How to make Xiaomi’s “Messages” the default app: detailed instructions

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI or HyperOS offer users a proprietary application “Messages” – a convenient tool for sending SMS and RCS-However, after installing third-party messengers (such as Google Messages or Truecaller), the system can automatically change the default application, which leads to confusion: notifications come to one application, and responses are sent from another. This problem is especially relevant after OS updates or resetting settings.

In this article, you’ll find current ways to return Xiaomi’s Messages to the default app status – from standard Android settings to hidden settings. MIUI/HyperOS. We will also analyze unique nuances for models with double SIM-A map where the choice of a standard application may differ for each slot. MIUI 12–15 HyperOS 1.0+, including the Redmi Note 12/13, Poco F5/X5, Xiaomi 13/14 others.

Why is Xiaomi’s Messages not set by default?

The problem with changing the standard SMS-Applications arise for several reasons, and understanding them will help to avoid mistakes in the future:

• 📱 Automatic Android swapping: When you install a new messenger (like Google Messages), the system suggests making it the default app. Many users agree without realizing the consequences.
• 🔄 Conflict after update: Updates MIUI HyperOS can reset the default settings, especially if several systems are installed SMS-clientele.
• 📶 Double. SIM-Card: On dual-slot devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The choice of standard application may differ for each SIM-map.
• 🚫 Manufacturer restrictions: Some firmware (especially for global versions) block changing silences for system applications.

Importantly, the algorithm for choosing a standard application has changed on HyperOS, with the system prioritizing RCS-enabled messengers (like Google Messages) and if you want to return Xiaomi Messages, you’ll have to manually reset your default settings.

⚠️ Note: Some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra with HyperOS) may lose synchronization after changing the standard application SMS Mi Cloud. Before changing your settings, check your backup!

Method 1: Standard Android settings

The easiest method is to use the Android settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi devices, regardless of the firmware version:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Go to the Application Management section → By default.
3. Press the line. SMS-Annex (or Messages).
4. In the list, select Messages (the icon with a green bubble and a white Mi icon).

If the list is not a proprietary application, it is disabled or deleted.

• 🔍 Back to Settings → Annexes.
• 📵 Find “Messages” in the list and click Enable (if the button is active).
• 🔄 Restart the device and repeat the steps above.

Check if the Messages app is enabled in the settings

Make sure there are no other active systems in the system. SMS-Customers (e.g. Truecaller)

Backup important messages via Mi Cloud or third-party tools

Reboot your smartphone before changing your settings-->

On HyperOS, the path may be slightly different: instead of App Management, look for the default apps in the main settings menu. SMS-The application is not available, so the manufacturer’s restrictions are in effect on your device (see the section on restrictions).

Method 2: Resetting Silences for All Applications

If the standard method didn’t work, try resetting the default settings for all apps, which will help to eliminate conflicts between messengers:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).
4. After reset, re-select Messages as the default application (see Method 1).

⚠️ Attention: Resetting silence will disable all permissions for applications (camera, microphone, location, etc.) After the procedure, you will have to reconfigure access for each application!

This method is especially effective if you have previously experimented with several different types of SMS-Customers (e.g. Textra, Pulse) SMS). It clears the silence selection cache, which allows the system to correctly apply the new settings.

Messages (branded from Xiaomi)

Google Messages

Truecaller

Other (write in the comments)-->

Method 3: Manual assignment via ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods do not work, you can resort to ADB-This requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and basic command line knowledge. MIUI 13/14 HyperOS, where the manufacturer limited the change of silences through the interface.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your device.
4. Follow the command to reset the silences: adb shell pm clear com.android.mms.service
5. Then assign Xiaomi Messages to the standard app: adb shell cmd role add-role-holder android.app.role.SMS com.android.mms
6. Reboot your smartphone.

If the application still doesn’t install by default after you execute the commands, check the package is correct. Some firmware (e.g. HyperOS Global) may require an alternative command:

adb shell cmd role add-role-holder android.app.role.SMS com.miui.mms

Method 4: Setup for Double SIM-map

On two-device devices. SIM-cards (for example, Xiaomi) 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) standardization SMS-The app may be different for each slot. MIUI/HyperOS allows you to link different messengers to different numbers.

To set up Xiaomi’s Messages for both SIM-map:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose the first one. SIM-map and click Message Settings.
3. In the SMS Appendix section, specify “Messages”.
4. Repeat the steps for the second. SIM-map.

If you don't have an SMS App option, it's hidden on your firmware.

• 📌 Use it. ADB-compulsory-appointment.
• 🔄 Reboot the device and check the settings again.
• 📱 Install a third-party Activity Launcher app from Google Play to access hidden settings MIUI.

💡

After the shift SIM-Message cards come to the old app, clear the cache and Messages data of Xiaomi in the app settings. This will help synchronize settings with the new number.

Limitations and features of firmware

Not all Xiaomi devices can be changed freely SMS-The manufacturer imposes restrictions depending on the region and the firmware version:

• 🌍 Global firmware (MIUI Global: Often block changing silences for system applications. ADB Or install Google Messages as your primary customer.
• 🇨🇳 Chinese firmware (MIUI China: Allows flexibility in setting up silences, but Google services may not be available, which affects the work RCS.
• 🆕 HyperOS: Prioritizes Google Messages as a standard app for the Internet RCS. To return Xiaomi Messages, you need to reset the silence or ADB.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro for the European market) the choice of standard SMS-The client is locked at the firmware level:

• 🔄 Consider switching to HyperOS China (if your model supports multi-region).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices for the European market (EEA) forced modification of the standard SMS-applications ADB This could cause Google services to crash. Create a backup before experimenting!

Solving problems after the change of silence

After assigning Xiaomi Messages to the default app, side effects may occur. Here's how to fix them:

If after the change of silence stopped working RCS-Messages (e.g. Google Messages), this is normal: Xiaomi does not support Messages RCS on all the firmware, to get it back RCS:

1. Install Google Messages as the default app.
2. Activate RCS in Google Messages settings (Settings → Chat Functions).
3. Use both apps in parallel: Messages for SMS and Google Messages for RCS.

💡

On HyperOS for stable SMS operation, it is recommended to disable battery optimization for the Messages application (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).

FAQ: Frequent questions