Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 8 have long been universal communication centers where calls and text messaging are intertwined with instant messengers. However, classic SMS remains a critical tool for obtaining confirmation codes from banks, registering with services and communicating with operators that do not support Internet protocols. Users often face a situation where the usual interface is changed by the shell of MIUI, and finding a standard feature becomes difficult.
In this article, we will not only go into detail about the basic algorithm for sending text, but also solve common problems such as the lack of a send button or locking a number with a security system. SIM-The card is no longer defined for outbound traffic, and careful follow-up will help avoid unnecessary costs for paid subscriptions and restore full-fledged communication.
It’s worth noting that the Messages app interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI firmware installed on your device. Global firmware versions often use Google’s app, while Chinese or Russian versions may have their own interface from Xiaomi. We’ll look at the universal steps that are relevant to most configurations so that every Redmi 8 owner can understand the nuances.
Preparation of SIM-card and balance check
Before you start typing, you need to make sure that the device is physically ready to transmit data over a cellular network, SMS require active SIM-card and, in most cases, positive balance or connected packet rate.If you just inserted a new SIM or changed operator, the phone may require a reboot to correctly register on the network.
Check the signal indicators at the top of the screen. If there is a 4G or H+ icon next to the network level divisions, this means that the mobile Internet is active, but this does not guarantee the operation of SMS. For text messages, it is more important to have a basic cellular signal. Also make sure that there are funds in your account if your tariff does not involve an unlimited number of messages, since with a zero balance, the sender can be blocked by the operator.
Special attention should be paid to the SIM card slot, as Redmi 8 supports two cards at the same time. The system can try to send a message through a SIM that has no money or has a bad signal. In settings, the default is often the question "Always ask", which can confuse inexperienced users.
- 📶 Make sure the signal level is stable and the “No Network” icon does not appear».
- 💰 Check the balance of the main number that you plan to use for sending.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone if you install it after SIM-The card was less than 5 minutes.
- 📵 Turn off In-Airline mode, which completely blocks the phone's radio module.
⚠️ Note: If you are using a corporate SIM-card or tariff for IoT devices, make sure the operator does not block the possibility of sending SMS This is a common reason for "quiet" blocking, when the message goes to the status "Sent" but does not reach the destination.
☑️ Checking readiness for dispatch
Basic instruction for sending a message
The process of creating a new message in a standard MIUI or Google Messages app is intuitive, but it has its hidden features. You can start in two ways: either by selecting a contact from the phone book or by creating a new message from scratch.
Open the Messages app (an envelope icon) on the home screen or in the app menu. In the lower right corner (or at the top, depending on the interface version), you will find a new message creation button, usually marked with a + or pencil symbol, clicking on it will open an input field where you want to specify the recipient.
Once you enter a number or select a contact from a list, the screen will scroll down to the text input field, and it is important to remember the character limit: a standard SMS can accommodate up to 160 characters in Latin or 70 characters in Cyrillic. If you exceed this limit, the message is automatically broken into parts or converted to MMS format, which can cost more.
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Use the Latin alphabet for short codes or important data if you're afraid a message will break apart, which will fit up to 160 characters into a single message instead of 70.
When you type in, click the send button, which looks like a paper airplane, at which point the message is marked with the status "Send", and after confirmation from the operator, the status changes to "Delivered." If you see the exclamation mark icon, then an error has occurred.
Setup of the message application and selection SIM-map
Xiaomi Redmi 8 owners often use two SIM cards, which requires the right setting of priorities. The system allows you to flexibly manage which card is used by default for calls and which is for SMS. Incorrect settings can lead to unexpected costs if the main SIM is charged for tariffs without a package.
To set up, go to the Messages app menu by clicking on three dots or a gear in the corner of the screen. Select Settings and find the SIM-related section, where you can hard-fix the use of a particular SIM for all outgoing messages or leave the Always Ask mode.
| Setup parameter | Description of function | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| SIM-default-card | Automatic card selection for all new messages | Select a card with an SMS package |
| Always ask | Requesting a card selection before each shipment | Convenient for cost control |
| Notification of delivery | Report from the operator on receipt of the message | Insert for important codes |
| Deletion of old messages | Automatic cleaning when filling memory | Enable if the memory is full |
You can also activate delivery reports in this section, which is useful when you're waiting for a confirmation code or an important notification from a bank, and you'll know for sure if a message has reached the operator's server and the recipient's device, but it's worth remembering that the delivery report is also a small service message that can be charged in roaming.
What to do if the application crashes?
Working with service codes and short numbers
Sending messages to short numbers (for example, to connect to operator services or pay for services) has its own technical features. Unlike regular numbers, it is critical to observe the format of the text and the absence of unnecessary characters. Often users forget that spaces or points at the end can lead to error of execution of the command.
When you type a short number into the recipient field, Redmi 8 can automatically switch input mode or suggest you keep contact. Ignore suggestions to save the number if you only need it for a one-time operation. Enter the command text strictly as specified in the service instructions, observing the letter register if required.
Special care should be taken when sending paid subscriptions. Operators often use double confirmation: first you send a request, and then you receive an SMS asking you to confirm an action. Never send a response message unless you are sure of its content, as this can activate a daily paid subscription.
- 🔢 Enter short numbers without plus and country code, unless the operator has indicated otherwise.
- 📝 Check the command text for extra spaces at the beginning or end of the line.
- ⏳ Wait for the report before sending the request again.
- 🚫 Be careful of the words “Stop” and “Info” in the responses from the services.
Solving problems: no message is sent
The situation of a message hanging in a sending status or returning with an error is familiar to many. The first reason is almost always a crowded phone memory. Xiaomi Redmi 8 has built-in storage, and if it is filled with media files or app cache, system services do not have enough space to buffer new data.
The second common problem is messaging center settings (SMSC). This is the technical number that all your outgoing texts go through. SIM-This number is knocked down (often happens when manually editing or firmware failures), messages stop leaving, although incoming ones can come. SIM-map.
Also worth checking is the application permissions. In the MIUI shell, an aggressive energy saving system can kill background processes needed to send an SMS, especially if the phone has not been used for a long time. Go to the battery settings and make sure that the Messages app is allowed activity in the background and there are no data transfer restrictions.
⚠️ Note: If you try to send a message and see an error "Not delivered" immediately, try to extract it. SIM-Contact oxidation is a common cause of communication failures on devices that have been in use for more than a year.
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90% of SMS problems are solved by restarting your phone, checking your balance, or cleaning your device’s memory.
Spam Blocking and Protection Against Fraudsters
Xiaomi’s built-in antivirus and message filter is a powerful tool that sometimes works too hard, which can block incoming messages with confirmation codes if it thinks the sender is suspicious, or prohibit sending if it suspects viral activity on the device.
To protect against scammers, it is recommended to enable keyword filtering.You can add the words "credit," "winning," "bank" to the blacklist, and such messages will not bother you with notifications, but immediately get into spam.This is especially true for Redmi 8 owners who use a smartphone for work and do not want to be distracted.
Remember, the lock works the other way around, and if you accidentally block a bank or service number, you won't be able to get a confirmation code from them, check the blacklist in your message settings regularly, and delete trusted numbers from there.