How to send SMS on a smartphone Xiaomi: 5 ways + fixing

Sending. SMS On Xiaomi smartphones, it seems like a simple task โ€“ until you encounter unexpected errors, no contacts in the list or incomprehensible settings. MIUI. Even experienced users are sometimes lost when the standard Messages app suddenly stops working or requires Google confirmation. SMS, but also alternative methods (via Mi Account, third-party messengers, even from a PC), as well as solve typical problems - from blocking messages by the operator to failures after updating the firmware.

Xiaomi is actively modifying standard Android features by adding its own services, such as some models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or the Redmi Note 12). POCO X5) SMS You can duplicate it in the Mi Cloud app, and you can tweak the notifications deeper than you can in pure Android. MIUI 14 and newer (including HyperOS for the latest flagships).

1. Standard method: Application "Messages"

Basic method of dispatch SMS on any Xiaomi smartphone, through the built-in Messages app (an icon with a white envelope on a green background), it's pre-installed on all devices and supports more than just a few things. SMS, but RCS-chat rooms (if the operator provides this service) Here's how to use it:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Open the Messages app (located on the home screen or in the folder) Google/Tools).
  • โœ๏ธ Click on the pencil icon (or the New Message button at the bottom of the screen).
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Enter your phone number manually or select a contact from the list (if the contact is not displayed, check the app permissions in Settings). โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Communications โ†’ Permits).
  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Write the text in the input field. Note: the limit of characters in one SMS โ€” 160 (Latin) or 70 (Cyrillic) If the text is longer, it will break into several messages.
  • ๐Ÿ“ค Press the send button (arrow to the right).

If the send button is inactive (grey), check:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Network availability (the icon should be displayed in the status bar) 3G/4G/5G).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Flight mode (turn it off in the notification curtain).
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Lockdown SIM-Cards (if requested) PUK-code, see section "Errorsยป).

โ˜‘๏ธ Pre-shipment check SMS

Done: 0 / 4

Secret function MIUI: You can add a delayed shipment in the Messages app:

  1. Write a message, but don't send it.
  2. Press the send button (arrow) with your finger - a menu with the option to Delay will appear.
  3. Select the date and time (available up to 7 days in advance).

โš ๏ธ Note: On some models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro) delayed sending only works for messages up to 3 SMS. If the text is longer, the function may not work.

2. Alternative ways to send SMS

If the standard application does not suit (for example, due to advertising in the MIUI If you don't have the right functions, you can use alternative methods:

2.1. via Google Messages (with support) RCS)

The Google Messages app (formerly Android Messages) offers advanced features including:

  • ๐Ÿ”’ End-to-end encryption (if both subscribers use it) RCS).
  • ๐Ÿ“Ž Sending files up to 100 MB (versus 300 KB in standard) SMS).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Synchronization between devices (for example, with PC via messages.google.com).

To set up:

  1. Download Google Messages from the Play Market.
  2. Open the application and select it as the Application for SMS by default (the offer will appear automatically).
  3. Log in to your Google account and enable chats RCS customized.

Important: On Xiaomi with MIUI 13 and older Google Messages may conflict with the built-in app. To avoid duplication of notifications, turn off the option to Show notifications in the standard Messages app.

2.2. via Mi Cloud (PC synchronization)

Unique feature for Xiaomi owners: if you have Mi Account sync enabled, you can send SMS via cloud.mi.com web interface. This is convenient when the phone is discharged or is in another room.

Instructions:

  1. Go to cloud.mi.com and log in.
  2. Select Messages (only available if sync is enabled on your phone) SMS In Settings โ†’ Mi Account โ†’ Synchronization).
  3. Click the New Message and enter the number/text.

โš ๏ธ Note: The function does not work on all models. POCO F4 Xiaomi 12T It can be disabled due to regional restrictions.

๐Ÿ“Š How often do you send them? SMS?
Standard annex
Google Messages
Through the Mi Cloud
Third-party messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)
Other

2.3 Through third-party messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)

Many users do not know that WhatsApp and Telegram can send SMS โ€” but only in certain cases:

  • ๐Ÿ†” WhatsApp: When you register a new account or change number, sends SMS Automatically (but not manually).
  • ๐Ÿ“ค Telegram: in profile settings (Settings) โ†’ Phone number) can be sent a confirmation code via SMS, If there's no call.

For regular shipment SMS These messengers are not suitable, but they are useful in emergency situations (for example, if the standard application is blocked).

