How to install another SMS default application on Xiaomi: full instructions for MIUI

Xiaomi’s standard Messages app doesn’t always suit users: someone lacks features, someone is annoyed by advertising, and some simply prefer alternatives like Google Messages or Textra. SMS. However, changing the application by default on Redmi smartphones, POCO Mi is a common question, especially if the system persists in returning the standard solution after a reboot or upgrade. SMS-Applications are basic, including hidden settings MIUI, Working with rights and avoiding common mistakes.

The main problem is MIUI policy: the manufacturer actively promotes its own services, so even after manually changing the application, the system can automatically reset. We tested the solutions on models from Redmi Note 10 Pro to Xiaomi 13 Ultra and identified working methods for different versions of the firmware. Importantly, some steps require permission to change the system settings, without which the change of the application may not last.

If you find that after rebooting your Xiaomi smartphone, the standard Messages app reopens, don’t be quick to blame the firmware. Most often, the problem lies in incomplete assignment of rights or conflict with Google Play services. In this guide, we will not only show you how to change the default application, but also explain why the system can ignore your settings - and how to fix it.

Why Xiaomi is not easy to change SMS-attachment?

Xiaomi is integrating its own services into MIUI, including the Message app, which is closely linked to the Mi Cloud, the Duplicate screen function and even system notifications, and users face several limitations when trying to change it to a third-party solution:

• 🔄 Automatic reset: After update MIUI or reboot device system can return the standard application.
• 📱 Limitations MIUI: Some firmware versions block the default application change for SMS permitless.
• 🔒 Google Messages Conflict: If you use Google services, the system may ignore your choice because of the priority of Android Messages.
• ⚙️ Hidden settings: In new versions MIUI 14+ shift-off SMS-The app is hidden deeper than before.

Xiaomi also uses System Apps to collect analytics, and Messages is one of them, which means that simply disabling it through settings will not work: either manual assignment of rights or ADB (which we will discuss later).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO F5) path SMS If you don't find the right item on the menu, check the firmware version in Settings. → The phone.

Preparation: What to do before changing the application

Before you change the application by default, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid notification and synchronization issues:

1. Set up an alternative. SMS-App from Google Play (e.g. Google Messages, Textra) SMS or QKSMS).
2. Open it at least once so that the system registers the application as active.
3. Check the permissions: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management, find new ones SMS-Appendix and give it rights SMS, Contacts and Notifications.
4. Turn off battery optimization for the new app (in the same app management menu).

If you use Google Messages, make sure that it has SMS enabled via RCS (if available in your area) in its settings, which will help avoid duplicate messages.

Install an alternative app from Google Play|

Open it and go through the initial setup |

Issue all necessary permissions (SMS, contacts, notifications) |

Disable battery optimization for new app|

Checking compatibility with MIUI (some applications do not work on Chinese firmware)

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Pay special attention to autorun permissions. In MIUI, many functions (including receiving SMS) are blocked if the application is not added to the autorun list.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun.
2. Find yours. SMS-App and enable auto-start for it.

Method 1: Standard change through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI settings, which works on most devices, but can reset once the system is updated.

1. Open the settings on your Xiaomi smartphone.
2. Go to the Applications section → Applications by default.
3. Press the item. SMS-Annex (or Messages).
4. In the list, select the desired application (for example, Google Messages).
5. Confirm the choice by pressing OK or Set by default.

If the paragraph SMS-App is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

1. Open any one. SMS-Application (e.g. Google Messages).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Find the option to Make the application by default or Settings by default.
4. The system will redirect you to the MIUI menu, where you can confirm your choice.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 11) after changing the application, a notification may appear System settings have changed. SMS Stop coming – check the permissions again.

Standard (Messages from Xiaomi)|

Google Messages|

Textra SMS|

QKSMS|

Other (write in the comments)-->

Method 2: Using ADB for Forced Shift (for experienced)

If the standard method does not work (for example, the system persistently returns Messages from Xiaomi), you can use the commands ADB. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer, but is guaranteed to work even on blocked firmware.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (in Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the change command. SMS-Default applications (replace com.google.android.apps.messaging with your app package): adb shell cmd role add-role-holder android.app.role.SMS com.google.android.apps.messaging
5. Reboot your smartphone.

To find out your package SMS-Applications, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep sms

Or find it on Google Play (for example, for Textra SMS it is com.textra).

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI setting ADB To avoid this, repeat the procedure or use Tasker to automatically apply the command after the reboot.

Method 3: Disabling the standard Messages application (risky)

If you're sure you won't use the standard app, you can turn it off, and it will force the system to use an alternative, but it has side effects:

• ⚠️ System notifications will cease to work SMS (for example, in the status line).
• ⚠️ Quick responses on notifications may disappear.
• ⚠️ Some Mi Cloud features (such as message backup) will stop working.

If you are ready for this, follow the instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Messages app (an envelope icon).
3. Click Disable (Do not Delete!).
4. Confirm the action.

Once disabled, the system will automatically redirect all SMS to the app of your choice, and if something goes wrong, you can return the standard application through the same Application Management section (click Enable).

💡

If, after disabling, standard messages have stopped coming SMS, Check if it is blocking them. MIUI Security. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start and make sure your SMS-annex included.

Table: Compatibility of methods with different versions of MIUI

Not all methods work on all firmware, and the following are compatibility data for popular versions of MIUI:

On HyperOS (the new firmware for Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70), standard methods may not work due to tightened restrictions, in which case only ADB or using the Magisk module (requires root) will help.

Problem Solving: What to do if SMS does not arrive

If messages stop coming or duplicate after changing the application, check the following points:

• 📵 Blocking Notifications: Go to Settings → Notifications → Manage notifications and make sure that for new SMS-All notifications included.
• 🔄 Application Conflict: If you have multiple SMS-Managers, disable unnecessary settings → Annexes.
• 📡 Network problems: Check if the operator is blocking SMS (Sometimes this happens when you change the app).
• 🔋 Battery optimization: Add SMS-Appendix to the list No restrictions in battery settings.

If messages are duplicated (both in the old and new app), follow the following steps:

1. Open the standard Messages app.
2. Go to its settings and turn off the option Auto Receive SMS (if any).
3. Clear the cache of the standard application in Settings → Applications → Messages → Storage.

💡

If you still don't get SMS after all the manipulations, try temporarily returning the default Messages app and then changing it to an alternative one again, sometimes helping to "reset" system conflicts.

Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

If none of the methods worked, consider the following options:

• 🔧 Shizuku usage: This app lets you manage system settings without root. Install it from GitHub, connect it via ADB and use it for forced shifts SMS-applications.
• 🛠️ Magisk and modules: If you have root, install the Disable module MIUI Optimizations – This can unlock hidden settings.
• 📱 Reset settings: In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (don't forget to make a backup!). SMS-App and assign it by default.
• 📲 Switching to custom firmware: Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience has no restrictions MIUI They allow you to change easily. SMS-applications.

For POCO users with global firmware, there is another trick: try switching to developer mode and manually assigning application roles through ADB with extended rights. Details can be found on the XDA Developers forums (look for themes from your device model).

FAQ: Frequent questions about change SMS-Xiaomi