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

You're trying to send an important message, but it's stuck in the status of "Send" or disappears without a trace? The problem with sending SMS on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most common complaints of users, and there can be dozens of reasons for it. From banal errors in settings to deep failures in firmware MIUI or conflicts with the communications operator.

In this article, we will not just list the possible causes, but analyze them by priority of probability, from the most obvious to the exotic, you will learn how to diagnose a problem in 2 minutes, which settings to check first, and what to do if the text message does not go away even after a phone reset. For owners of older models (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) or flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) we have prepared separate recommendations – the features of SMS on them can be radically different.

We warn you right away if you are using a double SIM-The map, the malfunction algorithm, is getting complicated, but for this case, we have a clear instruction manual.

1. Checking the baseline parameters: SIM-map, network and balance

So, start with the simplest of things -- sometimes the problem isn't the phone, it's the external factors.

  • πŸ“± Reboot the phone, which is trivial, but in 15 percent of cases, it solves the problem of a temporary failure of the communication module. MIUI 14+ To do this, press the power button and select β€œRebootΒ».
  • πŸ’³ Check balance. Some operators (like Tele2 or Yota) may block SMS sending if you have a negative balance, even if you have unlimited rates.
  • πŸ“Ά Make sure you have a network. The top notification bar should display a network icon (e.g., a network icon, 4G or 5G). If instead of it the icon β€œno network” or β€œonly emergency calls”, SMS will not be sent.
  • πŸ”„ Change the slot. SIM-If you have a two-sim Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+), Try sending a text message to the second SIM. This will help to localize the problem.

Pay special attention to the network indicator. If an exclamation point or cross is displayed next to the signal level, this means that the phone cannot connect to the operator's network to send an SMS.

⚠️ Warning: If the network never came back after the reboot, don't be quick to blame the phone. Your carrier may be running maintenance. Check this out on a support site (e.g. Beeline or MTS).

If the basic tests did not help, we move on to a deeper diagnosis.

πŸ“Š Which communications operator do you use?
MTS
Beeline
Megaphone
Tele2.
iota
Other

SMS Center Settings: Why They Get Strange and How to Fix

One of the most common reasons why you can't send an SMS to Xiaomi is because you have an incorrect SMS number, which can get lost after you update your firmware, change your firmware. SIM-And the problem is common to all models, from budget Redmis, even after resetting the network. 10A premium-to-premium Xiaomi 13T Pro.

To check and correct the SMS number:

  1. Open the Messages app (the envelope icon).
  2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Settings β†’ Additional (or Advanced Settings in Older Versions) MIUI).
  3. Select Settings SMS β†’ Communications centre.
  4. Make sure the number matches your operator. If the field is empty or the number is incorrect, enter the correct one manually.

Here are the current numbers of SMS centers for major Russian operators (2026):

Operator.SMS numberNote
MTS+79160000000For the Moscow region. Other regions may be different.
Beeline+79030000000It's the same for all regions.
Megaphone+79260000000For Moscow, in St. Petersburg β€” +79520000000.
Tele2.+79500000000Relevant for new SIM-maps (after 2020).
iota+79990000000It may require manual input at first use.

If you are not sure about the number for your region, check it with the operator through the official website or a call in support. USSD-request *111*0887#, to get the current number of the SMS center.

πŸ’‘

If after entering the number of the SMS center messages are still not sent, try to add a sign at the beginning of the number. + (for example, +79160,000,000 instead of 79160,000,000 MIUI They require an international format.

3. Firmware conflicts MIUI: bugs and bypasses

Firmware MIUI It's known for its surprises, and SMS problems are no exception, and bugs are especially common after major updates (e.g., switching from a computer to a computer). MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) or when using custom firmware. Here are typical scenarios:

  • 🐞 The communication module failure: After the update, the configuration of the modem responsible for SMS can β€œfly” after the update, most often this is manifested on Redmi Note 11 models and the other two models. POCO X4 Pro.
  • πŸ”’ SMS blocking with anti-spam. MIUI Integrated spam protection system that sometimes mistakenly blocks outgoing messages.
  • πŸ“± Conflict with Dual Apps. If you cloned the Messages app through the Dual Apps feature, it could disrupt SMS.

How to diagnose and correct:

Method 1: Resetting network settings

This is a secure method that does not affect personal data, but resets all network settings to factory:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Select Network Settings Reset (or Wi-Fi, Mobile Network, and Bluetooth Reset in newer versions).
  3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Method 2: Disabling anti-spam

If SMS is not sent only to certain numbers (for example, short or service), the built-in anti-spam may be to blame:

  1. Open the messages. β†’ three-point β†’ Settings β†’ Spam and blocking.
  2. Turn off the options of Spam Blocking and Message Filtering.
  3. Check the list of blocked numbers (Black List) – it is possible that the desired contact got there by accident.

