SMS from a short number 900 are not just notifications, but critical messages from banks, government services, telecom operators and other services. If they stop arriving on your Androidsmartphone, you risk missing a payment confirmation code, a card blocking notification, or even a fine from the traffic police. The problem may lie both in the phone settings and on the operator or sender’s side - let’s figure out how to diagnose and fix the problem.

In this article you will find step-by-step guide for all modern versions Android (from 10 to 14), including features of working with Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands. We also took into account changes in the policies of operators (for example, mandatory activation of the "Mobile ID" service for SMS from government services from 2026) and new requirements of banks for two-factor authentication.

Why stopped receiving SMS from 900: main reasons

Short number 900 is used for mass mailings, and its blocking or delivery failures are most often associated with one of the following factors:

  • 📵 Operator blocking: Your tariff may not support receiving SMS from short numbers (relevant for virtual operators like Tinkoff Mobile or Yota).
  • 🔒 Phone settings: Spam filter enabled, blocking unknown senders or restrictions in the application Messages.
  • 📱 Problems with the SIM card: Physical damage, incompatibility with 5Gnetworks or outdated firmware of the communication module.
  • 🏦 Sender restrictions: Banks and government services may temporarily suspend mailings due to suspicious activity on your number.
  • 🔄 Operator network failures: Technical work or channel overload (for example, during mass mailings from State Services).

According to Roskomnadzor, up to 15% of complaints about non-receipt of SMS from 900 in 2026 were related to incorrect APN settings after updating the firmware. Another 20% were due to blocking of numbers through third-party applications such as Truecaller or GetContact.

📊 How long have you not received SMS from 900?
Less than a week
1-2 weeks
More than a month
Never arrived

Step 1: Checking the blocking of numbers in the Android settings

The first thing you need to do is make sure that your smartphone does not filter messages from short numbers automatically in the latest versions. Android (12+) this feature may be hidden in advanced settings.

Instructions for the standard application Messages (may differ on Samsung Messages or MIUI Messaging):

  1. Open the application Messages.
  2. Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner → Settings.
  3. Go to the section Spam and blocking (or Blocking numbers).
  4. Check the lists Blocked numbers and Spam filters. If there is a number 900 or a range of short numbers (for example, 9xx), delete them.
  5. Disable the option Block unknown numbers (if enabled).

On Xiaomi additionally check the section Security in the message settings - it can be activated "Contacts only" modewhich allows SMS only from saved numbers.

☑️ What to check in message settings

Done: 0 / 4

Step 2: Diagnostics of the SIM card and operator network

If the message settings are OK, the problem may lie in physical condition of the SIM card or the network connection parameters. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Restart the phone —this will clear temporary errors of the communication module.
  2. Check the SIM card:
    • Remove the card and inspect the contacts for damage or oxidation.
    • Try to insert it into another phone - if you receive SMS from 900, the problem is in your device.
  • Update the APN settings:
    • Go to Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN).
    • Select your operator's profile (for example, Beeline or MTS) and press Reset to default values.
    • If there is no profile, request settings automatically via USSD-command: *99# (call).

    For owners of dual-SIM phones: make sure that the SMS is linked to the correct SIM card. In the message settings, a Slot with an active mobile network must be selected (not Wi-Fi calling!).

    What to do if the SIM card is damaged?

    If the card shows scratches, chips or is bent, replace it at the operator's salon for free. Modern nano-SIMs are sensitive to physical defects, especially if the phone has been dropped frequently.

    Step 3: Checking the services of the telecom operator

    Operators can block SMS from short numbers for several reasons: lack of connected service, debt or technical limitations. Here's how to check it:

    Operator USSD command for verification What should be connected
    MTS *111*0887# Mobile ID service (for government services)
    Beeline *110*180# SMS-inform package (free)
    MegaFon *105*00# Service "Information SMS"
    Tele2 *155*1# Option "SMS from services"

    If after typing the command you see the status Disabled — activate the service (usually it’s free). virtual operators (for example, SberMobile) you may need to switch to a tariff with SMS support or activate the option through your personal account.

    ⚠️ Attention! Since 2026 Roskomnadzor obliged operators to block SMS from government services (Government services, Tax, Pension Fund) for subscribers without confirmed Mobile ID. If you have not gone through identification in the salon or through the operator’s application, SMS from 900 will not be received.

    Step 4: Software update and network settings reset

    Outdated firmware or a failure in the communication module can lead to loss of SMS. This is especially true for phones on MediaTek (for example, Redmi or Realme), where errors in working with the network are more common.

