How to Monitor and Restrict Background Data Usage on Xiaomi

Apps running in the background can silently consume your mobile data plan — even when you're not using them. Here's how to monitor and stop it on Xiaomi HyperOS.

Step 1: Check Background Data Usage

Go to Settings > SIM Cards & Mobile Networks > Data Usage > App Data Usage. Toggle the view to show Background data (separate from Foreground). Any app with significant background data is a candidate for restriction.

Step 2: Enable Data Saver Mode

Settings > SIM Cards & Mobile Networks > Data Saver → ON

Data Saver restricts background mobile data for all apps except those you whitelist. It's the fastest way to stop hidden data drain.

• Apps in the foreground: data works normally
• Apps in the background: mobile data blocked (Wi-Fi still allowed)

Step 3: Whitelist Important Apps

In Data Saver settings, tap "Unrestricted apps" and enable any apps that need background data regardless (e.g., email, navigation apps, messaging apps).

Step 4: Restrict Individual Apps

For more granular control: Settings > Apps > Manage Apps > [App] > Data Usage → disable "Mobile data" for background or set to Wi-Fi only.

Step 5: Disable App Background Sync

Settings → Accounts → [Google Account] → Account Sync → uncheck services you don't need to sync constantly (e.g., Contacts, Calendar, Drive).

Apps That Commonly Use Background Data