Sending SMS to short numbers (e.g. 112, 911 or service 1234, 54321) from Xiaomi smartphones often causes problems, users encounter errors such as “Message not sent”, “incorrect number format” or endless downloads, the reasons are rooted in network settings, operator restrictions or features of the MIUI firmware.
In this article, we will explore all possible ways to send a short number from Redmi, POCO and Mi devices, from basic checks to hidden engineering menu settings, and explain why some numbers can be blocked at the operator level or in your country.
Why doesn’t Xiaomi send SMS to short numbers?
The problem isn't always with the smartphone itself, but it's more often the fault of:
- 📶 Mobile operator restrictions – some short numbers (such as paid services) are blocked by default.
- 📱 Settings MIUI — The firmware may include a spam filter or a restriction on SMS.
- 🔧 Incorrect number format – some short numbers require the addition of a prefix (e.g, +7 for Russian services).
- 📡 Network problems – weak signal or errors in operator network registration.
- 🔒 Level ban SIM-Cards – corporate or child fares may restrict shipment SMS.
Before digging deeper, check out three key points:
- Make sure that the number is entered without spaces and special characters (e.g. 112, not 1-1-2 or +112).
- Try sending a text message from another phone – if it doesn’t work, the operator has a problem.
- Restart your smartphone – sometimes the error is associated with a temporary failure of the communication module.
Method 1: Checking Message Settings in MIUI
MIUI firmware has built-in SMS filtering tools that can block sending to short numbers to disable them:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap it on. ⋮ → Settings → Spam filter.
- Turn off the options: 🔄 «Filtering messages from unknown senders» 🚫 «Block messages from service numbers»
Sending SMS via IMS
If you have a third-party SMS application installed (like Google Messages or Textra), the problem may be that you have a problem. Try sending a message through the standard Messages app from Xiaomi.
Make sure the number is short (3-5 digits)
Disable spam filter in message settings
Try the standard "Messages" app
Reboot the phone-->
Method 2: Manually adding a country prefix
Some short numbers require the country code, even if you are on a home network. For example, in Russia, sending to 112 may require the format +7112.
How to check:
- Find out from your operator the correct short number format (on the website or through support).
- In the recipient field, enter a number with a prefix (e.g. +7911 instead of 911).
- If it doesn’t work, try alternatives: 📞 007112 (international format) 📞 *112# (USSD-request SMS)
| Country. | Short number. | The Right Format for SMS |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | 112 | +7112 or 112 |
| Ukraine | 102 | +380102 |
| Kazakhstan | 112 | +7112 or 8112 |
| Belarus | 101 | +375101 |
In 90% of cases, the correct formatting of the number is the solution. If the operator does not provide this information openly, contact support by the number indicated on the back. SIM-map.
Method 3: Change the type of network (2G/3G/4G)
Some short numbers only work on 2G networks (GSM). If your Xiaomi is connected to 4G or 5G, an SMS may not reach.
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose yours. SIM-map.
- Tap the network type and install only 2G.
- Try texting again.
Examples USSD-codes for popular operators:
| Operator. | Short SMS number | USSD-alternative |
|---|---|---|
| MTS | 1234 | *111# |
| Beeline | 54321 | *102# |
| MegaFon | 000100 | *105# |
| Tele2. | 611 | *155# |
Method 5: Reset your network settings (if nothing helps)
If all previous methods failed, the problem may lie in the wrong settings of the mobile network, resetting them back to factory values:
- Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Select Network Settings Reset (or Mobile Network Settings Reset).
- Confirm the action. The phone will reboot.
- After restarting, enter the PIN code. SIM-Maps and try to send them SMS again.
⚠️ Warning: This reset will remove all stored Wi-Fi networks and passwords, as well as Bluetooth settings.
If the reset didn't work, the problem could be the firmware or the hardware communication module.
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
- 🛠️ Contact Xiaomi Service Center for Communication Module Diagnostics.
What to do if your smartphone doesn’t see SIM-post-reset?
Features for different Xiaomi models
Some Xiaomi models have unique nuances when working with SMS:
- 📱 Redmi Note 10/11/12 — may require the activation of Enhanced Mode 4G (VoLTE) in settings SIM-cardage SMS.
- 📱 POCO F3/F4/F5 — The default firmware has disabled the spam filter for SMS, It can block short numbers due to a conflict with Google Messages.
For Android 13+ devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13T, Redmi K60) check the permissions for the Messages app:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Messages.
- Make sure that permissions are included: 📶 «SMS» 📞 «Phone» 📍 «Location" (for some service numbers)
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
We will analyze the specific errors that occur when sending SMS to short numbers, and how to correct them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No message sent. Try again. | A weak signal or a lock by the operator. | Switch to 2G or check your balance (some short numbers are paid). |
| Wrong room format. | A short number requires a country prefix. | Add +7 (for Russia) or another code before the number. |
| Service is unavailable. | The number is blocked by the operator or is not supported in your region. | Check with the operator the list of available short numbers. |
| Sending error: Code 64. | The problem is SIM-card-to-registration. | Restart your phone or reinstall it. SIM-map. |
If you see an error that is not in the table, take a picture of it and contact Xiaomi or your carrier to support you with:
- 📱 Phone models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G).
- 📶 Names of operator and region.
- 🔢 Accurate error text.
💡
If the short number starts with * or # (e.g. *100#), it is USSD-code, not SMS. It should not be sent as a message, but typed in the phone application and pressed "Call".