How to completely disable SMS on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI Flexible settings for working with SMS-You may have switched to instant messengers, you want to get rid of spam, or you just don't use standard messages. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways - from basic disabling notifications to full blocking of the function at the operator level.

It is important to understand that disabling SMS does not mean removing the Messages app. Even after deactivation, the feature may remain active for system needs (for example, SMS confirmation in banking applications).We will look at solutions for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and models - from Redmi Note 10 to flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

1. Disable notifications about new SMS

The easiest way to reduce compulsiveness SMS โ€” Turn off the audio and visual alerts. It doesn't block the messages themselves, but they won't distract you.

Go to Settings โ†’ Notifications and Status bar โ†’ Notifications from apps. Find in the Messages list and:

  • ๐Ÿ”” Turn off the "Allow notifications" switch"
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Choose "Important" โ†’ "No Sound for Quiet Mode
  • ๐Ÿ”• In the "Sound" section, set "No sound"
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Turn off "Show on the lock screen"

On some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50), the path may be different: Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management โ†’ Messages โ†’ Notifications. If the Notifications option is inactive, then the application is locked at the system level, unlock it in the security settings.

๐Ÿ’ก

On smartphones with MIUI 14, you can configure Focus Mode, which automatically disables all notifications, including SMS, for a selected period.

2. Block SMS from specific numbers

If you are flooded with spammers or unwanted contacts, use a built-in blacklist, which does not shut down SMS completely, but filters out unwanted ones:

  1. Open the "Messages" app.
  2. Click on the right dialogue. โ†’ โ‹ฎ (three-point) โ†’ "Details"
  3. Select "Block" โ†’ Confirm the action

For mass lockdown:

  • ๐Ÿ“‹ Go to Messages. โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Settings โ†’ Spam and blocking
  • ๐Ÿ” Turn on "Spam filtering"
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Add numbers manually or import from contacts
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Set up automatic deletion of blocked messages (after 30 days)

On the POCO X3 Pro and other models with MIUI 12.5, the path to spam settings may be hidden behind the "Security" item in the main message menu. If you do not have an option, update the Messages app via Google Play - the latest versions have expanded the functionality.

๐Ÿ“Š How often do you get spam?-SMS?
Every day.
Several times a week
Nearby
Never.

3. Complete shutdown SMS via settings SIM-map

On some firmware MIUI (especially on the Redmi 9A, Redmi 8 has a hidden option to deactivate SMS-service-level SIM-This method doesn't work for all operators, but it's worth a try:

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks
  2. Choose yours. SIM-map
  3. Find the "Text messages" or "SMS-center" item
  4. Turn off the "SMS Enable" switch.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Special Access โ†’ Access to SMS

You can revoke permissions to send/read SMS from all applications except system ones. On Xiaomi 12T and the latest models, this method can cause malfunctions in banking applications using SMS for 2FA.

What to do if there is no item "Disable SMS"
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global 13.0.4), this item is hidden. Try changing the region in your phone settings to India or Europe, sometimes it reveals additional options.

4.Use of third-party applications to block

If the built-in MIUI tools are not satisfied, install specialized utilities from Google Play.

AnnexFunctionsCompatibilityFeatures
SMS BlockerBlacklisting, Keyword FilteringMIUI 12-14, Android 10+Free, but with advertising.
TruecallerBlocking spam, identification of numbersAll Xiaomi modelsRequires access to contacts
Messages by GoogleBuilt-in spam filteringAndroid 8+Replaces the standard application
Blacklist PlusBlocking SMS/MMS masksRedmi/POCO with root rightsPaid version without restrictions

Check the reviews before installing, some apps are in conflict with MIUI due to aggressive battery optimization.

Add the app to battery optimization exceptions |Give permissions to access SMS |Tune filtering rules |Test with test message-->

Nana POCO F5 Other new models may need to disable the "Virus Protection" function in Settings โ†’ Security because it blocks the work of third parties SMS-manager.

5. Disconnect SMS through the operator

The most radical way is to block the service at the operator level, which will completely disable the ability to send / receive SMS, but can affect the operation of services associated with the number.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ MTS: Send. USSD-team *111*254# or call on 0890
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Beeline: Dial it up *110*181# Or use your personal account.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Megaphone: USSD *105*071# call 0500
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Television2: Teams *220*1# (lock on) and *220*0# (disconnect)

Please note that:

โš ๏ธ Attention: After disconnection SMS You will not be able to receive confirmation codes from banks, social networks and other services through the operator, the alternative is to use applications that support push notifications (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp for mobile devices). 2FA).

On some rates (for example, "All for 300" from Yota) SMS-Services are enabled by default and cannot be disabled separately, only with voice.

๐Ÿ’ก

Disabling SMS via the operator is an irreversible process, and to restore the function will require a personal visit to the office with a passport.

6. Alternative methods for advanced users

If standard methods don't work, try technical solutions that require more knowledge and can affect the stability of the system.

Method 1: Disconnection through ADB

Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.mms

This will completely disable the Messages system application.

adb shell pm enable com.android.mms

Method 2: Removal via TWRP

Custom recovery and root rights are required.

  • /system/priv-app/MmsService
  • /system/app/Mms

โš ๏ธ Warning: These actions may disrupt system services, including mobile data and calls. Before experimenting, backup your system via adb backup or Mi Cloud.

On the Xiaomi 11T Pro and other models with MIUI 13, these methods can cause a com.android.phone error, in which case only flashing will help.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you turn off SMS on Xiaomi, users experience typical errors. Here's how to solve them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Texts keep coming.The operator ignores the settings of the phoneContact the operator to block SMS on the number
Bank Notices Are Not WorkingSystem SMS disabledAllow access to SMS for the banking application manually
The "Messages" app has disappeared.Removed via ADB/TWRPRestore via fastboot flash or reinstall firmware
No confirmation codes coming in.Operator-level lockingUse 2FA alternative methods (email, push)

If after the SMS shutdown, mobile data stopped working, reset the network settings:

  1. Settings โ†’ SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks
  2. Choose. SIM-map โ†’ "Resetting network settings"
  3. Reset the device
Can I disable SMS for only one number on a dual SIM?
Yeah, in MIUI 14 that's possible. Go to Settings. โ†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks, select the desired SIM And turn off Text Messages just for her, and the second number will remain active.
Why did SMS stop coming from the bank after the shutdown?
Banks are often used SMS-Solution: Allow access to the notification gateways. SMS for the banking application in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Special access โ†’ Access to SMS Or go to push notifications in the bank settings.
How to return a standard Messages app if it has disappeared?
If the application was removed via ADB, restore it with the command adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.mms. If this does not work, download the APK from the official Xiaomi website (the "Firmware" section) and install manually.
Will iMessage or RCS work if SMS is disabled?
No, these protocols depend on SMS for activation. RCS (in Google Messages) requires at least one SMS to be sent for registration. iMessage on Xiaomi is not supported in principle.
Can I turn off SMS but leave the phone open?
Yes, these services are independent. Disabling SMS does not affect voice communication, except for some corporate tariffs where services are bundled (check with the operator).