How to set up SMS on Xiaomi: from basic parameters to error solving

Xiaomi’s current MIUI-based smartphones offer flexible settings for SMS, but many users have difficulty setting up or resetting their phones. Unlike instant messengers, SMS remains critical for bank notifications, two-factor authentication, and support services. This article will help you figure out how to activate the feature correctly, select the default app, and fix typical problems, from missing network signal to sending errors.

Xiaomi’s feature is that it integrates two SMS- clients: the standard Message app and Google Messages (on some models), which creates confusion, especially if you’re setting up your phone for the first time or switching from your iPhone. We’ll go through both options in detail, and we’ll also look at hidden features like blacklisting, backup, and working with SIM- cards from different carriers.

1. Selection of the SMS application by default

The first step is to decide which application will handle your SMS. On Xiaomi, this can be done in two ways: through system settings or directly in the SMS- client itself. It is important to understand that the choice will affect not only the interface, but also additional features (for example, a spam filter or integration with Google).

By default, the system offers the standard Messages app from Xiaomi, but many users prefer Google Messages for a cleaner interface and support for RCS (advanced features like read notifications).

• 📱 Open Settings → Applications → Default Applications → App for SMS.
• 🔄 Select from the list of Messages (MIUI) or Google Messages.
• ⚙️ If the app you want isn’t listed, install it from Google Play and repeat the steps.
• 📌 After the shift, check that messages are coming to the client of choice – sometimes a reboot is required.

On Redmi Note 12 and later, Google Messages may not be available in the default firmware, in which case it should be downloaded separately. Note: some carriers (e.g. Tele2) block RCS- functions in Google Messages, so the standard Xiaomi application may be more reliable.

2. Basic SMS settings in the standard MIUI application

If you've chosen the native Message app, the setting comes down to a few key parameters: Go to the app, tap three dots in the upper right corner, and select Settings.

• 🔔 Notifications: Turn on sound, vibration, and pop-ups for important messages (e.g., from a bank).
• 📤 Auto-removal: Set up cleaning old SMS (useful if memory is full).
• 🚫 Blacklist: Add spammer numbers, and messages from spammers will be blocked automatically.
• 🔄 Backup: Save your history in Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

Pay special attention to the section Additional → Message Center, where you can include sending delivery reports (useful for business correspondence) and set the character limit in one SMS (standard is 160, but some operators support up to 765 characters in “long” messages).

Included notifications for important contacts

Configured backup to the cloud

Added spam numbers to blacklist

Work with two SIM- cards (if any)

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On the POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T, the Smart SMS option has been introduced in the settings, which automatically sorts messages from banks and delivery services into separate folders. To activate it, go to Settings → Message Categories and turn on the switch.

3. Google Messages and RCS Setup

Google Messages offers advanced features, but requires a separate setup.

1. Open Google Messages and confirm that it has become the default SMS app.
2. Go to Settings → Chat Functions and turn on RCS (if available for your carrier).
3. In the Notifications section, set up individual sounds for regular SMS and RCS- messages.
4. Activate the Web version if you want to read SMS on your computer through a browser.

Important: RCS does not work with all operators in Russia, and in 2026, MTS, Beeline and MegaFon confirmed support, but only for certain tariffs.

• 🌐 Having a stable Internet connection (RCS requires a network connection).
• 📱 Update the Google Messages app to the latest version.
• 📡 Support RCS by your operator (check on the official website).

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If RCS doesn't work, try manually specifying the country in Google Messages settings, sometimes choosing "US" or "UK" instead of Russia helps.

On Xiaomi models with Hybrid firmware (for example, the global version for Europe), RCS may not work stable due to conflict with MIUI services. In this case, it is recommended to roll back to the standard application or use alternative messengers.

4. Solving problems with sending and receiving SMS

If the messages don't get sent or don't come, the problem may be in the network settings, the SIM- card, or the application itself.

If the problem persists, check:

• 📶 Settings APN: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access Points (APN) and compare the settings with your operator’s official data.
• 🔧 Application Permissions: Make sure the SMS- client has access to Messages, Contacts, and Phone.
• 📦 Cache and data: clear it into Settings → Applications → Messages → Storage.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi, two SIM- cards SMS are by default tied to slot 1. To change this, go to Settings → SIM- cards and mobile networks → SMS by default and select the desired slot.

5. Working with two SIM- cards: how to divide SMS

If your Xiaomi supports two SIM- cards (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ or POCO X5 Pro), you can set up separate rules for each number.

To set up the separation:

1. Open Messages and tap on three points → Settings → Double SIM.
2. Select which SIM will be used to send SMS by default.
3. Activate the Request When You Send to select SIM each time.
4. To split notifications, go to Settings → Notifications → Notification settings for SIM.

Some firmware (e.g., MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 12T) has SIM tags, which allow each card to be assigned a unique name (e.g., “Work” and “Personal”) that will appear in the message list.

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If you use two SIM- cards from different carriers, check that both have SMS activated. Some virtual operators (such as Yota or Tinkoff Mobile) can block incoming messages without additional settings.

6. Backup and portability of SMS

Losing your message history can be a problem, especially if it stores important data (confirmation codes, addresses, agreements), and Xiaomi offers two ways to back up:

• 🖥️ Mi Cloud: automatically syncs SMS to a Xiaomi account. Enables in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Sync → Messages.
• 📁 Local backup: Manually created via Messages → Settings → Backup. The file is stored in the phone's memory.
• 🌐 Google Drive: Available in Google Messages via Settings → Backup and Restore.

To transfer SMS to a new phone:

1. Create a backup on the old device.
2. Copy the backup file (usually with the.sms or.backup extension) to a new phone.
3. Restore data through the same backup menu.

If you’re switching from iPhone to Xiaomi, use the Move to iOS app (available from the App Store) or specialized utilities like SMS Backup & Restore from Google Play.

7.Security: How to protect SMS from hacking

SMS is often used for two-factor authentication (2FA), so protecting them is critical. There are several layers of security available on Xiaomi:

• 🔒 Application Lock: Set a password or fingerprint to access Messages (Settings → Application Lock).
• 🛡️ Hidden folders: In a standard application, you can hide the dialogue from prying eyes (long tap on the chat → Hide).
• 🚨 Phishing Alerts: Enable Settings → Security → Fraud Protection.

For additional protection:

• Turn off SMS preview on the lock screen (Settings → Lock screen → Notifications → Hide content).
• Use Google Authenticator or Authy instead of SMS for 2FA (if the service supports).
• Regularly check the permissions of applications requesting access to SMS (for example, memory cleaners or launchers).

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters often send SMS asking them to click on the link for a "security update." Xiaomi never asks for personal data or passwords through messages. If you suspect phishing, immediately block the number and report it to the operator.

8. Alternative SMS- Clients for Xiaomi

If standard apps don’t work, consider third-party solutions that offer additional features like cloud backup, advanced spam filter, or integration with other services.

Before installing a third-party client:

1. Backup the current SMS.
2. Assign it to the SMS application by default.
3. Check permissions (especially access to contacts and phone calls).

On Xiaomi with MIUI 15, some third-party applications may conflict with system services. If notifications stop coming after installation, try disabling battery optimization for the SMS- Client in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up SMS on Xiaomi