Introduction: Why SMS is a big deal for Xiaomi
You just unpacked the new Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 or POCO X6 Pro, put it in. SIM-And this is a familiar situation for many smartphone owners, not because of the crooked hands, not because of the defective hands, because 80 percent of the time, the settings, the firmware, are to blame. MIUI or the nuances of the work of mobile operators.
Unlike iPhones or Samsungs, Xiaomi phones often face problems receiving SMS messages due to aggressive power optimization, specific implementation of the communication module or conflicts with firmware. For example, owners of Redmi 12 massively complained about the loss of messages from banks after upgrading to the Internet. MIUI 14. POCO F5 SMS bug was only manifested when the activated mode "Performance».
In this article, we'll look at all the possible causes, from the banal lack of a network to the hidden parameters of the engineering menu, you'll get checklists for diagnostics, instructions with screenshots and tips that you won't find in the official documentation of Xiaomi.
1. Checking the basic settings: SIM-map, network and flight mode
Before you dig deep, make sure that the problem isn't the basics. 35% of text messages don't come because of a mobile internet connection that's disconnected or a mobile internet connection that's not installed correctly. SIM-Cards – especially if you moved them from an old phone.
Open the Settings. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and check:
- 📶 Mobile network is enabled (the switch at the top of the screen must be active).
- 🔄 The “Only” regime 4G» — Some operators (for example, Tele2) block SMS in networks 5G or 3G. Try to manually select only LTE.
- ✈️ Flight mode is turned off – even if the network indicator is on, sometimes the communication module “falls asleep” after activating this mode.
- 🔧 SIM-map is determined – if the operator name is displayed “No Services” or “Search is in progress”, the card is not activated or damaged.
Pay special attention to the item Network type. 13T And the newest default may be 5G/4G/3G (Cars, but some operators (e.g. Yota) prioritize SMS only in the 4G. Try to manually install only LTE and reboot the phone.
☑️ Basic network diagnostics
⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-The default SMS can only come to the main card (Slot 1). To change this, go to Settings. → SIM-map → Notifications about messages and select the desired slot.
2. Firmware problems MIUI: bugs and solutions
MIUI It's known for its features, which sometimes break standard functionality. MIUI 13-14 was a bug that blocked SMS from banks (short numbers) with system anti-spam.+ Posts Disappeared After Updating to Android 13.
Here's what we can do:
- 🔄 Update the firmware - go to Settings → The phone. → Update System. Even if the system says "No Updates", click on the three dots at the top and select Download the latest version.
- 📱 Reset your network settings, which will remove stored Wi-Fi points and mobile network settings, but often solves the problem. → Connections and sharing → Resetting the network.
- 🔧 Turn off battery optimization for "Messages» — MIUI It can "sleep" the application, which is why it does not receive an SMS. → Annexes → Application management → Communications → Battery → No restrictions.
- 🚫 Check the blacklist, sometimes the bank or service numbers are accidentally blocked. Open the Messages app, click ⋮ → Spam and blocking.
If the problem has occurred after the update, try to roll back to the previous version of MIUI.
- Download the necessary firmware from the official Xiaomi website (choose Stable, not Developer).
- Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the phone’s memory.
- Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update, click on three dots → Select a firmware file.
How to check the version of MIUI and Android
| MIUI version | Famous SMS bugs | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12.5–13 | Blocking SMS from short numbers (banks, services) | Disable Spam Protection in Message Settings |
| MIUI 14 (Android 13) | SMS doesn't come in mode 5G | Manually select Only LTE network-setting |
| MIUI 14.0.4+ | Delayed delivery of SMS up to 10 minutes | Reset network settings or roll back to MIUI 13 |
| Developer versions | Accidental loss of SMS during reboot | Go to the Stable version of the firmware |
3. Conflicts with applications: what prevents SMS
SMS in Android is handled by the Messages system app, but other programs can intercept or block them, for example, antivirus (Avast, Dr.Web) often filters incoming messages, and call managers (Truecaller) can redirect them to spam.
Here's how to check:
- 🛡️ Disable the antivirus – temporarily remove or deactivate programs like Avast, Kaspersky, 360 Security.
- 📞 Check the call apps — Truecaller, GetContact and analogs can block suspicious numbers. Go to their settings and turn off SMS filtering.
- 🔄 Reset defaults – if you have ever chosen another SMS application (like Google Messages), the system may get confused. → Annexes → Default management → Annex for SMS and choose the standard.
- 🚫 Disallow optimization for key apps – other than Messages, check battery settings for Google Play Services and Phone.
If you use Google Messages as your primary SMS application, make sure that its settings include the Autoboot option. MMS (Yes, it affects regular SMS, too, and check if the tick is right next to the Spam Protection.
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If you have recently installed applications to block spam (for example, SMS Blocker, delete them. They often conflict with Xiaomi system services.
