How to set up SMS sending to Xiaomi: from basic settings to complex cases

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones offer users a wide range of communication options, but classic text messages remain indispensable in situations where the Internet connection is unstable or absent. Many device owners face situations where standard message settings require manual adjustments to work correctly, this is especially true when changing carriers or after resetting the system to factory settings.

The setup process is not complicated, but requires attention to detail, as in the shell of MIUI and the new HyperOS, some menu items can be hidden or renamed. Incorrectly specified parameters, such as the message center number or encoding format, can lead to the fact that your emails will simply not leave the subscriber. In this article, we will discuss all the configuration steps in detail, paying special attention to hidden settings that are often ignored by users.

We will look at not only the basic steps, but also the methods of solving the typical errors that users face when working with text messages. You will learn how to properly configure notifications, templates and spam protection to make smartphone use as comfortable as possible. Careful implementation of the actions described below will avoid most problems with data transmission over the cellular network.

Verification SIM-maps and basic parameters of the network

Before you go into complex application settings, you need to make sure that the SIM card is physically healthy and correctly installed. Often the problem is not the software, but the banal lack of contact or the non-activated SMS service from the operator. Make sure that the device sees the network and displays the signal level at the top of the screen.

First, remove the SIM card tray and check the chip for visible damage or contamination. If the card is old or of a non-standard size, it is better to replace it in the operator's cabin with a new one that supports modern communication standards. After installation, turn on the phone and wait for the system to fully load.

• 📶 Make sure the network icon is displayed in the status bar (4G, LTE, 5G) The signal level is at least 2-3 division.
• 💳 Check your account balance or have a connected plan that includes a text messaging package.
• 📡 Make sure that the network settings do not include “Only” mode. 5G» or "Only" 2G», unless specifically required.

An important step is to check the network settings in the phone menu. → SIM-You need to select an active SIM card and make sure that the Use switch is activated, and you should also check if the Only option is enabled. LTE», In some regions, the use of voice communication and SMS In this mode, it may not work properly.

⚠️ Note: If after installing a new SIM card, the phone requires PIN-If you try it three times, you'll lock the card and you'll need to enter it correctly. PUK-code that can be found on a plastic card or in the operator’s personal account.

For most modern operators, the best choice is 4G/3G/2G (auto) mode. Forced switching to old communication standards can slow down the Internet, but sometimes helps if LTE is not catching well in your area and SMS needs to be sent urgently.

Setting up the standard application “Messages”

Xiaomi smartphones use their own text messaging app by default, which has more functionality than their simple counterparts. This is where the basic controls for sending and receiving data are located. To get into the settings, open the app and tap three dots in the upper right corner of the screen.

In the drop-down menu, select Settings, and you'll see a list of parameters divided into logical groups, and first check the Notifications section, where you can adjust the sound, vibration, and style of incoming emails, but we're more interested in the technical aspects of how the service works.

The key element is the "Additional" or "Extended Settings" section, depending on the version of MIUI. This is the Message Center (SMSC) option. 99% of the time, it should be set to automatic reception mode from the operator. If the wrong number is listed here, the messages will not leave.

• 📩 Enable the “Delivery Report” option to receive confirmation of the message being read by the recipient.
• 📝 Set up response templates to quickly respond to incoming queries without typing the full text.
• 🚫 Activate Antispam to filter out advertising and messages from unknown numbers.

Remember to update the app regularly through the GetApps store or Google Play. Developers are constantly releasing patches that fix compatibility errors with new versions of Android. The old version of the program can conflict with system services, causing malfunctions.

Message Center (SMSC): Manual Number Configuration

The most common technical reason for not being able to send an SMS is the incorrect message center number. SMSC is the gateway through which all your text messages pass before being sent to the destination. If the phone doesn't know the address of that gateway, the message won't go anywhere.

Normally, the message center number comes automatically when you first register a SIM card on the network, but if you manually change your network settings or use old SIM cards, this parameter can get lost. To check and manually edit, you will need access to the engineering menu or hidden settings of the phone.

