Xiaomi Cannot Send SMS on EE Network

Xiaomi Cannot Send SMS on UK Networks – Fix

Quick Answer:
If your Xiaomi can receive texts but not send them, first check your balance – you may have run out of credit. Then try sending a text to your own number to test if the network is working. If that fails, check your SMS Center (SMSC) number – dial *#*#4636#*#* → Phone information → SMSC → tap "Update" (on some devices). Also ensure you haven't blocked the recipient's number and that your messaging app has SMS permission.

Applies to Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi Phones

This guide applies to Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices running MIUI or HyperOS, covering UK carriers including EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, and MVNOs like Giffgaff, SMARTY, and others.

🔍 Quick Start – Find Your Path

SymptomMost Likely CauseGo To
Can receive texts but not send themBalance, network registration, or SMSCSection 1
SMS stuck on "Sending" or failsNetwork registration or app issueSection 2
Can't send to one specific numberNumber blocked or incorrectSection 3
Can't send after a HyperOS updateSettings resetSection 4
Can't send verification or premium SMSCarrier or service restrictionSection 5
Can make calls but can't send SMSData-specific or network registrationSection 1

Section 1 – Can Receive SMS But Can't Send (Most Common)

If you can receive texts but not send them, possible causes include insufficient balance, network registration failure, or an incorrect SMS Center (SMSC) number.

Try these in order:

  1. Check your balance – Ensure you have sufficient credit to send messages. Contact your carrier or check your account balance.
  2. Send a text to your own number – If it sends and arrives, your phone and network are working – the issue may be with the recipient. If it fails to send, continue below.
  3. Toggle Airplane mode – ON for 30 seconds, then OFF. This forces the phone to reconnect to the network.
  4. Check network selection – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your carrier] SIM → Network operators → Search → Select your carrier manually.
  5. Check SMS Center (SMSC) number – On some Xiaomi devices, you may be able to check SMSC information using the testing menu. Dial *#*#4636#*#* → Phone information → SMSC → tap "Update" to refresh it. If this option is not available, contact your carrier for the correct SMSC number.
  6. Clear Messaging app cache – Settings → Apps → Manage apps → Search for "Messages" or "Messaging" → Storage → Clear cache.

Section 2 – SMS Stuck on "Sending" or Fails to Send

If your SMS gets stuck on "Sending" or fails immediately, the issue may be network registration, RCS conflict, or an app problem.

Try these in order:

  1. Toggle Airplane mode – ON for 30 seconds, then OFF.
  2. Check network selection – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your carrier] SIM → Network operators → Search → Select your carrier manually.
  3. Check RCS settings (Google Messages) – If you're using Google Messages, try turning RCS off and on: Google Messages → Settings → RCS chats → Turn off → Wait 30 seconds → Turn back on.
  4. Clear Messaging app cache – Settings → Apps → Manage apps → Messages → Storage → Clear cache.
  5. Restart your phone – A full reboot can resolve temporary network registration glitches.

Section 3 – Can't Send to One Specific Number

If you can send SMS to most numbers but not one specific number, the issue is likely a block or incorrect number format.

Try these in order:

  1. Check if the number is blocked – Open Messaging app → Settings → Blocked numbers → Ensure the recipient isn't blocked.
  2. Check number format – Ensure you're using the correct country code. For UK numbers, use +447... or 07... with no spaces or special characters.
  3. Test sending to a different number – If other numbers work, the issue is specific to that contact.

Section 4 – Can't Send SMS After HyperOS Update

If SMS sending stopped working after a HyperOS update, the update may have reset network or app settings.

Try these in order:

  1. Check SMSC number – Try refreshing it using the method in Section 1.
  2. Clear Messaging app cache – Settings → Apps → Manage apps → Messages → Storage → Clear cache.
  3. Check messaging app permissions – Settings → Apps → Manage apps → Messages → Permissions → Ensure SMS permission is enabled.
  4. Switch messaging app temporarily – If you're using Google Messages, try switching to the Xiaomi Messaging app (if available), or vice versa. This can help identify if the issue is app-specific.
  5. Check for app updates – Settings → System app updater → check for updates to the Messaging app.

Section 5 – Can't Send Verification or Premium SMS

If you can't send SMS verification codes (bank, PayPal, WhatsApp) or premium SMS, the issue may be a carrier restriction rather than your phone.

Why this happens:

  • Some UK carriers block premium or short-code SMS by default on certain plans.
  • Verification SMS may require a specific network registration state.

Try these in order:

  1. Check if your plan supports verification SMS – Contact your carrier and ask if premium or short-code SMS is enabled on your account.
  2. Try sending the SMS from a different phone – If it works on another phone, the issue is your Xiaomi. If it fails, the issue is your carrier or plan.
  3. Check your carrier's short-code list – Some carriers block specific short codes. Contact your carrier to unblock them.

⚠️ What NOT to Do

  • Don't factory reset your phone – SMS issues are almost never solved by a factory reset.
  • Don't assume your SIM is faulty without testing – test your SIM in another phone first.
  • Don't ignore your balance – if you've run out of credit, no setting will fix it.

Why Can't I Send SMS on UK Networks?

  • Insufficient balance – You may have run out of credit.
  • Network registration failure – Phone hasn't properly registered on the network.
  • Incorrect SMSC number – The phone doesn't know which server to route SMS through.
  • RCS conflict – Google Messages RCS may be interfering with SMS.
  • Blocked number – The recipient or your phone has blocked the number.
  • Carrier short-code block – Some carriers block premium or short-code SMS by default.

Quick Questions

Why can I receive texts but not send them on UK networks?
Possible causes include insufficient balance, network registration failure, or an incorrect SMS Center (SMSC) number. Start with Section 1.

How do I check my SMSC number on Xiaomi?
On some devices, dial *#*#4636#*#* → Phone information → SMSC. Tap "Update" to refresh it. If this option is not available, contact your carrier for the correct SMSC number.

What is my carrier's SMS Center number?
Contact your carrier for the correct SMSC number – it can vary by carrier and region.

Why can't I send verification codes on my Xiaomi?
Your carrier may block premium or short-code SMS. Contact your carrier to check if this is enabled on your plan.

Will resetting network settings delete my photos?
No. Only saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth devices are removed.

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