How to Write a Message to Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi’s current smartphones, powered by MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, offer users a variety of ways to communicate far beyond standard calls. Despite the ubiquity of instant messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp, the classic text messaging feature remains critical to receiving confirmation codes, notifications from banks, and communication with subscribers who do not have access to the Internet.

While the process of creating and sending a letter may seem trivial, there are a number of hidden settings and formats in the Xiaomi ecosystem that greatly expand the functionality of the standard application. Correctly configuring the network and the application itself ensures the delivery of messages even in unstable signal reception. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of messaging in detail.

We will look not only at the basic algorithm of actions, but also at advanced features such as group mailings and multimedia attachments. Particular attention will be paid to the transition to modern communication protocols, which gradually replace outdated formats.

Basic algorithm for creating and sending SMS

To start communication, you need to run a system application, which is usually called “Messages” and has an icon in the form of a bubble with text. In the MIUI interface, this application is often integrated with spam protection functions, making it more functional than standard counterparts. Once you open, you will see a list of previous dialogues or an empty screen if the phone is new.

To initiate a new dialogue, you should click on the creation button, which, depending on the version of the shell, can be located in the lower right corner or in the upper right corner of the screen. The message creation interface is unified across all models, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14. In the window that opens, you will need to specify the recipient.

You can enter your phone number manually or select a contact from your phone book, which greatly speeds up the process. The system will offer auto-addition if it is already stored in the device's memory. Once you enter the number, you will open a text input field where you can enter characters using a virtual keyboard.

  • 📱 Click the Create button (usually a plus or pencil) in the main window of the app.
  • 📞 Enter the recipient’s phone number or select a name from the contact list.
  • ✍️ Print the text of the message in the lower text field of the screen.
  • 🚀 Press the send button (arrow or airplane) to the right of the input field.

⚠️ Note: If the text input field is not activated after entering the number, check if the number is blocked in the Black List or if the Do Not Disturb mode is set for specific contacts.

It is important to consider that the length of one standard message is limited to 160 characters for Latin and 70 characters for Cyrillic. If you exceed this limit, the message is broken into several parts, which can affect the cost of data transfer at your carrier. Modern Xiaomi smartphones automatically show the symbol counter and the number of parts.

Set up and send multimedia MMS messages

MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) allows you to transfer not only text, but also images, audio files and videos. Unlike conventional SMS, MMS requires an active connection to the mobile Internet, even if you have unlimited rates for calls and messages. This setting in Xiaomi is often automatic, but manually requires attention.

To add a media file to a message, you need to find a special clip or plus icon next to the text input field. Clicking on it opens the source selection menu: camera, gallery, contacts or files. The system application supports image compression for fast transfer, but the quality may decrease.

📊 What message format do you use most often?
SMS only for:MMS for photo:RCS (Chat): I don't use it at all

If the automatic setting of the APN access points did not occur, you will need to enter the settings manually in the network settings section, which is a critical step, since without the correct APN settings, the sender will receive an error delivery report, which is usually found on your mobile operator's website.

  • 📷 Click on the icon of the paperclip or gallery in the writing window of the message.
  • 🖼️ Select a photo or video from the device’s memory to attach.
  • 📝 Add a text comment to the media file if necessary.
  • 📡 Make sure that mobile internet is enabled before sending.

MMS costs are generally higher than text messages, and depend on the plan. Some operators pack MMS traffic, others count each message separately, and Xiaomi owners should carefully monitor the balance when actively sending pictures to avoid unexpected charges.

Switching to Modern RCS Messages (Chat)

RCS (Rich Communication Services) technology, often referred to simply as “Chat,” represents an evolution of SMS and MMS standards. It allows you to send high-quality messages, see the status of “prints...”, read confirmation, and use Wi-Fi to transfer data, similar to popular messengers, but through a standard phone number. In Xiaomi smartphones, support for this feature is built into the Google Messages app or system analog.

RCS activation is done through the messaging app settings, so you need to go to the user profile and find the "Chat (RCS)" switch. Once turned on, the system will try to check the phone number. RCS only works if the recipient also has this feature enabled and has the Internet.

The main advantage is that if you have the Internet, the message will go through the data network for free (at Internet rates), and if it is not available, it will automatically go as a regular SMS. This ensures uninterrupted communication in all conditions.