3.Tune in. SMS Xiaomi: Hidden Options

V MIUI Many of the useful features are hidden in the bottom of the menu, and let's look at the key settings that will help you optimize your messaging experience:

3.1. Change of centre SMS (SMSC)

If SMS not being sent or arriving with a delay, the problem may be in the wrong center SMS (SMSC). To change it:

  1. Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##.
  2. Select Phone Information โ†’ SMSC.
  3. Enter your operator's center number (check it on the official website or at support). +79169991111.
  4. Press Update.

Note: Some firmware (HyperOS) may not have this code. Alternatively, use an app. SMSC Set from Play Market.

3.2. Spam Blocking and Blacklisting

V MIUI There's a built-in spam filter, but it's not always on by default:

  1. Open the messages. โ†’ โ‹ฎ (three-point) โ†’ Settings โ†’ Spam filter.
  2. Enable the options to Filter Spam and Block Unknown Numbers.
  3. To add a number to the blacklist: open a dialog with a contact โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Lock down.

If the filter blocks messages (e.g. from banks), add numbers to the White List in the same settings.

Notifications and vibrations

Configuring notifications in MIUI It's different from standard Android, to change the sound or vibration of the device. SMS:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Notifications and Status bar โ†’ Notifications from apps.
  2. Find Messages and select Sound or Vibration.
  3. For individual contacts: Open a dialogue โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Details. โ†’ Notifications.

๐Ÿ’ก

If notice is given SMS If you don't come, check the "Do Not Disturb" mode in the notification curtain. MIUI It can block even important messages if it is not configured correctly.

4. Solving problems with sending SMS

Even on new Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) There may be errors in the sending SMS. Letโ€™s discuss typical situations and ways to correct them:

Error "Can't send a message"

Causes and solutions:

Reason.Decision
No network or weak signalCheck the network indicator. Try switching to the network. 2G In Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Preferred type of network.
SIM-card not activatedCall the operator or check the balance (type *100# for MTS, *111# for Beeline).
Blocking by the operatorSend. USSD-request *111*1# (for MegaFon) or contact support.
The failure of the Messages appClear the cache: Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Messages โ†’ Storage โ†’ Clear the cache.
The conflict with Dual AppsIf you use app cloning, disable the duplicate of โ€œMessagesโ€ in Settings โ†’ Dual Apps.

4.2. SMS They don't come on the phone.

If you send messages but donโ€™t receive answers, check:

  • ๐Ÿ“ต Blocking Numbers: Open Messages โ†’ spamming โ†’ Blacklist.
  • ๐Ÿ”• Energy saving regime: in MIUI It can limit the background of the application. Turn it off in Settings. โ†’ Battery and productivity.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก APN-Settings: Incorrect access points can block SMS. Update them in Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Access points (APN) (settings can be requested from the operator).

โš ๏ธ Note: Xiaomi with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) reset APN You can delete all the stored access points before resetting, take a screenshot of the current settings!

4.3 Problems after the update MIUI

If SMS They stopped sending after the firmware update:

  1. Restart the phone (press the power button โ†’ Reboot).
  2. Reset network settings: Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Resetting network settings.
  3. If it doesnโ€™t help, go back to the previous version. MIUI through settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Updating the system โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Select the update package (you need to download the firmware from the official website).
What if the SMS is gone but does not reach the recipient?
90% of the time, the problem is on the operator's side. Try: 1. SMS to another number (e.g. your second phone number). 2. Call the recipient if the call passes, and SMS No, contact operator support. 3. Check if the recipient has activated the Antispam or Blacklist serviceยป.

5.Sending SMS computer

If you need to send it SMS From a PC, there are a number of ways, from official Xiaomi solutions to third-party services:

5.1. Through Mi PC Suite

Official Mi utility PC Suite allows you to manage messages from your computer, but with limitations:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Download the program from the official website.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Put the phone on. USB (Turn on the debugging. USB In Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI โ†’ Click on version 7 times, then return to Additional โ†’ For developers).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฉ In the program, select the Messages section and create a new one.

Limitations:

  • It only works on Windows.
  • Doesn't support sending. MMS.
  • Requires constant USB-connection.

5.2. Google Messages for the Web

If you use Google Messages, you can send them. SMS browser:

  1. Open up on your phone Google Messages โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Devices for the web version.
  2. Scan the scanner. QR-site-code messages.google.com/web.
  3. Now, everybody. SMS will be synchronized with the browser.

Important: You need an active Internet connection on your phone to work, and if your Wi-Fi is off, use your mobile Internet.

5.3. Through the operator (personal account)

Some operators (e.g. Beeline or Tele2) allow you to send SMS through the personal account on the website:

  1. Log in to the operator's website (for example, my.beeline.ru).
  2. Find the SMS service section or send SMS.
  3. Enter the number and text (usually a limit of 5 messages per day).