Method 3: Switching the network mode

On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) SMS may not be sent if the phone is running only 4G/5G. Try to manually select the mode 3G:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [choose SIM] β†’ Type of network.
  2. Choose. 3G (or 2G/3G unless there is a separate item).
  3. Try sending a text.
What to do if the network reset does not help?
If SMS is still not sent after resetting, and other functions (calls, internet) are working normally, the problem may be in corrupted system files, in which case only flashing the phone via Fastboot or Recovery will help. Detailed instructions for your model can be found on the forum 4PDA topically.

4.Problems with the Messages app: failures and alternatives

Xiaomi’s standard Messages app doesn’t always work consistently, and users often encounter:

  • πŸ“‰ Interface freeze when sending SMS (message β€œstuck” in the status β€œSendingΒ»).
  • πŸ”„ Disposal of messages from outgoing.
  • 🚫 Blocking sending to short numbers (for example, for USSD-request).

Decisions:

Cleaning the cache and application data

This will help if the problem is caused by corrupted temporary files:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find Messages and select it.
  3. Click Clear Cache and Clear Data (Warning: This Will Delete All Your SMS!).
  4. Reboot the phone.

Use of an alternative application

If the standard application continues to glittle, install a third-party messenger for SMS.

  • Google Messages (official app from Google, supports Google Messages) RCS).
  • Textra SMS (Flexible settings, no advertising).
  • Pulse SMS (synchronization).

After installing an alternative app, make it the default SMS app in your phone’s settings.

Permit verification

Sometimes the app loses access to the message. SMS-To check the permissions:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Communications β†’ Permits.
  2. Make sure that all permissions related to SMS, Telephone and Warehouse.

β˜‘οΈ Diagnostics of annex β€œMessages"

Done: 0 / 4

5. Hardware malfunctions: when the "iron" is to blame

If all software methods have been tried, but SMS is still not sent, the problem may lie in the hardware of the phone.

  • πŸ’₯ Falling or being hit (e.g., Redmi Note 9 with its fragile connector) SIM-map).
  • 🌊 Contact with moisture (even if the phone is protected) IP53, how POCO X3 Pro).
  • πŸ”§ They were repaired (especially if there were problems with the network).

A critical sign of hardware failure: if the SMS does not work with calls or mobile Internet, and Wi-Fi and other phone functions work normally, in which case the communication module (modem) or antenna unit is most likely to blame.

How to check:

  1. Test SIM-- I'm not on the phone. SIM You can go to another device and try to text. If everything works, your Xiaomi is a problem.
  2. Slot check SIM-Carefully remove the tray and inspect the contacts for oxidation or damage. On Redmi 9 and older models, the contacts are often contaminated, leading to poor connection.
  3. Diagnostics through the engineering menu. Type ##4636## in the dialer, select Phone Information and see the network status. SMS The error is displayed, this confirms the hardware problem.

⚠️ Note: If the phone fell or got wet, do not try to disassemble it yourself - this can lead to a short circuit. Contact the Xiaomi service center or a checked repair center. The cost of diagnosing the communication module usually does not exceed 500-1000 rubles.

For owners of models with e-SIM (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite: if SMS is not sent only from virtual SIM, The problem may be incorrectly activating the profile. reinstall eSIM through the operator's application.

6.Blocking by the operator: how to check and what to do

Communication operators can block SMS sending for several reasons:

  • πŸ“΅ Suspicion of spam: If you send a lot of messages to short numbers or service services, the operator may temporarily block the feature.
  • πŸ” Tariff restrictions: Some tariffs (especially those that are β€œInternet-oriented”) have or do not support SMS limits.
  • πŸ†” Identification problems SIM-If the subscriber data is incorrect or lost, the operator may restrict the services.

How to check the lock:

  1. Call for support. For MTS, dial 0890, for Beeline, 0611, for MegaFon, 0500.
  2. Send. USSD-Request for status verification: MTS: *111*0887# (Checking the SMS center: *110*10# (balance and status of services. Megaphone: *105# (subscriber-info).

Check your personal account.

If the operator has confirmed the lock, here’s what to do:

  • πŸ“‹ If the lock is related to identification, you may need to send a passport scan through your personal account.
  • πŸ’° Sometimes the lock is automatically removed after replenishing the balance (even if you have unlimited money).
  • πŸ”„ Change the tariff. If your tariff does not support SMS, go to another one (for example, All Inclusive from Tele2 or Tariff from MTS).

πŸ’‘

If the operator claims that everything is fine on his part, but SMS is still not sent, request written confirmation that there is no blocking.

