Why Xiaomi does not send SMS: a full analysis of the causes and solutions

Are you trying to send an important message, but it persists in keeping with your Xiaomi? Or is the recipient complaining that they are not receiving your SMS, even though the screen displays the status of "delivered"? The problem of sending SMS on the brand's smartphones is one of the most common, but often ignored by users. Many blame the failures on "gluts of the network", unaware that 80% of the time the device settings or software bugs MIUI.

In this article, we will not just list the possible causes, but analyze them taking into account the specifics of Xiaomi firmware (including global and Chinese versions), the peculiarities of working with telecom operators in Russia and CIS countries, as well as the nuances of specific models - from budget Redmi to flagship Mi 13. You will learn how to diagnose a problem in 2 minutes, which settings to check first, and when to contact the service center.

Important: If you don’t only send messages to short numbers (banks, services), the problem is almost certainly related to the problem. CSMS-Protocol – we will talk about this in a separate section.

1. Checking basic settings: what to do first

Before digging deep into MIUI settings or blaming the operator, make sure the problem isn't on the surface. Here are 4 key points to check right away:

• 📶 Network signal level: even one antenna division may be sufficient for calls, but not sufficient for SMS. Try sending a message in a place with better coverage.
• 📱 Flight mode: seems obvious, but many forget that in the Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks can be accidentally activated for a specific SIM.
• 🔄 Rebooting the device: bugs MIUI sometimes block the shipment SMS It is especially important after the update.
• 💳 Balance SIM-Cards: Some operators are blocking SMS Negative balance, even if the internet is working.

If the basics didn't work, go to the diagnostics. Start with the test: try sending a text message to another number (not short!) from the same number. SIM-If the message goes away, the problem is in the smartphone, if it doesn't, it's the operator's fault. SIM.

2. Settings SIM-Maps and mobile network: hidden parameters MIUI

MIUI firmware is known for its abundance of hidden settings that can affect SMS sending. Most often problems arise due to:

1. Incorrect network type: if in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Network type selected Only 4G (LTE), Some operators are blocking SMS (they're transmitted 2G/3G). Try to install it. 3G/4G (motor-car).
2. Conflict of the two SIM: Xiaomi’s two-sim phone (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) Sometimes priorities get lost. Go to Settings. → SIM-map → Choice SIM for SMS Check that the correct map is selected.
3. SMS Center Disconnected: In rare cases, the SMSC (Message Service Center) number is lost after an update, and can be found from the operator or through the engineering menu (more on this below).

Pay special attention to the point of access (APN) in the SIM settings. Even if the Internet works, the wrong APN can block SMS. For most Russian operators, it is enough to choose Reset to default.

3. Software bugs: When MIUI or applications are to blame

MIUI is one of the most customized firmware, but it has a downside: SMS bugs are even found on flagships.

• 🐞 Update of firmware: after major updates (for example, with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) settings often fly off SMS-Check the software version in Settings → The phone.
• 📱 Application conflict: messengers like WhatsApp or Viber are sometimes intercepted SMS (especially Poco F5 Other models with aggressive optimization).
• 🔒 Blocking permission: c Settings → Annexes → Permit management → SMS Check that the Messages app has access to the sending.
• 🗑️ Cache and data: Cleaning the Messages app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Communications → The storage system solves the problem in 30% of cases.

Critical information: on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T) after resetting to factory settings, the ability to send SMS to short numbers disappears - this is a firmware bug that can only be fixed by manual editing APN.

4.Problems with the operator: what to do if the provider is to blame

If another phone with the same SIM does not send SMS, the problem is on the operator's side.

For users of MegaFon and MTS, the problem with CSMS (Cell Broadcast) - a protocol for mass mailings (for example, from banks) is relevant. If you do not receive SMS from services, but ordinary messages leave, check:

1. B Settings → SIM-map → Additionally. → Cell Broadcast Channel: Enable the option.
2. Make sure that the APN has a bearer=1 setting (for some operators).

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If you have Tele2 and don't go SMS, Try to manually prescribe APN: internet.tele2.ru (name APN), mms.tele2.ru (MMSC), 250.20.0.151 (proxy).

5. Hardware malfunctions: when you need to service

If all software methods have been tried, but SMS still isn't sent, the problem may be in the hardware.

• 📡 Damaged communication module: after falls or moisture can fail antenna unit (especially vulnerable Redmi 9 and Poco) X3).
• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts SIM-If the phone was lying in a wet room for a long time, the contacts could oxidize.
• 🔋 Slot malfunction SIM: second SIM It works, and the first one doesn't, the problem is the slot. 11T It's a frequent malfunction.

How to check for hardware malfunction:

1. Try sending it. SMS other SIM-card-slot.
2. Install your SIM on another smartphone – if the problem persists, the card is to blame.
3. Check if the phone is caught by the network in the engineering menu (#4636## → Phone information). If the signal is missing, the module malfunctions.

⚠️ Note: if after the replacement of the battery stopped going SMS, The antenna cables are likely damaged by the wizard, and on Xiaomi models with a non-removable battery (for example, the Mi 11), they pass next to the battery.

6. Features of specific Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi models have unique bugs with SMS. Here are the most common:

For owners of Poco X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Lite, the problem with the lack of notifications about incoming SMS is relevant. This is not a sending failure, but a related problem: check the settings in Settings → Notifications → Messages and turn off battery optimization for the application.

7. Alternative ways to send SMS

If standard methods do not work, you can use workarounds:

• 🌐 Online services of the operator: MegaFon, MTS and Beeline have web versions for sending SMS via personal office.
• 📧 Email to the number: send an email to [number]@sms.[operator].ru (e.g, 79123456789@sms.mts.ru).
• 🤖 Messenger apps: Google Messages or Textra sometimes run more stable than a standard application.
• 📱 Second second SIM: If you have a two-sim Xiaomi, try sending it to the user. SMS second-card.

Business users who are critically stable SMS-notification, we recommend to consider SMS-gateways (e.g. SMS.ru or TurboSMS) that allow you to send messages via API, bypassing the problems of the mobile network.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS), the problem with the SMS This may be due to the lack of proprietary drivers of the communication module, in which case only the flashing on the official one will help. MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about SMS on Xiaomi

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90% of the time, the problem with SMS Xiaomi is solved by resetting network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Resetting mobile network settings) or cleaning the app's cache.