Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, including the popular series Redmi, are often faced with a situation where the Internet is unstable or some application functions are not available without Wi-Fi. This is due to the aggressive MIUI optimization system, which activates the saving trafficmode by default. This function is designed to extend the operating time of the device when roaming or at limited tariffs, but in everyday use it can become a serious hindrance.
The impact of restrictions on the operation of instant messengers, social networks and navigation apps is especially noticeable. You may not receive notifications on time, and maps may not load new areas. To regain full access to the network and stop depending on the vagaries of the system, you need to correctly configure the data transfer parameters. In this guide, we will look at all the ways to disable restrictions, from simple toggles to deep application settings.
The MIUI shell interface may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the specific model of your smartphone. However, the logic of the system remains the same for all devices of the brand. We will look at universal solutions that will help you restore a stable connection and enjoy the speed of mobile data without artificial barriers.
Global economy mode settings
The very first and obvious step is to check the general data saving switch in the system. In most cases, the problem is solved here. You need to go to the main settings of the device and find the section responsible for connecting to the network. It is usually called Connection and sharing or simply Wi-Fi and Internet.
Inside this menu, find the item Saving traffic. When the slider is active (blue or green), the system limits background data transfer for most apps. Disable this switch. After this action, the smartphone will no longer block connections when the screen is turned off or when you are using a mobile network.
Sometimes the system offers to configure traffic limits manually. If you see a notification that your consumption threshold has been reached, check your limit settings. You may have accidentally set the value too low and the phone automatically went into hard save mode. Reset the statistics or increase the limit to a comfortable value to avoid repeated blocking.
⚠️ Attention: After disabling global data saving, mobile data consumption may increase significantly. Make sure that your tariff plan provides enough gigabytes to avoid unexpected charges by the operator.
Don't forget that changes take effect instantly. However, some applications may require a restart to recognize that restrictions have been lifted. Just close them through the multitasking menu and open them again. This ensures that background services start working normally.
Setting restrictions for individual applications
Even if global saving is disabled, MIUI allows you to configure network access rights for each app individually. This is useful for controlling consumption, but often causes important applications to stop updating in the background. To manage these settings, go to section Applications and select Manage applications.
In the list of installed apps, find the one that is not working correctly (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp). Click on it to open the properties menu. Here you are interested in the item Data usage or Network connection. In this section, you will see three main switches that control access to the Internet.
Make sure the following options are activated:
- 📶 Mobile network —allows the application to work via a SIM card.
- 📶 Wi-Fi —allows operation via a wireless network.
- 🔄 Background connection —critical for receiving notifications without an open application.
Pay special attention to item Background connection. If it's disabled, the app will only work when you keep it open on the screen. As soon as you minimize it, the connection will be interrupted and messages will arrive with a delay. Enable this option for all instant messengers and email clients.
☑️ Check application permissions
It is also worth checking if the checkbox next to the item Limit background datais not checked. If installed, remove it. This action will allow the app to freely exchange information with the server, even if the phone screen is dark.
Working with the Security application
In the ecosystem Xiaomi the central element of resource management is the built-in application Security (green icon with a shield). This is where many settings that affect Internet speed and network operation are hidden. Open this application and find the section Speed or Traffic.
In the traffic menu you will find the item Settings (usually the gear icon at the top). The switch is located here Traffic saving mode. Make sure it is turned off. In addition, in the same menu you can configure traffic profiles for different SIM cards, if your device has two of them.
In the section Traffic limit check the set values. If the function Disable mobile data when exceededis activated, the phone may completely disconnect when a certain threshold is reached. For comfortable use, it is better to disable automatic shutdown or set a limit significantly higher than your monthly package.
⚠️ Attention: Security application interface may change with MIUI updates. If you do not find the described items, use the search inside the application itself or in the general phone settings.
Also in the Security application there is a function Black list or restrictions for specific applications. Check the list of apps that are prohibited from using traffic in the background. Often, important Google services or system components end up there by mistake.
Use search in settings: enter the word "traffic" in the search bar in the Settings menu to instantly get to the desired section without wandering through the menu.
