Paid SMS on Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure in 5 minutes

Paid SMS-Messages on Xiaomi smartphones is a topic that causes a lot of questions for users. Despite the popular belief that “everything should work out of the box,” many people face a situation where sending paid messages (for example, to pay for services, activate bank cards or confirm transactions) is blocked by the system. MIUI, and the limitations of the mobile operator.

In this article, we will look at all possible ways to enable paid SMS on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from basic settings to hidden developer settings. We will focus on typical errors (for example, a message is not sent. Error code: 38) and how to fix them. If you tried to send a paid SMS but received a notification about blocking, this guide will help you understand the problem and solve it without going to the service center.

Important: The procedure may differ depending on the version MIUI (12/13/14) We cover the latest versions of firmware. 2023–2026 If your device is running on an outdated version (for example, MIUI 11 or below), some menu items may not be available, in which case we recommend first updating the system through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Why are paid SMS not sent to Xiaomi?

Before we get to the settings, let's look at the reasons for the lock, and 90 percent of the time, it's one of three things that causes the problem:

• 🔒 Operator restrictions: MTS, Beeline, Tele2 and MegaFon block paid ones by default SMS new SIM-Cards (especially virtual eSIMs) are a fraud protection measure.
• 📱 Settings MIUI: Xiaomi has a hidden Block Premium option SMS, which can be activated by default.
• 🛡️ Third-party applications: Antiviruses (such as Avast or Dr.Web) and managers SMS (Like Truecaller, sometimes they block outgoing messages to short numbers.

Less often, the problem lies in the incorrect APN-Settings or conflicts with Google Play services, such as if you use Google Messages as an app for the use of Google Play. SMS By default, it can automatically filter messages to short numbers (e.g. 1234 or 7777).

⚠️ Note: If you are trying to send a fee SMS to confirm a banking transaction (for example, in Sberbank Online or Tinkoff), but you get an error, first check the account balance. Some operators block the sending when the balance is negative, even if the amount of the write-off is covered by the funds in the account.

Method 1: Unlock paid SMS via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. It works on most models (Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13) and does not require root rights.

1. Open the Messages app (the envelope icon on the desktop).
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Additional or Advanced Settings (the name may be different).
4. Find the option Block paid SMS (or Premium SMS control in English firmware) and disable it.
5. Save the changes and restart the smartphone.

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

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Messages app and tap it.
3. Select Permissions → SMS → Enable Paid Messages.

Check the balance. SIM-Cards (should be positive)

Make sure that SIM-The card is activated (not new)

Disable VPN or proxy (they can block SMS)

Close all third-party messengers (WhatsApp, Viber)-->

Method 2: Configure APN to send SMS correctly

Wrong. APN-Access Point Name can block paid messages, which is true if you've recently changed operator or manually edited network settings. APN:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM-map] → Access points (APN).
2. If there are several profiles, choose the one that matches your operator (for example, Internet.mts.ru for MTS).
3. Make sure that the APN type field indicates default,mms,supl. If not, add manually.
4. Save the changes and restart the phone.

Some carriers (such as Tele2) may require an additional setting. If standard settings don't help, create a new APN with these settings:

⚠️ Note: If you are using a virtual SIM-eSIM card, standard APN-In this case, contact the operator for individual parameters. For example, MTS for eSIM requires you to specify mmsc and mmsproxy manually.

Method 3: Unlock through the Engineering Menu (for advanced)

If standard methods fail, you can try activating paid SMS via the Engineering Mode, which is suitable for devices on MIUI 12-14 and requires caution – incorrect actions can disrupt the network.

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the SMSC (SMS Center) block.
4. Make sure the field is not empty. If so, enter the number. SMS-center of your operator: 📶 MTS: +79167000000 📶 Beeline: +79030009000 📶 MegaFon: +79260000000 📶 Tele2: +79509990000

Update

Critical detail: If the SMSC field is empty or contains an incorrect number, all outgoing SMS (including paid ones) will be blocked at the modem level. This parameter is reset when you update the firmware, so check it again after the MIUI update.

Method 4: Use of third-party SMS-applications

If the built-in Messages app from Xiaomi stubbornly blocks paid SMS, you can temporarily switch to alternative software.

• 🔓 Textra SMS — has built-in settings to bypass operator restrictions.

To use a third-party application:

1. Download it from Google Play (like Google Messages).
2. Open Settings → Applications → By default → Application for SMS.
3. Select the installed application (e.g. Messages).
4. Try sending a paid SMS through a new app.

⚠️ Note: Some banks (e.g. VTB or Alfa-Bank) may block transaction confirmation if SMS It does not send through the standard app, in which case, temporarily return to your native Message from Xiaomi.

💡

If you send paid SMS frequently (for example, to work with cryptocurrency exchanges), create a separate profile in the Pulse SMS application with restrictions disabled.

Method 5: Contacting a mobile operator

If all of the above methods fail, the problem may be on the operator's side.

1. Call for support of your operator: 📞 MTS: 0890 (free of charge) 📞 Beeline: 0611 (free of charge) 📞 MegaFon: 0500 (free) 📞 Tele2: 611 (free of charge)
2. Tell them you want to unlock the sending of paid SMS. You may need to confirm your identity (passport details or code word).
3. If you don't want to call, send it. USSD-request: For MTS: *111*777# For Beeline: *110*09# For MegaFon: *105*00#

The operator may ask you to send an SMS with the text of the Block to a short number (for example, 1234), after which the restrictions will be removed within 1-2 hours, check with support whether you need to restart the phone.

For corporate clients (for example, if SIM-The unlocking can take up to 24 hours, in which case, ask the operator's manager to send a request to the technical service.

💡

If the operator refuses to unlock the paid SMS, Make sure yours is yours. SIM-The card is not tied to a tariff with restrictions (for example, children's or corporate), in which case only a replacement will help. SIM standard.

Solving common errors when sending paid SMS

Even after unlocking, you may encounter errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If you see an error, a message is blocked by a security policy, it means that the phone has activated child mode or parental control.

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Family Security.
2. Turn off the SMS Limitation option.
3. If you request a password, enter PIN-code from the Mi Account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about paid SMS on Xiaomi