How to completely remove messages from SIM-Xiaomi maps: all working methods

SIM cards in Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models, POCO and Mi) still in storage SMS-Messages that are directly in your memory, despite the fact that most users have switched to instant messengers, these messages take up precious kilobytes (usually up to 128-256 KB on the card), slow down the communication module and can cause failures when sending new messages. SMS. Unlike messages in the phone memory, deletion SMS s SIM requires special actions – a standard swipe in the Messages application is not enough.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods of cleaning. SIM-Message maps on Xiaomi, including hidden features MIUI, We'll focus on the design of the dual-use models. SIM (For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Xiaomi 13T), We'll also find out why some messages are not deleted through a standard application and how to get around this restriction without losing data.

Why do the messages stay on SIM-map and what the danger is

GSM SIM cards (including the current 4G/5G USIM) were originally designed to support SMS storage, a legacy of the 90s, when phones didn't have enough internal memory, which is an anachronism today, but mobile operators still don't turn it off.

• 📱 Slowdown of the communication module: when memory overflow SIM The card begins to “slow down” the processing of new messages, which leads to delays in sending / receiving them.
• 🔄 Conflicts with MIUI: on Xiaomi smartphones with firmware MIUI 14+ crowded SIM It can cause malfunctions of the dual messenger function (Dual Apps).
• 🔒 Security risks: old ones SMS (For example, with confirmation codes) remain readable through the engineering menu or special utilities.
• 📶 Roaming problems: some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block services when they detect overcrowded memory SIM.

It is important to understand that removal SMS phone-memory ≠ removal SIM. When you delete a message in the Messages app, it disappears only from Xiaomi’s internal storage, but it stays on the map. A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

⚠️ Note: On some tariffs (for example, "MTS Super" or "Tele2 My Online"), operators automatically save copies of the data. SMS Even after cleaning up, on their servers. SIM These messages can be restored upon request of law enforcement agencies.

Method 1: Standard removal through the Messages app

The most obvious but least effective method is that it only works for messages that are already loaded into the phone's memory, but it doesn't guarantee that the SIM itself will be cleaned.

1. Open the Messages app (the envelope icon).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to Additional Settings → SIM-card management.
4. Select the desired SIM (if there are two) and click Delete Messages.
5. Confirm the action by selecting All posts or a specific date range.

A successful deletion notification will appear on the screen, but this is not always true.

Send a test SMS to another number | Check the speed of sending/receiving | Run diagnostics via ##4636##| Try sending MMS (they take up more space)

-->

If the messages continue to take up space after these actions (for example, the SIM status displays 90% full memory), move on to the following methods.

Method 2: Engineering menu (USSD codes and service commands)

Xiaomi’s hidden engineering menu allows direct interaction with the SIM module. This method is suitable for models based on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, POCO X5 Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) and MediaTek (for example, Redmi 12C, POCO M5s).

Instructions for Qualcomm:

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the SIM Management block.
4. Press the right one. SIM → Delete All SMS.
5. Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter) PIN-code SIM).

For MediaTek chipsets, use an alternative code:

##36446337##

Select SIM Toolkit → SMS Storage → Clear All.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Global Engineering menu blocked. If nothing happens after you enter the code, try #463663378## or install the app. MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek only).

Qualcomm Snapdragon|MediaTek Helio/Dimensity|Other (specify in the comments)|I don't know

-->

Method 3: SIM management applications (SIM Toolkit)

If standard methods don't work, use specialized utilities that not only delete messages, but also view hidden data on the Internet. SIM (For example, call lists or saved numbers USSD-Best Options for Xiaomi:

Instructions for using the SIM Card (the safest option):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Launch it and give access to Messages and Phone.
3. Choose the right one. SIM-card (if there are several).
4. Go to the SMS tab → click Select All → Delete.
5. Confirm removal (may be required) PIN2-code issued by the operator).

If the app gives you an error called “SIM not supported”, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📋 Check if it's on. SIM in settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks).
• 🔒 Introduce standard PIN2-code (usually 1234 or 0000).

-->

Method 4: Cleaning through PC (ADB and specialized software)

For advanced users who want to completely erase data from SIM (including service information), the method using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is suitable. This is true if you are selling a phone and want to eliminate the restoration of old SMS. Importantly, the method requires on-board debugging over USB and works only on an unlocked bootloader (for some models, for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra).

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Turn on Xiaomi: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times to become a developer) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
5. Execute the command to clean up SMS s SIM: adb shell content query --uri content://telephony/siminfo --where "slot_index=0" --projection "_id" adb shell content delete --uri content://sms/sim/1 (substitute slot_index=0 on 1 second SIM).

For a complete rewriting of SIM memory (irreversible!), use the SIM Card Formatter utility:

⚠️ Attention: Formatting SIM through ADB deletes all data without recovery, including contacts saved on the map, and settings USSD-This method is recommended only for experienced users or before recycling. SIM.

Method 5: Replacement SIM-cards (extreme case)

If none of the methods worked, memory SIM It's still crowded, and there's a radical solution, which is replacement. SIM-This is true for old cards (issued before 2015) that have a limit of 20 to 50 messages. USIM-Cards (e.g. from MegaFon or Yota) support up to 250-500 SMS, But even they can get clogged with official data.

How to replace SIM without losing your number:

1. Visit the operator’s salon with a passport (or use the online order through your personal account).
2. Ask for it. USIM-card (not regular) SIM!) — It supports more memory and is compatible with 5G.
3. Activate the new card by following the operator’s instructions (usually an SMS with an activation code will arrive).
4. Move contacts and settings through Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Data portability.

Cost of SIM replacement from major operators (2026):

• 📱 MTS, Beeline, Tele2 - free (when replaced by a USIM).
• 📱 MegaFon – 100-200 rubles (depending on the tariff).
• 📱 Yota, Tinkoff Mobile - free (courier delivery).

-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When cleaning SIM-Xiaomi cards are often the most common problems that users face, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

Another common problem is the reappearance of remote SMS, which is due to the auto-recover feature in MIUI, which syncs messages to the Xiaomi cloud to disable it:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Choose Mi Account. → Synchronization of data.
3. Turn off the slider next to the message.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions