You have enabled Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, But you can't find the standard Messages app? This problem occurs after you reset your settings, updates. MIUI Without this application, you won't be able to send and receive. SMS/MMS, and also use functions like SMS-Banking or Two-Factor Authentication — 5 Proven ways to return the Messages app on any Xiaomi device, including models with MIUI 12–15 HyperOS.
The reasons for the app’s disappearance can range from a ban of system components to update errors. We’ll look at both simple solutions (without superuser rights) and advanced methods for power users. SMS-Xiaomi’s standard application should still be in the system – it is responsible for processing system messages.
1. Checking Hidden Applications in MIUI
Often, the Messages app is not deleted, but simply hidden in the MIUI settings, which happens after the cache is cleared or the launcher is reset, to return it to the home screen:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 In the search bar, type “Messages” (or “Messages” for English firmware).
- 🖱️ Click on the app found and select Show on the home screen.
- 🔄 If the option is inactive, tap Cancel Hiding (if any).
If the app is not listed, go to the next method. On some POCO firmware, the app may be called "SMS" or "Messaging" - check all options.
⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14+ Hidden applications and HyperOS can be displayed in a separate tab "Hidden" in the application management menu».
2.Recovery via MIUI Hidden Settings
If standard search doesn’t work, use the hidden MIUI settings menu, which works on most non-root devices:
- Open the phone (calling) application.
- Enter the combination: ##4636##
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
- Scroll down and find the Select Application for SMS.
- If you see com.android.mms or com.miui.mms, you have the app on the system, but it's hidden. Go back to Method 1 and repeat the search.
If only Google Messages or other third-party apps are listed, it means that the standard app has been removed or disabled, in which case the following method will help.
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On some POCO models (e.g., the POCO X3 Pro), the ##4636### combination may not work. Try the alternative code: ##6484### (hardware testing menu).
3. Installation of APK standard application "Messages"
If the application has been removed (for example, through ADB Titanium Backup, can be returned manually by installing the original APK-It is important to use a version that is compatible with your firmware:
- 🔗 Download. APK Applications “Messages” for your version MIUI From a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror) Look for files with names like com.android.mms for a standard Android application; com.miui.mms for a branded Xiaomi app.
- 📱 Transfer the file to your phone and install it (allow installation from unknown sources in Settings) → Security).
- 🔄 After installation, restart the device.
If the installation is blocked by the error "Application not installed", this means that:
- 🚫 Version. APK incompatible with your firmware;
- 🔒 The application is already in the system, but disabled (see Method 4);
- 🛡️ MIUI Blocks the installation of system applications (solved through ADB).
| MIUI version | Name APK | Minimum version of Android |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–13 | com.miui.mms_12.1.4.apk | Android 10 |
| MIUI 14 | com.miui.mms_14.0.3.apk | Android 12 |
| HyperOS | com.android.mms_1.0.0-hyper.apk | Android 13 |
⚠️ Attention: Installation of informal APK-Files can disrupt the work MIUI. Before installing, check the hash of the file (for example, via VirusTotal) and back up the data.
Download APK from a trusted source | Check compatibility with MIUI | Allow installation from unknown sources | Backup SMS (via Google Drive or third-party apps) | Reboot phone after installation
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4. Enabling a disabled application via ADB
If the Messages app is disabled (rather than deleted), it can be activated via ADB. This method requires a computer and USB-Debugging, but does not need root rights:
- Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone; Tap 7 times on MIUI Version; Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers; Activate Debugging over USB.
cmd
Terminal
adb devices(The name of your device should be displayed).
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.mmsOr for a standard Android application:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.mmsReboot the phone.
If the team returns a mistake, Failure [NOT_INSTALLED_FOR_USER:0]», This means that the application is removed completely - in this case, only flashing or installing it will help. APK (see method 3).
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
5.Resetting launcher settings
Sometimes the Messages icon is lost due to a failure in the MIUI launcher (desktop shell), in which case resetting its settings will help:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Find the Louncher app MIUI (or POCO Launcher for devices POCO).
- 🗑️ Press Warehouse. → Clear the data and clear the cache.
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
After the reboot, all app icons will return to their original state, including Messages.Warning: This method will also reset:
- Location of icons on the desktop;
- Folder and widget settings;
- Theme of the launcher design (if custom was used).
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Resetting the launcher is the safest way to return the app icon if it has not been removed or disabled.This method does not affect user data (photos, contacts, SMS).
6.Flash-through via Fastboot (last chance)
If none of these methods worked, then the Messages app was removed at the firmware level, which can happen after unofficial modifications (such as removing system applications via TWRP), in which case only a complete flashing of the device will help.
For this:
- Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website (choose the Fastboot version).
- Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
- Connect your phone to your computer in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down + Power when the phone is off).
- Launch the file. flash_all.bat (For Windows, or manually execute: fastboot flash all
Flashing will return all system applications, including Messages, but delete all data from the device. Before the procedure, back up through Mi Cloud or Google Account.
⚠️ Note: Unofficial firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may not include Xiaomi’s Messages app. In this case, use Google Messages or third-party Messages. SMS-clientele.