4.Problems on the operator side: what to do
Sometimes it's not the phone that's to blame, but the mobile operator, for example, MegaFon in 2023 massively blocked SMS on new devices because of a bug in the database. IMEI, a Beeline restricted the delivery of messages when roaming on the hook:
Signs of a problem on the operator side:
- 📵 SMS is not coming, but calls are working.
- 🔄 Messages arrive with a delay (after 10-30 minutes).
- 📱 On other phones with the same SIM-SMS card doesn't come either.
- 🏦 Not only SMS from banks or services (short numbers).
What to do:
- Call the operator and ask them to re-register your number online. IMEI phone number (you can find it by code *#06#).
- Check if the service is activated “Spam Protection” – some operators (for example, MTS) by default block messages from short numbers.
- If you have recently changed your phone, ask the operator to update the binding. IMEI This is true for Xiaomi, as their devices are sometimes defined as “uncertified».
- Try sending a text message to your phone from another phone, and if it doesn't come, the problem is definitely on the operator's side.
⚠️ Note: If you are using a virtual operator (Tinkoff Mobile, SberMobile, Yota), check if the expiration date has expired. SIM-Some virtual operators block SMS messages after 3-6 months without activity.
5. Hidden settings: engineering menu and APN
If all the previous steps didn't work, it's time to dig deeper, because Xiaomi has hidden settings that can affect how you receive SMS messages. APN (access points) or disconnected CS-SMS engineer.
Verification APN:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Access points (APN).
- If there are several profiles, leave only the one that corresponds to your operator (for example, Internet.mts.ru for MTS).
- Press the right one. APN And check that in the Type field. APN Default,mms,supl (if not, add manually).
- Save the changes and restart the phone.
Engineering menu (only for experienced users!):
Open the phone app and enter the code:
##4636##Go to the Phone Information tab and check:
- The Services section should be GSM service.
- In condition SIM — Ready.
- If the network type is Unknown, the problem is in the communication module.
For advanced users: if SMS does not come to the 4G (VoLTE, but they work in 3G, try to CS-SMS (Circuit-Switched SMS) It's an engineering menu:
- Enter the code ##4636##.
- Go to Phone Information → Settings (three dots at the top).
- Select Turn on CS-SMS (if there is an option).
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If you are not sure about your actions, do not change the settings in the engineering menu. Incorrect settings can lead to loss of network!
Hardware problems: SIM-map, antenna, IMEI
If the software methods didn't work, it might be hardware. Here are the most common hardware reasons:
Problems with SIM-card:
- 🔹 Damaged chip – if the card is bent, scratched or cropped (nano-SIM from micro-SIM), the contacts may not be readable.
- 🔹 Old one. SIM — 5-year-old+ New communication standards may not be supported for years (e.g., VoLTE).
- 🔹 Incompatible format – some Xiaomi (e.g. Redmi) 10C) Do not work with eSIM unless activated via operator.
Phone problems:
- 📡 Damaged antenna – if the phone fell or got wet, the antenna module contact could have gone away.
- 🔧 Broken. SIM-slot – a frequent problem after changing the screen (masters can damage the plume).
- 🆔 Unabled IMEI — If the phone is bought from your hands and it is erased or counterfeited IMEI, Operators can block SMS.
How to check:
- Try inserting. SIM-If the text doesn't come in there, the problem is the card or the operator.
- Check it out. IMEI If it consists of a single zero or repeating digits, it should be restored.
- Look at this. SIM-If the contacts are bent or oxidized, contact the service.
⚠️ Note: If you suspect that IMEI phone is not original (for example, after firmware), do not try to restore it yourself. In Russia, this can lead to the blocking of the device in the network of operators.
7. Alternative solutions: messengers and services
If you’ve exhausted all options but still don’t get SMS, consider workarounds:
1. forwarding SMS to email
Some operators (e.g. Beeline) allow you to set up SMS forwarding by e-mail.
- Register in the personal account of the operator.
- Find the section "Service Management» → «SMS forwarding».
- Please enter your email and activate the service.
2.Use of messengers for important notifications
Many banks and services (Sberbank, Tinkoff, Yandex.Money) allow you to receive notifications through:
- 📌 Push notifications in the mobile application (configure in the security profile).
- 📌 Telegram/Viber/WhatsApp — Some services send confirmation codes through bots.
- 📌 Email – Google and Apple let you link email to restore your account.
3. Virtual numbers
Services like SMS-Man or 5sim They provide temporary numbers to receive SMS, which is true if you need to get a confirmation code to sign up for the service, but these numbers are not suitable for banking transactions.
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If you often don’t receive SMS from banks, install their official applications and activate push notifications, for example, Sberbank Online allows you to completely abandon SMS codes in favor of biometrics.