How to send SMS with Xiaomi Redmi 7: all the ways and hidden features

Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone due to the reliability and functionality based on MIUI. However, even experienced users sometimes have difficulties with basic functions, such as sending SMS. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to send messages to Redmi 7, including standard and alternative methods, and also solve typical problems: from the lack of an application icon to delivery errors.

Redmi 7 features MIUI 10/11/12 (depending on updates), which can hide some features behind non-obvious gestures or settings. We show you where to look for the Messages app, how to set up notifications, and even how to send SMS via Google Assistant or third-party messengers. And if your smartphone suddenly stopped sending messages, there is a checklist at the end of the article to diagnose the problem.

1. Standard method: Application "Messages" in MIUI

The basic method of sending SMS to Redmi 7 is through the built-in Messages app (or Messages in English firmware). Its icon is usually located on the home screen or in the Google/Tools folder. If it is not, don't panic: it may have been hidden or removed from the menu.

To find the app:

• 🔍 Swipe down the main screen and type in the search bar “Messages».
• 📁 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Manage applications and find in the Messages list (green bubble icon with white envelope).
• 🔄 If the application is disabled, click "Enable».

After the annex is opened:

1. Click on the icon. ✏️ (pencil) in lower right corner.
2. In the Who field, enter a phone number (for example, +79123456789) or select a contact from the list.
3. Enter the text of the message (up to 160 characters for one SMS; if more, it will break into several parts).
4. Press the send button (blue arrow →).

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If the keyboard doesn't appear when you type SMS, check the settings in Settings → Additional → Language and Input → Current Keyboard. Sometimes MIUI resets the default keyboard after updates.

2. Alternative ways to send SMS

If the standard application is unstable or you need additional features (templates, delayed sending, backup), you can use third-party solutions.

• 📱 Google Messages – Google’s official app with support RCS (Extended features, similar to instant messengers. Download it from the Play Store and make it the default app in Settings → Annexes → By default. → Annex for SMS.
• 🔄 Textra SMS — A popular messenger with a dark theme, backups and spam blocking. Supports Redmi 7 on the Internet MIUI 10–12.
• 🤖 Voice-sending through Google Assistant. Say, OK, Google, send it. SMS [contact name] [text].” More information about this method is in the next section.
• 💬 Supported messengers SMS (For example, WhatsApp or Telegram, some versions can enable sending. SMS via their interface.

Warning: When using third-party apps, MIUI can block notifications about new SMS, unless prioritizing Settings → Notifications → Applications. Also, some messengers (for example, Viber) can automatically convert SMS to chats - this behavior is configured in their settings.

3. Sending SMS by voice via Google Assistant

If you’re more comfortable dictating messages or hands are busy, Redmi 7 supports voice-sending SMS via Google Assistant, which works even on a locked screen (if OK, Google is enabled).

Instructions:

1. Activate Google Assistant by saying “OK Google” or holding the Home button.
2. Say the command: “Send SMS [contact name]” or “Write a message [phone number].”
3. Dictate the text of the message. The assistant will voice it before sending it, confirm or correct it.
4. Confirm the sending by voice ("Send") or press the button on the screen.

Important nuances:

• 📶 The function requires Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔊 If the Assistant does not recognize contacts, check the permissions in Settings. → Annexes → Google → Permits → Contacts.
• 🌙 On some firmware MIUI Voice activation only works when the screen is unlocked.

4. Set up notifications and sounds for SMS

By default, Redmi 7 may not not notify you of new SMS or use a quiet sound to set up notifications:

1. Open Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notification management.
2. Find the Messages app in the list and turn on the switch.
3. Click on “Messages” and configure options: 🔔 Sound: Choose a tune or add your own through Local Sounds. 📱 Vibration: Turn on and select a pattern. 💡 LED: activate the flashing indicator (works only when the screen is off). 🔒 On the lock screen: show the text of the message or only the notification.

If notifications do not arrive:

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI There is a “Do Not Disturb” function that can block SMS. Check it out in Settings. → Sound. → Also, some memory cleanup applications (e.g., Xiaomi’s Security) can close the background processes of Messages. Add the app to the exceptions to Settings → Battery → Choice of applications.

5. Solving problems with sending SMS

If SMS Not shipped with Redmi 7, reasons may be software-based (failure) MIUI), and hardware (problems with the SIM-Go through this checklist:

Check your account balance (sometimes operators block SMS with zero balance)

Reboot the phone.

Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (on some firmwares) SMS They only work with the main SIM)

Check the Message Center settings (see section below)

Update the firmware MIUI last-minute-->

Pay special attention to the message center, the server number through which SMS passes. If it gets lost (for example, after resetting), messages will not be sent.

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Press. ⋮ → Settings → Additionally. → Communications centre.
3. Make sure the number matches your operator: 🇷🇺 MTS: +79160000000 🇷🇺 Beeline: +79030000000 🇷🇺 MegaFon: +79260000000 🇷🇺 Tele2: +79500000000

If the number is empty or incorrect, enter the correct one and save it.

If, after all the manipulations, SMS is still not sent:

• 📶 Check the signal level of the network. In the basement or elevator, messages may not leave.
• 🔧 Put it in. SIM-The card to another phone and try sending it to another phone. SMS If it doesn’t work, the operator has a problem.
• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

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If SMS is not sent only to certain numbers, check if they are added to the blacklist in the Messages app or in the MIUI settings (Settings → Lock).

6. Hidden SMS features on Redmi 7

MIUI hides a few useful features for working with SMS that can make communication easier:

• 📌 Sticking to important messages: Keep your finger on SMS in the chat list and select "Secure." The message will always appear on top.
• 🔍 Search SMS: at the top of the Messages app there is a magnifier - you can search by text, number or date.
• 📤 Delayed Submission (a third-party application, such as Pulse, is required) SMS). Allows you to schedule a shipment for a specific time.
• 🔐 Encryption SMS: firmware MIUI There is an option to encrypt messages (configured in Settings) → Confidentiality).
• 📱 Backup SMS: Export messages to the file via Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

Another little-known possibility is quick answers. SMS with the same type of questions (for example, code confirmation), you can customize templates:

1. Open “Messages” and go to the settings.
2. Select "Quick Answers."
3. Add frequently used phrases (e.g., “I’m on my way,” “I’ll be back in 10 minutes”).
4. Now, when receiving an SMS, you can quickly respond by swiping the notification to the left and selecting a template.

For automation enthusiasts: MIUI has an inbuilt autoresponder mode for SMS. It is activated in Settings → Additional → Autoresponder and allows you to send automatic responses to incoming messages (for example, when you are driving).

7.Security: How to protect SMS from outsiders

SMS often contains sensitive information, such as confirmation codes, bank card details, personal correspondence. Redmi 7 has several ways to protect messages:

• 🔒 Blocking the Messages app: Open Settings → Block applications. Enter a password (if not configured, create one). Find Messages in the list and enable locking.
• 👤 Hiding notifications on the lock screen: Go to Settings → Notifications → On the lock screen, select "Hide the contents of notifications" or "Do not show notifications».
• 🗑️ Auto-removal of old SMS: In the "Messages" app, open Settings → Additionally. → Set a limit (e.g. delete messages older than 30 days).
• 🛡️ Prohibition of forwarding SMS To other devices: Turn off synchronizing messages in your Xiaomi account: Settings → Xiaomi account → Synchronization → Communications.

⚠️ Note: If you are using duality SIM-Redmi 7 cards, make sure you SMS go out with the right SIM. By default. MIUI choose SIM for outgoing messages automatically - this is configured in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → SIM-map SMS.

FAQ: Frequent questions on SMS on the Redmi 7