How to turn on SMS on Xiaomi smartphone: 5 working ways

You bought a new Xiaomi smartphone or stopped coming after the upgrade SMS, Are incoming messages delayed? The problem is often not the operator, but the device settings. In this article, we'll look at all the possible causes, which are the basic activation. SIM-maps before resetting network parameters – and give step-by-step instructions for Redmi models, POCO and Mi, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 others).

Feature of firmware MIUI Some functions (e.g. automatic configuration) APN) They may not work properly after flashing or resetting to factory settings, and we'll also tell you how to check if your phone is blocking. SMS because of antispam or duality SIM-What to do if messages come but don’t appear in the app.

1. Checking the basic settings SIM-map

Before digging deeper, make sure that SIM-The card is activated and configured correctly in the system, and users often forget that after installing a new card, SIM Resetting or resetting requires re-activation.

Open the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks. Here you'll see a list of installed SIM (If there are two, click on the one that should take SMS, and check:

• 📶 Cellular connection is on – the switch must be active.
• 📱 Type of network – if it is “only” 4G/5G», Some operators may be able to block SMS (pick up «4G/3G/2G»).
• 🔄 Automatic network selection – if disconnected, the phone may not connect to the desired cell.

If SIM-The card is not defined at all (written “No Service” or “Unknown Operator”), remove it, check it on another phone and, if necessary, contact the operator for a replacement.

2. set up APN for SMS (if messages don't arrive)

Incorrect APN settings (access points) are one of the main reasons why SMS does not reach, and in MIUI, these settings are sometimes reset after an update or change of operator.

To check the APN:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. If the list is empty or there is only one profile with an Internet type name, click Add APN.
3. Enter your operator settings (see table below). Save and restart your phone.

Important: SMS does not require a separate APN – it is enough that default or supl is indicated in the “APN Type” field. If messages do not come after setting up, try to delete all APNs and let the phone download them automatically (click “Reset to Default Values”).

3. Verification of the “Messages” annex

Sometimes the problem lies not in the network, but in the application itself for SMS. MIUI uses Messages (green bubble icon) by default, but its settings can be confused.

What to do:

• 🔍 Update the app via Google Play (if installed there).
• 📥 Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Communications → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔔 Check notifications: the “Show notifications” option should be enabled in the application settings».
• 🚫 Turn off spam blocking: in “Messages” go to Settings → Spam and block and make sure your number is not blacklisted.

If SMS still doesn’t show up after these actions, try an alternative application like Google Messages or Textra SMS. These often work more stable than the standard client.

Update the app in Google Play|

Clear cache and data (without deleting SMS) |

Check permissions (SMS, notifications) |

Turn off the spam filter |

Establish an alternative SMS-client-->

4. Dual SIM and SMS Priority

If your Xiaomi supports two of your SIM-maps, perhaps, SMS They come to another slot by default. MIUI It's set up separately!

How to change priority:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Click on Dual SIM Settings (or “Dual SIM”).
3. Select Priority for SMS and specify the SIM you want.
4. Save and restart the phone.

Also check if the 4G mode for SIM is enabled, which should receive messages – some operators (for example, MegaFon) in this case redirect SMS over the Internet, which can cause delays.

5. Reset network settings (if nothing helps)

If all previous steps failed, the last option is to reset network settings, which will remove all stored Wi-Fi, Bluetooth devices and mobile network settings, but often solves SMS problems.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Network Reset (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Warning: Once reset, you'll have to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords and configure your Bluetooth devices. SMS (For example, for a bank, temporarily disable it or save backup codes.

After the reboot, check if they are coming. SMS. If so, set it up. APN If not, the problem may be on the operator's side (see section 7).

Operator-side verification

If you've tried all the settings, but the SMS still doesn't reach, it could be the carrier's fault.

• 📞 Call support and ask to check the status of the service «SMS-"messages" on your number. Sometimes it turns off by mistake.
• 🔄 Re-register on the network: enter USSD-Team for your operator: MTS: *111*09# Beeline: *110*180# MegaFon: *505# Television2: *105#
• 📄 Check the balance - some operators are blocking SMS negative-balance.

If the operator confirms that everything is fine on their part, but SMS still does not come, there are two options:

1. Malfunction SIM-Cards – try to replace them in the operator’s cabin.
2. Software glitch in firmware – upgrade MIUI to the latest version or reset to factory settings (with data backup!).

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If SMS is late, try disabling the Smart Messenger feature in the Messages app settings, which sometimes conflicts with carrier services.

7.Additional causes and solutions

Less commonly, but there are other problems:

• 🔒 Antivirus Blocking: Some antiviruses (such as Avast or 360 Security) may block SMS As "suspicious." Check the security settings.
• 📲 Energy saving regime: in MIUI There is a “Background Limitation for Apps” feature that can interfere with work SMS-Turn it off in Settings. → Battery and productivity → Battery consumption management.
• 🔄 Conflict with other messengers: if you have WhatsApp, Viber or Telegram with the function SMS, They can intercept messages. Go to the settings of these apps and turn off integration with the app. SMS.

If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the problem may be in the wrong build. Try to check out the official MIUI or contact the 4PDA forum for help.

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90% of SMS problems on Xiaomi are solved by setting up an APN, changing SIM priority or resetting network settings, and only 10% of cases are due to the operator or hardware failure.

FAQ: Frequent questions about SMS on Xiaomi