How to send a message on a Xiaomi smartphone: 5 ways + hidden MIUI features

Sending messages on Xiaomi smartphones only seems like a simple task – until you encounter a “Message Not Sent” error or discover that yours is a mess. SMS-The center is configured to the operator number from another country, and in this article we will discuss not only the basic methods (standard methods). SMS and messengers like WhatsApp, but also unique firmware chips MIUI, which simplify communication: from a quick response from the lock screen to automatic mailing on a schedule.

We will focus on the typical problems of Xiaomi users: why messages leave with a delay, how to fix the error “Message Service is stopped”, and what to do if MIUI automatically converts SMS to MMS (with all the ensuing tariffs), and you will learn how to send SMS without an Internet connection via satellite on the new Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ models, a feature that few people know about.

1. Standard SMS: Configure and send

Despite the popularity of instant messengers, SMS remains relevant for bank notifications, two-factor authentication and communication in areas without the Internet. On Xiaomi, the Messages app (com.android.mms) is pre-configured, but often requires manual adjustments.

To send an SMS:

1. Open the Messages app** (an envelope icon).
2. Click on the + icon in the lower right corner.
3. In the “To” field, enter a phone number (for example, +79123456789).
4. Write text (up to 70 characters for one SMS, up to 160 characters for the Latin alphabet).
5. Press the "Send" button** (arrow to the right).

If the message does not leave, check:

• 📶 Network signal: the coverage indicator should be displayed in the status bar (for example, 4G+ or 5G).
• 📱 Number. SMS-Center: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Name of the access point (APN) Make sure that the field is "Center" SMS» filled in with your operator number (for example, +79990,000,000 for MTS).
• 🔄 Reboot: Sometimes it helps just to restart the phone or retrieve/paste SIM-map.

⚠️ Note: If you use eSIM on Xiaomi models 13T Pro or later, make sure that the operator profile is activated. → SIM-map → ESIM management.

2. Quick responses and MIUI functions for messages

MIUI firmware offers unique tools to speed up communication, such as quick responses that allow you to respond to SMS directly from the lock screen without unlocking your phone.

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select Notifications on the lock screen.
3. Activate the switch to show the contents of notifications.
4. Enable the option Quick Answers.

Now, when you receive an SMS, you can:

• 📝 Respond with a standard phrase (e.g., “I’ll call you later”) by swiping the notification to the left.
• 🔤 Type text manually by swiping the notification to the right.
• 📋 Copy text SMS long-pressed.

Another useful feature is delayed sending, which is available in the standard Messages app:

1. Write a message, but don't send it.
2. Click on the icon «⋮»** (three points) in upper right corner.
3. Select Deferred Shipment.
4. Specify the date and time (for example, 20.05.2026 09:00).

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If you send the same SMS frequently (like a payment confirmation), save them as templates. To do this, click + in the Messages app → Templates → Create a new one.

3. Sending messages via messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)

Messengers on Xiaomi work the same way as on other smartphones, but there are nuances associated with optimizing MIUI. For example, by default, the system can limit the background activity of applications, which causes notifications to come with a delay.

To avoid this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired messenger (such as WhatsApp).
3. Press the Battery and select No Limits.
4. Go back and activate AutoRun and Background Activity.

To send a message via messenger:

• 📱 WhatsApp: Open the chat → insert → Press the send button (airplane) Supports voice messages (hold the microphone icon).
• 📊 Telegram: Choose a contact → input field at the bottom of the screen → Swipe right or you can swipe right, you can send files up to 2 GB.
• 🎵 Viber: similar but with Viber Out support for landline calls.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with a small memory capacity (64 GB), messengers can lag due to lack of space. → Warehouse → Application data.

4. Problems with sending messages and their solutions

If messages are not sent, the reason may lie in the network settings, SIM-The map or the application itself. Let's look at the typical errors and how to fix them.

Mistake: "No message sent. Retry?"

Most often it occurs due to:

• 📡 Network Disability: Check the signal indicator or switch to 2G (sometimes 4G unstable SMS).
• 💳 Wrong. SMS-center: check the number from the operator and enter it manually in the settings.
• 📵 Operator Blocking: Temporary blocking for spam is possible (call in support).

Error: “Message service stopped”

So it's like this:

1. Clear the Messages app cache: Settings → Apps → Messages → Storage → Clear the cache.
2. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and networks → Resetting network settings.
3. Update the app via Google Play or reinstall it.

5. Hidden MIUI features for advanced messaging

MIUI offers tools that few people know about, such as the Do Not Disturb mode, with exceptions, allows you to skip messages only from selected contacts:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
2. Select the Exceptions.
3. Activate Messages and add the necessary contacts.

Another useful feature is automatic sorting of SMS by folder (for example, Bank, Work, Spam).

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Click on the icon «⋮»** → Settings → Categories of communications.

On the Xiaomi 12/13/14 series, the dual apps feature is available, allowing you to use two WhatsApp or Telegram accounts at the same time, which is convenient for separating personal and work correspondence:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. Select the messenger and click Create.
3. Log in to the second account.

✅ Make sure the recipient number is correct.

✅ Check the network signal (at least 2 divisions)

✅ Turn off the "In the Airplane" mode»

✅ Make sure that SMS-center corresponds to operator

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Sending messages without the Internet: satellite communications and alternatives

Xiaomi’s new flagships (starting with Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G) support satellite communications to send messages in areas without mobile coverage. This feature works through Xiaomi Satellite Messaging and is available in emergency situations.

To send a satellite message:

1. Make sure you are in an open area (satellite signal does not pass through walls).
2. Open the Emergency SOS app** (Satellite icon).
3. Select Send a message via satellite.
4. Write text (up to 140 characters) and click Send.
5. Point your phone to the sky (the app will tell you the optimal position).

Restrictions on satellite communications:

• 📡 Available only in open spaces (forests, mountains, deserts).
• ⏳ Delivery delay - up to 15 minutes.
• 💰 Paid: the first 10 messages are free, then at the operator's tariff.

Alternative ways to send messages without the Internet:

• 📻 Radio chats: Apps like Zello or Walkie-Talkie run over Wi-Fi Direct or LANs.
• 📡 LoRa messaging: Meshtastic for messaging up to 10 km away.
• 📱 Bluetooth Messages: FireChat (operates within 60 meters radius).

💡

Satellite communication on Xiaomi works only in emergency cases and does not replace standard SMS. For everyday use, it is better to configure a backup channel (for example, Wi-Fi Calling).

7.Security: Encrypting and protecting messages

Messages on Xiaomi may contain sensitive information, so it’s important to keep them protected.The standard Messages app doesn’t have end-to-end encryption, but you can:

• 🔒 Block the application with a password: Go to Settings → Annexes → Block applications. Install. PIN-Add "Messages" to the list of blocked.
• 🗑️ Auto-removal of old SMS: Open the message» → ⋮ → Settings → Auto-removal: Set a storage period (e.g. 30 days).
• 📤 Export and backup: In “Messages” select ⋮ → Settings → Backup. Save your archive to Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

For complete confidentiality, use messengers with end-to-end encryption:

• 🔐 Signal: Open source, encryption by default.
• 🛡️ Telegram (secret chats): encryption E2E, self-destruction.
• 🌍 Session: Decentralized network, no phone number.