Xiaomi activation SMS does not come: 7 reasons and 10 ways to solve it

You just bought a new Xiaomi smartphone (or restored the old one after resetting), but at the activation stage, the system requires you to enter the device. SMS-The code doesn't come. Minutes go by, you reboot your phone, you try to re-send the code, but you don't get it. The situation is familiar to thousands of users, and it can happen with both the budget Redmi and the flagship Xiaomi 14 or the other. POCO F6.

Problem with getting SMS For activation, it is one of the most common in the Xiaomi ecosystem, and its reasons range from banal (weak network signal) to systemic (locking Mi Account due to suspicious activity). In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios why it is not possible to get a message. SMS-code, and give step-by-step instructions for each case - from checking the phone number to circumventing restrictions through alternative activation methods.

We pay special attention to hidden settings MIUI, which allow you to manually change the region of receipt SMS (It is important for devices purchased abroad, and also let us understand how to act if the code does not come to the virtual number or SIM-map of another operator, all solutions tested on current versions MIUI 14/15 model 2022–2026 year-end.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t send SMS for activation: 7 main reasons

Before we get to the bottom of a problem, it's important to understand the root of the problem. SMS-code may not come in:

  • πŸ“΅ Problems with the operator: blocking short numbers, technical work or restrictions on international SMS (touristy SIM).
  • 🌍 Disparity between the account region and SIM-If you bought your phone in China, and SIM β€” Russian system can block the sending of code.
  • πŸ”’ Blocking Mi Account: the previous owner of the device tied it to an account that is now blocked for violations (for example, the sale of β€œgray” devices).
  • ⏳ Xiaomi server delays: peak loads (for example, after the release of a new model) can slow down the sending of the device SMS.
  • πŸ“± Errors in phone settings: incorrectly specified region, disabled notifications or blocking messages from unknown senders.
  • πŸ”„ Frequent code requests: If you clicked β€œSend Again” too often, the system may temporarily block the sending.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Operator anti-spam filters: some providers (e.g, Tele2 Or Yota is automatically blocked. SMS short-numbered +86....

The most insidious reason is IMEI locking, where if the device was stolen or lost by the previous owner and he applied for locking, activation via SMS will become impossible, in which case you will need to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

πŸ“Š What kind of operator do you have?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2
Yota
Other

Next Next post: What to do if SMS does not arrive

Start with basic actions – they help in 60% of cases:

  1. Check the network signal: make sure the phone has a stable connection to the mobile network (the 4G/5G icon in the status bar).If the signal is weak, try moving closer to the window or going outside.
  2. Restart your phone: sometimes errors in the communication module are solved by simply restarting. Press the power button and select Reboot.
  3. Make sure the number is correct: on the activation screen, check that your current phone number is indicated (without unnecessary characters or errors).
  4. Wait 5-10 minutes: SMS from Xiaomi can be delayed, especially if the servers are overloaded.
  5. Try sending the code again: click Send again (usually the button appears after 60 seconds).

If after these actions, the SMS has not come, move on to a deeper diagnosis.

β˜‘οΈ Basic check before appeal for support

Done: 0 / 5

How to check if your Mi Account is blocked

If the phone was previously owned by another person or you bought it with your hands, there is a high risk that your Mi Account is blocked.

Method 1: Through the Xiaomi website

  1. Go to the account login page: account.xiaomi.com.
  2. Enter the email or phone number you are trying to activate.
  3. If the system gives an error "Account is blocked" or "Exceeded number of attempts", then the problem is in the lock.

Method 2: via phone (if you have access to the menu)

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Accounts β†’ Mi Account.
  2. Try logging in under your data. If you get a lock notification, your account is really restricted.

If your account is blocked, you will need to:

  • πŸ“§ Contact Xiaomi via support.xiaomi.com form (attach a purchase check).
  • πŸ›’ Provide proof of purchase (if the phone is new).
  • ⏳ Wait for a response up to 72 hours (in peak periods - longer).
What to do if Xiaomi support is not met?
If support ignores your requests for more than 5 days, try to write to the official Xiaomi communities on Facebook or VK. You can also contact the service center with a passport and a check - sometimes the lock is removed on the spot.

Solution for β€œgray” phones: changing the region of receiving SMS

If your Xiaomi is purchased abroad (for example, in China or Europe), and you are trying to activate it from the Russian market. SIM-The system can block the sending of the card. SMS. In this case, a manual change of the region will help.

Instructions for MIUI 14/15:

  1. On the activation screen, click Other Sign-in Methods (or Can't receive SMS?).
  2. Choose Receive an Email Code (if linked to an email) or Change Region.
  3. Select India (India) as the region rarely blocks SMS.
  4. Repeat the request to send the code. If the SMS does not come, try Russia or Hong Kong.

If the menu is in Chinese, use a translator or focus on the icons:

  • πŸ“§ β€” email-coding;
  • 🌐 β€” region-change;
  • πŸ“± β€” re-ship SMS.

