Xiaomi: 15 Reasons and How to Fix It

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi has stopped receiving SMS or notifications from WhatsApp, Telegram and other messengers? The problem can be in both the settings of the smartphone and the work of the carrier. In this article, we will analyze all possible causes, from the banal lack of a network to the hidden limitations of MIUI, and also give step-by-step instructions for Redmi, Poco and Mi models (including the latest firmware from 2026).

Xiaomi devices feature aggressive battery optimization and background activity, which often blocks notifications. But the fault is not always the settings: sometimes the problem lies in the fact that the device is not always the same. SIM-We've put together 15 proven solutions, including those that are not described in the official documentation, and we'll start with the simplest and end with a deep diagnosis.

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

Before digging deep, make sure the problem isn’t in the basics. 50% of messaging cases are resolved at this stage.

One is to check the network indicator in the top panel, and if instead of the usual "strips," you see a cross, an exclamation point, or the words "Emergency Calls Only," then the phone is not connected to the cellular network.

  • πŸ“Ά Reboot the phone – it will reset temporary failures of the communication module.
  • πŸ”„ Turn on/off In-plane mode for 30 seconds (drop the notification bar down). β†’ "Flight mode" buttonΒ»).
  • πŸ“± Check it out. SIM-Remove it, wipe the contacts with a dry wipe and put it back in. If the card is damaged, replace it in the operator's cabin.

If you have a network but no messages, go to the next step, which is to check the message center, and each operator has a different number to send SMS (for example, MTS has a different number). +79160000000) Check it on your provider's website or call support. In Xiaomi, the way to set up: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [yours SIM] β†’ Communications centre.

πŸ“Š Which communications operator do you use?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2.
Yota
Other

2. Battery optimization and background activity in MIUI

Xiaomi is known for its aggressive charge-saving policy, which often blocks notifications from instant messengers. Even if you didn't turn on manual restrictions, the system can automatically "sleep" apps. Here's how to fix it:

First, check the battery settings for a specific messenger (such as WhatsApp):

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Select a messenger (for example, Telegram).
  3. Saving battery life β†’ No restrictions.
  4. Turn on the AutoRun switch (allows background work).

Turn off deep optimization:

  • πŸ”‹ Go to Settings. β†’ Battery and productivity β†’ Battery mode.
  • πŸ“± Choose Performance (instead of Balanced or SavingΒ»).
  • βš™οΈ Turn on background activity for all messengers.

Turn off savings for instant messengers | Allow autorun | Select Performance mode | Enable background activity-->

Important: After the changes, restart the phone - some settings apply only after the reboot.

3. Blocking messages at the operator level

If the text message does not come only from certain numbers (e.g. banks or services), the problem may be on the operator's side.

  • 🚫 Blacklist: the operator could block the sender’s number on the complaint (for example, if it is spam).
  • πŸ’³ Tariff restrictions: some tariffs block bulk mailings (for example, Tele2 has the option β€œSpam ProtectionΒ»).
  • πŸ”’ Substitution of numbers: if the sender uses a virtual number (e.g, +375 instead +7), the operator may filter such SMS.

To check the lockdown:

  1. Call your carrier’s support number (e.g. 0890 for MTS).
  2. Ask if there are any restrictions on incoming SMS for your number.
  3. If the lock is confirmed, ask to remove it (may require a passport).
How do I know if the operator is blocking SMS?
Ask a friend to send you a test text from another carrier, and if it comes and the bank/service doesn't, the problem is definitely on the provider's side.

Also check your account balance – some operators block incoming SMS when you have a negative balance (even if you have an unlimited tariff).

4. malfunctions in the work of messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)

If you don't only get notifications on a specific messenger (like WhatsApp), the problem is with the app's settings or its cache.

For WhatsApp:

  • πŸ”” Go to WhatsApp Settings β†’ Notifications and turn on all switches.
  • πŸ“± In the phone settings (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ WhatsApp β†’ Notifications) Allow Pop-up Notifications and Sound.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Clear the cache: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ WhatsApp β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.

For Telegram:

  • πŸ”• In Telegram settings, check Notifications and Sounds section β†’ Exceptions – there should not be your chats.
  • 🌐 If you use a proxy or VPN, Disable it – Telegram may not work through some servers.
  • πŸ”„ Update the app to the latest version on Google Play.

If notifications don’t appear even after these actions, try reinstalling the messenger. Before deleting, back up the chats!

πŸ’‘

WhatsApp has a hidden setting for Xiaomi: open chat β†’ three dots β†’ β€œChat Widget” β†’ turn on β€œNotifications on the Lock Screen.” This bypasses the limitations of MIUI.

5. Problems with firmware and MIUI updates

Message failures often occur after a MIUI update or settings reset, and if the problem has recently occurred, the firmware may be to blame.

First, check out the MIUI version:

  1. Open the settings β†’ About the phone β†’ version of MIUI.
  2. Compare it with the latest stable versions on the website miui.ru.

If your version is outdated, update it:

  • πŸ”„ Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
  • πŸ“₯ If you have an update, download it and install it.
  • ⚠️ If the problem persists after the update, try to roll back to the previous version (instruction below).

For firmware rollback:

  1. Download the desired version of MIUI from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
  2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the phone’s memory.
  3. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
  4. Select Install update.zip and confirm.

