How to send SMS on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways from A to Z

Sending SMS to Xiaomi: Why it’s not as easy as it seems

At first glance, sending SMS on Xiaomi smartphones should not cause questions: opened the application, typed text, sent. But MIUI users are regularly faced with the nuances: somewhere the message icon is missing, somewhere the confirmation does not come, and sometimes even the error “Message service stopped”, especially for owners of Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi 13T, where the interface changes with each firmware.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can send SMS on Xiaomi devices, from the standard Messages app to alternative methods via Google Messages or even from your computer, and why messages sometimes don’t reach you and how to fix it without resetting. If you’re looking for a specific model, use a page search (Ctrl+F) to quickly find the partition you want.

Method 1: Standard Application "Messages" in MIUI

The basic method, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones, from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, is pre-installed in the system, but its icon can be hidden in the Google folder or disabled through settings. Here's how to use it:

1. Open the app – search it through the screen (swipe down the home screen and type “Messages”). On some firmware, it is called SMS or Message Menu.
2. Click on the pencil icon (✏️) In the lower right corner to create a new message.
3. Enter the recipient's phone number in format +79XXXXXXXXX (with country code) or select a contact from the list.
4. Write text (up to 160 characters for one SMS; if more, the message will be broken into several parts).
5. Send by pressing the arrow (→) to the right of the input field.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with two SIM-cards (Dual) SIM) Before you send it, check which SIM is the default:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose. SIM-default-card.
3. Specify the desired SIM (for example, SIM 1 or SIM 2).

Check the balance on SIM-map (SMS fee-paying)

Make sure that mobile internet or communication is enabled (antenna in the status bar)

Turn off In-plane mode (Settings → Connections → Flight mode)

Update the Messages app through the Play Store-->

Method 2: Google Messages – an alternative with advanced features

If the standard Xiaomi app is not stable (like on POCO F5 after upgrading to MIUI 14), Google Messages is a good idea.

• 🔹 RCS-chats (similar to iMessage with read notifications and high quality media).
• 🔹 Backup of messages in Google Drive.
• 🔹 Web version for sending SMS computer.
• 🔹 Protection against spam (filtering unwanted messages).

To set up Google Messages:

1. Download the app from the Play Store.
2. Open it and allow access to SMS, Contacts and Phone.
3. Select Google Messages as the default SMS app (the offer will appear when you first start).
4. To activate RCS, go to Settings → Chat Functions → Enable chats.

💡 Secret Life Hack: If you have Xiaomi with you MIUI 13/14 Google Messages does not offer to make itself the default app, follow:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Messages → Default → Clear default settings

The standard “Messages” from Xiaomi

Google Messages

Other (write in the comments)

I'm not sending. SMS, I use messengers.-->

Method 3: Sending SMS from a computer (via MIUI or Google Messages)

Few people know, but sending SMS from Xiaomi is not only possible from your phone, it is convenient if you work on a PC and do not want to be distracted by a smartphone.

Method 1: Google Messages Web Version

If you use Google Messages, you can:

1. Open the application on the phone and tap on the profile avatar → Message devices.
2. Choose Link the Web Version and Scan QR-site-code messages.google.com/web.
3. Now you can send SMS directly from the browser on your computer.

Method 2: Mi PC Suite (Official Software from Xiaomi)

Xiaomi owners can use Mi PC Suite, which allows you to manage messages from your computer. Download it from the official website and:

1. Connect your phone via USB (enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap on version).
2. In the program, go to the Messages tab.
3. Select a contact and send an SMS as if from your phone.

⚠️ Attention: When using Mi PC Suite on Xiaomi with MIUI 14 may require additional permission to access the SMS. For that:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi PC Suite.
2. Enable SMS resolution.

Method 4: Sending SMS via third-party messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)

Yes, it's possible! Some messengers can send real ones. SMS through SIM-It's a map, not an Internet message. SMS-bridge, and WhatsApp (on some firmware) can be integrated SMS-Let's go through the details:

Telegram (via bot or built-in function)

There is no direct SMS sending on Telegram, but you can use @SMSBot (an informal solution).

1. Find the bot in the Telegram search and launch it.
2. Follow the instructions for linking the phone number.
3. Send commands like /sms +79XXXXXXXXXX Your text.

⚠️ Important: This method requires an Internet connection and is not always stable. For critical messages (e.g. bank codes), it is better to use standard methods.

WhatsApp (only on some firmware)

On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and below, WhatsApp had an SMS integration feature. It has now been removed, but on custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience), it can be returned:

1. Install WhatsApp from the Play Store.
2. At the first start, allow access to SMS.
3. In the chat settings, select SMS Integration (if available).

On MIUI 13/14 firmware, SMS integration into WhatsApp is not officially supported, and use this method only on custom builds or through third-party Magisk modules (such as WhatsApp SMS Integration).

Method 5: Sending SMS through USSD-Teams (for advanced teams)

This method is suitable for those who like to "dig deeper. USSD-Commands allow you to send SMS without an application interface, it's right through the system menu, so you can send a message if the screen of your smartphone is not working, but USB-debugging is on.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Open the Phone app and go to the Keyboard tab.
2. Enter. USSD-dispatcher SMS: ##4636## → Phone information → Send. SMS Or directly: **01* [phone number without a phone number] +]*[text HEX-format]#
3. Press the call button.

💡 Example: To send a message "Hello" to a number +79123456789, you need to:

1. Translate "Hello" to HEX: 48 65 6C 6C 6F → 48656C6C6F.
2. Enter command: **01*79123456789*48656C6C6F#

⚠️ Note: This method does not work for all operators (for example, MTS and Beeline support it, but MegaFon does not, HEX-encoding requires knowledge of the character table. Use online converters to simplify the process.

💡

If you need to send them frequently SMS through USSD, Save the command pattern in Notes and simply change the number and HEX-It'll save you time!

Table: Comparison of SMS sending methods to Xiaomi

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after the right setup SMS Xiaomi can have problems. Here's the problem. TOP-5 errors and ways of correcting them:

• 📵 "Messages service stopped" - clear the Messages app cache (Settings → Annexes → Communications → Clear the cache) or reinstall updates through the Play Store.
• ⏳ SMS not sent (hangs in the status of "Sending") - check the balance on the SIM-card, reboot your phone, or temporarily turn off Wi-Fi (sometimes network priority interferes).
• 🔄 Messages are duplicated – turn off synchronization SMS Google Account (Settings) → Google → Backup → Communications).
• 📵 No Message icon on the screen – restore it through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Communications → Show on the main screen.
• 🔒 "SMS blocked by the operator" - contact your operator's support (for example, MTS can block mass mailings).

🔧 Universal solution for most errors: Reset your network settings:

Settings → SIM-cards and mobile networks → Resetting mobile network settings

💡

If nothing helps, try temporarily installing another. SIM-card (e.g. from another operator) if with it SMS The problem is in your SIM, not your phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions