MI RCS Xiaomi: What is the technology, how to turn it on and why it is better SMS

If you are the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone and noticed a mysterious item in the message settings MI RCS, But you don't understand what it is, why it is necessary, you're not alone. It's slowly replacing the old. SMS, But many users still don't know what it's like, and in this article, we'll go into detail. RCS (Rich Communication Services in Xiaomi’s ecosystem as it runs on Redmi smartphones, POCO And Mi, and why should it be turned on today.

Technology RCS — It's an evolutionary step in text messaging that adds features that are familiar to messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram), but works through the standard Messages app. MI RCS It's available on most modern devices, but you have to manually activate it, or you keep using the older ones. SMS without notifications of reading, reactions and transfer of files in high quality.

In this article you will learn:

• 🔹 What is it? RCS And how better. SMS/MMS
• 📱 On which smartphones Xiaomi is supported MI RCS (model)
• ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions for inclusion and configuration
• 🚀 Hidden features that 90% of users don’t know about
• ❌ Typical problems and how to solve them (no messages, no notifications, etc.)
• 🔒 Security and privacy: does it encrypt? RCS your messages?

1. What is it? MI RCS Xiaomi: In simple words

RCS (Rich Communication Services is a messaging protocol that has replaced SMS and MMS. Previously, text messages were limited to 160 characters, poor image quality and no delivery statuses. RCS add:

• 📸 Transfer of files in high quality (photos, videos, documents without compression)
• ✅ Reading notices and statuses “prints..."
• 👍 Reactions to messages (as in messengers)
• 🔄 Group chats with history and the ability to add/delete members
• 🔒 Encryption (in some implementations, but not always)

Xiaomi is calling this technology MI RCS and integrated into the standard Messages application (starting with MIUI 12) The main advantage over instant messengers like WhatsApp — RCS It works by phone number, it doesn't require registration or installation of additional applications, so you can communicate with any subscriber who also has it on. RCS, regardless of the smartphone model (even if it has a Samsung or Google Pixel).

But there's a nuance: RCS It only works between users who have this protocol activated. SMS, The function depends on the operator – not all providers in Russia and the CIS support it (more about this in the section on setting up the service).

2. on which smartphones Xiaomi has support MI RCS

MI RCS Available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and newer, but there are exceptions. Here's the current list of supported devices (as of 2026):

⚠️ Note: If your model is on the list, but features RCS No settings, update your firmware to the latest version. In rare cases, you may need to reset your Messages app settings (see the Problem Solving section).

Check if your smartphone supports you. MI RCS:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Settings.
3. If there is a function item RCS or MI RCS — your device is compatible.

On older models (such as the Redmi 8 or Mi 9), the feature may be missing due to hardware limitations, in which case the alternative is to use instant messengers or try third-party apps with support. RCS (For example, Google Messages, but with reservations, see the next section).

3. How to turn on and configure MI RCS Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Activation. MI RCS It takes less than a minute, but there are a few nuances worth knowing:

Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile internet (3G/4G/5G)

Update the Messages app to the latest version on Google Play

Make sure you have it installed. SIM-map (RCS number-bound)

Check the balance (some operators are blocking the balance) RCS negative-balance)-->

Step 1. Open the Messages app → press three points (⋮) → Settings.

Step 2. Select Functions RCS (or MI RCS older MIUI).

Step 3. Click Enable and confirm your phone number (will come) SMS coded).

Step 4. Wait for activation (may take up to 5 minutes) After the tick appears next to Status: Connected - all set!

⚠️ Attention: If, after activation, RCS stopped coming SMS (For example, from banks, check operator settings. Some providers (for example, Tele2) require additional activation of the service "RCS-"Messages" in the personal account.

After activation, you will be able to:

• 📘 Seeing when the interviewer typed the answer (as in Viber).
• 📎 Send photos and videos in original quality (without compression up to 1 MB as in the MMS).
• 👥 Create group chats with message history.
• ✅ Receive reading notifications (if the interlocutor is also enabled) RCS).

If something goes wrong after turning on (for example, messages are not sent), see the problem solving section.

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To speed up activation RCS, Restart your smartphone after the feature is turned on. Also make sure that the settings are in place. SIM-maps (Settings) → SIM-Maps and mobile networks are selected with the correct network (not "Only" 2G").

4. Hidden functions MI RCS, which few know

Most users use the majority of MI RCS only for sending messages and photos, but it has a few "chips" that make communication more convenient:

• 🔍 Messages can be searched in the app not only by text but also by type of attachments (e.g., find all sent videos).
• 📅 Reminders in chats: Keep your finger on the message → Select Reminder to receive notification later.
• 🔄 Answers to specific messages: In group chat, you can respond to a separate message (like in Telegram) by clicking on it and selecting Answer.
• 🎨 Changing the color of the chat: In some versions MIUI You can change the subject of correspondence (for example, make a dark background for night mode).

Another useful feature is sending messages between chat rooms, for example, you can move an important message from the chat room. SMS-dialogue RCS-chat or vice versa:

1. Keep your finger on the message. → Send it over.
2. Choose a recipient (even if they don’t have one). RCS, The message will go away SMS).

Important: Some features may differ depending on the version MIUI And the telecom operator, for example, MTS and Beeline have their own implementations. RCS with additional features (for example, sending geolocation directly in chat).

5. Problems with MI RCS: Why it doesn’t work and how to fix it

Despite the obvious advantages, MI RCS Sometimes it fails. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI quit RCS, Reset the Messages application settings (Settings) → Annexes → Communications → Warehouse → Reset.This will delete chat history, so make a backup beforehand!

If nothing helps, try:

1. Delete the Messages app cache.
2. Reinstall updates for it in Google Play.
3. Call the operator and check if he supports RCS for your rate.

Alternative applications with support can be used as a last resort. RCS, Google Messages, but note that some features may not work. MI RCS (For example, synchronization with the cloud Xiaomi).

6.Security and privacy: does it encrypt MI RCS message?

One of the most frequent questions about RCS — How secure is it to communicate through this protocol:

• 🔐 Encryption between Xiaomi users: if both interlocutors use Xiaomi smartphones with the help of the smartphone MI RCS, messages encrypted by protocol TLS (like HTTPS). However, it is not end-to-end encryption (like Signal or WhatsApp), so in theory, the operator or Xiaomi can access the correspondence.
• 📡 Encryption between different brands: If you are communicating with a Samsung or Google Pixel user, encryption depends on implementation RCS For example, Google Messages uses end-to-end encryption only in beta.
• 🕵️ Method: Even if the text of the message is encrypted, the operator can see when and to whom you write (as in the case of the case of the Internet). SMS).

Conclusion: MI RCS safe SMS, But it's inferior to specialized messengers like Telegram Secret Chat or Signal. If you care about privacy, use it. RCS only for non-critical correspondence.

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For maximum security, turn off in the settings RCS Send Read Notices and do not share confidential information (passwords, card data) through this protocol.

To check if your messages are encrypted:

1. Open a chat with a person who is also on RCS.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Details.
3. If you have a sign that says Protected chat or icon 🔒 — encryption.

7. The future RCS: What is the technology in Xiaomi and not only

Technology RCS It's growing fast, and Xiaomi is keeping up with the trend. MI RCS near-future:

• 🌍 Global adoption: Most operators in the world plan to support global adoption by 2026 RCS, What makes it a universal replacement? SMS.
• 💬 Integration with AI: In the new versions MIUI It will be possible to use AI to generate answers directly in chat (like Google Messages).
• 🔄 End-to-end encryption by default: Xiaomi tests full encryption for everyone RCS-Messages, but so far this is only available in beta versions of the firmware.
• 🎮 Mini-applications in chat: Similar to WeChat, in RCS built-in services will appear (payment of bills, taxi order, etc.).

For Xiaomi users, this means that MI RCS It will be even more convenient and functional, and China is already testing the ability to send high-quality voice messages and video calls directly from chat (without going to Zoom or WhatsApp).

However, there are risks: with increasing popularity RCS The number of spam messages may increase (as it is easier for scammers to send rich media messages). Xiaomi promises to introduce improved spam filters, but their effectiveness is still in question.

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If you often communicate with others through RCS, keep up with updates MIUI — New features (e.g., editing sent messages) first appear in beta versions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MI RCS Xiaomi