Modern Xiaomi smartphones have many features to communicate with, but basic operations such as texting remain the foundation of interaction. Many users who switch from other platforms or pick up a MIUI-based device for the first time may encounter unobvious interface logic or no familiar buttons in expected locations. Owners of Redmi and Poco often look for ways to speed up this process or customize automatic responses.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the algorithm for writing SMS, look at the settings of the Messages app, and focus on solving common sending problems. You will learn how to use text templates to quickly send the same notifications and why sometimes messages do not reach the recipient. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively manage communication through standard means of communication.
The Chinese-made Android operating system offers several ways to initiate a new note, including classic app sign-in or widgets or voice assistants. It is important to keep in mind that the standard app may vary by firmware region (Global, EU, China), but the basic principles remain the same across all models.
Launching the application and creating a new message
The first step to get started is to find and run the appropriate software. On the desktop or in the menu of all apps, find an icon with an image of the envelope, usually signed as “Messages” or Messages. In some versions of the firmware, this can be a standard Google application with a blue icon, in others – a branded solution from Xiaomi with a yellow logo.
Once you open the program, you'll see a list of previous dialogs, if they haven't been deleted before. To start a new communication, you'll need to click on a special floating button, which is most often located in the lower right corner of the screen, which looks like a circle with a pencil, plus or an image of an envelope with an arrow.
In the window that opens, the system will prompt you to enter your phone number or contact name from your phone book. Auto-addition works instantly: just enter the first letters of the name so that MIUI offers the appropriate options. If you dial the number manually, make sure that the correct country code is selected, especially if the recipient is located in another country.
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Use the “Write to a new contact” function right from the phone book so you don’t search for the Message app every time.
Once you select the recipient, the cursor automatically moves to the text input field, where you can type a message using a virtual keyboard. Note that when you type long text, the system can automatically switch mode from SMS to MMS or Internet message if the text exceeds the standard character limit or contains media files.
- 📱 Click on the envelope icon on the home screen.
- ✏️ Select the new message creation button (usually at the bottom right).
- 👤 Enter the number or select the contact from the list.
- 💬 Type text and press the send button (arrow or plane).
Working with text and multimedia attachments
Touchscreen text entry requires a certain habit, especially if you type with two hands or use one.The Gboard or SwiftKey keyboard preinstalled on Xiaomi offers input and error correction on the fly.To add emotion to dry text, you can use a built-in emoji panel, which is called by a smiley face on the keyboard.
Modern communication standards allow you to send not only text, but also photos, videos and audio recordings. For this purpose, the message interface has a special toolbar, often hidden under the icon of a clip, plus or image, when you select a file from the gallery, the message is automatically converted to MMS format, which may require a connection to the mobile Internet.
⚠️ Attention: Sending MMS-messages with attachments can be charged separately by the operator and cost more than regular SMS. Make sure that you have an appropriate tariff plan or a traffic package.
If you plan to send an important document or photo in high quality, you should use instant messengers, since SMS/MMS often compress images to low resolution. However, for a quick transfer of a screenshot or a photo of a document, the standard Messages app on the Redmi Note or Mi series does a great job. Just click on the image icon, select the file and wait for it to be downloaded in the input field.
The standard way to edit text that has been typed but not yet sent is to tap the text, set the cursor, and make edits. Copy and paste work through long-term clicks on the selected fragment, and it's convenient when you need to send the same text to multiple contacts with minimal changes.
Settings and personalization of the Messages application
The Messages app interface on Xiaomi smartphones is flexible to customize to the user's needs. To get into the settings menu, open the app and click on the three dots in the upper right corner (or menu button), then select Settings, where you can change the font size, which is critical for people with low vision.
One of the useful features is the ability to block spam messages, in the security settings or in a separate section "Block" you can include filters that will hide messages from unknown numbers or contain stop words, which helps to keep the inbox clean and not distracted by advertising.
You can also look at notification settings, you can assign unique sounds and vibrations to different contacts or groups to understand the importance of an incoming message without taking your phone out of your pocket. For business users, Auto Answer in the Machine is a feature that sends pre-prepared text when you call or message while you're driving.
| Setup parameter | Description of function | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Notifications | Sound and vibration when SMS arrives | On (your sound) |
| Templates. | Quick phrases for frequent sending | Create 3-5 pieces |
| Lockdown | Spam filter and blacklists | Turn on the filter |
| Removal | Automatically delete old messages | discretionary |
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Properly configuring spam filters and notifications significantly improves smartphone comfort and reduces digital noise.
Using templates for quick correspondence
If you often have to send the same text (e.g., “I’m on the way,” “Call back later,” addresses, or details), it’s wise to use the template function. It’s a built-in MIUI tool that lets you save frequently used phrases and paste them into a dialogue with a single touch.
To create a new template, go to the Message App Settings and find the Message Templates or Quick Answers section. Press the Add button (usually +) and enter the text you plan to use regularly. Once saved, it will be available in the Insert menu when you type a new message.
This feature is especially useful in situations where you need to quickly respond to many identical queries or when typing with one hand is difficult. Templates save time and reduce the likelihood of typos in important data, such as card numbers or addresses.
- 📝 Go to Messages Application Settings.
- ⚙️ Select the item "Message templates».
- ➕ Click "Add" and enter the text.
- ✅ Save the result for further use.
When writing a message, tap the input field or option menu (three dots) to see a list of saved phrases. Choosing the right line will instantly insert it into the message body, after which you only have to press the send button. This works faster than copying from notes.
Solving problems with SMS sending
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the message is not sent and freezes in the status of "Submit" or returns with an error. The first reason is often the absence of a network signal or problems on the operator's side. Check whether there is a network icon in the status bar and if the "On the plane" mode is turned on.
The second common cause is a crowded phone memory: If Xiaomi’s internal storage is packed, the system can block the creation of new SMS log files. Cleaning the Messages app’s cache through system settings often helps solve the problem without losing data.
⚠️ Note: Before cleaning the application data, make sure that important messages are saved or synced, as resetting the application settings can delete the local correspondence history.
It is also worth checking the message center (SMSC) customized SIM-This number is usually automatically adjusted, but when you manually change the operator or use old SIM cards, it may not be correct. To check, dial ##4636##, go to phone information and check the network settings, although it is safer for the average user to simply restart the device or reinstall it. SIM-map.
What to do if the text message does not come?
Difference between SMS, MMS and RCS-chat
In modern Xiaomi smartphones, the line between classic SMS and Internet messengers is blurred by RCS (Rich Communication Services) technology. When you type a message, the system automatically determines whether the interlocutor has an Internet chat. If yes, the message will go through the network (like WhatsApp), if not, like a regular SMS.
Classic SMS is limited to 160 characters in GSM encoding and 70 characters in Cyrillic (although modern phones glue long messages). MMS allows you to transfer media, but depends on mobile access point (APN) settings and can be paid. RCS combines the advantages of both formats, allowing you to send photos and read delivery statuses over the Internet.
Understanding this difference helps save money: If you and your partner have an Internet chat activated (usually indicated by a chat icon or colored bubbles instead of gray), you do not consume the operator's SMS packet.