How to send a message from your phone Xiaomi: the complete guide

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones offer users many ways to communicate, far beyond standard calls. Despite the ubiquity of Internet messengers, classic text messages remain indispensable for confirming banking transactions, registering on sites or communicating in areas with poor network coverage. Understanding how to properly configure and use this feature is a basic skill for any device owner.

While sending data may seem trivial, there are nuances in the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS that affect the success of an operation. Users often face the need to manually adjust network settings or application permissions without which the message simply won’t go away. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the steps, from creating the first text to solving complex technical problems.

It’s worth noting that the interface of the standard Messages app can be visually different depending on the operating system version and regional firmware, but the logic remains the same for all models, whether it’s a budget Redmi or a flagship Mi.

Sending standard SMS through the system application

The basic communication method is built into the system by default and does not require the installation of additional software. To start, you need to find an icon called "Messages" on the desktop or in the application menu"SMS/MMS", It's a text bubble, which usually looks like an envelope or a text bubble, and it opens up all the history of the correspondence.

To create a new message, you click on the creation button, which in most versions of the shell is located in the lower right corner of the screen and is indicated by a plus or a pencil. An input field will open, where the first step is to specify the recipient, you can enter the phone number manually or select the contact from the phone book, which greatly speeds up the process.

Once you select the destination, you have a text box to enter the message itself, and it's important to remember the character limit: one standard SMS can hold up to 160 characters in Latin or up to 70 characters in Cyrillic. If you exceed this limit, the message will be broken into several parts, which can affect the charging of your carrier.

⚠️ Note: If you send long text, the system can automatically convert it to MMS or message over the Internet (RCS), If this feature is enabled in the settings, it can lead to consumption of mobile traffic.

When you type in, you just have to press the send button, usually the arrow or the airplane to the right of the input field, and the delivery status will be displayed below the message: one tick means sending, two ticks means delivery to the recipient. If the message is "hang," check for the network signal.

πŸ“Š What kind of sending method SMS You use it more often?
Through the standard application: Number set and text
Through Voice Assistant: Google Assistant
Through third-party applications: Google Messages
Messengers only:WhatsApp/Telegram

Use of MMS function for media files

MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) technology allows you to transfer not only text, but also images, audio files and videos. Unlike SMS, MMS requires an active mobile Internet connection (GPRS/3G/4G) to work, even if you send a file to another subscriber of the same network.

The process of creating a multimedia message begins in the same way as a regular SMS. Once you select the recipient, you need to find an attachment button, which often looks like a clip or an icon of a picture, and clicking on it will open a menu that suggests you select a file from the gallery, take a new photo or record audio.

When you add a media file, the interface of the application will change: a preview of the attached object will appear. You can add accompanying text to be sent along with the image. It is important to consider the file size, since carriers often have limits on the weight of one MMS (usually up to 300-500 KB).

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Before sending an MMS, make sure that data is enabled in your mobile network settings. Wi-Fi for sending an MMS is often not enough, it is the mobile Internet that is required.

Sending MMS can take longer than plain text, especially in low signal conditions.During the process, a download icon may appear in the status bar.Do not force the application to close until the operation is complete to avoid delivery error.

Set up network and APN settings for Xiaomi

Users often face a situation where messages are not sent due to incorrect access point settings. On Xiaomi smartphones, these settings are usually set automatically when installed. SIM-card, but in some cases manual intervention is required.

To check the settings go to the Settings menu β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks. Choose yours. SIM-Map and find the "Access Point" item (APN)". Your operator profile should be active here, and if the settings are lost, you can reset them to factory values via the menu (three dots in the corner).

The table below provides typical parameters for the main operators that may be required for a manual registration:

Operator.Point name (APN)Type APNProtocol
MTSmtsdefault,supl,mmsIPv4/IPv6
MegaFoninternetdefault,supl,mmsIPv4/IPv6
Beelineinternet.beeline.rudefault,supl,mmsIPv4/IPv6
Tele2tele2.rudefault,supl,mmsIPv4/IPv6

If you still have messages that don't leave after you enter, try restarting your device, which updates your network login and applies new network configurations, and in rare cases, it helps to temporarily turn on your flight mode.

β˜‘οΈ Checking network settings

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Contacts and group mailings

The Messages app on Xiaomi allows you to create group chats where messages are sent to multiple recipients at once, which is convenient for notifying colleagues or coordinating a meeting with friends without creating a separate group in the messenger.

To create a group, start creating a new message and enter several contacts in the recipient field. The system will automatically combine them into one dialog. However, it is worth distinguishing between group mailing (everyone sees only their own answer) and group chat (everyone sees everyone’s answers).

Contact management is done through a built-in phone book, so you can create shortcuts for frequently used numbers or tag favorite contacts, which speeds up the search for the right caller when you need an urgent connection.

⚠️ Note: When sending a message to a group through SMS/MMS The charge is made separately for each recipient. 10 Numbers, your account will be charged the cost 10 message.

The app also has a function to block unwanted numbers, so open the spammer dialog, click three dots in the corner and select "Block" and the number will be added to the blacklist.

Google Messages and RCS: Modern Communication Standards

In recent years, Google has been pushing Google Messages as the Android standard, and on new Xiaomi models it can be installed by default or downloadable, with the main advantage of supporting the RCS (Rich Communication Services) protocol.

RCS allows you to send high-quality messages, see the status of typing by the interlocutor, read confirmation and transfer large files over the Internet, but in the interface of conventional SMS. To activate the function, you need to go to the application settings and turn on "RCS Chat".

Using Google Messages gives you access to smart features like artificial intelligence-based spam protection and the ability to send messages directly from your computer via a web interface, making communication more convenient and secure.

What is the difference between SMS and RCS?
SMS is an old technology that works through signal channels on the cellular network, it's limited to 160 characters and does not support media without converting to MMS. RCS is a modern protocol that works over the Internet (like messengers), but built into the phone number. It provides encryption, high quality photos and statuses "print..."

If you’ve switched from iPhone to Xiaomi, it’s important to know that iMessage doesn’t work on Android. All messages from iPhone users will come to you as normal SMS/MMS (green bubbles), if the interlocutor also does not have a cross-platform messenger installed.

Solution: Why messages are not sent

One of the most common problems on Xiaomi devices is an aggressive power saving system that can β€œkill” the background processes of the message application. If messages do not leave or come with a delay, you need to check the battery settings.

Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ All Applications β†’ Messages. Find Activity Control or Autostart and set No Restrictions. Also make sure the application is allowed to run in the background.

Another common cause is a phone's overflowing memory: If the device runs out of space, the system will not be able to create a new file for an incoming or outgoing message, and cleaning up cache or deleting excess files often solves the problem.

⚠️ Note: If you have just updated your firmware, the old message settings may conflict with the new system, in which case it is recommended to clear the Messages application data (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Communications β†’ Clean up β†’ All data) The correspondence history will be deleted, so back up in advance.

It is also worth checking the date and time on the device. Incorrect system clocks can lead to errors in security certificates and blocking network connections.

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90% of the problems with sending messages to Xiaomi are solved by checking the balance, having a network signal and setting the AutoRun resolution for the Message application.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

How to send a message to yourself on Xiaomi?
It's a useful feature for taking notes. Just create a new message and type your own phone number into the recipient's field, and the text will be preserved in the history of the self-dialog.
Why is SMS turning into MMS and spending the internet?
This happens if the text is too long, contains emojis (in some cases), or you add a picture. To avoid this, keep track of the length of the text and turn off the Auto Convert to MMS function in the application settings, if there is one.
Can I send you? SMS Wi-Fi-free SIM-map?
Normal. SMS require SIM-Maps and cellular networks. However, if you use Google Messages with enabled RCS and the function "Messages in the web interface", theoretically you can send messages over Wi-Fi, but the primary binding and the presence of a SIM card in the phone are mandatory.
Where is the folder with the blocked numbers?
Open the Messages app, click three dots in the corner, and select "Blocked Numbers" or "Spam and Lock" and it stores the history of messages from blacklisted contacts.
How to restore remote SMS on Xiaomi?
Without a pre-backup (via Mi Cloud or Google Drive), it is almost impossible to recover deleted messages. Check your sync settings in your Mi or Google account to avoid future data loss.