SMS on Xiaomi phone: all the reasons and 12 ways to fix

You sent a confirmation code, you're waiting for an important message from a bank, or you're just trying to get a text from a friend, but there's no notification on the Xiaomi screen, no sounds, no traces in the Messages folder. Is the situation familiar, POCO Mi is more common than it seems, and it can be the fault of both trivial settings and serious network failures or firmware.

In this article, we will explore all the possible reasons why SMS does not come to Xiaomi, from carrier blocking to application conflicts, and most importantly, give step-by-step instructions on how to return messages to work without contacting the service, start with the simplest and end with rare but critical cases.

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

Before you dig deeper, make sure that the problem is not the basics. Often Xiaomi users turn off SMS reception without even knowing it.

The first thing to do is:

• 📱 Check it out. SIM-Remove the tray and make sure the card is inserted correctly (chip down, bent corner to key). POCO Tray contacts can oxidize - wipe them with a swallow.
• ✈️ Turn off flight mode. Even if the indicator doesn't burn, sometimes the function is activated by accident. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🔇 Make sure SMS is not blocked. Xiaomi has a built-in spam blocker: go to Messages → ⋮ → Spam and check if the numbers are blacklisted.
• 📵 Check coverage if the network signal is weak (1-2 SMS may be delayed or not arriving at all. Try rebooting your phone or moving to another location.

If all of the above is in order, but SMS still do not come, move on to more complex settings.

2. Mobile Network Settings: Why SMS Depends on the Internet 4G/3G

Many people don't know, but SMS reception depends on the chosen mobile network standard. 4G (LTE), a the operator does not support VoLTE (voice and SMS via voice and SMS) 4G), The messages may not reach. Especially relevant for Redmi. 9/10 and the old Mi A models.

How to check and correct:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Type of network.
2. If it's worth it 4G (LTE), change 3G/2G (car 4G/3G/2G (motor-car).
3. Restart your phone and check for SMS.

Important: on some firmware MIUI (Especially global) VoLTE is hidden. To enable it, type the code ##86583## in the Phone app and activate the switch.

If you have SMS after the network change, but the Internet speed has dropped, the problem is definitely the lack of VoLTE support from your operator.

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In some models POCO X3 Redmi Note 11 after the update MIUI 14 network settings are lost. If the text doesn't come, reset your mobile network settings to Settings. → SIM-map → Resetting network settings.

3. Application conflict: who can block SMS?

SMS on Xiaomi may not come due to third-party apps that:

• 🛡️ Block messages (antiviruses, spam blockers like Truecaller or Hiya).
• 🔄 SMS intercept (banking applications, messengers with SMS function, for example Google Messages).
• 📱 Optimize work (battery saving applications such as Greenify or MIUI Optimization).

How to find the culprit:

1. Launch your phone in Safe Mode (click the power button) → «Safe mode. If SMS messages come, it's the fault of third-party software.
2. Turn off applications that can block messages, starting with antiviruses and blockers.
3. Check the Messages app settings: ⋮ → Settings → Additionally. → SMS application by default – there should be a standard application, not Google Messages or another messenger.

Pay special attention MIUI Optimization (found on firmware for Redmi) K40 and POCO F3). This system application can aggressively close the background processes, including the SMS service, to disable it:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three points (⋮) → Special access → Battery Optimization → Find "MIUI Optimization" → Disable optimization

4. firmware failures and system errors MIUI

If the SMS stopped coming after the update MIUI (particularly MIUI 13/14), the problem may lie in:

• 🔄 Resetting settings APN (point).
• 📱 Errors in the operation of the Telephony module (responsible for calls and SMS).
• 🗃️ Damage to system files after OTA-update.

Decisions of the order:

1.Dumping APN (point).

Wrong settings APN They can block SMS even if the Internet is working:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Press three points (⋮) → Resetting to default values.
3. Reboot the phone.

2. Cleaning the cache and data of the Messages application.

Sometimes SMS databases get corrupted to reset them:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Messages → Storage → Clear cache + Clear data

Attention! This will delete all your messages. → ⋮ → Backup.

