the console can lead to unstable operation of the device if entered incorrectly.
If the graphical interface does not allow you to change the settings, use the ADB command to force the mode to disable, but proceed with caution.
The influence of telecom operators and third-party applications
Do not forget that restrictions may not from the smartphone itself, but from your mobile operator. Many tariff plans include the “Traffic Optimizer” or “Data Compression” service on the server side. In this case, the phone settings may be set correctly, but traffic will still be limited until it reaches the device.
Check your operator’s personal account or tariff management application. Look for options with names like Turbo button, Unlimited on social networks (which often cuts traffic in other applications) or Internet saving. Disabling these services on the provider's side often solves the problem faster than digging into the settings Android.
There are also third-party antivirus applications and firewalls (for example, NetGuard, Avast), which have their own traffic control functions. If you have such apps installed, go to their settings and make sure that they are not blocking background activity. A conflict between system economy and a third-party firewall is a common cause of network problems.
⚠️ Attention: The terms of tariff plans and additional services of telecom operators change frequently. For up-to-date information about whether traffic compression is included in your tariff, check the operator’s official application or website.
In conclusion, proper management of traffic settings allows you to find a balance between savings and comfort. Understanding where these switches are hidden on your specific device will save you a lot of problems with notifications and loading content.
Why did the battery drain faster after you turned off data saving?
When you turn off data saving, applications are allowed to constantly synchronize in the background. This increases the load on the processor and radio module, which naturally leads to faster battery consumption.
Can data saving affect Wi-Fi speed?
No, the standard “Traffic Saving” function in Android is intended exclusively for mobile data (3G/4G/5G). It does not affect the operation of Wi-Fi, unless you use specific third-party applications for total network control.
How to check which application consumes the most traffic?
Go to Settings → Connections → Data usage. There will be a detailed list of all applications, sorted by the amount of traffic consumed for the current Billing cycle.
What to do if the traffic saving switch is not pressed (gray)?
This may mean that the restriction is imposed by the device administrator (corporate profile), ultra-power saving mode is activated, or there is a conflict with the operator's APN profile. Try rebooting the phone or resetting the network settings.