How to Unblock SMS Sending to Short Numbers on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi smartphone users often face a problem: when trying to send SMS to short numbers (for example, 900, 112, 5556 or banking services), the system will give an error “Message not sent” or “Number not available”, the reason is the MIUI security policy, which by default blocks sending to numbers shorter than 5-6 characters, this measure is designed to protect against fraud, but creates inconvenience when working with legitimate services.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to bypass locks, from standard MIUI settings to manual editing of system files (for advanced users), and find out why mobile operators sometimes restrict such SMS and how this is related to APN settings. If you use Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 or another model on MIUI 13/14, the instructions below will be suitable for all versions of the firmware.

Before you start settings, make sure that the problem is not on the operator’s side. Try sending an SMS from another phone (not Xiaomi) to the same short number. If the message goes away, then the lock is definitely related to MIUI.

Why does Xiaomi block SMS for short numbers?

The manufacturer imposes this restriction for three key reasons:

• 🛡️ Protection from SMS-Fraud: Short numbers are often used to send spam and phishing attacks.
• 📡 Compatibility with operators: some mobile networks (e.g, Tele2 Yota – limit sending to certain short numbers.
• 🔄 Conflicts with system services: in MIUI Short numbers can overlap with internal commands (e.g. #4636## for testing).

Interestingly, in China (Xiaomi’s home market), there are no such restrictions, where short numbers are actively used for public services, and in global versions of MIUI, the lock appears due to adaptation to European and Russian security standards.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the problem may be due to incorrect settings. RIL (Radio Interface Layer, in which case only the flashing on the official will help. MIUI.

To see if MIUI is blocking the shipment, check the error log:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter #4636## (the hidden test menu will open).
3. Go to the Phone Information tab and find the Log RIL section.
4. Try sending it. SMS to the short number and see if a type error appears ERROR_CauseCode=34 (lock-in).

Method 1: Resolution through MIUI settings (official method)

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for most users and do not require root rights.

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the section Additional → SMS settings.
4. Find the option to Allow Submission to Short Numbers (in some versions of MIUI, it may be called Send to Service Numbers).
5. Activate the switch and restart the phone.

If you don’t have this option, try an alternative route:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Messages app and open its settings.
3. Select Permissions → SMS.
4. Make sure all permissions are enabled, including SMSing to paid numbers.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for POCO F5) In this case, resetting the application Messages to factory: Settings → Annexes → Communications → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Update the Messages app on Google Play

Make sure that SIM-The card is active and catches the network

Make a backup copy. SMS (Settings → Communications → Backup)-->

Method 2: Change your APN settings (for power users)

If the standard method does not work, the problem may lie in the incorrect settings of the access point (APN). Mobile operators sometimes restrict shipments SMS Short numbers through certain numbers APN-profiles.

To change the settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Name of the access point (APN).
2. Choose yours. SIM-map and tap on the current profile APN.
3. Check the following parameters (if not, add manually): APN type: must be default,supl,mms (if not mms, add). MMSC: MMSC address of your operator (for example, for MTS - http://mmsc.mts.ru). MMSC port: usually 8080.

Save the changes and restart the phone.

If, after the change, SMS They don’t go anywhere, try to create a new one. APN-Sometimes old profiles contain hidden limitations.

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Before changing the APN, write down your current settings on paper or take a screenshot to help restore them if the connection goes missing.

Method 3: Use of third-party SMS-messenger

If MIUI system settings don't allow you to send SMS, you can use alternative applications. Some messengers bypass firmware restrictions by sending messages through their own servers.

Best options:

• 📱 Google Messages: Google’s official app, often works where standard apps are used. MIUI Messages block sending. Download to Play Market.
• 🔄 Textra SMS: Supports sending to short numbers and has flexible settings. Suitable for Xiaomi on Android 11+.
• 🛡️ Pulse SMS: send out SMS via the web interface, which is useful if the blocking is associated with SIM-card.

To set up a third-party messenger:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. When you first start, allow access to SMS and contacts.
3. In the application settings, find the Submission section SMS and enable the option to use the system SMS-centre (if any).
4. Try sending a test message to a short number.

⚠️ Note: Some operators (e.g. Yota) are blocking SMS If the message does not leave, check whether the operator does not require the use of a standard SMS-client.

Important: Google Messages may not work on Xiaomi smartphones with Chinese firmware (China ROM), as it does not have Google services, in which case you will need firmware for the global version of MIUI.

Method 4: Editing system files (root required)

If previous methods didn't work, the radical way is manual editing of system files, which is only suitable for users with root rights and backup data.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Cross the path. /system/etc/ and find the file gsm.modem.ril.config (or ril_config.xml newer MIUI).
3. Open the file in the text editor and find the line: <item name="SmsShortCodeRestriction">1</item> Replace 1 by 0.
4. Save the file, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the phone.

Alternative method (for MIUI 13/14):

1. Download the Magisk module called Disable SMS Short Code Restriction from the Magisk Modules repository.
2. Install the module via Magisk Manager and restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to network loss or cyclical reboot.Before changes, create a full backup through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

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Editing system files is the last resort, and standard settings help 90% of the time. MIUI shift SMS-messenger.

Method 5: Bypassing USSD-teams (for banking services)

If you need to send it SMS For a short bank number (for example, 900 for Sberbank or 5556 for Tinkoff), you can use the bank. USSD-Many banks duplicate functions. SMS through USSD, which allows you to bypass the lock MIUI.

Examples USSD-team:

• 🏦 Sberbank: *900# - balance check, *5555# - phone number translation.
• 💳 Tinkoff: *5556# - map management.
• 📱 MTS: *111# - access to the personal account.

To use the USSD:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter. USSD-command (e.g. *900#) and press the call button.
3. Follow the instructions in the menu that opens.

Advantage: does not require changes in the settings of the phone and works even when blocked SMS. Disadvantage – not all services support USSD-alternatives.

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If USSD-The team is not working, try adding it before *100# (for example, *100*900#). This helps to bypass the limitations of some operators.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be related to:

• 📵 Operator lock: some tariffs (for example, "For tablet" at MegaFon) do not support sending SMS Solution: change the rate or SIM-map.
• 🔒 Hardware malfunction: if the phone does not send SMS Even with normal numbers, check the module. IMEI (Enter *#06# if you IMEI No, no, no repairs required).
• 🛠️ Unofficial firmware: custom assemblies MIUI (e.g. xiaomi.eu) may contain bugs in the module RIL. Solution: Return to the official firmware.

Extreme measures:

1. Factory reset: Sometimes helps if the lock is associated with corrupted system files. Settings → About phone → Reset settings.
2. Appeal for Xiaomi: if the warranty is valid, describe the problem through the official website. MIUI operator.

If you use Xiaomi with two SIM-by cards, try sending SMS other SIM — Sometimes the restrictions only apply to the main card.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking SMS on Xiaomi