Problems with sending messages can occur suddenly, and often the cause is a failure in the settings of the message center. If your Xiaomi has stopped sending SMS or gives an error “Not delivered”, the first thing to check is the correctness of the prescribed SMSC number. This parameter is the gateway through which all text messages of the operator pass.
Owners of Mi and Redmi devices often face the fact that after a change of SIM-The maps or firmware updates are lost, and you have to manually make changes to the engineering menu or the standard system settings, and the correct address ensures that the message goes to the destination even if the network is overloaded.
In this article, we will look at all the known ways to solve the problem, from simple resetting to using hidden codes, you will learn where to find the current numbers for MTC, Beeline, Megafon and other carriers, and we will also look at the nuances of working with dual-SIM, since errors often lie in choosing the wrong SIM card to send.
What is SMSC and why is it important?
SMSC (Short Message Service Center) is a special number on the operator’s network that receives your messages and forwards them to the recipient. If this number is not specified correctly, the phone simply does not know where to send the text for further routing. On Xiaomi devices with a MIUI shell or HyperOS, this parameter can be hidden from the eyes of the average user.
When you send an SMS, it goes first to a message center, not to a friend's phone, and it's stored there until the recipient is in the network, which is why setting it right is critical to a stable communication, and a single-digit error leads to a complete failure of the service.
Users often confuse the SIM phone number and the SMSC number. These are completely different things. The center number usually starts with a plus and contains 11-12 digits (for example, +7916...). In modern Redmi and POCO smartphones, this data is often automatically prescribed when installing SIM, but manual control is never superfluous.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect number replacement SMSC This may result in you not receiving incoming messages from banks and notification services.
Understanding how this system works helps diagnose the problem more quickly, so if outgoing calls work, the Internet is there, and SMS does not leave, 90% of the time the recipient is to blame.
Preparing for changing settings
Before you make changes to system settings, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary data, you will need the current SMSC number of your carrier, this data can be found on the official website of the operator, in your personal account or by calling the support team.
It's also worth checking if the SIM card is active and if there's a balance. Sometimes the problem is solved by a banal reboot of the device, but if you're reading this, then simple methods are already tried. Make sure the phone is on flight mode and off to update the registration on the network.
☑️ Checking before setting up
It is important to determine which SIM card to change if you have two. In Xiaomi, settings are often divided into slots. Mistakes in choosing a slot will lead to the problem remaining unresolved.
- 📱 Write down the current number. SMSC, So that I can get it all back.
- 📶 Make sure the network signal is stable (at least) 2-3 division).
- 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 30% so that the phone doesn’t turn off during the process.
Method 1: Using a standard Message Menu
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Messages app. However, in newer versions of MIUI and Google Messages, this option is often hidden. Try to go to the app's settings, they are usually along the way: three dots in the corner → Settings → Additional → Message Center.
If there is no Message Center, it means that the manufacturer has hidden it to simplify the interface, so move on to the following methods. If there is one, just type in a new number starting with a plus and save the changes.
In some cases, the system may require confirmation of the action through an access code or password. SIM-Be ready to enter the cards. PIN-After saving the settings, be sure to send a test message to your number or friend's number.
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If the number field is grey and inactive, you have access blocked by the system. Use the engineering menu or application to change the IMEI/SMSC.
Remember that the standard menu may not display settings for the second SIM card. SIM-before attempting to change the parameters.
Method 2: Engineering menus and codes
For a deeper setup, the engineering menu is used. On Xiaomi phones, it is called through a set of special code in the Phone app. Enter the command ##4636#. If the menu opens, select Phone Information.
You can find information about the network here, and sometimes change the preferred network type, which indirectly affects the way SMSC works. However, direct SMSC input is not available here on all models. If you see "Refresh" or "Update", try pressing it.
What if the code doesn't work?
There is another code that works on many Android devices: ##3646633##. Once in the menu, go to the Telephony → SMSC tab. In the Set field, enter the number in hexadecimal or decimal format (depending on the interface requirements), then click Set.
⚠️ Note: Do not change other parameters on the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose. 4G/LTE.
After making changes to the engineering menu, it is best to restart the device, which will allow the system to re-register on the network with updated settings.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications
If standard methods don't allow you to access the settings, specialized applications from Google Play come to the rescue, one of the most popular and proven is Force LTE Only (4G/5G) or SMSC Updater, which allows you to root access to hidden functions of the system without complex manipulation.
Applications work by creating a shortcut for the hidden system menu. After installation, run the program, select “Phone Info” and find the SMSC field. Enter the number in the international format (for example, +79990000000) and click “Update” or “Set”.
- 📲 Download the app «SMSC Updater or analogue.
- 🔑 Provide the necessary permissions (often access to calls is required).
- ✏️ Enter the correct number of your operator’s message center.
It is important to understand that these applications require superuser (Root) rights on some Xiaomi models. If the license is not, the application can show the number, but will not allow it to change, in which case only resetting the network settings will help.
SMSC numbers for major operators
To successfully set up, you need to know the exact number of the message center. Below is a table with current data for the largest operators in Russia. Please note that the numbers may vary depending on the region, so it is better to double-check the information on your operator's website.
Enter the number in a strictly international format, starting with a plus sign. If the number is entered correctly, the message will go away instantly. If you see an error, check for extra spaces or symbols.
| Operator. | SMSC number | Region |
|---|---|---|
| MTS | +79168990000 | Moscow and MO |
| MegaFon | +79261000000 | Moscow and MO |
| Beeline | +79031000100 | Moscow |
| Tele2 | +79221220000 | Federal |
| Yota | +79037000000 | Depends on the tower. |
For virtual operators (MVNOs) such as Tinkoff Mobile or Tinkoff, the numbers often match the numbers of the underlying networks (in Tinkoff’s case, Tele2 network).
Solving typical mistakes
Often users are faced with a situation where the number seems to be correct, but the SMS still does not send. In this case, try to perform a full reset of network settings. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.
This procedure will remove stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but often solves network login issues.After reset, the phone will reboot and you will have to re-enter passwords from wireless networks.
⚠️ Note: Network Settings Reset does not delete personal files, contacts or apps, but does remove connection settings.
If the problem persists, check if you have Send as MMS mode in your SMS settings. Sometimes switching this mode will knock the gateway down, and also make sure that there is free space in the phone's memory, as crowded memory can block system processes.
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Resetting network settings is a radical, but often the only way to fix protocol errors without flashing.
In rare cases, the problem may be on the operator's side. SIM-If the text message doesn't work there, it's not your Xiaomi problem.