Open the Phone app and type in the combination ##4636##. If the code works, the Testing menu will open. Select Phone Information. Scroll down to the SMSC field.

Example of the number of the message center for Russia (MTS): +79168991000


Example of the number of the message center for Russia (Beeline): +79037000611




Example of the number of the message center for Russia (MegaFon): +79262092222

If the field is empty or contains incorrect data, enter the current number for your region and click Update/Refresh. Once the status update is successful, the system will start using the new gateway.

⚠️ Warning: Be extremely careful when entering a message center number. One extra digit or a missing sign «+» This can lead to complete inoperability of the function SMS. Always double-check the number on the official website of the operator.

If the engineering menu is not open (on new versions of HyperOS access is often closed), you can use third-party applications from the Play Market, such as “Force”. LTE Only" or similar network setup utilities that have access to these settings. However, the standard method through interface settings to change the settings. SMSC provided.

Permissions and optimization of MIUI battery

Xiaomi’s aggressive energy-saving system often becomes a hidden enemy that blocks background processes, including sending messages.If the Messages app doesn’t have the necessary permissions or is under tight battery control, it can simply “drop asleep” at the right moment.

Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Go to Messages. Click on Permissions and make sure you have permissions to read contacts, access your phone, access SMS and access storage. Without these rights, you can't work properly.

Then go to Activity Control (or Battery) and select the No Limits option, which is a critical step that prevents the system from killing the application process to save charge, and the default is Saving Charge, which is causing problems.

It’s also worth checking whether Traffic Saving or Ultra Battery Saver is enabled when you need to send a message, which can block the data transfer required for multimedia messaging (MMS).

Use of Google Messages and RCS-chat

Many users prefer to replace the standard app with Google Messages, which offers a cleaner interface and support for modern communication protocols such as RCS (Rich Communication Services). RCS allows you to send high-quality messages, see the print status of the interlocutor and use Wi-Fi to transfer data, similar to instant messengers.

To activate Chat (RCS), open the settings in the Google Messages app and select Chat Functions. Turn on the Chat Functions switch. The system will try to check the number. If the status is Connected, you can use the advanced features.

However, if you are using RCS, common SMS-For example, if you don't have the Internet, you might not be sending messages like you would normally. SMS, If the relevant rule is not configured, in the chat settings, find the item "Send as" SMS» and activate it.

• 💬 RCS Requires an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to work in chat mode.
• 🔒 Communications RCS They can be protected by end-to-end encryption, which increases privacy.
• 📸 Through RCS You can transfer photos and videos in their original quality without compression, characteristic of the MMS.

If the switch to Google Messages causes problems getting codes from banks (they can come as system SMS and not appear in chats), just make the standard Xiaomi app the main one for working with SMS, and use Google Messages only for personal communication.

Solving Typical Problems and Errors

Even when you set up correctly, there can be situational errors, and let's look at the most common scenarios and how to fix them, and often the problem is solved by simply restarting services or cleaning the cache.

If messages are “hanging” in the “Sending” status and do not leave, try turning on and off the “On the plane” mode. This will force the phone to re-register on the network and update the connection to the base station. It is also worth checking if the phone’s memory is full, since you need free space to create temporary message files.

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Periodically clean the Messages cache. This can be done in Settings → Applications → Messages → Memory → Clear the cache. This will not delete your correspondence, but will remove temporary files that may have caused the crash.

In case there are no messages from specific numbers (e.g. banks), check the Blacklist. You may have accidentally blocked a short number or the format of the message was recognized as spam. Check the Spam or Blocked folder in the app.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a dual-sim phone, make sure that the default settings for sending SMS The system may be trying to send a message from the card that ran out of money or no tariff.

For difficult cases where nothing helps, try resetting your network settings. Go to Settings → Connection & Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth. Note that this action will remove saved passwords from Wi-Fi networks and a pair of Bluetooth devices, but return network settings to factory values.

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Resetting network settings is a radical, but often the only way to resolve software conflicts when sending SMS when other methods are powerless.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions