How to Allow SMS to Be Sent to Short Numbers on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face a problem: when trying to send an SMS to a short number (for example, 900, 112 or 1234), the system emits an error “Message not sent” or “Number not available” The reason lies in the MIUI security policy, which by default blocks sending SMS to service numbers to protect users from fraud and spam. However, in some cases – for example, to confirm banking transactions, activate operator services or emergency calls – this feature becomes critically necessary.

In this article, we will discuss all ways to unlock the sending SMS short numbers, including system settings, third-party crawling applications and technical solutions for different versions MIUI. We'll also find out why mobile operators and smartphone manufacturers are imposing such restrictions, and how this has to do with user safety. SMS Type 5556 (for balance check) or 0000 (for balance check) USSD-requests) and were refused - this instruction will help to return the functionality.

Why Xiaomi is blocking SMS sending to short numbers

The main reason for blocking is protection against fraudulent schemes that often use short numbers to send paid subscriptions or phishing, and MIUI has a filtering system that automatically detects suspicious numbers and prohibits sending messages to them.

• 📱 Operator service numbers (e.g. 5556 for MegaFon, 111 for MTS).
• 🚨 Emergency numbers (type 112) if not supported by your operator.
• 💳 Bank numbers for confirmation of payments (for example, 900 for Sberbank).
• 📊 USSD-teams that disguise themselves as SMS (e.g. *100#).

In addition, some regions (e.g. the EU and Russia) have legal restrictions on sending SMS to short numbers without user confirmation, and Xiaomi has implemented these rules at the firmware level to avoid fines and regulatory problems, but for legitimate purposes such as confirming identity at a bank or activating a SIM card, blocking becomes an inconvenience.

⚠️ Note: If you are trying to send SMS Short Number to Activate a Fraudulent Service (e.g. Subscription for 300 Content)₽/day, system MIUI You can lock the number permanently, and before you unlock it, make sure the number belongs to a trusted source.

Method 1: Resolution through MIUI settings (official method)

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI settings. It works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices with the MIUI firmware version 12 and later.

1. Open the Messages app (the envelope icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Additional or Security and Privacy (name depends on MIUI version).
4. Find Spam Filtering or Message Blocking.
5. Turn off the option to Block messages to short numbers or add the desired number to the White list.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Messages → Permissions → SMS → Allow sending to all numbers

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)

Update the Messages app in Google Play

Make sure that SIM-The card is active and supports SMS

Restart your phone before changing your settings-->

Some devices (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) may require permission for system applications.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points (menu) → Special Access.
2. Select SMS Send and enable permission for the Messages application.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI Global and MIUI Europe may not have some settings. If you use custom firmware (like Pixel Experience), this method may not work – you will need to manually edit the system files.

Method 2: Use of third-party SMS-messenger

If the standard Message application refuses to send SMS to short numbers, you can use alternative messengers.

• 📲 Google Messages, the official app from Google, often bypasses restrictions MIUI.
• 🔄 Textra SMS — Supports manual addition of short numbers in exceptions.
• 🛡️ Pulse SMS — has advanced security settings, including bypassing locks.
• 📱 QKSMS — Open source code allows you to send SMS any number without restriction.

Instructions for Google Messages:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open Google Messages and click on three points → Settings → More.
3. Select SMS by default and confirm the change of the application.
4. Try sending an SMS to a short number – in most cases, the lock will be removed.

If that doesn’t work, try sending it. USSD-request SMS. For example, instead of sending a message to 5556 with the text “BALANCE”, type in the dialer:

*100#

This will work for most operators (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon).

Standard “Messages"|Google Messages|Textra SMS|Pulse SMS|Other-->

Method 3: Editing system files (for advanced users)

If previous methods have failed, you can manually edit the system files responsible for blocking SMS. This method requires root rights or an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for users familiar with ADB and Magisk.

In MIUI, the file /system/etc/spn-conf.xml or settings in /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db are responsible for blocking short numbers.

1. Get root access (for example, through Magisk).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
3. Go to /system/etc/ and find the spn-conf.xml file.
4. Open the file in the text editor and find lines with blockedShortNumbers.
5. Delete or comment (<!--... -->) Numbers that need to be unlocked.
6. Save the file, set the rights to 644 (r-w-r--r---) and restart the device.

An alternative method is to use ADB to change telephony settings:

adb shell settings put global sms_short_code_confirmation 0

This command disables the confirmation request when sending SMS to short numbers.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can result in loss of communication or a cyclical reboot of the device.Before making changes, back up via TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

Method 4: Bypassing USSD-codes and alternative methods

If sending SMS to a short number is blocked, but the functionality is urgently needed (for example, to confirm payment), you can use alternative methods:

For banking operations (for example, confirmation of payment in Sberbank or Tinkoff), instead of SMS, you can:

• 📱 Use push notifications in the bank’s mobile application.
• 🔐 Connect biometric authorization (fingerprint or Face) ID).
• 📧 Request confirmation code by email.

On some Xiaomi models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50), short-number SMS locking is linked to regional firmware settings. If you are using the global version of MIUI on a device designed for China, you may need to flash it to the European or Russian version.

Method 5: Reset network settings and re-register SIM-map

Sometimes lockdown SMS Short numbers are associated with incorrect registration SIM-- The card's on the operator's network:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map and click Reset Network settings.
3. Reset the device.
4. After insertion, enter USSD-Sign-up check code: *#004# (Call Forwarding status should be displayed).
5. Try sending an SMS to the short number again.

If the reset does not help, perform a forced re-registration in the network:

→ SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → [Your SIM] → Network Type → Select "Only 4G (LTE)" → Wait 30 seconds → Return to Auto"

On some operators (e.g. Yota or Tinkoff Mobile), short numbers can be locked at the level of the mobile phone. SIM-- The cards:

• 📞 Call the operator and request unlocking SMS service numbers.
• 🔄 Try inserting. SIM-card to another phone (not Xiaomi) and send it to another phone SMS from.
• 🆔 Make sure there is enough money in the account – some operators block service SMS negative-balance.

💡

If you frequently send SMS to short numbers, create a shortcut on the home screen: add the shortcut widget → select Messages → specify the number and text. This will save time when resending.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock SMS to short numbers, users often make mistakes that lead to even bigger problems.

Another common problem is application conflict, if you have:

• 🛡️ Antiviruses (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) – they can block the sending SMS.
• 🔒 Permission Managers (like App Ops) – check if the rights for the Messages application are limited.
• 📱 Duplicate SMS-Messengers – Leave only one application by default.

If after all the manipulations of SMS on short numbers still not sent, check:

• 📶 Network signal level – with a weak signal SMS may not reach.
• 📵 Flight mode – sometimes it is activated automatically.
• 🔋 Battery savings – it can limit the background operation of the app.

💡

Before any changes to your communication settings, make sure your SIM-For this, call 0880 (for Beeline) or 0500 (for MTS) - if the call does not pass, the problem is on the operator's side, not the phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions