How to enable SMS on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 working ways

You have bought a new smartphone Xiaomi – be it Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 The Mi 14, but suddenly they found that SMS-Are messages not coming or the sending function blocked?The problem is more common than it seems: the fault may be the wrong setup SIM-Maps, messaging, or even mobile carrier restrictions, in this article, we'll look at all the possible causes and give you step-by-step instructions on how to turn on the app. SMS on any Xiaomi device, including dual models SIM-cards and hybrid slots.

It is important to understand: the activation process SMS It's different from what you can do with messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram, and it's basically a function of the phone, which depends on three key components: SIM-maps, network settings and messaging apps, if at least one of them is not working properly — SMS They don't go or they don't get to the destination, and we're going to look at solutions for all scenarios, from simple choices. SIM-message-cards before manual editing APN.

Verification of baseline conditions: SIM-map

Before digging into the smartphone settings, make sure the problem is not on the operator side or the operator side. SIM-Here's the minimum checklist that'll save you time:

• 📱 SIM-Card active: insert it into another phone and check if they come SMS. If not, contact the operator (possibly the number is blocked or activation is required).
• 📶 There is a network: in the top notification bar should display the network icon (2G/3G/4G/5G). If instead of it, a “cross” or “exclamation point” is a problem with the coverage.
• 🔄 No restrictions: some rates (e.g., "Internet cards") do not support SMS. Check with the operator if the service is included.
• 🔌 Slot SIM If you have Xiaomi with a hybrid slot (SIM + microSD), try moving the card to another slot or removing the flash drive.

If all the points are fulfilled, but SMS It still doesn't work -- go to the phone settings. On Xiaomi models, you can use it. MIUI 14 and newer SMS Default is tied to the first slot SIM-map (SIM 1), even if you use the second card to make calls.

2. Choice. SIM-card SMS in Xiaomi settings

On two-device devices. SIM-With cards (and this is almost all modern Xiaomi) the system asks which card to use for the first time. SMS If that choice is not made or made incorrectly, the messages can go "nowhere:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Slip on the item SIM-card for SMS (on some firmware - SIM-card management → Messages).
3. Choose the right one. SIM-map from the list (e.g, SIM 1 (MTS)).
4. Save the changes and restart the phone.

Nana POCO Some Redmi paths may be slightly different: → Memory and SIM-map → Additionally. → SIM-map SMS. If there is no item, then your firmware does not support manual selection (solution - update). MIUI or use the method of the following section).

3. Set up the "Messages" app

The standard Messages app** (an envelope icon) on Xiaomi sometimes resets or conflicts with other messengers. Here's how to get it back to working:

• 📥 Update: Check for updates on Google Play → My apps. → Messages. Some models (e.g. Redmi) 10A) The application is updated through Settings → The phone. → Update of the PO.

If messages still don’t send after reset, try removing the app cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Messages and select Warehouse → Clear the cache.
3. Reboot the phone.

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If the messages are gone after cleaning the cache, don't panic! They are stored in the phone's memory and will recover after the reboot.

4. Manual setting of APN for SMS

APN (Access Point Name) is a bridge between your phone and the carrier's network. If the APN settings go wrong (for example, after resetting or updating MIUI), SMS may not work even if you have Internet.

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. If you have saved profiles, choose the one that corresponds to your operator (for example, Internet.mts.ru for MTS).
3. If there are no profiles, click Add APN and enter the data manually (see table below).
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

If you have manually entered the APN SMS does not work, check that the APN type field indicates default or default,supl. Without this option, some operators block sending messages.

5. Firmware problems and resetting settings

If none of these methods worked, it could be a firmware failure or a conflict of system files.

• 🔄 After a recent update MIUI (especially beta).
• 🛠️ With custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 📦 After resetting to factory settings without proper settings.

In such cases, soft reset or flashing will help:

1. Network Settings Reset: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Network Settings Reset This will delete all stored Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile settings, but will not affect files.
2. Update MIUI: Settings → About Phone → System Update Install the latest stable firmware version.
3. Manual firmware (for advanced): Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website and install via Fastboot or Recovery.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with unlocked bootloader and custom firmware, SMS They may not work because they don't have operator certificates, so go back to the official office. MIUI or install a module IMS via Magisk.

6. Alternative ways to send SMS

If standard methods do not work, and you need to send SMS urgently, use the workarounds:

• 🌐 Web versions of operators: MTS, Beeline and MegaFon have services for sending SMS via browser (for example, MTS Personal Account). log in and use the "Messages" section».
• 📱 Double Apps: Install Google Messages or Textra SMS They can bypass the locks of the standard Xiaomi app.
• 💬 USSD-Teams: Some operators support sending SMS through USSD. For example, on MegaFon you can send a message by command: *135# → Send. SMS → [number]→ [text]

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications for SMS (Like Pulse. SMS or QKSMS) Turn off battery optimization for them in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start, otherwise the messages may not reach.

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If SMS They don't just work on one. SIM-The card, and the other one's all right, it's not the phone that's the problem. APN or contact the operator for line diagnosis.

FAQ: Frequent questions about SMS on Xiaomi