โš ๏ธ Attention: SMS, Those sent through the operator's personal account can be charged at a different tariff (often more expensive than from the phone.

6 Security: How to Protect Your Own SMS

SMS often contain confidential information (codes from banks, two-factor authentication data). MIUI There are tools to protect messages, but they're not always on by default:

Encryption of messages

V MIUI 14 and later you can turn on encryption SMS:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ Privacy โ†’ Encryption.
  2. Select Encrypt Messages and set a password.
  3. After that, all new SMS will be stored in encrypted form (but only on the device, not during transmission!).

Limitation: Encrypted messages cannot be read through Mi Cloud or other devices.

Two-factor authentication for SMS

To protect access to messages:

  • ๐Ÿ” Set a password for the Messages app: Settings โ†’ Privacy โ†’ Application lockdown.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Enable fingerprint confirmation to access SMS (same-setting).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Regularly export backups of messages: Messages โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Backup (the file is saved to the MIUI/Backup/AllBackup).

6.3 Protection against SIM-swap fraud

SIM-swap is a popular way to steal accounts when an attacker re-releases your account SIM-map and access to SMS. To protect yourself:

  • ๐Ÿ“ž Put it in. PIN-code SIM-Map: Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Lockdown SIM-map.
  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Turn off the possibility of remote re-release SIM The operator (for example, in MTS this is done through the USSD-request *111*123#).
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Use alternative methods 2FA (Google Authenticator or hardware keys instead SMS-code.

๐Ÿ’ก

Never keep it. SMS Confirmation codes in cloud services (such as Mi Cloud or Google Drive) can be accessed by attackers through data breaches.

7. Hidden functions SMS Xiaomi

V MIUI There are little-known opportunities to work with SMS, They're not mentioned in the official instructions:

Quick answers

You can set up response templates for quick sending:

  1. Open the messages. โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Settings โ†’ Quick answers.
  2. Add frequently used phrases (e.g., โ€œIโ€™m on the way,โ€ โ€œIโ€™ll be back laterโ€).
  3. Now, when receiving an SMS, you can quickly respond by swiping the notification to the left and selecting a template.

7.2.Sending SMS scheduled

On some models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K60) There is a delayed sending function:

  1. Write a message, but don't send it.
  2. Press the send button (arrow) - a menu will appear with the option to Delay.
  3. Select the date and time (available up to 7 days in advance).

Note: This function only works for messages up to 3 SMS. For longer texts, use third-party apps (e.g. Pulse) SMS).

7.3 Hidden SMS (service-message)

Some of them SMS (For example, from banks or operators, you may not be able to see them in the main list:

  1. Open the messages. โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Settings โ†’ Additionally.
  2. Turn on the option to show service messages.
  3. Service SMS will appear in a separate service folder.

7.4.Exports SMS file

To save your message history (for example, for a court or backup):

  1. Open the messages. โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Backup.
  2. Select Export to the device.
  3. The file will be saved in.xml format along the way. /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/Backup/AllBackup/Sms.

To read the file on the PC, use the program SMS Backup & Restore.

FAQ: Frequent questions about SMS Xiaomi

Can I send it? SMS without SIM-map?
No, for shipping. SMS You need to be active. SIM-The alternative is to use messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) or services like Google Voice (not available in all countries). SIM You can only receive messages via Wi-Fi (if sync with Mi Cloud is enabled).
Why? SMS split up?
This is due to the length limit of one SMS: 160 characters (Latin) or 70 characters (Cyrillic) If the text is longer, it automatically breaks down. To avoid this: Shorten the message. Use Google Messages, it optimizes the breakdown. Send long texts through instant messengers.
How do I know if I've got it? SMS recipient?
In the standard Messages app on Xiaomi, there are no read notifications (unlike instant messengers), but you can: Ask the recipient to confirm receipt. Use Google Messages with chats enabled. RCS โ€” There's a delivery mark. SMS Ask them to respond (for example, โ€œApply 1 if you receive itยป).
Can I send an SMS to an email?
Options: Use operator gateways (e.g., send for MTS) SMS to the number 1234 with the text email your address@domain.ru text messages. Use services like SMS-to-Email (for example, sms2mail.ru). Send email via Gmail app, specifying in the subject SMS: Phone number (not available for all operators).
How to disable notifications about SMS?
To disable notifications: Go to Settings โ†’ Notifications and status bar โ†’ Notifications from applications. Find Messages and turn off the Allow Notifications switch. For individual contacts: open the dialog โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Details. โ†’ Notifications โ†’ If notifications keep coming, clear the Messages app cache.