πŸ’‘

If, after the change of region, SMS It doesn't come anyway, try to insert it. SIM-card of another operator (for example, MegaFon instead of the Tele2). Some providers work better with international providers SMS.

Alternative ways to activate without SMS

If all attempts to get SMS were unsuccessful, use the following methods:

MethodHow to useLimitations
Activation by emailOn the login screen, select Receive the code by email and enter your email. The code will come in an email from service@xiaomi.com.Preliminary linking of email to the account is required.
Call for supportCall 8 800 700 01 03 (Russia) and ask to send the code manually (you will need to call the phone IMEI).It only works for officially imported devices.
Through another phone.Put it in. SIM-card to another smartphone, request the code on account.xiaomi.com and enter it on the locked device.You need to have access to another phone with the same SIM.
Reset via FastbootConnect your phone to your PC, switch to Fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume down) and execute the command: fastboot oem unlockIt does not work on all models, requires unlocking the loader.

The most reliable way is to activate via email, but it's only available if you've previously linked your email to your account. If you haven't, try calling support or using it. SIM-card.

πŸ’‘

If the phone requires SMS-code after resetting to factory settings, and the previous owner did not untidy his account, the only way out is to contact the service center with proof of purchase.

What to do if the SMS does not arrive at the virtual number

Many users try to activate Xiaomi via virtual numbers (e.g. from Google Voice, TextNow or Russian services like SMS-Activate), but Xiaomi blocks most virtual numbers at the stage of sending SMS.

If you want to use a virtual number, follow these rules:

  • πŸ“Œ Choose numbers with a real operator (for example, virtual ones). SIM MegaFon or Beeline).
  • 🌎 Use numbers from the permitted regions: India, Hong Kong, Singapore.
  • ⚠️ Do not use numbers that have already been linked to other Xiaomi accounts.
  • πŸ”„ If SMS If you don't show up, try asking for the code after 24 hours - sometimes the lock is temporary.

The best option is to buy a physical SIM-small-pack SMS (It costs 100-200 rubles. This will save time and nerves.

πŸ’‘

If you use a virtual number service, check reviews before buying – some services specifically sell numbers that are locked in Xiaomi systems.

Xiaomi server errors: how to check status and what to do

Sometimes the problem is not with your phone or SIM-This is especially true on days of major presentations (for example, after the announcement of the new Xiaomi 15 model) or during technical work.

How to check the status of servers:

  1. Go to the status page of Xiaomi services: status.xiaomi.com.
  2. Check the status of Mi Account Services, and if it's marked as Degraded Performance or Outage, it's the company's problem.
  3. Subscribe to the Recovery Notice (Subscribe to Updates button).

If the servers are not working:

  • ⏳ Wait 1-2 hours and try again.
  • πŸ“§ Try to get the code on email (if linked).
  • πŸ“ž Call support and clarify when the problem is resolved.

In rare cases, failures last more than a day. If you urgently need a phone, try activating it through alternative methods (see the previous section).

How to speed up SMS after server recovery?
Once the servers are up and running, try: 1. Reboot the phone. 2. Insert SIM-Card to another slot (if the phone supports Dual) SIM). 3. temporarily turn off Wi-Fi - sometimes it helps to speed up delivery SMS.

FAQ: Frequent questions about problems with SMS-activation of Xiaomi

Can I activate Xiaomi without SMS?
Yes, but only if the account was previously linked to the email. In this case, on the activation screen, select Get the code to the mail. If the email is not tied, alternative methods (support call or reset via Fastboot) do not always work.
How long will it take to get an SMS from Xiaomi?
Usually, the code comes in within 1-5 minutes. If more than 10 minutes have passed, check the network signal, restart the phone and request the code again. During peak loads (for example, after the release of a new model), delays can reach 30 minutes.
What if the previous owner did not untie the account?
If the phone requires SMS-The code for the account of the previous owner, you need: Contact the seller and ask him to untie the device via account.xiaomi.com. If you can not contact the seller – collect proof of purchase (check, box, IMEI) And you can call in support of Xiaomi, and in the extreme case, you can contact the service center for a forced binding reset (you may need to pay for it).
Why Xiaomi is asking for SMS-post-reset?
This is Factory Reset Protection (FRP). If you have Mi Account enabled on your phone and you reset via Settings β†’ Reset or Recovery, the system requires you to verify the identity of the owner. Without a code, you cannot unlock the phone (unless you use exploits that do not work on all models).
Can I use it? SIM-card of another operator to obtain the code?
Yes, but consider: Some operators (for example, Tele2) can block SMS from short Xiaomi numbers. If the phone is purchased abroad, it is better to use the SIM of a local operator (for example, for Chinese phones – a China Mobile card). Virtual operators (like Tinkoff Mobile) often do not miss such SMS. The best option is a physical SIM MTS, Beeline or MegaFon with an active service "Receive international SMS".