James Harper
How To Resolve Incoming Call and SMS Issues on Xiaomi Devices
If your Xiaomi phone refuses to ring when someone calls, or you’re just not getting those SMS notifications, it can be pretty frustrating. Sometimes it’s related to network glitches, app permissions gone rogue, or settings that got changed by accident. The good news is, most of these are fixable with a few tweaks. This guide digs into some of the most common causes and practical solutions to get your calling and messaging back on track.
How to Fix Not Receiving Incoming Calls and SMS on Xiaomi Phones
Method 1: Refresh Your Mobile Network
This is kind of a classic, but often it works. Especially if the problem just started after changing networks or after a reboot. Refreshing your network can kick out any stuck configuration or minor bug that’s blocking incoming signals. Expect a quick reset of your signal connection, which often does the trick. On some setups, this might need a reboot afterward, but it’s usually quick enough.
- Open the Phone app.
- Dial
*#*#46336#*#*. (If that doesn’t work, you might have to go through Settings > SIM Cards & Mobile Networks). - Look for a menu called Phone Information — you might see “Phone info 1” or “Phone info 2” depending on your SIM slots.
- Toggle off Mobile Radio Power. Wait around 10 seconds, then toggle it back on.
- Swipe down and toggle on Airplane Mode for about 10 seconds, then turn it off. This forces a fresh network reset.
- Finally, restart your phone. Because, of course, Xiaomi has to complicate things a bit.
Method 2: Clear Cache and Data of Phone & Messaging Apps
Corrupted cache or residual data in apps can block incoming calls or messages without obvious signs. Clearing cache is a simple way to clean out the bad bits. Sometimes, it’s just the app cache that gets wonky after an update or app crash. Expect the apps to briefly rebuild their data, which may fix the problem.
- Long-press the Phone icon, then tap App Info.
- Go to Storage and select Clear Cache. If it still acts weird, maybe clear Clear Data, but beware—this might erase saved settings or call logs.
- Repeat the same steps for the Messages app.
- Afterward, restart your device. Sometimes, the cache clearing alone fixes the issue; other times, a reboot is needed to reinitialize the system.
Method 3: Check Call Barring Settings
Sounds odd, but call barring could be enabled, preventing calls from coming through. To check:
- Open the Phone app, tap the gear icon (top right).
- Navigate to Advanced Settings under the menu.
- Select Call Barring. If you see any active barring, disable it.
- This setting is sometimes activated by accident, especially if you’ve been tinkering with network codes or trying to hide your number.
Method 4: Reset App Permissions
Sometimes, app permissions mysteriously get altered after an update, and that can block your messaging or calling functions. Resetting permissions often restores essential access without removing your data.
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Tap the three-dot menu > Other Settings > Reset App Preferences.
- Confirm, and let it do its thing. This action resets all app permissions, disables disabled apps, and clears default apps, so some reconfiguration might be needed.
- Check if your calls and SMS start coming through afterward.
Method 5: Reset Network Settings
If nothing else works, resetting network settings often does the final trick. It clears Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings, forcing your device to re-establish fresh connections. Expect to rejoin Wi-Fi networks afterward, but your personal files stay intact so no worries there.
- Open Settings, tap on More Settings (or Connection & Sharing on some MIUI versions).
- Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
- Confirm the reset. Wait for the process to finish and then reconnect to your Wi-Fi if needed.
- Test the incoming calls and SMS again.
Extra tips & common pitfalls
Check that your SIM card is seated correctly and isn’t damaged. Sometimes, simple physical issues cause connectivity hiccups. If possible, try another SIM in your device to see if the problem persists. Also, verify that your account isn’t suspended or has any restrictions—carrier issues could be the root cause.
Wrap-up
Most of the time, fiddling with network refreshes, cache clears, or permissions does the trick. It’s kind of a pain, but Xiaomi phones aren’t always straightforward about these settings. Messing around with network resets or call barring often solves – but not always. If you’re still stuck after all that, contacting your carrier or Xiaomi support might be the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my phone still doesn’t ring after these steps?
Check the volume level, and make sure Do Not Disturb isn’t active. Also, double-check if the SIM card is properly inserted and active in your carrier’s system.
How to see if call barring is enabled?
It’s in the Phone app under Settings > Call Barring. If it’s toggled on, disable it.
Will resetting network settings delete my messages or apps?
Nope, it only resets network stuff like Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth. Your personal data, apps, and messages stay safe—just have to reconnect to Wi-Fi and re-pair Bluetooth devices afterward.
Summary
- Try refreshing network settings with *#*#46336#*#* or toggling Airplane Mode.
- Clear cache/data of Phone and Messages apps.
- Check call barring and reset permissions.
- Reset network settings if nothing else works.
- Check physical SIM card and try another if possible.
Final thoughts
Most issues boil down to network glitches or permission quirks. Fixing them usually doesn’t take forever, but sometimes Xiaomi’s settings menu is a maze. On some devices, a reboot or reinserted SIM will make all the difference. Fingers crossed this helps — worked for me a few times, so maybe it’ll do the same for you.