Why you can’t send SMS from your phone Xiaomi: 12 reasons and ways to fix

You try to send an SMS with Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or another model, but the message persists — no send indicator, no error notification? The problem is more common than it seems: according to service centers, up to 15% of mobile calls are associated with broken SMS. In this article, we will analyze all possible reasons — from banal (forgot to include mobile data) to technical (damaged communication module).

Important: if SMS is not sent to only one number, the problem is more likely to be the recipient (for example, they have blocked receiving messages), if the failure is global, read on. We have collected solutions for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), as well as universal methods that work on any Android device.

1. Checking the basic settings: SIM-map, network and flight mode

Start with the obvious – sometimes the problem lies in the little things that are easy to miss:

• 📶 Flight mode: Even if it is turned off in the notification curtain, check the settings along the way → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Flight mode. On some Xiaomi firmware, it can activate automatically when the battery is low.
• 📱 SIM-map: Remove and re-insert the card, the contacts could oxidize. SIM, try to send SMS individually.
• 🌐 Mobile Network: Switch to Mobile Network 4G on 3G/2G manually (Settings) → SIM-map → Preferred network type: Some operators block SMS active-voLTE.

Pay special attention to the network indicator in the status bar. If instead of the usual "strips" there is a cross or the words "Emergency Calls Only" on the screen, the problem lies in the coverage of the operator. Try sending an SMS somewhere else - for example, on the street instead of the basement.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with HyperOS after the update may lose priority SIM-card SMS. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Communications → SIM-Default card and select the desired.

2. operator errors: blocking, tariff, technical works

If the basic settings are fine, but the SMS still doesn't go away, it could be the operator's fault.

• 💳 Tariff plan: some operators (for example, Tele2 or Yota) block SMS at zero balance or on unlimited rates without option «SMS-Please specify the conditions with the operator.
• 🔒 Blocking Services: Send USSD-request *111# (for MTS), *105# (for Beeline) or similar for your operator to check for active restrictions.
• 🛠️ Technical work: visit the operator's website or call in support (numbers: MTS - 0890, Beeline - 0611, MegaFon - 0500). SMS Not working due to equipment upgrades.

Critical information: If you use a virtual operator (like Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobil), they often have trouble routing SMS. Try sending a message to a short number (like 112) – if it leaves, but not to normal numbers, the operator is to blame.

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If the operator confirmed the blocking of SMS, try to send a message via the messenger (WhatsApp, Telegram) or use the service "SMS via the Internet" (MTS and Beeline have).

3. Failures in the Messages app and system cache

Messages on Xiaomi can be bugged due to a damaged cache or conflict with updates.

1. Clear the cache and application data: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Communications → Warehouse → Clear cache / Clear data ⚠️ Note: When cleaning the data, all your SMS! Pre-return backup through Settings → Memory. → Backup.
2. Update the app via Google Play (if it’s not system-based). To do this, search it in the Play Store and click “Update”.
3. Reset the application settings to factory: Settings → Applications → Messages → Additional → Reset Settings

If SMS still doesn’t send after cleaning the cache, try an alternative messaging app like Google Messages or Textra SMS to help determine if the standard software is to blame.

4. Firmware conflicts: MIUI, HyperOS and updates

SMS malfunctions are often associated with firmware, especially after MIUI updates or a switch to HyperOS.

• The message goes away, but does not reach the addressee (without errors).
• Notification appears: I failed to send a message. Repeat?, but resending does not help.
• SMS is sent only after the phone is restarted.

Decisions:

1. Update rollback: If the problem appears after the update, go back to the previous firmware version via Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Select the service pack (you need a firmware file from the 4PDA forum).
2. Reset APN: Incorrect settings of the access point (APN) can block SMS. Reset them: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) → Three points. → Reset to default values
3. Manual editing of APN: If the reset does not help, create a new APN manually (request options from the operator). For example, for MTS use: Name: MTS INTERNET APN: Internet.mts.ru Type APN: default,supl,mms

On HyperOS, an additional problem is a conflict with Google Services. Try disabling auto-update system applications:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points → Special Access → Battery Optimization → Google Play Services → No Limits

Hardware malfunctions: communication module and antenna

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be the hardware.

• 📡 The communication module is damaged (for example, after falling or getting moisture). SMS Calls or mobile internet are not working.
• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts SIM-Check the trays for corrosion or contamination.
• 🔋 Weak antenna signal: If an exclamation point appears near the network indicator, the antenna may be disconnected (a common problem after disassembling the phone).

How to diagnose:

1. Check the other one's work. SIM-- If she's not sending the cards, too. SMS — device-match.
2. Put your SIM in another phone. If the SMS goes away, it's your Xiaomi fault.
3. Run the hardware test via the engineering menu: Dial ##4636## → Phone Information → SIM → See Service State status If Out of Service or Emergency Only status, the communication module is faulty.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone falls or gets wet, don’t try to clean your contacts yourself, you risk damaging the charge. Contact the service center (the estimated cost of diagnosing the communication module is 500-1000). ₽).

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If the hardware malfunction is confirmed, the repair will cost 1500-4000 ₽ (Replacement of communication modules or 800–2000 ₽ (Compare it to the cost of a phone, sometimes it's cheaper to buy a new one.

6. Blocking by antivirus or third-party applications

Antiviruses (Avast, Dr.Web), battery-saving programs (DU Battery Saver), or even MIUI Optimizer can block SMS sending, mistaking them for spam.

• 🛡️ Disable the antivirus temporarily and try sending it. SMS.
• 🔍 Check the permissions for the Messages app: Settings → Annexes → Communications → Permits → Turn it on "SMS" and "Phone"
• ⚙️ Reset Battery Optimization for System Applications: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Find "Messages" and select "No Limitations"

Pay particular attention to applications with device administrator rights (such as Clean Master or App Lock) that can block the system processes responsible for SMS. Check the list of administrators here:

Settings → Passwords and Security → Privileged Access → Device Administrators

7.Extreme measures: resetting and flashing

If nothing works, radical methods remain. Be sure to back up your data before using them!

• 🔄 Reset network settings (does not delete data, but resets) APN, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings
• 📱 Hard Reset: Deletes all data, returning the phone to factory status. → The phone. → Resetting settings → Erase all data After a reset, do not restore data from a backup right away – check first if it works. SMS.
• 🖥️ Fastboot flashing: if the reset didn't help, swipe the phone with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (for example, Redmi Note 11 for the Russian market), flashing through the Fastboot requires unlocking the bootloader.This will lead to a complete cleanup of the phone and may cancel the warranty!

8. Alternative ways to send SMS

If standard methods do not work, use the workarounds:

• 🌐 SMS over the Internet: operators offer web versions to send messages (for example, MTS SMS Or Beeline Messages. Sign in and send. SMS computer.
• 📧 Email-to-SMS: Some operators support sending SMS to email addresses in number format@operator.ru. For example, for MegaFon, this is 79123456789@sms.megafon.ru.
• 🤖 Automation through Tasker: if SMS Do not leave only in certain conditions (for example, when the signal is low), set up automatic resending through the Tasker application.

For business tasks (mailing, notifications), consider services like SMS.ru or TurboSMS. They allow you to send messages through the API, bypassing the operator.

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If you need to send an SMS and your phone is not working, use WhatsApp or a call. Most operators allow you to send free SMS to short numbers (for example, 112 for emergency services).

FAQ: Frequent questions about SMS issues on Xiaomi