How to change the number of the SMS center to Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide

The problem with sending messages on Xiaomi smartphones is often taken by surprise, especially when the urgent notification is hung in the status of "Delivery". In most cases, the culprit is not the failure of the operator's network, but the wrong SMS address (SMSC) registered in the memory of the SIM card. This is the technical gateway through which all your text messages pass, and if its coordinates are shot down, the phone cannot physically transmit data to the operator.

Changing this setting on MIUI or HyperOS devices has its own peculiarities, as the standard settings menu often hides direct access to this data. Users have to resort to special engineering codes or third-party utilities to correct records. It is important to understand that each mobile operator uses its own unique number, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for all networks.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for changing the number of the message center, from simple settings in the menu to working with the engineering mode. You will learn where to find the current codes for Russian and foreign operators, and how to fix an error if the standard methods do not work. Incorrect SMSC number is the most common reason for blocking outgoing SMS messages when the network signal is fully present.

What is the SMS number and why change it

The message center number, or SMSC, is an address on the telephone network that routes your messages. When you send a text, it first goes not directly to the recipient, but to this server. The server checks the availability of the subscriber and, if the recipient's phone is turned off, stores the message until it appears on the network.

On Xiaomi devices, this number is usually written automatically when you first install it. SIM-However, in some cases, such as flashing, resetting or using foreign carrier cards, the automatic configuration may not work, resulting in the phone trying to send a message to the wrong address or not knowing where to send it.

The main reasons for manual number change:

  • πŸ“± Automatic configuration failure after system update MIUI.
  • πŸ”„ Replacement SIM-Cards to another operator without reloading.
  • βš™οΈ Use of the two SIM-maps where one of them incorrectly determines the center of the message.
  • 🌍 Roaming when the phone tries to use the home SMSC locally.

⚠️ Note: Before making changes, write down the current values of the numbers, which will allow you to quickly return everything as it was if the new parameter is not working.

Ignoring this setting can result in you not being able to receive confirmation codes from banks or services, which is critical for account security, so controlling this setting is an important part of a smart phone setup.

Where to find the current SMS number for your operator

Before you get into the phone settings, you need to know the correct address of the message center for your specific operator, which is unique for each region and company. In Russia, the main operators use the following standard numbers, which are relevant for most regions.

Below is a table with the main numbers of SMS centers for popular operators. Please note that the number format should start with the plus and country code.

Operator.SMS Center Number (SMSC)Input format
MTS+79168991000International
MegaFon+79262200500International
Beeline+79037000611International
Tele2+79222000611International
Yota+79037000611International

For regional operators or virtual networks (MVNOs) such as Tinkoff, SberMobile or MTS Line, numbers may match parent networks or differ. Accurate information can always be found on the operator's official website in the support section or by contacting technical support.

There is also a universal way to find out your current (and often correct) number directly from your phone. USSD-request or special application, which we will talk about below. If you use a foreign SIM card, look for information on the operator's website in the section "SMS settings".

πŸ’‘

Save your operator's SMS number in notes or take a screenshot, which will save time if settings fly back in the future.

Change the number through the standard settings menu Xiaomi

The easiest and safest way to change the message center address is to use the built-in MIUI shell interface. However, the path to this setting may vary depending on the version of Android and the smartphone model. In newer versions of the system, this item is sometimes hidden deep in the menu.

To start, open the standard Messages app, which is system on all Xiaomi phones. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen to open the menu, and select Settings. Next, look for the "Additional" or "Extended Settings" section.

In the list that opens, look for the item "Message Center" or "SMSC". If you have a two-sim smartphone, the system will offer to choose SIM-Select the desired slot, enter a new number in an international format (starting with the +) and press "OK" or "Save".

If the menu does not have a field to enter the number, it means that the Xiaomi developers have hidden this feature in your firmware version, in which case you need to move to the more advanced methods described below.

πŸ“Š Have you been able to find a field to enter the number in the settings menu?
I found it right away / I should have searched / No such item / I use another application

Using engineering code to modify SMSC

When the standard menu does not give access to the desired parameters, the Android engineering menu comes to the rescue. On Xiaomi smartphones, this is done through a set of special options. USSD-This method is more reliable because it addresses the communication module directly.

Open the call app and dial ##4636##. If the code is right for your model, the Test menu will open. Select Phone Information. If you have two SIM cards, choose the one that matches the SIM you want.

Scroll down to the "Settings" block. SMSC". The input field will display the current number in format HEX-To change it:

  1. Enter a new number in the international format (e.g. +79168991000).
  2. Click the β€œRefresh” button to see the current value in text form (if supported).
  3. Enter a new number in the field and click "Install" (Set).

⚠️ Be extremely careful in the engineering menu.Do not change other settings, such as the preferred type of network, if you are not sure of your actions, this can lead to loss of signal.

Once installed successfully, the system will give a notification "SMSC Update successful." Now you can log off the menu and check the SMS. If the code ##4636## does not work on your Xiaomi, it may be blocked by the operator or firmware version, and you will need to use third-party software.

β˜‘οΈ Check after number change

Done: 0 / 1

Application of third-party applications for SMS management

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools and engineering codes don’t work, you should use specialized applications from Google Play, which have the necessary permissions to work with the system settings of messages and often provide a more user-friendly interface.

One of the most popular and proven tools is the application. SMS Center (or analogues with a similar name, for example, SMSC Settings. It automatically reads the current message center number for each message you have installed. SIM-The card can be changed by one click.

The process of working with the application is as follows:

  • πŸ“² Download and install the application from the official store.
  • πŸ”“ Provide the necessary permissions to read and send SMS.
  • πŸ‘€ The app will show the current number SMSC for every SIM.
  • ✏️ Click on the number, enter the correct address of the center and save.

The advantage of these utilities is that they often have a database of operator numbers from different countries, which eliminates the need to search them manually, and they can work where the standard MIUI menu blocks access to settings.

Why can't the app work?
Some modern versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14) restrict access to third-party applications to the system settings of SMS, in this case, only root access or engineering menus will help.

Diagnostics of problems with delivery of messages

Once you change the messaging center number, it's important to make sure that the problem is solved. Sometimes even the right number doesn't guarantee instantaneous operation if there's a build-up of errors in the system. The first step should always be to reboot the device, which is the standard procedure for updating network settings.

If you don't send a text message, try sending it to your own number. It's the fastest way to diagnose it. If the message goes away and comes back, the network works correctly. It's also worth checking if you're trying to send a text message to a short number.

Possible reasons for the persistence of the problem:

  • ❌ Incorrect number format (no plus or country code).
  • 🚫 Blocking by the operator (debt, blocking of services).
  • πŸ“Ά A weak signal or switch between 2G/3G/4G.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Overflowing Message Memory (rarely, but happens on older models).

In rare cases, network resets help. Go to Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will not delete your personal data, but will return network settings to factory values, which can eliminate configuration conflicts.

πŸ’‘

After the shift SMSC and SMS reboots are not sent, the problem is most likely on the operator's side or in physical damage SIM-map.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can changing the number of the SMS center cost money?
No, the procedure for changing the phone's settings is completely free, but the messages you send are charged according to your data plan, and the change of settings does not affect the cost of communication services.
What to do if the field to enter the number is blocked (gray)?
That means that SIM-The card doesn't allow you to change this setting software, or the application doesn't have permission. SIM-You can insert it into another phone, change the number there, and then return it back to Xiaomi. SMS Center.
Will the message center number be reset after the phone is reset?
When completely reset to factory settings (Hard Reset), the phone will try to read the data from the SIM-If the SIM number is correct, it will be saved. If it is not, you will have to reconfigure it.
Does an incorrect SMSC affect the reception of messages?
The wrong message center number affects mainly the RETURN. However, if the message center cannot deliver the delivery report or if the network uses complex routing mechanisms, there may be problems with the incoming ones, but this is rare.
Is this true for Redmi and POCO smartphones?
Yes, all smartphones of the brands Redmi and POCO work on the basis of the shell MIUI or HyperOS, so the instructions for changing the number of the SMS center through the engineering menu or applications for them are fully relevant.