7. Features for old and new Xiaomi models

SMS problems can manifest differently depending on the phone model and version. MIUI. Here’s what you need to know about specific device owners:

Older models (until 2020): Redmi 4X, Mi A1, Mi 8

On these phones, the most common are:

  • πŸ”‹ Problems with the communication module due to wear (especially after 3-4 years of operation).
  • πŸ“΅ Incompatibility with modern networks: some operators (e.g. Iota) refuse to support old modems.
  • πŸ”„ Failures after upgrade to MIUI 12+. These models are optimized for older firmware versions, and new updates can break functionality.

Solution: Retreat to the old version MIUI (for example, MIUI 11) or use custom firmware based on Android 10.

New models (2022–2026): Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13, POCO F5

Here, the problems are usually related to:

  • πŸ†• Bagami in new versions MIUI 14/15. For example, in Xiaomi 13 Pro after updating to MIUI 15.0.4 Massively complained about the inability to send SMS to short numbers.
  • πŸ”’ Blocking because of Dual SIM. In some models, when activating two SIM-SMS cards are no longer sent from the main.
  • πŸ“‘ Conflicts with 5G. In networks of the fifth generation (for example, MTS or MegaFon) may experience delays or failures when sending SMS.

Decision:

  1. Turn it off. 5G in the network settings (switch to the 4G).
  2. Update the firmware to the latest version or roll back to a stable build.
  3. In the settings SIM-Disable the Priority option for calls (if any).

Models with eSIM: Xiaomi 12T, 13 Lite, Mix Fold 2

For devices with virtual support SIM:

  • πŸ“± SMS may not be sent from eSIM if the profile is incorrectly installed.
  • πŸ”„ Priority is given to physical SIM, Even if the eSIM is active.

Decision:

  1. Reset the eSIM profile through the operator application.
  2. In the settings SIM-Select eSIM as the primary for SMS.
  3. If the problem persists, contact the operator to check the profile.

8.Extreme measures: factory reset and service call

If none of the above methods worked, there are two radical solutions:

Resetting the phone to factory settings

This will delete all data from the device, so make a backup copy of:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Backup and Reset.
  2. Select Resetting β†’ Erase all data.
  3. After resetting, set your phone as new and check to send an SMS.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (e.g. Xiaomi for the Chinese market), a reset can cause the phone to "brick" before resetting, make sure your model is officially supported in Russia and has an unlocked bootloader.

Contacting the service center

If you don't send text messages after the reset, it's probably hardware.

  • πŸ”§ Official Xiaomi service. Contact an authorized service center. Diagnostics is usually free, and repair of the communication module will cost 1500-4000 rubles depending on the model.
  • πŸ› οΈ If the phone is not warranty-free, you can go to a certified shop, the cost will be lower, but the risk of poor repairs is higher.

Before the service visit:

  • Take screenshots of errors (if they appear when sending SMS).
  • Write down the phone's IMEI (type *#06#).
  • Check with the operator whether there is a lock on his part (take confirmation).

πŸ’‘

If the phone is warranty, do not open it yourself and do not contact unofficial services - this will void the warranty Xiaomi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the problem with SMS on Xiaomi

Can I send a text message over Wi-Fi if my mobile network is not working?
Yes, but only if your carrier supports Wi-Fi Calling technology, which sometimes extends to SMS, for example, MTS and MegaFon provide this service at some rates. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [choose SIM] β†’ Wi-Fi calls. Activate the option and follow the operator's instructions. If Wi-Fi Calling is not available, the alternative may be to use WhatsApp messengers (Telegram) to send messages over the Internet.
Why do SMS messages go out but not to the recipient?
This problem is usually related to: πŸ“΅ Blocking on the recipient side (for example, your number is blacklisted). πŸ”„ Delays in the operator (SMS can go to the recipient for several hours). πŸ“‘ Roaming problems (if the recipient is abroad) To check if the SMS has reached: Ask the recipient to send you a reply SMS. Send a message to another number (for example, your second phone). Call the recipient and check if the message has arrived.
Can I recover unsent SMS after resetting my phone?
Unfortunately, no. When reset to factory settings, all messages are deleted without recovery, however, if you backed up through Mi Cloud or third-party apps (for example, if you did not have a copy of the file, SMS Backup & Restore), you can restore SMS from the backup: Install a backup app (if not already installed). Log in to your account and select a backup date. Restore messages (they will appear in the standard Messages app). If you don’t have a backup, try using data recovery software (like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver), but the chances of success are low.
Why are there no SMS messages from banks and services on Xiaomi?
This is a separate category of problems related to: 🏦 Some banks (e.g. Sberbank or Tinkoff) send SMS messages through special channels that can be blocked. πŸ“΅ Filtering in MIUI. In the Message settings β†’ Spam and blocking can be enabled with the option to Block service messages. πŸ”’ Fee restrictions: Some rates (e.g., Tele2's Internet Everywhere) do not support short SMS. To fix: Turn off all spam filters in the Messages app. <