How to send SMS from Xiaomi smartphone: all ways and solutions to problems

Sending SMS on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected errors or unfamiliar features. Even experienced users sometimes get lost when the standard Messages app behaves differently from previous Android devices. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to send SMS to Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi flagship models, from basic to advanced, including solving typical problems.

The thing about MIUI is that it often hides useful features under a layer of customization, for example, not everyone knows that Xiaomi can send SMS via Google Messages with RCS support, or that in some regions, a spam filter is activated by default to block outgoing messages, and we will tell you how to get around these nuances and configure the sending so that messages reach quickly and without failure.

Method 1: Standard Application "Messages"

The basic method that works on all Xiaomi models – from the budget Redmi 12C to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. the Messages app is pre-installed in the system and supports both SMS and MMS. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Messages app** (an icon with a white bubble on a green background).
2. Click on the Write icon** (pencil in the lower right corner).
3. In the Who field, enter the recipient's phone number in the format +79XXXXXXXXX or 89XXXXXXXXX.
4. Enter the text in the field below. The limit is 160 characters for one SMS (70 characters when using Cyrillic).
5. Press the "Send" button** (arrow to the right).

If the send button is inactive, check:

• 📶 Network availability: the top panel should display a cellular indicator (e.g, 4G or 5G).
• 📵 In the Airplane Mode: If it is enabled, SMS Turn it off in the notification curtain.
• 🔒 Blocking numbers: go to Settings → Annexes → Communications → Spam and blocking and check if the recipient number is blocked.

Connection to mobile network |In-plane mode disabled |Number entered in correct format |No active number lock | Enough funds on account (for paid SMS)

-->

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. POCO F5), when you first start the Messages app, you may be asked to install the default SMS app. If you missed it, the system will prompt you to select the app each time you send it.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Messages → By default.
2. Click on “Clear Default Settings”** and confirm the selection.

Method 2: Sending via Google Messages (with RCS support)

If you use Xiaomi on pure Android (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro with global firmware), or just prefer the Google interface, you can send SMS via Google Messages. This application supports not only standard SMS, but also RCS - a modern protocol that allows you to send messages over the Internet (as in instant messengers), with confirmation of reading and high quality media files.

To set up Google Messages:

1. Download the app from Google Play (unless it is installed by default).
2. Open it and allow access to contacts and SMS.
3. When you first start the system will offer to make it the application for SMS by default – (agree).
4. To activate RCS, go to Settings → Chat Functions → Enable Chat Functions.

The benefits of Google Messages are:

• 🌍 RCS-Messages: working via Wi-Fi or mobile Internet, save money on roaming.
• 🔒 Encryption: Messages between Google Messages users are protected by end-to-end encryption.
• 📎 Convenient Media Management: Photos and Videos are sent in Original Quality.

But there are nuances:

• ⚠️ If the recipient is not activated RCS, The message will go away as normal. SMS (reading-less).
• ⚠️ In some regions (for example, China) RCS It may be limited due to local regulations.

Standard "Messages" |Google Messages | Other (write in the comments) | I don't send SMS

-->

Method 3: Sending SMS via Google Voice Assistant

If you need to send a message but your hands are busy (like driving), you can use the Google Assistant voice assistant, which works on all Xiaomi models with Google services installed (manual installation may be required on Chinese firmware).

Instructions:

1. Activate Google Assistant by saying “OK, Google” or holding the Home button (if it’s configured).

If the assistant does not recognize the contact:

• 📇 Make sure that the contact is saved in your Google Account, not just on your account. SIM-map.
• 🔊 Check if access to the contact is enabled and SMS for Google Assistant in the settings.

💡

To speed up the sending, add frequently used contacts to Favorites** in the Contacts app in advance.

Solving problems with sending SMS to Xiaomi

Even on new Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro+) users face errors when sending SMS. Let’s consider the most common and ways to fix them.

If none of these methods helped, reset your network settings:

1. Confirm action. Attention: this will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and passwords!

Sending SMS from PC via Xiaomi

Few people know, but Xiaomi lets you control SMS directly from your computer without having to pick up your phone.

1. via MIUI+ (for Windows):

• 🖥️ Install the app MIUI+ on PC from the official Xiaomi website.
• 📱 On your phone, turn on Settings. → Connected devices → MIUI+.
• 🔗 Connect devices to a single Wi-Fi network and scan QR-PC-screen.
• 💬 In the "Messages" section** on PC you can view and send SMS.

2. Through Google Messages for the Web:

• 🌐 Open it in your browser. messages.google.com/web.
• 📱 On your phone in the Google Messages app, click on three dots. → «Devices» → «QR-code».

Both methods require that the phone be connected to the Internet (via a mobile network or Wi-Fi), and if the connection is interrupted, the synchronization will cease.

💡

MIUI+ only works on Windows 10/11 and requires a Xiaomi account. Google Messages for Web is universal, but Google services are needed (can be limited to Chinese firmware).

Alternative applications for SMS

If the standard application "Messages" in MIUI You don't like it, you can install third-party alternatives.-3 tested:

To install a third-party application for SMS:

1. Download it from Google Play.
2. Open the app and allow access to SMS and contacts.
3. In the window that appears, select “Make the SMS application by default”**.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Truecaller) may block outbound applications SMS, If they have a spam filter activated, check the security settings before using them.

Features of sending SMS on Chinese firmware MIUI

If your Xiaomi is running on Chinese firmware (e.g. Xiaomi 14 for the domestic market), sending SMS may have limitations:

• 🚫 Lack of Google Services: Google Messages and other apps dependent on Google GMS, won't work.
• 📵 Blocking international SMS: By default, sending messages outside China may be prohibited.
• 🔢 Restriction on short numbers: SMS Service numbers (e.g. 112) may not be sent.

To unlock SMS sending on Chinese firmware:

1. Install an alternative firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu or global MIUI).
2. Use local Chinese SMS apps (e.g. Mi Message).
3. Activate roaming in the settings SIM-Cards, even if you are not abroad (sometimes this bypasses restrictions).

⚠️ Note: on Chinese firmware without root rights, it is impossible to completely disable the built-in spam filter. SMS not sent, try entering the recipient number in an international format (e.g, +79XXXXXXXXX instead 89XXXXXXXXX).

FAQ: Frequent questions about sending SMS to Xiaomi