Background data and synchronization accounts
In addition to restrictions at the application level, there is a system setting for background data. It can block the transfer of information for all apps at once, regardless of their individual settings. To check this, go to Settings → Passwords and security → Privacy.
In the privacy section, find the item Special access and select Unlimited access to data (or Background data). A list of applications is displayed here. Make sure the switch Use data in the background is enabled globally. If it is turned off, no application will be able to update without your direct participation.
Separately worth mention account synchronization. If you are not receiving emails or your contacts are not updating, check your synchronization settings. Go to Accounts and synchronization your phone settings. Make sure that auto-sync is enabled for the necessary services (Google, Mi Account, Exchange).
Sometimes completely relinking the account helps. Try removing your Google account from the system and adding it again. This will reset all accumulated synchronization errors and often solves problems with unavailability of services.
Resetting network and access point settings
If software restrictions are removed, but the Internet is still slow or unstable, the problem may lie in incorrect access point (APN) settings. Telecom operators periodically change parameters, and old entries in the phone may conflict with new requirements.
To correct the situation, go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks. Select your SIM card and press Access points (APN). In the menu (three dots in the corner) select option Reset to default settings. This action will delete all manual changes and restore the operator's factory settings.
Also an effective method is to completely reset the network settings. Please note that this action will delete saved passwords for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, but will not affect your personal photos or contacts. Path to function: Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.
| Action | What affects | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Reset APN | mobile data settings | No |
| Reset network settings | Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth, Mobile network | No (settings only) |
| Disable saving | Background application processes | No |
| Factory reset | Entire system and files | High (backup required) |
⚠️ Attention: Before resetting the network settings, be sure to write down the passwords for important Wi-Fi networks, since it will be impossible to restore them from the phone’s memory after the reset.
What to do if the reset does not helped?
If resetting the network settings did not solve the problem, try removing the SIM card, cleaning the contacts with an eraser and inserting it back. Also check if airplane mode is activated by accident.
Additional factors and tips
Sometimes the traffic problem is not directly related to the phone settings. The type of SIM card used may have an impact. Old Mini-SIM cards or damaged chips may not work correctly in modern slots, causing connection interruptions. In this case, it is recommended to replace the SIM card from the operator with a new one that supports 4G/5G.
It is also worth checking whether the mode is enabled Ultra-energy saving. In this mode, the phone disables almost all functions to save battery, including fast Internet and most applications. You can exit this mode through the control panel or in the battery settings.
For owners of two SIM cards, it is important to check which one is selected for data transfer by default. Go to the SIM card settings and make sure that the switch Internet is on the card with an active traffic package. A common mistake is that the Internet is assigned to the card without a subscription fee.
An integrated approach to setup: disabling global savings, setting rights for each application and resetting APN guarantee stable Internet operation on Xiaomi.
Remember that the software is constantly updated. MIUI developers may change the location of menu items or introduce new traffic compression algorithms. If standard methods do not help, look for information on your specific model and firmware version on the official forums.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why did the battery begin to drain faster after disabling data saving?
This is normal. When restrictions on background activity are removed, applications begin to sync, load content, and use GPS more often. This increases the load on the processor and modem, which leads to increased energy consumption.
Is it possible to disable data saving for only one application?
Yes, this is possible. In the settings of a specific application (section Data Usage), you can allow unlimited access to the network, leaving global data saving enabled for other apps. This is the optimal balance between economy and functionality.
Does Do Not Disturb mode affect data transfer?
No, Do Not Disturb mode only affects notification sounds and vibration. It does not block the Internet connection. However, if you have set up a schedule for this mode, check if it coincides with the time when the Internet goes out.
What is traffic compression in Chrome and should you disable it?
The Chrome browser has a separate traffic saving feature that compresses pages on Google servers before sending them to the phone. If sites are not displayed correctly, go to Chrome settings and disable the function Light Mode or Traffic Saving within the browser itself.
Will flashing the phone help solve the traffic problem?
Flashing is radical measure. It can help if the problem is caused by a software glitch in the system. However, before that, try a factory reset. If this does not help, then you should consider installing the global version of the firmware instead of the Chinese one.