Why SMSes Are Not Coming to Xiaomi’s Phone: Causes and Solutions

The situation when a modern smartphone does not receive messages can cause serious discomfort, especially if you expect an important confirmation code or notification from the bank. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices often face this problem due to the aggressive optimization of the MIUI or HyperOS system. Unlike other manufacturers, the Chinese brand’s software has specific energy saving algorithms that can mistakenly block the operation of standard applications.

The reasons for the absence of incoming messages can be software related to network settings, or hardware, for example, damage. SIM-Sometimes the problem lies in a crowded storage or third-party application conflict. Understanding the nature of a failure is the first step to fixing it. In this article, we will go into all possible scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions for restoring functionality.

Don't panic if the screen is silent while you're waiting for an SMS. Most of the time, just a few simple steps in the settings menu are enough to get things back to normal, and we'll look at both basic checks and more sophisticated diagnostic methods, including working with the engineering menu and resetting network settings.

Basic checks and network status

Before you go into the complex system settings, you need to rule out the elementary factors. Often the cause is trivial: a malfunction of a cellular operator or a temporary lack of coverage. Make sure that the signal sticks and network type (4G, LTE, 5G) are displayed in the upper right corner of the screen. If the communication icon is crossed out or the red cross burns, the phone cannot physically receive data from the base station.

Check your account balance. Operators block incoming SMS if the plan involves payment for receiving messages (which is rare but happens in roaming) or if the number is blocked for non-payment. It is also worth checking whether Airplane Mode is on. This mode completely turns off radio modules, and even if you turned it on a minute ago, the system may take time to re-register on the network.

⚠️ Warning: If you are in a low-reception area, try moving to the window or going outside. In basements and metal structures of buildings, the signal may be completely absent, making it impossible to receive SMS.

It is also important to check whether the storage of messages is crowded. Although modern smartphones store SMS in the cloud or use minimal memory, a crowded internal drive can prevent new data from being written.

Blocker and filtering settings in MIUI

One of the most common reasons why SMSes don’t come to Xiaomi is the built-in spam blocker.The MIUI system and the new HyperOS are equipped with powerful security tools that can mistakenly classify important messages as advertising spam. Unlike third-party applications, this filter works at a deep system level.

To check the list of blocked messages, you need to open the standard Messages app. In the upper right corner, find the menu icon (three dots or gear) and select "Block" or "Antispam"; it stores a log of all incoming messages that have been filtered by the system. If you see the desired messages there, you can restore them and add the sender to the whitelist.

Filtering settings allow you to flexibly manage the flow of data, you can set lock rules by keywords or numbers, but overly strict rules can lead to the loss of important notifications from delivery services or banks, and it is recommended to periodically check this section, especially after updating the system.

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Add bank and notification service numbers to the contacts with the name “Service” so that the system does not accurately consider them spam.

Also, check if you have a third-party garbage cleaner or antivirus installed. Apps like Clean Master or various "accelerators" can intercept SMS control and block incoming messages, considering them a potential threat.

Work with SIM-map and network parameters

Physical condition SIM-If the card is old, has scratches on the contacts, or is inserted in the tray incorrectly, the connection will be unstable. SIM-map, wipe the contacts with a soft dry cloth and insert back, making sure the position is correct.

A good way to diagnose this is to change the SIM card to another phone, and if you have SMS on another device, it's your Xiaomi settings that are the problem, and if the messages don't come on the other phone, you need to contact the carrier's salon to replace it. SIM-map.

Also worth checking is the access point settings and preferred network type. Sometimes the phone gets stuck in 3G or 2G mode, where message delivery can be delayed. Switch network mode manually through the settings menu.

In dual-symbol smartphones, there is often confusion with the choice of the main card for data transfer and voice communication. Make sure that in the settings (Settings) → SIM-Maps and mobile networks) correctly selected card for calls and SMS by default, unless you use the smart change function.

Settings of the “Messages” application and permissions

The Android system that powers Xiaomi phones is tightly controlling application permissions. If a standard Messages app doesn’t have the necessary rights, it simply won’t be able to display incoming data, often after resetting or updating the firmware.

Go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Go to Messages. Go to App Permissions. Make sure that the boxes are ticked against SMS, Contacts, and preferably Phone. Without SMS permission, the application doesn’t have physical access to the incoming stream.

The second important aspect is energy saving. MIUI is known for killing background processes to save charge. Go to the battery settings for the Messages app and select No Limits mode, which will prevent the system from forcibly shutting down the app.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache and data of the Messages app unless you have important correspondence stored locally on your device.

Also check if the Messages app is in Hide Content mode in the notification settings, in which case the phone will vibrate, but the text of the message on the lock screen will not appear, which creates the illusion of no SMS.

Problems with the message center number (SMSC)

One technical but often overlooked cause of failure is an incorrect message center number (SMSC), a special number that the operator routes all your SMS through. If the phone has an incorrect number (for example, after a SIM card change or firmware failure), messages will not come.

You can check and change this number from the dial menu. Enter the code ##4636##. The test menu will open. Select Phone Information. Scroll down to the SMSC field. Your operator number should be listed here. If the field is empty or the number is incorrect, you need to update it.

To change the number, click Update or Set. In some versions of the interface, this option may not be available for editing directly through the test menu, in which case resetting the network settings to factory will help.

An alternative way is to use the engineering menu through the Engineering Mode app, if it is available on your model. There you can also find SMSC settings in the Telephony section. Be careful when changing the settings in the engineering menu, as incorrect actions can lead to loss of communication.

Resetting network settings and extreme measures

If none of these things work, you have to reset your network settings, and this will bring all your mobile, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth settings back to factory values, and your personal files, photos, and contacts will not be affected, but you will have to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords.

You can reset via the menu: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Press Reset and confirm the action. After the restart, the phone will re-register in the operator’s network, having received the current settings.

If the problem persists even after the reset and inspection SIM-Cards on other phones may require a full reset of the device.Remember that a full reset will remove all data from the phone, so be sure to back up your device.

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Resetting network settings is a safe and effective procedure that solves 90% of software problems with SMS reception on Xiaomi.

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