Failed to send SMS to activate Xiaomi: 7 reasons and 10 ways to solve

You just unpacked the new Xiaomi smartphone, inserted SIM-card, but when you try to activate the device, the system emits an error: "Can not send SMS to activate. Make sure your SIM-Or the message just doesn't come and the waiting timer goes on forever. Is the situation familiar? This problem is common to users around the world, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14, and is not only related to the problem of the Internet. SIM-map, but also with network settings, device region, and sometimes even with manufacturer locks.

In this article, we will look at all possible causes, from the banal (incorrectly inserted SIM) to the exotic (regional lock at the firmware level), and give step-by-step instructions for solving. Importantly, some methods require access to another phone or computer, so prepare in advance. If you are in a hurry, use a quick solution at the end of the article.

1.Verification SIM-5 Mistakes Everyone Is Missing

Let's start with the obvious — SIM-Even if it works on a different phone, it doesn't guarantee compatibility with Xiaomi:

• 📱 Form factor: Xiaomi of modern models (starting with the Redmi Note 10) only support nano-SIM. If you have a micro-SIM or mini-SIM, it will have to be trimmed or replaced.
• 🔄 Activation: New SIM-The card may not be activated on the operator's network. Check this by inserting it into another phone.
• 🌍 Region: If SIM-The card is released in another country, and the smartphone is locked under the region (for example, Xiaomi). EU Don't accept Chinese SIM), activation is blocked.
• 📶 Network support: Outdated SIM (for example, without support 4G/VoLTE) It's true for Redmi. A1 and other budgetary models.
• 🔌 Contacts: Oxidation or contamination of contacts SIM-A card or slot is a common reason.

If SIM-The card is fine, but the error remains — move to the next section. Special attention: if you bought a smartphone on AliExpress or in informal stores, there is a high risk that the device is locked under a specific operator (for example, China Mobile).

2.Regional restrictions: why Xiaomi blocks SMS

Xiaomi is actively fighting against “gray” imports, so many devices have a regional reference. SIM-By card (or vice versa), the system can block the sending SMS. Here's how to check it out:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Click 5 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the Device Region (or Market).

If your region is China, and SIM-It's a local card, not a Chinese card, and you can't do without unlocking the bootloader and flashing it:

• 🖥️ Computer with Mi Flash Tool installed.
• 🔑 Xiaomi account tied to the device (minimum 7 days waiting for unlocking).
• 📥 Global firmware ROM for your model.

3. Network problems: why the operator does not send SMS

Even if SIM-The card is good, and the smartphone is not locked, and the problem may be on the operator's side:

• 📵 Lockdown SMS: Some operators (e.g, Tele2 Virtual operators like Tinkoff Mobile block service SMS It's done to fight spam.
• 🔄 Roaming: If you are in roaming, SMS You may not be able to activate it. Try connecting to the local network.
• 📡 Poor coverage: In basements or remote areas SMS Sometimes they don't. Move to the safe zone.
• ⏳ Delays: Some operators (e.g. MTS during peak hours) SMS It can take up to 10 minutes.

To eliminate the operator problem:

1. Call from another phone to your number. SIM-cards, if the call passes, but SMS No, so the lock is at the operator level.
2. Try sending an SMS to your number from another device, and if it doesn't, it's not Xiaomi.
3. Contact the operator's support to check if service SMS is blocked. Example: "No SMS is coming to activate Xiaomi. Is unlockable?"

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If the operator is blocking SMS, try to use SIM-card of another provider (for example, MegaFon instead of Beeline), often this solves the problem without additional settings.

4. Phone Settings: What Disables SMS Sending

Sometimes the problem is network settings or firmware conflicts, and here's what you need to check:

⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed your settings APN manually, drop them to the factory. APN can block service SMS.

• 📶 Network Mode: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Name of the access point (APN) and choose the Auto.
• ⚙️ VoLTE/VoWiFi: Disable these functions in Settings → SIM-map → Challenge Wi-Fi/4G. Sometimes they conflict with activation.
• 🔄 Auto Network Selection: Enable Automatic Network Selection in Settings → Mobile network → Network operators.
• 📴 Flight mode: Make sure it's turned off (yes, it's obvious, but many forget it!).

If the changes don’t help, try resetting your network settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Network Reset (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Mobile Internet enabled|Flight mode is off.|APN "Auto"|VoLTE/VoWiFi switched off|SIM-card inserted 1 (if)

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5. Alternative ways of activation without SMS

If SMS It never comes, don't despair: Xiaomi has a few workarounds. Here are 3 working methods:

Method 1: Activate via Wi-Fi and Mi Account

Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or POCO F5) let down SMS-activation:

1. Connect to stable Wi-Fi.
2. Sign in to an existing Mi Account (or create a new one).
3. In the activation menu, select Skip or Activate later (if there is such a item).

Method 2: Using another phone to receive SMS

If you have a second phone number:

1. Put it in. SIM-card.
2. Request an SMS to activate on Xiaomi.
3. The code will come to the second phone – enter it in Xiaomi.

Method 3: Manual code entry through engineering menu

For advanced users: You can manually generate an activation code through Engineer Mode.

##4636## → Phone Information → Select SIM → Turn on the radio module (if disabled).

Then try to re-request SMS.

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If neither method worked, it's likely that the problem is a regional unit or a hardware malfunction of the communication module, in which case only firmware or service will help.

6. Hardware malfunctions: when without service can not do

If you’ve tried everything, but the SMS still doesn’t come to activate Xiaomi, there may be hardware problems:

• 📡 Communication module damaged: Falling or getting moisture could disable the antenna or modem chip.
• 🔌 Faulty. SIM-slot: The slot contacts could have oxidized or moved away.
• 🔋 Power problems: If the battery is under 15%, some features (including: SMS) blockage.

How to diagnose:

1. Try inserting. SIM-The card is another slot (if there are two of them).
2. Check if the phone catches the network as a whole (if there is a signal indicator).
3. Connect the charge and wait for the charge at least 50%.

⚠️ Note: If the smartphone does not see any SIM-The card (even if it is known to work), do not try to disassemble it yourself. IP53 (For example, Redmi Note 12 is a high risk of damage to seals, which will deprive you of warranty.

🚀 Quick solution: checklist in 5 minutes

If you need to activate your smartphone immediately, go through this list:

SIM-card inserted 1 (upper-level)|SIM supportive 4G/VoLTE|Phone connected to Wi-Fi|The region of the device coincides with SIM-card|There's enough charge on the phone (>30%)|We tried to reboot the device.

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If you do not receive SMS after all the manipulations, use the alternative activation methods from Section 5 or contact the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi activation