mobile data on Android can drain the battery, waste traffic in the background, or interfere with concentration at work. But how to turn it off correctly if the standard switch in the curtain does not work? In this article we will analyze all possible methods - from basic to hidden functions of the engineering menu.

You will learn how to deactivate data transfer on Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi, Honor and other popular models, including devices with clean Android (for example, Google Pixel). And also why sometimes the Internet continues to work after a shutdown and how to fix it.

Important: some methods require administrator rights or developer mode. If you are not sure of your actions, use only the standard settings.

1. Quickly disable via the notification panel

The easiest way is to use the notification curtain. This method works on 99% of devices, including Samsung One UI, MIUI and ColorOS.

How to do it:

  • 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel.
  • 🔍 Find the icon "Mobile data" (usually designated as 4G/LTE or 5G).
  • 🔘 Tap on it once - the icon will go out and the Internet will turn off.

If the icon is not in the first line, swipe down again to expand the full panel. On some firmware (for example, Flyme on Meizu), you may need to hold the icon to call up additional options.

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On Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and new models, the mobile data icon may be hidden behind the button Quick settings → Edit. Drag it to the active zone.

⚠️ Attention: On some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline), even after turning off mobile data, you may receive SMS with advertising or system notifications. This does not mean that the Internet is turned on - just that the operator is using a different communication channel.

2. Disabling through Android settings

If the notification panel does not help (for example, due to a firmware glitch), use the settings menu. This method is universal and works even on older versions Android 8-10.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to section Network and Internet (on Xiaomi — SIM cards and mobile networks).
  3. Select Mobile network or Mobile traffic.
  4. Move the slider "Mobile data" to Off

On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI) the path may differ: Settings → Wireless networks → Mobile network → Data transfer.

What to do if the "Mobile network" section is missing?

If there is no item in the settings Mobile network, check:

1. Is a SIM card installed (without it, the section may be hidden).

2. Is the firmware up to date (the interface has changed). Android 13+ interface has changed).

3. Are there active VPNs or mode On an airplanethat block access to settings.

⚠️ Attention: On dual-SIM phones (Dual SIM), mobile data can be tied to a specific SIM card. Make sure that you have disabled data transfer for the desired slot (for example SIM 1 or SIM 2).

3. Disabling for individual applications

Sometimes you need to block the Internet only for specific apps (for example, for TikTok or Facebookthat consume traffic in the background). The built-in function "Saving traffic" or third-party applications will help with this.

Method 1: Through Android settings

  • 📊 Open Settings → Network and Internet → Data transfer → Traffic saving.
  • 🔧 Turn on saving mode and add applications to the list of restrictions.
  • 📵 Now selected apps will not be able to use mobile data.

Method 2: Using the application NetGuard (without root)

  • 📥 Install NetGuard from Google Play.
  • 🛡️ Launch the application and select the apps you want to block Internet.
  • 🔄 Reboot your phone for the changes to take effect.

On Android 12+, the “Traffic Saver” function may be absent - instead, “Adaptive Saving” is used, which automatically limits background activity.

📊 Which method of turning off the Internet do you use more often?
Through the notification panel
In Android settings
For individual applications
Engineering menu
Another option

4. Complete shutdown via the engineering menu (for experienced ones)

If standard methods do not work, you can use engineering menu (Engineer Mode). This method is suitable for advanced users and may differ depending on the phone model.

How to open the engineering menu:

  1. Open the application Phone.
  2. Enter code: 
    ##4636##
  3. Select Phone information or Testing.
  4. Find item Set preferred network type and set GSM only (only calls, without Internet).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect settings in the engineering menu can lead to loss of the network or failure of the communication module. If the signal is lost after the changes, restart the phone or reset the network settings in Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.

Do not change the parameters if you do not know their meanings

Take a photo of the current settings before making changes

Do not save changes if the phone no longer receives the network

Use only proven codes (##4636##, ##INFO##)-->

5. Disabling the Internet through the operator's USSD commands

Some mobile operators (Megafon, Tele2, Yota) allow you to control data transfer via USSD requests. This is convenient if you need to temporarily suspend the Internet (for example, abroad).

Commands for popular operators:

Operator Command to disable Command to enable
MTS *111*225# *111*226#
Beeline *110*180# *110*181#
Megafon *105*003# *105*004#
Tele2 *155*0# *155*1#

After typing the command, you will receive a confirmation SMS. Please note that on some tariffs (for example, with unlimited Internet) this function may be blocked.

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USSD commands only work for the main SIM card. If you have Dual SIM, check which slot the Internet is assigned to.

6. Automatic shutdown according to schedule

If you need to turn off mobile data at a certain time (for example, at night or at work), use automation. Standard tools Android or third-party applications are suitable for this.

Method 1: Through Do Not Disturb mode

  • 🕒 Open Settings → Sound → Do Not Disturb mode.
  • 📅 Set up a schedule (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00).
  • 🔕 Enable the option Disable mobile data (not available on all firmware).

Method 2: Application MacroDroid

  • 🤖 Install MacroDroid from Google Play.
  • ⏰ Create a new macro with a trigger Time of day.
  • 📵 Add action Disable mobile data.
  • 🔄 Save and activate the macro.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 13+ automation applications require additional permissions. Go to Settings → Accessibility → MacroDroid and enable all the necessary options.

7. What to do if the Internet does not turn off?

Sometimes even after all the manipulations, the mobile data continues to work. Let's look at the main reasons and solutions:

Problem 1: The Internet turns on itself after a reboot.

  • 🔄 Check the settings Autostart v Settings → Applications.
  • 📱 Disable autostart for applications Google Play Services and Google Play Services.

Problem 2: Traffic is consumed in the mode On an airplane.

  • ✈️ Make sure that the mode On the plane is turned on correctly (sometimes Wi-Fi or Bluetooth may remain active).
  • 🔌 Check if the phone is connected to a hidden Wi-Fi network (for example, in the subway or cafe).

Problem 3: The operator ignores the disconnection.

  • 📞 Call the operator's support and find out if the service is activated Auto Internet or Connect by balance.
  • 💳 Check the balance - sometimes if the operator has a zero account blocks changing settings.

If all else fails, perform reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to disable the Internet for only one SIM card on a Dual SIM?

Yes, on most phones with dual SIM cards (Samsung Galaxy A54, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12) you can disable mobile data separately for each slot. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks and select the desired SIM.

Why is traffic still charged after turning off mobile data?

You probably have an activated service from your operator (for example, Auto-connection y Megafon or Internet via SMS y Beeline). Check your personal account on the operator’s website or call support.

How to disable the Internet on Android without access to the screen (if the phone is locked)?

If the screen does not respond to touches, try:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC and use the ADBcommand: 
    adb shell svc data disable
  2. Or remove the SIM card (the Internet will turn off, but calls will also become unavailable).

Will Wi-Fi work if you turn off mobile data?

Yes, Wi-Fi and mobile data are different modules. Disabling 3G/4G/5G does not affect Wi-Fi functionality. You will be able to use the Internet through a router or public networks.

How to permanently delete mobile data settings (APN)?

If you want to reset your APN settings (for example, after changing your operator), go to: Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network → Access points (APN) i click Factory reset. ⚠️ After this, the mobile data will stop working until you configure the APN again.