πŸ’‘

After the update MIUI missing notifications, reset network settings: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings.

Hardware malfunctions: communication module, antenna

If no software method has worked, the problem may be the hardware, and it's often the fault of:

MalfunctionSigns.Decision
Communications module damagedNo network, often lost signal, does not catch 4GReplacement of the module in the service center (~3 000–5 000 β‚½)
Oxidation of contacts SIM-mapSMS is delayed, no network after rain/humidityCleaning contacts with alcohol or replacing the SIM tray
Problems with the antennaThere is a signal, but calls and texts do not pass.Diagnostics in the service (it is possible to replace the antenna cable)
Processor overheatingMessages do not come at high load (games, video shooting)Replace the heat paste or cool the phone

To check the hardware:

  1. Put it in. SIM-If the messages come, there's a problem with your Xiaomi.
  2. Try another one. SIM-If it works, it's the operator's fault or the old card.
  3. Check your phone for overheating: If it’s hot, let it cool and repeat the test.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone falls or gets wet, the malfunction may be hidden, for example, after moisture hits, the corrosion on the board manifests itself after months, in which case only a diagnostic at the service center will help.

7. Viruses and malware

Rarely, but it happens: viruses or spyware intercept SMS messages (especially if they are messages from banks).

  • πŸ“‰ The phone has become slower to work.
  • πŸ”‹ The battery is discharged in a few hours.
  • πŸ“± Unknown applications appear.
  • πŸ’Έ SMS about debiting money (if you did not use paid services).

To check the phone:

  1. Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) and scan the system.
  2. Check the list of applications in Settings β†’ Applications – remove suspicious ones.
  3. If the virus blocks SMS, reset your phone to factory settings (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Reset settings).

If you suspect that your SMS is being intercepted (for example, no codes are coming from the bank), immediately:

  • πŸ” Change passwords from banking applications.
  • πŸ“± Turn off the phone from the Internet (on the plane modeΒ»).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Contact the bank to block the cards.

⚠️ Warning: Some viruses masquerade as system applications (e.g. com.android.settings). Don't manually delete anything - use antivirus!

8. Alternative methods of receiving communications

If standard methods do not help, use the workarounds:

  • πŸ“§ SMS forwarding to email: some operators (e.g. MegaFon) allow you to set up SMS forwarding to email.
  • πŸ”„ Use of alternative messengers: if you do not receive SMS, ask the sender to use Telegram or Viber.
  • πŸ“± Second phone: temporarily use a spare machine for important messages (e.g. for bank notifications).
  • 🌍 SMS-Gateways: Services like SMS.ru or Twilio allow you to receive SMS over the Internet (suitable for business).

If the problem is with operator lockdown, try:

  1. Buy a new one. SIM-Card (sometimes changing the number helps).
  2. Change the operator (for example, from Tele2 to MTS).
  3. Use a virtual SIM (e.g. Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobile).

For business purposes (such as if you are waiting for a text message from customers), set up automatic forwarding via services like Zapier or Make, which can send notifications about new SMS to Telegram or email.

FAQ: Frequent questions about messaging issues on Xiaomi

Why don’t you send a message from your bank to Xiaomi?
This is the most common problem. Reasons: Operator locks short numbers (e.g. 900 for Sberbank). Solution: call the bank and check if your number is blacklisted. MIUI optimizes background work. Solution: add a banking application to battery exclusions (Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization β†’ All applications β†’ [bank app] β†’ No restrictions). Virus intercepts SMS. Solution: scan the phone with antivirus.
Xiaomi doesn't get notifications from WhatsApp/Telegram.
Procedure: Check the notification settings in the messenger itself (whether sound and vibration are enabled). Turn off battery saving for the application (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ [messenger] β†’ Saving charge β†’ No restrictions. Clear the messenger cache (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ [messenger] β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear cache. Reinstall the app. If it doesn't work, reset the network settings (Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings).
After the MIUI update, SMS messages stopped coming.
Updates often bring down settings. Try: Reset network settings (Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Reset network settings. Check the message center (should match your carrier number.) Reverse to the previous version MIUI (If the problem has occurred after the update, make a complete reset of the phone to factory settings (pre-save data!). If nothing helps, contact the service center - possibly a failure in the firmware of the communication module.
Xiaomi doesn't get text messages, but calls work. What's the matter?
This is a typical sign of problems with the message center or settings. APN. Do the following: Check the message center number (Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [yours SIM] β†’ Message center. It should match your carrier number. Update your settings. APN: Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [yours SIM] β†’ Access points (APN). Press three points. β†’ Reset to default values. If that didn't work, add APN You can find the settings manually on the operator's website, and try to text yourself, and if it doesn't come, you're on your side.
Can a virus block SMS on Xiaomi?
Yes, some viruses specifically intercept SMS, especially from banks. Signs of infection: The phone is slowing down. There are unknown applications. The battery is running out quickly. SMS messages come in about writing off money (which you didn't do). What to do: Install antivirus (Dr.Web, Kaspersky) and scan the phone. Remove suspicious applications. If the virus doesn't get deleted, reset to factory settings (Settings β†’ Phone β†’ Reset). Change passwords from banking apps and cards.