How to send SMS from the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 8: all the ways and hidden features

Sending SMS to Xiaomi Redmi 8 seems like a simple task — until you face unexpected problems: the message does not go away, contacts are not displayed, or the Messages app suddenly stops working. Despite the fact that messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram have replaced classic SMS, they are still the only way to communicate in some situations: confirming banking transactions, receiving codes from services or communicating in areas without the Internet.

In this article, we’ll not only break down the basic steps of sending SMS to Redmi 8, but also reveal the hidden features of MIUI 12/13/14 that allow you to automate sending, save templates, or even send messages on a schedule.

1. Basic method: Sending SMS via a standard application

The standard Messages app (or Messages in English firmware) is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones. SMS, but RCS-Messages (if the operator provides this service) Here's how to send a regular message SMS:

1. Open the Messages app (the envelope icon on the desktop or in the application menu).
2. Click on the icon of writing a new message (pencil in the lower right corner).
3. In the Who field, enter the recipient's phone number in the format +7XXXXXXXXXX (for Russia or select a contact from the list.
4. Type the text in the box below. Note that the character limit in one SMS is 160 (Latin) or 70 (Cyrillic), and if the text is longer, it will break into several messages.
5. Press the Send button (arrow to right).

If the send button is inactive, check:

• 📶 Network availability: The status bar should display a cellular indicator (e.g, 4G or 3G).
• 🔄 Aircraft mode: if it is turned on, SMS Turn it off in the notification curtain.
• 💳 Account balance: some operators send SMS paid (e.g., the Tele2 or Yota).

2. Alternative SMS applications: when the standard is not suitable

Xiaomi’s Messages app isn’t always convenient: it can slow down, not support a dark topic, or not show notifications.

To install a third-party application:

1. Download it from the Play Market or official website (for example, APKMirror for Google Messages if you have firmware without GMS).
2. When you first start, provide permissions for SMS, Contacts and Phone.
3. In the application settings, select it as the default application for SMS (the system will prompt you to do this automatically).

⚠️ Note: If you use firmware without Google Mobile Services (such as Xiaomi.EU or LineageOS), Google Messages will not work. QKSMS.

3. Hidden MIUI functions for working with SMS

The MIUI firmware on Redmi 8 contains several useful but hidden messaging features that can be enabled through Settings or special codes:

• 📝 Message templates: Save frequently used texts (e.g., “I’m on the go” or “I’ll be back later”) in Settings → Communications → Templates.
• 🕒 Postponed shipment: In some versions MIUI we can schedule the shipment SMS To do this, hold the send button and a menu will appear with a date selection.
• 🔒 Folder Protection: Hide private messages in a secure folder (available in Settings) → Confidentiality → File protection).

Another useful feature is quick answers. If you receive an SMS, swipe the notification to the left and select one of the pre-prepared answers (configured in Settings → Notifications → Quick Answers).

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If you often receive SMS with confirmation codes (for example, from banks), enable Autocomplete OTP in the Messages application settings. The system will automatically copy the codes to the clipboard.

4. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even a well-functioning Redmi 8 can have problems sending SMS messages, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
2. Confirm action. The phone will reboot, and the network settings will return to factory settings.

⚠️ Note: Network reset will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords and mobile Internet settings. Write them down in advance or back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

5. Manual indication of the SMS center (SMSC)

If the SMS is not sent and the operator claims that everything is fine, the problem may be in the wrong message service center (SMSC).

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##4636## This will open the hidden test menu.
2. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the SMSC block. The current center will be displayed here (e.g. +79030009900 for MTS).
4. Click Update and enter a new SMSC (check it with the operator or on the official website).
5. Save the changes and restart the phone.

Current SMSC addresses for Russian operators (2026):

• 📡 MTS: +79030009900 or +79030009999
• 📡 Beeline: +79039009900
• 📡 MegaFon: +79260009900
• 📡 Tele2: +79500009900

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If you don’t send your messages after you change your SMSC, check if your antivirus or your app blocks them to save traffic (e.g., Xiaomi’s Security).

6. Sending SMS via computer or other phone

Sometimes it's more convenient to send SMS from your computer -- for example, if you're working on a PC or your phone is dead. There are a few ways to do this:

Method 1: Using the web version of Google Messages

If you use Google Messages as your primary SMS-attachment:

1. Open Google Messages on your phone and tap three-points (⋮) → Message devices.
2. Choose. QR-Scan the code from your computer screen (open it). messages.google.com/web).
3. You can now send and receive SMS directly in your browser.

Method 2: Through the AirDroid App

AirDroid allows you to control your phone from a PC, including sending SMS:

1. Install AirDroid on your phone and register.
2. Download the client for PC from the official website.
3. Connect your devices to a single Wi-Fi network and log in to your account. In the SMS menu, you can send messages.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party services for sending SMS (For example, AirDroid or Pushbullet, your messages may be transmitted through their servers, and avoid sending sensitive information (passwords, bank codes) in this way.

7.Security: How to Protect Your SMS from Reading by Third Parties

SMS often contains sensitive information, such as codes from banks, login data, or personal correspondence, and Redmi 8 has several ways to protect them:

• 🔐 Encryption of the application: In Settings → Annexes → Communications → Permissions can enable encrypting of application data (not available on all firmware).
• 👤 Hidden folders: Move important messages to a secure folder MIUI (see section 3).
• 📱 Blocking the application: Set a password to log in to Messages through Settings → Confidentiality → Application lockdown.
• 🗑️ Auto Cleaning: Set up automatic removal of old ones SMS over 30 days in Settings → Communications → Storage.

If you are concerned about data leakage via SMS (such as phishing messages from scammers), turn on spam filtering:

1. Open the messages. → ⋮ → Settings → Spam filter.
2. Activate the option to filter spam and add fraudster numbers to the blacklist.

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To check if an SMS is fake asking you to transfer money or enter a password, call the official bank number (indicated on the back of the card) and check if they sent you a message.

FAQ: Frequent questions about sending SMS Xiaomi Redmi 8