How to set up a SMS center on Xiaomi: the complete guide

The problem of not being able to send or receive a text message on Xiaomi smartphones often leaves users at a loss, especially when the Internet is working properly and calls pass without delay. In most cases, the root of the evil lies in the incorrect SMSC address (Short Message Service Center), which is the gateway for routing SMS through the operator’s network. Without the right gateway, your phone simply does not know where to send messages, and they remain in the status of “sending” until the timeout expires.

This may occur spontaneously after a firmware update. MIUI or HyperOS, shifts. SIM-It's important to understand that the automatic configuration doesn't always work correctly, especially if you're using a virtual operator or roaming. Manually configuring the number of the message center is a proven way to return communication to normal in a couple of minutes.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the customization methods available, from standard menus to the use of engineering codes that allow you to get to the hidden parameters of the system. You will learn how to find the current number for your operator, how to reset your network settings and what to do if standard methods are blocked by Xiaomi’s security system. USSD-commands that may be required in difficult cases.

What is the SMS Center number and why is it needed

A message center number is a unique digital address assigned to each cellular operator in a particular region. When you send an SMS, your phone does not send it directly to the recipient's device; first, the message goes to that center, where it is stored and redirected to the recipient. If the phone settings indicate the wrong number or the field is empty, the operator's network rejects the request for sending.

This number is usually written automatically when you first install it. SIM-maps, but in the Android ecosystem and shell MIUI Sometimes there's software conflicts, and especially when you're moving between networks across generations (3G/4G) or when using the old SIM-maps in new smartphones. SMSC It has nothing to do with Internet traffic, so problems with it do not affect the work of messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect SMS number may result in you not being able to receive confirmation codes from banks and services, which is critical for the security of your accounts.

Understanding how this works helps to diagnose the problem faster, and if you don’t have regular SMS messages but do well over the Internet, the first thing you should do is check the routing settings in the engineering menu or standard interface.

Check the current number for your operator

Before making changes to the settings, you need to make sure that you have the right number for your carrier. In Russia and CIS countries, the main operators use standardized numbers, which rarely change, but you need to know them. MegaFon, MTS, Beeline and Tele2 have their own unique address formats.

The most reliable way to find out the current number is to go to the operator's official website in the help section or call the support service. Often the number of the message center depends not only on the operator, but also on the region of registration. SIM-Below is a table with the most common numbers for large operators that are currently relevant.

Note that the format of entering a number in the phone settings may differ: in some cases, you need to enter a number in an international format (with plus and country code), in others - in a local. For Xiaomi, the most common international format starting with +7 for Russia. If you use a virtual operator, the message center number may be hidden or non-standard, so checking on the provider's website is mandatory.

Configure via the standard Message Menu

The easiest and safest way to change settings is to use the built-in Messages interface. However, in newer versions of MIUI, this item is often hidden deep in the menu or not at all in the global versions of firmware. If you are lucky and the option is available, it is on the Message path → Settings (three dots) → Additional → Message Center.

In the window that opens, you'll see the current number, if it's different from the one the operator provided, or if the field is blank, it needs to be fixed. Click on the number, enter the correct data, and save the changes. After that, it's recommended that you restart the device so that the system applies the new routing parameters.

It's worth noting that on dual-symbol devices, the settings can be separate. Make sure you check the settings for the one that's the one that's the one that you're checking. SIM-If the menu does not include the item "Message Center", this means that the manufacturer has hidden this feature, and you will have to use alternative methods described below.

Using the Xiaomi Engineering Menu

If the standard menu doesn't give you access to settings, the Xiaomi Engineering Menu comes to the rescue, which is a hidden part of the system that is designed to test hardware, but also allows you to manage communication parameters, and a special code is used to enter it, which you need to dial in the "bell" as a regular number.

Dial the code ##4636##. If the code doesn't work (it's disabled on some global firmwares), try ##3646623## or install the "Engineering Mode" app from third-party sources (with caution). There may be several tabs if you have two. SIM-maps - switch between SIM 1 and SIM 2.

At the bottom of the screen, find the field. SMSC. Next to it will be the Refresh (update) and Update (update/write) button.Click Refresh to see the current number written in SIM-If the number is incorrect, enter the correct one in the text box and press Update.

⚠️ Note: In the engineering menu, do not change other parameters unless you are sure of their purpose. Changing frequency ranges or network type can lead to signal loss or unstable operation of the communication module.

After updating the number, be sure to turn on and off "Flight Mode" so that the communication module restarts and registers with the network with new parameters. This action forcibly updates the registration of the device at the operator's base stations.

Application USSD-commands

There is a universal way to reset the settings of the message center to factory values, which are stored on the very same SIM-This is what we use for this. USSD-This method is particularly effective if you don't know the exact number or are afraid of making a mistake when you manually type.

Open the Phone app and dial 5045# (or 05045# for some carriers). SIM-card-number SMSC And then you write it down into the settings. And after you type in the command, you can see a pop-up message about success, or you can just have a short horn.

The alternative is the #4636## command, combined with the actions inside the menu, but if we are talking about it, then we will be able to use the command. USSD-codes for resetting, then the **61# command also works to check for redirects, which are indirectly related to network settings, but for SMSC You can use specific codes or menus. If the codes don't work, just try extracting them. SIM-map, insert it into any other phone (preferably an old button), wait for the arrival of the settings, and then return the card back to Xiaomi.

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After any manipulation of codes or engineering menus, always make a test call and send an SMS to your number to make sure two-way communication is made.

If standard codes don’t respond, your version of MIUI may block them from running without root rights, leaving only manual input through the engineering menu.

Solving problems with dual-symbol devices

Smartphone owners with two SIM-In the settings of Xiaomi, it is important to specify correctly which card works perfectly and the second one does not. SIM-The card is used by default for sending SMS. This option is in the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Default for data transfers/calls/SMS.

Even if the message center number is correct, the priority conflict can block the sending. For example, if you are trying to send a message via SIM 2, and the default setting is SIM 1, the system may try to use the first card settings or give an error. Make sure that the correct active card is chosen when writing the message.

Also check if the lock is set to the second. SIM-In the control menu. SIM-Make sure the switch in front of the slot is active, sometimes it helps to temporarily turn off the second card, set up the first card, reboot, and then turn on the second card again.

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On dual-symbol phones, SMSC settings are stored separately for each slot; changing settings for SIM 1 will not affect the performance of SIM 2.

Additional methods and network reset

If none of the above methods worked, the problem could go deeper into the network settings of the system, in which case a complete reset of the network settings would be an effective step, which would return all the parameters of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile communication to factory values by removing stored networks and pairings.

To perform the reset, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Confirm action. Once the reboot is done, the phone will try to re-register and automatically request the operator’s current settings, including the SMS number.

In extreme cases, when software methods are powerless, the problem can be physical. SIM-card (scratches on a chip) or oxidized tray can cause data reading errors, including number SMSC. Try to wipe the card chip with a soft cloth or replace it with a soft cloth SIM-card in the operator's cabin, keeping the number.