Modern Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS are powerful communication centers where standard call and text functions are often overshadowed by the popularity of instant messengers. However, situations when you need to send a classic text message arise regularly, from confirming registration on sites to communicating with subscribers without access to the Internet. Device owners often face non-obvious settings that block sending, or simply do not know about the advanced capabilities of the built-in application.
The process of sending may seem trivial, but the ecosystem of the Chinese manufacturer has its own nuances associated with aggressive energy savings and preinstalled services. Correct work of SMS depends on many factors: correct filling of fields, network settings, and permissions for system applications. In this material, we will analyze in detail not only the basic algorithm of actions, but also solve the typical problems that users face when trying to deliver a message to the recipient.
It’s important to understand that the interface may vary slightly depending on the operating system version and regional firmware (Global, China, EEA).However, the logic of the work remains the same for all models, whether it’s a budget Redmi Note or a flagship Xiaomi 14.
Basic algorithm for sending a message
To start texting, you need to run a standard system application, which is usually called “Messages” and an envelope icon. In some regions or when installing third-party launchers, it may be called “SMS/MMS.” Once you open the application, you will see a list of previous dialogs if they were previously conducted, or an empty screen with a suggestion to create a new message.
To initiate a message, click on the floating button for creating a new message, which is most often located in the lower right corner of the screen and has a plus or pencil icon. The message creation window will open, where the first thing you need to do is specify the recipient. You can enter your phone number manually, start typing the contact name from the phone book, or select the addressee from the recent call list by clicking on the appropriate contact icon.
Once you select the recipient, the cursor will automatically move to the text input field, where you can type the desired text using predictive input, emoji or voice typing. Make sure that the recipient field is lit with an active connection indicator (usually a green circle or icon). SIM-maps), which means that they are ready to be sent through the selected network.
☑️ Pre-sending check
The final step is to press the send button, which looks like a paper airplane, and is to the right of the text input field, and then the plane changes color or status to "Delivered" if there is an error, a red exclamation point will appear next to the message, requiring you to try again or check the settings.
Multimedia Messages (MMS) Configurement
Sending plain text is just a part of the functionality, and often you have to transfer a photo, a video file, or an audio recording. MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service, which works via the mobile Internet, even if you do not have a plan for web surfing enabled (in most cases, operators allow you to transfer data to the Internet). MMS-single-handed).
In the message creation window, next to the text input box, you'll find a clip or plus icon in the circle. Clicking on it opens the attachment menu. Here you can choose "Gallery" for a photo, "Camera" for an instant shot, "Audio" for voice notes or "Contact" for transferring a business card. Xiaomi also allows you to attach files from a cloud storage or voice recorder.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure that the mobile network settings include Data Transfer. MMS-The message will not leave, even if the usual SMS work correctly. Unlike instant messengers, it does not work Wi-Fi, it requires a mobile network operator.
When you add a media file, the message is automatically marked as MMS, and a warning may appear in the input field about possible charging or format change. attachments can be limited to the operator (usually up to 300 KB or 1 MB), so heavy videos are compressed automatically before sending them, which can reduce their quality.
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If MMS is not sent, try to find the “Sending Mode” option in the message settings and switch it from “Automatically” to “MMS Only” or vice versa to reset the protocol conflict.
Use of double SIM-map
Most Xiaomi and Redmi models are equipped with two slots for the SIM-This creates the need to choose which card to send a message from, especially if one is used only for the Internet and the other is used for calls and text messages.
In the message creation interface, directly above the keyboard or at the top of the screen next to the number input field, active icons are displayed. SIM-They're usually signed as «SIM 1" and «SIM 2" or have operator names. By clicking on the icon, you switch the active card for the current dialogue.
Also in the system MIUI There is a setup function SIM-The default card for outgoing messages, which eliminates the need to manually select the map each time, and the settings are in the Settings menu of the message application itself, in the "Additional" or "Settings" section. SIM-You can give priority to it, "Always ask», «SIM 1" or «SIM 2».
Checking the balance status on both cards will help to avoid situations where the message “hangs” due to lack of funds on the default number.
Advanced functions and hidden settings
The Xiaomi messaging app hides some useful features that aren't obvious when you first meet them, like the ability to schedule a shipment, which is useful if you want to congratulate someone on their birthday at exactly midnight, but you'll be writing a message in advance, and after typing, you'll press and hold the send button (airplane), and then you'll see a date and time menu.
Another important feature is spam blocking: Message filters can be enabled in your message settings, which automatically detects and hides advertising and messages from unknown numbers. The system uses local databases and cloud services to identify spam without sending the content of your personal correspondence to servers.
For those who frequently send the same text (like details or address), Quick Answers is available, which allows you to save templates and paste them into a dialogue with a single touch, and you can find this tool by clicking on the menu icon (three dots) in the typing window and selecting Quick Answer.
| Function | Where to find out. | What do you need? |
|---|---|---|
| Planner | Holding the sending button | Sending at the specified time |
| Blacklist | Settings → Message filter | Blocking spam |
| Text pattern | Menu (three dots) → Quick answer | Conservation of frequently used phrases |
| Urgent communication | Settings → Additional settings | Shipping with Delivery Priority |
And remember, text formatting is limited, and some firmware versions support bolding or listing, making business correspondence more structured, but it's worth considering that the recipient on the old phone may see these formatting symbols as normal text.
Solving problems with SMS sending
When a message is not sent, it's one of the most annoying things, and most often, the problem is messaging center settings (SMSC), which is the technical number that the operator routes your correspondence through, and if you hit that number, the messages won't leave, although the outgoing calls may work.
To check and reset the Message Center settings, go to the Messages app menu, select Settings, then Additional, and find Message Center. Your carrier number should be written there. If the field is empty or the number is incorrect, click Reset or Update so that the device automatically receives the correct data from the network.
⚠️ Warning: Never change the message center number manually to random numbers. Use only automatic updates or data provided by your carrier, otherwise you will completely lose the ability to send SMS.
Another common cause is overcrowded phone memory. The SMS database on Android has limits, and if you exceed them, new messages will not be created or sent. Regularly clean old dialogs, especially those containing heavy media files.
Secret code for checking the status of SMS
If nothing helps, try to get out. SIM-map, wipe contacts with a pin and paste back. Sometimes oxidation of contacts or bad fit of the card in the Xiaomi slot lead to unstable work of service functions, which include SMS.
Security and confidentiality of correspondence
In the digital age, protecting personal communications is becoming a priority. Standard SMS unfortunately doesn’t have end-to-end encryption like modern instant messengers, but Xiaomi offers tools to protect them locally. You can hide the contents of messages from prying eyes by enabling Hide Content in notification settings.
For critical dialogs, there is a Privacy mode, and if you go to the messaging app settings, you can find the Privacy section and set a password or fingerprint to access certain dialogs, and if you try to open a chat, the system will require biometric authorization.
Also worth paying attention to are the permissions you give apps: Many programs ask for access to SMS to “confirm identity,” which is often redundant, check the list of apps with access to SMS regularly in the Privacy Protection section, and disable access for suspicious software.
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Use Xiaomi’s built-in antivirus to scan apps requesting SMS access to rule out spyware intercepting confirmation codes.
Remember that SMS messages are stored on your device and can be accessed by physically accessing an unlocked phone. Regularly backing up important dialogs to the cloud or computer will help save information in the event of a device loss, and timely deletion data will reduce the risk of leakage.