What is the difference between RCS and regular SMS?
RCS requires the Internet and works as a messenger within the SMS application, supporting groups, high-quality photos and delivery statuses. Conventional SMS works over a cellular network without the Internet, has a character limit and does not support read statuses. RCS is a free analogue of iMessage for Android.
  • 💬 Open the Messages app settings through the profile menu.
  • 🔓 Find the “Chat Functions” section or «RCS» and activate the switch.
  • ✅ Wait for the “Connected” status confirmation next to the function.
  • 🌐 Use Wi-Fi or mobile internet to run advanced features.

⚠️ Attention: When changing SIM-maps or reset network settings function RCS You may need to activate again because the binding goes to a specific number and device.

Working with group dialogues and contacts

Group conversations management in Xiaomi allows you to coordinate with several people at the same time without creating separate chats in messengers. To create a group, you just need to enter several numbers in the recipient field or select a group of contacts. SMS will be delivered to all participants, and answers will usually come in a general stream if not included in the mode. MMS-group.

It is important to distinguish between group modes: In SMS mode, each response can come as a separate message from a particular person, or all the answers will fall into one pile if the operator maintains the appropriate standards, and in MMS or RCS mode, a full-fledged chat with a story that is accessible to all participants is created.

For easy contact management, MIUI and HyperOS have the ability to pin important dialogs at the top of the list, and this is done with a long click on the dialogue and select the appropriate option, and the fixed contacts will always be at hand, which eliminates the loss of important notifications in the flow of spam or advertising.

ParameterSMSMMSRCS (Chat)
Type of networkCellular serviceCellular + InternetInternet (Wi-Fi/4G/5G)
Symbolic limit70/160 charactersDepends on the file.No restrictions.
Media filesNot supported.Photo, video, audioPhotos, videos, stickers
Reading statusNo.Only delivery.Aye (read)

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For quick navigation through long lists of messages, use the contact search feature available at the top of the Messages home screen.

Set up notifications and protection against spam

One of the most annoying problems Xiaomi users have is spam, built-in malware protection system based on cloud databases and local analysis, so to activate maximum protection, you need to go to the settings of the application and enable filtering of unknown numbers.

The notification setting allows you to flexibly manage the soundtrack, so you can assign a unique sound to messages from certain contacts, such as family or work, so you don't miss them in noisy environments, through the Notification settings menu within a particular dialog.

In the Spam Protection section (often integrated with the Security app), you can set up a keyword lock. If the message contains phrases like “credit”, “win” or “bank”, it will automatically be hidden in the spam folder. Xiaomi algorithms are constantly updated, but manually checking the Spam folder is still recommended periodically.

  • 🛡️ Open the application settings and go to the section “Spam Protection».
  • 🚫 Enable the filter "Block messages from unknown numbers».
  • 🔑 Add keywords to automatically filter ads.
  • 🔊 Set up individual sounds and vibrations for important contacts.

⚠️ Warning: Do not follow links in messages from unknown numbers, even if they masquerade as banks or delivery services – this is the main way to steal data.

Solving Common Problems With Sending

If messages are not sent, the first cause is often a crowded phone memory. When the free space runs out, the system cannot create temporary files for the sending queue. Clearing the Messages app cache through Settings → Applications → Messages → Messages → Messages Often solves the problem.

Another common reason is incorrect messaging center settings (SMSC). This number is usually written automatically when installed. SIM-You can check and correct the message center number in the advanced settings of the application, although in modern versions of Android this access is often hidden.

☑️ Diagnosing problems with SMS

Done: 0 / 1

Also worth paying attention to is flight mode. Sometimes the communication module freezes and requires restarting, turning on and off flight mode in 10 seconds helps to re-register in the operator's network and restore the data channel. If nothing helps, resetting the network settings will return all parameters to factory values.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are messages sent as SMS instead of MMS, even though I have attached a photo?
This happens if you have mobile internet turned off or APN hotspots are incorrectly configured. MMS requires an active internet connection to transmit media content, even if the photo is small.
How to Recover Deleted Messages on Xiaomi?
Recovery is only possible if you have synced with Google Cloud or backed up to MIUI Cloud. Without a pre-created backup copy, it is almost impossible to return deleted SMS.
Can I send messages from my computer through the Xiaomi app?
Yes, you can use the “Connect with Windows” function or synchronize through Google Messages for the Web by scanning it. QR-code in the browser on the PC. Direct desktop application from Xiaomi for Windows is not.
Do they charge for incoming messages from operators?
Incoming SMS from carriers and service providers is usually free, but messages from other subscribers, especially from roaming or premium services, may be charged according to your plan.

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Proper RCS protocol setting and regular cleaning of the app cache is the key to fast and smooth messaging on your Xiaomi.