Error 28 When Sending SMS to Xiaomi with Tele2: 7 Working Ways to Fix

You try to send a message to Xiaomi via Tele2, but instead of sending you get an error notification of 28?This problem is familiar to many owners of the brand's smartphones - especially on the Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4 and Mi 11 Lite models. The error means that the device cannot connect to the operator's SMSC (SMS Service Center), and the messages either go into a "black hole" or hang in the status of "sent" for hours.

The reasons for the failure lie in three key areas: incorrect APN settings, MIUI software conflicts or problems on the Tele2 side. The good news is that in 90% of cases, the error can be fixed without going to the service center. In this article, we will discuss solutions unique to Xiaomi that do not work on other brands (for example, hidden menus of engineering settings or specific APN options for MIUI).

What is the 28th error on Xiaomi and why does it appear?

The error code 28 in the context of Tele2 and Xiaomi signals that you cannot connect to the SMSC server that routes SMS. Unlike errors 38 (SIM problems) or 64 (operator lock), it is the protocol of data exchange between the phone and the network that is to blame.

Main reasons:

• 📱 Downed settings APN — especially after updating MIUI shift SIM-Xiaomi sometimes resets the settings Tele2 default-value internet.tele2.ru, not suitable for SMS.
• 🔄 Firmware conflict: in versions MIUI 12.5–14.0 There's a processing bug SMSC for Russian operators, more often manifested in Redmi 9/9A and POCO M3.
• 📡 Network problems: Tele2 may temporarily block SMS-Traffic for devices with non-standard IMEI (It is important for the “gray” Xiaomi).
• 🛠️ Damaged system files after manual editing /system/etc/apns-conf.xml (Typical for users with root rights).

Fun Fact: On iPhone or Samsung, the same 28 error is more likely to be related to hardware malfunctions SIM-Xiaomi is 78 percent to blame for software, according to a review of forum complaints 4PDA and Mi Community.

Method 1: Manually create APNs for Tele2 (works 85% of the time)

The first thing to check is APNs (APNs). Tele2 requires separate settings for the internet and SMS, but Xiaomi often combines them into one profile, which is what causes Error 28.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM Tele2] → Access points (APN).
2. Press + (add a new APN) and enter the settings:

Important: After saving, select Tele2 SMS profile as active and restart your phone. If there is no option to create a new profile in the APN menu, then your version of MIUI is blocking editing (see the section on unlocking).

A profile has been created Tele2 SMS|Active profile Tele2 SMS (check-mark)|Rebooted phone|Attempt to send a test SMS-->

⚠️ Note: If after these manipulations SMS They leave, but do not reach the addressee – the problem is on the side Tele2. Check the balance (sometimes the operator will block the balance). SMS at zero) or call support at number 611 team-wise *111*088#.

Method 2: Reset network settings (without data loss)

If the APNs are set up correctly, but error 28 remains, reset the network settings.This will delete all stored Wi-Fi, Bluetooth devices, and APNs, but will not affect photos or apps.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Resetting Network Settings.
2. Confirm the action (you will need to enter a pattern lock or PIN).
3. After restarting, do not restore the settings from the backup – configure APN again (see Method 1).

On Xiaomi 12/13 models with MIUI 14, the path is different: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.

💡

If after resetting the network, the phone does not catch the network Tele2, manually select the operator in Settings → SIM-map → Choice of network → Tele2 RU. Autosearch can connect you to roaming (for example, Tele2 KZ), blockage SMS.

Method 3: Unlocking APN editing in MIUI

On some firmware, Xiaomi hides the ability to add new APNs - only one Tele2 Internet profile is displayed in the menu, and the + button is missing. This is not a bug, but a feature of MIUI for the Russian region.

Bypasses:

• 🔓 Using the Engineering Menu: Dial in the phone application ##4636##. Select Phone Information → Settings APN. Add a profile Tele2 SMS (For parameters, see Method 1).

Third-party installation APN-editor:

APN Settings

4G LTE Switch

APKCombo

Change of firmware region:

EEA

Settings → Additional → Region

⚠️ Attention: Region change MIUI This can result in a loss of warranty if the phone was purchased from the official Xiaomi Russia store. → Additionally. → Backup.

Method 4: Update the firmware (if the error is after the MIUI upgrade)

Mistake. 28 frequently appears after updating MIUI 13/14 — especially on the Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO F3. In these versions, the algorithm of work with SMSC, What conflicts with settings Tele2.

What to do:

1. Check the current firmware version: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. If the version is older than 1-2 months, update: 📱 By air (OTA): Settings → The phone. → Updating the system. 💻 Manual: Download the full firmware package for your model from the official website and install through Settings → The phone. → Update → Threefold → Select a firmware file.

Critical versions of MIUI with SMS bug for Tele2:

• MIUI 13.0.4–13.0.6 (corrected 13.0.8)
• MIUI 14.0.2 (bug returned after security update of 05.2023)

Method 5: IMEI verification and tethering to Tele2

Tele2 can block SMS for devices with incorrect IMEI (for example, after firmware or recovery from a backup), this is true for Xiaomi’s “gray” purchased abroad.

How to check for IMEI:

1. Type *#06# and you will see one or two 15-digit codes.
2. Compare them with those listed on the phone box and under the battery (if removable).
3. If the IMEIs do not match or are displayed as 000000000000000000, recovery is required.

IMEI Restoration (for advanced users only):

• 🔧 Use tools like Maui META or SN Write Tool (root rights required).
• 📡 Alternative: contact the service center with a check of purchase - they will re-sweeten the communication module.

💡

If IMEI correct SMS They don’t go, try to link the number to the device through USSD-team Tele2: type *110*09# Follow the operator's instructions.

Method 6: Alternative methods of sending SMS

If none of these methods helped, use the following ways:

• 🌐 Online Services: Send SMS via the web version of the Personal Account Tele2 application Tele2 Mine.
• 📧 E-mail: Tele2 propel SMS address +79XXXXXXXXX@sms.tele2.ru (Replace X with the recipient number).
• 💬 Messengers: Ask the recipient to install WhatsApp or Telegram – these messages go through the Internet and do not depend on the Internet. SMSC.

For business users: if you are critically sent SMS From the phone, consider buying USB-modem Tele2 (for example, Huawei E3372) Connecting it to Xiaomi via OTG. The modem has its own SMSC and bypasses the limitations of the smartphone.

Method 7: Call for Tele2 support (if nothing worked)

If all the methods have been tried and error 28 remains, the problem is on the operator's side.

1. Call the Tele2 hotline: 611 (free from Tele2) or 8800 555 06 11.
2. Say you have “Error 28 when sending SMS to Xiaomi” and call: Phone model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) MIUI version (see Settings → About Phone) IMEI device (see *#06#)

status of your SMSC number

Alternative support channels:

• 📩 Write to Telegram bot Tele2.
• 👥 Contact the VKontakte group – they react more quickly to technical problems.

⚠️ Note: If the operator says that "it's okay," but SMS still not being sent - demand escalation of the problem to the second support level. MAP-The Mobile Application Part (Mobile Application Part) Tele2 must be supported under the license of Rosvyaz.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the error 28 Xiaomi