Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones come pre-installed with Messages, which is designed specifically for the MIUI ecosystem. It supports not only standard SMS/MMS, but also integrated with the company’s services – for example, Mi Cloud for backup or Mi Pay for quick payments. However, after installing third-party messengers (such as Google Messages or Textra), the system can automatically change the application by default, leading to duplication of notifications or loss of functionality.
Returning Xiaomi Messages to Mainstream Status SMS-The client is simple, but the process differs depending on the version. MIUI In this article, we'll look at all the ways that you can do it, from standard settings to manual resets through the device. ADB, If the automatic method didn’t work, you’ll also learn how to avoid common errors (such as missing notifications after changing the app) and what to do if the desired option is not on the menu.
Note: the instruction is relevant for devices on MIUI 12-15 (including global and Chinese versions of firmware), as well as for the Xiaomi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F/X/M and Black Shark. On older versions (for example, MIUI 11), the interface may differ slightly, but the logic of actions remains the same.
Why Xiaomi Messages are better than third-party counterparts?
Before you get to the setup, you should understand why you should return a standard application at all.
- 🔄 Integration with MIUI: automatic synchronization with Mi Account, backup in Mi Cloud, support for system design themes.
- 📱 Optimization for Xiaomi: Less battery consumption compared to Google Messages (according to tests) XDA Developers, the difference is 15-20%).
- 🛡️ Security: Built-in spam and fraudulent filter SMS (It runs on Xiaomi’s database and is updated weekly).
- 💬 Additional functions: support RCS (on some models), quick responses from notifications, grouping messages by contact.
Xiaomi Messages also automatically recognizes confirmation codes (e.g. from banks or social media) and offers them as a pop-up, saving time when logging in. In third-party apps, this feature is either missing or requires manual configuration.
There are downsides, however: there is no end-to-end encryption support (unlike Signal or WhatsApp), and the interface may seem overloaded due to banner ads (in Chinese versions of firmware).
Method 1: Change the default application through MIUI settings
This is the simplest and most versatile method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices. Instructions are suitable for MIUI 12-15 (global/European/Indian version):
- Open the "Settings" menu»** (⚙️) mainscreen.
After that, all incoming SMS will be processed by the standard application. If the list does not contain “Xiaomi Messages”, then it has been disabled or deleted – go to the section on recovery.
Make sure that “Messages” are not disabled in the settings
Check for updates for MIUI
Save important SMS (if you plan to reset)
Reboot your phone before changing your settings-->
Method 2: Configure through the Messages application menu itself
If the previous method did not work (for example, the option) SMS-The application is not in the settings, try to activate the function directly in Messages»:
- Open the Messages app (an envelope icon on a white background).
- Tap on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Go to the section Additional (or More).
- Find the default SMS App and activate it.
- Confirm the action in the system dialog window.
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for POCO F5), this item may be called Install as the default application or hide behind the Resolution option. If the menu is missing at all, then the application is already the main one or you need to manually configure through ADB.
What to do if the “Default App” is inactive?
Method 3: Restore the Messages application if it is removed or disabled
If Xiaomi Messages is not on the default app list, it is likely to have been deactivated or deleted (e.g. via ADB or Debloater Tools).
Method A: Enable via hidden MIUI settings
- Open “Settings”** → Applications → Application Management.
Method B: Reinstallation via APK (for power users)
If the application has been removed, it can be manually restored:
- Download the original APK-The “Messages” file for your version MIUI from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror) Make sure the file matches your model and region (global/Chinese firmware).
- Install APK through any file manager (e.g. Files by Google).
- After installation, restart the device.
- Repeat the steps from Method 1.
💡
Before installing an APK, check its hash amount (SHA-1) on VirusTotal’s website to avoid getting infected with malware.
Method 4: Manual assignment via ADB (for advanced users)
If standard methods don't work, you can use ADB commands, which is suitable for devices with unlocked developer mode and USB debugging enabled.
- Install Platform Tools on your PC and connect your phone via USB.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with adb.exe.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
- Run the command to assign Messages to the default application: adb shell cmd role add-package com.android.mms android.app.role.SMS
- Reboot the phone.
If nothing has changed after completing the command, try resetting the current silence settings:
adb shell cmd role remove-package [current SMS_ packet] android.app.role.SMS(replace [current_SMS_package] to the name of the current package SMS-applications such as com.google.android.apps.messaging for Google Messages).
💡
ADB commands reset the default settings for all applications, not just SMS. Once completed, you may need to reconfigure your browser, gallery, and other services.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
On shifts. SMS-Users often encounter errors by default, and we've collected the most common ones and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Messages is Not in the Default App List | Application disabled or removed | Restore it through Method 3 |
| Notifications about SMS are not coming | Conflict with another messenger or permissions disabled | Check permissions in Settings → Applications → Messages → Notifications |
| Error “Can’t install the application by default” | System failure or firmware limitations | Restart your phone or use ADB |
| Duplicate notifications from two applications | Both messengers have access to SMS. | Turn off notifications in the second app settings |
If confirmation codes (for example, from banks) have stopped coming after changing the application, check:
- 📵 Reading permits SMS for an application requesting codes (e.g. SberBank Online).
- 🔄 Autocomplete settings in Settings → System system → Language and input → Auto-filling.
- 🔒 Lack of ad blockers (such as AdGuard) that can intercept SMS.
💡
If you are using Dual Apps, make sure that you SMS-The application is assigned by default to the main profile, not the clone.
How to check that Xiaomi Messages has successfully become the default app?
To make sure that the settings are applied correctly, follow the following steps:
- Send a test SMS from the second phone to your device.
- Check that the notification appears with the Xiaomi Messages icon (white envelope on a blue background).
- Open the notification – it should redirect you to the standard app, not to a third-party app.
- Go to Settings. → Annexes → Apps are default and make sure that close to SMS-The application is displayed “Messages».
If the test SMS has not arrived, check:
- 📶 Network presence (signal icon in status bar).
- 🔕 Lack of Do Not Disturb or Block Notifications.
- 📱 Correctness of work SIM-cards (try calling).
💡
On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) after a change SMS-Application requires restart to activate the autocomplete confirmation codes function.