Function SMS-Positioning on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models and POCO) It's often a source of annoyance to users, and it automatically sends location data through the system. SMS This, in practice, leads to unauthorized costs (operators can charge such messages), leakage of confidential data and constant notification of “systemic” data. SMS".
In this article, we will analyze all working ways of disconnecting SMS-firmware MIUI 14/15, including hidden settings, commands ADB We'll focus on models with locked engineering menus (e.g. Xiaomi). 13/14, Redmi Note 12) and the nuances of working with operators MTS, Beeline, MegaFon and Television2.
Important: Some methods require root rights or developer mode activation, and if you're not ready to experiment, use the safe ways in the first two sections.
What is it? SMS-Positioning and why it should be turned off
Function SMS-positioning (or E-CID/Cell Broadcast was originally designed for emergency alerts (such as natural disaster alerts), but manufacturers and carriers have adapted it for commercial purposes:
- 📍 Location tracking – the operator receives data about the towers to which the phone connects, even if GPS switched off.
- 💰 Hidden monetization – some tariffs charge “systemic” SMS" as outgoing messages (up to 5)₽ piecewise).
- 📱 System load - background sending SMS It drains the battery and may conflict with other services (e.g. Google Location History).
On Xiaomi, this feature is activated by default on most models, starting with the MIUI 12.It works particularly aggressively on two-device devices. SIM-Cards: The system can send data to both operators simultaneously.
⚠️ Note: On some tariffs (for example, "All for 300" from MegaFon) SMS-Positioning can block mobile internet access if it doesn't send data for more than 72 hours!
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings
The safest method is to use the built-in system options, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 14/15:
- Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose an active one SIM-card (if there are several).
- Go to Additional Settings → Emergency Alerts.
- Turn off the sliders: 📵 Emergency alerts (main switch) 📡 Test alerts (if any) 🔄 Automatic update of settings
Some firmware may have different paths. POCO F5 s MIUI 15 option hidden in Settings → PapaSSWORD & security → Privacy → Special app access → Emergency alerts.
☑️ Checking the shutdown SMS-positioning
⚠️ Note: After disconnecting, check the balance through 2-3 If the operator continues to write off funds for "systemic" SMS" — use the method 3 or 4.
Method 2: Blocking through the engineering menu (code ##4636##)
If the standard settings didn’t work, try the engineering menu, which works on 80% of Xiaomi models, but can be blocked on new devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra):
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
- In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- Scroll down to the Cell Broadcast block and turn off all options: 📶 Enable Cell Broadcast → Disable 🔄 Auto Update → Off
Save the changes and restart the device.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
On some firmware after the shutdown, a notification may appear SMS service is blocked. This is normal - the system warns you to stop sending data to the operator.
Method 3: Disconnection through USSD-operator
If the problem lies on the operator’s side, you can block it. SMS-positioning USSD-The following are relevant teams for major Russian operators (2026):
| Operator. | Command to shut down | Note |
|---|---|---|
| MTS | *111*252# | Disables MTS Search and related SMS |
| Beeline | *110*180# | Blocking Beeline Coordinates. |
| Megaphone | *105*500# | Disables Megaphone Navigator. |
| Tele2. | *155*1# | Deactivates Tele2 Locator. |
After sending the team, wait. SMS-If you do not respond, repeat the request or contact support (numbers: MTS - 0890, Beeline - 0611, MegaFon - 0500).
⚠️ Attention: At tariffs with mandatory geolocation (for example, "Unlimited Pro" from Tele2) USSD-In this case, you need to change the tariff or method 5.
Method 4: ADB-Teams for Advanced Users
If previous methods didn't work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a PC and the developer mode on the phone to be turned on.
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on MIUI Version. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.
ADB Shell
adb shell settings put global cell_broadcast_receiver 0
adb shell settings put global cell_broadcast_receiver_test 0
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.cellbroadcastreceiverReset the device.
To check, execute the command:
adb shell settings get global cell_broadcast_receiverIf answer 0, the function is successfully disabled.
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Before using ADB, back up your data via adb backup. In rare cases, commands may reset your network settings.
Method 5: Radical methods (root and firmware modification)
If SMS-Positioning continues to work despite all efforts, extreme measures remain:
- 🔧 Removal of the system APK: with the help of Root Explorer or ADB delete the file /system/priv-app/CellBroadcastReceiver/CellBroadcastReceiver.apk. Nana MIUI 15 This can lead to update errors – create a backup!
- 📱 Custom-based firmware ROM: Install firmware without Xiaomi services (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).This will completely remove the feature, but will require unlocking the bootloader.
- 📵 Hardware lock: Use it SIM-A card without Cell Broadcast support (for example, virtual operators like Tinkoff Mobile or Yota).
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Radical methods should only be used if all other methods fail, and they can disrupt the stability of the system and deprive the security.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When disconnected SMS-Users are facing typical problems:
- ❌ "Settings are not saved" → Check if the Security app resets them (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Security → Permits).
- ❌ "Operator ignores USSD-team" → Contact support and request manual disabling of the Geolocation service or "E-CID".
- ❌ "After restarting, the function is turned on again" → This is a sign of Xiaomi Cloud. Turn off sync in Settings → Xiaomi account → Synchronization.
If after all the manipulations, SMS continue to be sent, check the phone for viruses (for example, through Malwarebytes) or contact the service center. In rare cases, the fault may be firmware with spyware preinstalled (relevant to "gray" devices).