Mistake “failed to send SMS to activate Xiaomi”: 10 ways to solve the problem with the SIM-card

You just bought a new Xiaomi smartphone, inserted SIM-The first time you set up the card, the system will give you an annoying message: "You couldn't send an SMS to activate. Make sure your system is not in the system. SIM-card supports sending SMS»? This error is haunting Redmi users, POCO And the Mi series has been around for a few years, but in 2026, it got new nuances. Unlike the trivial problems with network coverage, here the reason lies deeper — from the limitations of the operator to the software locks of Xiaomi itself.

In this article, we will not just list the standard tips like “reset your phone” or “check your balance.” We will look at all possible scenarios: from hardware malfunctions to hardware malfunctions. SIM-maps to hidden settings MIUI, We're going to focus on new models, which are going to be very difficult to send service messages. 2023–2026 years (Redmi Note) 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 14), where the activation algorithm has changed. If you've tried everything you can, you'll find solutions that aren't written about in the forums.

Why Xiaomi can’t send SMS activation: 5 real reasons

SMS error occurs for a reason, because there is always a specific technical or software problem behind it, and here is a full list of reasons, ranked by frequency:

• 📵 Blocking by the operator: MTS, Beeline, Tele2 and MegaFon actively filter service SMS Xiaomi, mistaking them for spam, especially virtual operators (Tinkoff Mobile, Yota).
• 🔒 Regional lock: Smartphones for the Chinese market (marked) CN In the model, they can block foreign SIM-firmware-level map.
• 🛠️ Problems with IMEI: If the device is restored after a “brick” or has a duplicate / invalid IMEI, system blocks the shipment SMS.
• 📱 Mistake in MIUI Account: Conflict between the firmware version and activation servers (relevant for devices on the device) MIUI 14+).
• 📶 Hardware malfunctions: Damaged SIM-slot, oxidized contacts or incompatibility with nano-SIM format (rare but common).

The most insidious reason is a combination of factors, like Chinese firmware (CN ROM) + virtual operator + outdated version of MIUI Account, in which case standard methods will not work, and a comprehensive approach will be required.

First steps: what to do before reflashing or repair

Before you get into the developer settings or bring your phone to the service, follow these 5 mandatory steps: They take no more than 10 minutes, but solve the problem in 60% of cases:

Check the balance. SIM-cards (even 0.01)₽ may block service SMS)

Restart your phone in Safe Mode (click the power button → “Reboot in Safe Mode”)

Make sure the date and time on the phone are synced with the network (Settings → Additional → Date and time)

Try another one. SIM-card (preferably a physical operator - MTS / Beeline)

Turn off VPN/proxy if they are active (Settings → Connections → VPN)

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If you don’t send an SMS after this manipulation, move on to more radical methods. Note: if you have Xiaomi marked CN (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ CN), further instructions may not work without unlocking the regional lock.

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to manually edit persist or nvram files via ADB, If you don't understand the consequences, it can lead to loss. IMEI and complete inoperability of the communication module.

Method 1: Bypassing the operator lock (for MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon)

Russian operators often block service SMS Xiaomi, especially if the phone is new or SIM-The card was activated less than 3 days ago. Here are 3 ways to get around this limitation:

1. Use a backup number: Put it in your phone SIM-card that has been active for more than a month, the probability of blocking is lower.
2. Activate the service «SMS-roaming": For MTS: send USSD-code *111*521# For Beeline: *110*180# For the Body.2: *155*1#

This will force the operator to route SMS through alternative gateways.

Change the SMS center.

→ SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Your SIM] → Message Center SMS-


Delete the current number and enter:




For MTS: +7916999111111




For Beeline: +79039991111




For Tele2: +7950999111111

If these methods didn't work, try sending a text manually.

1. Insert the SIM into another phone (such as a Samsung or iPhone).
2. Send an empty SMS to +861001000000 (this is Xiaomi’s service center).
3. Return the SIM back to Xiaomi and try again.

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If you have a virtual operator (Tinkoff, Yota, SberMobile), temporarily activate the service Roaming through the operator's application. This often removes the blocking of service SMS.

Method 2: Unlock the regional lock (for the purpose of CN-version)

Xiaomi smartphones designed for the Chinese market (CN ROM), They're hardware-based to local operators. SIM-The system blocks the sending of the card SMS Here's a step-by-step guide to circumventing this restriction:

⚠️ Important: After unlocking the bootloader, reset the phone to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings. This will delete the residual files. CN ROM, Which may be in conflict with the new firmware.

Method 3: Recovery of the IMEI (if it is reset or duplicated)

If your Xiaomi has ever undergone a flashing, brick repair or motherboard repair, there is a high risk of losing/duplication of IMEI. Without the correct IMEI, the system cannot send an SMS activation.

1. Dial on the phone keyboard *#06#.
2. If instead of a 15-digit code you see a NULL, 000000000000000000000 or repeating digits, the IMEI is corrupted.

To restore the IMEI:

1. Download the IMEI Repair Tool for Xiaomi.
2. Connect the phone in mode EDL (For that, press Vol.+ + Vol− and plug in USB-cable).
3. Run QCN Rebuilder.exe and enter the original IMEI (on the box or under the battery).
4. Sweep the modified modemst1.stm and modemst2.stm through the QFil Tool.

⚠️ Attention: Change IMEI - illegal in some countries (including Russia, Article 13.3 of the Administrative Code) Use this method only to restore the original IMEI, boxed.

Method 4: Manual activation via MIUI Account (without SMS)

If all attempts to send SMS failed, you can activate the phone through the Xiaomi account bypassing SMS-This method works on devices with MIUI 12-14, but requires prior preparation:

1. Create a Xiaomi account on another device (for example, on a PC at account.xiaomi.com).
2. Link backup email and phone number (not the one inserted into the problem smartphone).
3. Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) in your account settings.
4. On problem phone: Connect to Wi-Fi. In the activation window, click "Login through Xiaomi account." Enter the account you created. Confirm the login via email (the code will come to the mail).

If the system still requires SMS, try resetting the network settings:

→ SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network reset

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Activation through MIUI Account works in 80% of cases, if the phone does not have a regional lock, the main thing is to use the account created by ZARANEE (not on the most problematic device).

Alternative solutions: When nothing helps

If none of the above methods worked, there are 3 radical options:

• 🔧 Firmware through EDL: Full flashing of the phone in Emergency Download Mode with Mi Flash Tool. requires a Xiaomi author account (can be bought on forums).
• 📞 Appeal to the service center: Official SC Xiaomi in Russia can activate the phone on the base IMEI (pay-off, ~1500–3000₽).
• 🛒 Buying an activation module: AliExpress sells “activation keys” for Xiaomi (~500–1000₽). Risky, but sometimes it works.

Before choosing one of these methods, check whether the warranty period has expired. If the phone is warranty, contact the SC - independent manipulation of the firmware will lead to loss of warranty.

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If you bought the phone with your hands, check it for reference to your previous Xiaomi account via Mi Verify, possibly blacklisted because of unpaid credit or theft.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi activation