Modern smartphones have long become universal communication centers, but classic text messages remain indispensable for confirming transactions in banks, registering on sites and communicating with subscribers who do not have access to the Internet. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro often encounter nuances of the MIUI interface, which may differ from standard Android, which raises questions when you first set up the device. Understanding the basic principles of the application “Messages” will avoid common errors and save time.
The process of sending text on this device is as simple as possible for developers, but requires the correct initial configuration of the SIM card. If you just turned on the device or updated the firmware, the system can request additional permissions to access contacts and network. Redmi 8 Pro is equipped with two slots for the SIM-cards, and it is important to immediately decide which one you plan to send default messages from, so as not to charge funds from an unintended balance.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the configuration steps, look at the hidden features of the messenger, and provide solutions for typical problems such as the status of “Delivery” or network errors. You will learn not only to print text, but also to effectively manage dialogues, block spam and use the multimedia capabilities of the standard. MMS. For SMS to work, it is critical that the standard is activated in the mobile network settings. 2G/GSM, even if you use it 4G internet-based.
Preparation of the device and checking the SIM card
Before you start writing, you need to make sure that the communication module is both physical and software ready. Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro supports two SIM cards at the same time, and the tray for them is located on the lower end of the case. Make sure that the cards are installed correctly, with contacts down, and the phone sees them. To check, open the notification curtain and see if the operator icons show the signal level.
If network indicators are missing or are burning with an exclamation point, a device reboot or balance check may be required. In some cases, especially after purchasing a new SIM card, the carrier may block outgoing messages until the first incoming activity or account replenishment. PIN-If the code is installed on the card, you will need to enter immediately after turning on the phone, otherwise access to the network will be limited.
- 📱 Make sure that the tray has an active SIM card with a positive balance or connected tariff.
- 📶 Check the signal level: for stable operation of SMS, it is desirable to have at least 2-3 divisional.
- 🔒 If requested PUK-code, do not enter random combinations, as after 10 attempts the card will be permanently blocked.
Also worth paying attention to is Do Not Disturb or Airplane mode, where users accidentally activate aerial mode that completely shuts down all wireless interfaces, including cellular communication, in which case sending messages is not physically possible, regardless of the application settings.
Basic instruction for sending a message
The standard MIUI text messaging app is called Messages, and has a distinctive speech bubble icon that can be launched from the home screen or through the menu of all apps. The interface is intuitive: the top of the program displays a list of dialogs, and the bottom or corner of the screen contains a button to create a new message.
☑️ Pre-sending check
To start a new dialog, click the creation button (usually a plus or pencil icon) and open a field to enter a phone number or contact name from the address book. The system has an auto-addition function, so you just need to enter the first digits of the number or the name letter to Redmi to suggest the appropriate option. After selecting the recipient, the text of the message is entered in the bottom field.
Special attention should be paid to choosing a SIM card if two are inserted. Above the input field or next to the send button, an active SIM indicator (SIM 1 or SIM 2) can be displayed. By clicking on this indicator, you can switch between operators before sending. This is convenient if one card runs out of free minutes or SMS, and the other has a packet.
Once you type in, click the send button (arrow or paper airplane). The message will go online, and a copy of it will appear in the dialog list. The delivery status can be visually displayed: one tick indicates sending from the phone, two indicates receiving by the subscriber. If the message has been stuck on one tick for a long time, it may be that the recipient has turned off the phone or is not on the network.
Application and Message Center settings
The service's performance depends largely on the settings you have in the settings menu, and you can get there by opening the Messages app, clicking on the three dots in the top right corner, and selecting Settings, and there are important options that affect functionality.
One of the key parameters is the Message Center (SMSC), which is usually automatically assigned when you first install a SIM card, but if you have a malfunction, you can type it in manually, you can find out the correct message center number for your operator on the official website or by calling support. The wrong message center address is a common reason why SMS is not sent, although the Internet works.
You can set up delivery reports in the same menu, and if you want to know when someone read your message (if their phone supports this status transfer), activate the appropriate switch, and there's also the RCS Chat feature, which allows you to send messages over the Internet, like instant messengers, but in the interface of conventional SMS.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Communications centre | Address of the operator's lock | Automatically or according to the operator |
| Delivery reports | Notice of reading | Included (for control) |
| Group communications | Distribution mode | MMS or sequentially |
| Notifications | Sound and vibration | By choice of the user |
Don’t forget to check the updates to the app itself periodically through the Google Play store or GetApps. Developers often release patches that fix compatibility bugs with new versions of Android or changes to carrier protocols.
Multimedia Messages (MMS)
MMS technology allows you to transfer not only text, but also photos, audio files and short videos. On Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro, this process is integrated into the standard application. To send a picture, in the message creation window, click on the clip icon or image icon and select a file from the gallery.
Even if you have an unlimited social media tariff, a common data channel should be available for MMS. In your mobile network settings, make sure that data is enabled for the SIM card from which the message is sent.
⚠️ Attention: Sending MMS It can be charged separately from normal SMS and Internet traffic, and check the cost of the service with your provider to avoid unexpected costs.
Size of one MMS-communications are limited 300-500 KB: If you try to send a high-resolution photo, the system will automatically compress it. Image quality may decrease, but this is necessary for fast transmission through cellular channels.
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Save the original photos in the cloud before sending them via MMS, as the compression can be quite strong and details will be lost.
Solving problems: messages are not sent
The situation when a message is in the status of "Submit" or returns with an error is familiar to many users. First of all, check the account balance. Even with minutes and Internet, if the main balance has gone into deep negative, the operator can block outgoing SMS.
The second common cause is a crowded phone memory. Although text messages take up little space, accumulating them in huge quantities along with MMS attachments can exhaust the available amount of internal memory Redmi 8 Pro. Clearing the cache of the application or deleting old dialogues often solves the problem.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone: this will reset the temporary errors of the communication module.
- 📵 Remove and insert the SIM card again, rubbing the contacts with soft cloth.
- 🛠 Reset network settings to factory settings in the Settings menu» → «SIM-maps and mobile networks».
If nothing helps, try manually writing down the message center number (SMSC), It is also worth checking whether outgoing calls and messages are prohibited in the operator's personal account or through special services. USSD-code.
Hidden codes for diagnosis
Spam Blocking and Filtering
Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is equipped with built-in antivirus and spam protection system based on the Trend Micro database. This feature automatically screens out advertising mailings and messages from suspicious numbers. You can set up a blacklist in the Messages application settings in the Antispam section.
You can manually blacklist or block messages that contain specific keywords, especially to combat intrusive banking or fraudulent emails, and block messages that are not lost, but are placed in a separate Spam folder where you can look if necessary.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t turn off the spam filter completely unless you want to receive dozens of advertisements every day.
It also allows you to create rules for automatic responses or forwarding, which can be useful for business users, but for the average user, basic settings for blocking unknown numbers are enough.
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The built-in MIUI antivirus effectively blocks up to 90% of spam messages without installing third-party apps if the database is updated.