3. Re-registration in the operator's network.

If the previous steps didn’t help, try manually reconnecting to the network:

##4636## → Phone Information → Select SIM → Re-register on the network (or “Disable the radio, then turn on again”)

1. Check. APN

2. Clear the Message cache.

3.Re-register online

4.Remove conflicting applications

5. Update the firmware to the latest version-->

5. Operator blocking: why don't SMSes reach you?

Sometimes the problem is not the phone, but the mobile phone, and here are the most common reasons:

• 📵 Blocking for spam. If your number has received many complaints (for example, you sent ads), the operator may temporarily block the reception of SMS.
• 🔄 Failure in SMSC. Short message service center (SMSC) The operator may be overloaded or faulty.
• 📱 Inactive tariff: SMS may be restricted at some rates (especially Internet cards.
• 🔒 Activation of Antispam service: some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) have an option to filter SMS, which can mistakenly block legitimate messages.

How to check and correct:

1. Call your operator’s hotline and check if there are any locks on your room.
2. Ask to reset the settings. SMSC (This is usually done automatically when the phone is restarted, but sometimes manual reset is required through the phone. USSD-team).
3. If you have an “Internet card” (for example, tariffs such as “For a tablet”), check whether it supports SMS reception.

For operators of Russia and CIS relevant USSD-check-up SMSC:

If after discharge SMSC SMSes don’t come in an hour – the problem is not on the operator’s side.

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If SMS does not come only from certain numbers (e.g. banks or services), it is likely that the operator is to blame.

6. Hardware problems: when the "iron" is to blame

If none of the software methods worked, there might be a problem with the phone's hardware, and it's often the fault of:

• 📶 Damaged communications module, responsible for receiving/transmitting signals, may fail after falling or getting moisture.
• 🔌 Oxidized contacts SIM-This is especially true for Xiaomi, which operates in humid climates.
• 🔋 Faulty slot SIM-The tray can be bent or the contacts move away from the board.
• 📡 If the phone fell, the antenna plume could have moved away.

How to diagnose:

1. Check it out. SIM-If you have a card on another phone, if you have text messages, your Xiaomi is the problem.
2. Try another one. SIM-If you have a different card, you have to send a text message to the first person. SIM (possibly damaged).
3. Check the tray. SIM-Corrosion, bent contacts or contamination - a sign of hardware malfunction.
4. Check it out. IMEI. Enter *#06# if you don't IMEI zeros or error, the communication module is defective.

What to do:

• If you're in contact SIM-cards are oxidized - clean them carefully with a swallow or alcohol.
• If you have a slack, replace it (it is cheap, ~300-500 ruble).
• If the problem is in the communication module or antenna, contact the service center. Repair will cost 1,500-4,000 rubles depending on the model.

⚠️ Attention: If SMS stops coming after falling or getting moisture, don't try to disassemble the phone yourself. Xiaomi often uses adhesive joints, and careless repairs can damage the board.

7. Features of firmware: global vs. Chinese MIUI

On Xiaomi phones with Chinese firmware (for example, on Redmi or on the phone). POCO, Buying on AliExpress often has problems with SMS due to the fact that:

• 🌍 Chinese versions may not catch Russian operators’ networks at full capacity.
• 📵 Lockdowns SMS-Other centers are used in China. SMSC, Sometimes they are in conflict with local operators.
• 🔒 Restrictions under Chinese law: Some firmware blocks SMS from foreign numbers.

How to fix it:

1. Install global firmware. This will solve 90% of the problems. Instructions: 1. Unlock the bootloader (via Mi Unlock Tool). 2. Install TWRP or Fastboot firmware. 3. Squeeze the official global version MIUI for your model.
2. Manually write it. SMSC. If the firmware does not allow you to reset the message center, try entering it manually: Settings → SIM-map → Access points (APN) → Add APN → Field "Centre" SMS" (SMSC) → Enter your operator number (for example, +79993300255 for Beeline)
3. Turn off regional restrictions. In the engineering menu (##4636##) Find the Preferred Network Type option and select LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto.

If you're not sure about yourself, you should consult firmware specialists. Wrong actions can turn your phone into a brick.

FAQ: Frequent questions about non-receipt of SMS on Xiaomi