    What to do:

    1. Update Android to the latest version:
      • Go to Settings → System → Software update.
      • If an update is available, install it and reboot your phone.
  • Reset network settings (this will delete saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth passwords!):
    • Open Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.
    • Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
    • For Samsung: update the application Samsung Messages via Galaxy Store —it often fixes bugs with SMS delivery.

    After resetting the settings, the phone will automatically adjust the network parameters from the operator, but you may need to re-enter the SIM card PIN code.

    💡

    If after the update you still don’t receive SMS from 900, try manually setting the network type to Only 4G (LTE) in the mobile communication settings. Some operators route SMS poorly on networks 5G or 3G.

    Step 5: Checking blocking on the sender's side

    Sometimes the problem lies not in your phone, but in the service that is supposed to send SMS. For example, banks can block mailings if:

    • 🔐 Suspicious activity (multiple unsuccessful attempts to enter the code).
    • 📄 Irrelevant data (if you changed the number, but did not update it in your personal account).
    • 💳 Card blocking or accounts.

    How to check:

    1. For bank SMS:
      • Call the bank's hotline (the number is usually indicated on the back of the card).
      • Check whether mailings to your account have been blocked number.
      • Ask to send a test SMS with a code (for example, to enter the application).
  • For Government services:
    • Log in gosuslugi.ru.
    • Go to Profile → Notification settings.
    • Make sure the checkbox SMS alerts is active.
    ⚠️ Attention! If you recently changed your phone number, but did not update it in the services (bank, government services, markets like Ozon or Wildberries), SMS will be sent to the old number. Check the relevance of contacts in your personal accounts!

    Step 6: Alternative ways to receive codes

    If it was not possible to restore SMS delivery from 900, use alternative channels for receiving confirmation codes:

    • 📧 Email: Many services (including Sberbank and Tinkoff) can send codes by email. Check the security settings in your personal account.
    • 🔑 Push notifications: Bank applications (Sberbank Online, VTB Online) often allow you to confirm transactions via push without SMS.
    • 💬 Messengers: Some services (for example, Telegram or Viber) support sending codes in chatbots.
    • 📞 Call: Banks can dictate a code over the phone (for example, Alfa Bank offers such an option).

    For Gosuslugi an alternative is the application Gosuslugi.Auto or Gosuslugi.STOP Coronavirus, where some of the notifications are duplicated in push.

    💡

    If SMS from 900 do not come from only one service (for example, only from the bank), the problem is definitely not in the phone - contact the support of this service.

    Step 7: Radical measures - resetting the phone or replacing the SIM

    If all the previous steps did not help, there are two extreme options:

    1. Hard reset your phone (with data loss!):
      • Make a backup via Settings → Google → Backup.
      • Go to Settings → System → Reset → Delete all data.
      • After resetting, set up the phone as new and check the receipt of SMS from 900.
  • Replacing a SIM card:
    • Contact the operator's salon with a passport.
    • Ask for a new SIM with the same number (the procedure is free).
    • Activate it and check the SMS.

    Resetting the phone helps in 60% of cases when the problem is caused by a software glitch. Replacing a SIM is effective if the card is old (issued before 2020) or damaged.

    ⚠️ Attention! Before resetting the phone, unlink all accounts (Google, Samsung, Mi Account), otherwise after rebooting the device may require the old password!

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about SMS from 900

    Can banks block SMS from 900 for debts?

    No, banks do not block SMS from short numbers for late payments. However, if your number is blacklisted due to suspicious activity (such as fraud), mailings may be suspended. Check this with the bank's support.

    Why do SMS from 900 arrive with a delay of several hours?

    This is a typical problem when the operator's network is overloaded (for example, during mass mailings from Government services) or if you have a low-priority SMS tariff. Try changing the tariff or contacting the operator's support.

    Is it possible to redirect SMS from 900 to another number?

    Technically yes, but only through the services of the operator (for example, 21 u MTS). However, most services (banks, government services) link SMS to a specific number, and redirection will not work to confirm transactions.

    What to do if SMS from 900 arrive but are not displayed in the application?

    This may be an application bug Messages. Try:

    • Clear application cache (Settings → Applications → Messages → Memory → Clear cache).
    • Install a third-party messenger (for example, Textra SMS or Pulse SMS).
    • Check the folder Spam or Archive in the application.
    Why did you stop receiving SMS from 900 after updating Android?

    The update could reset the APN settings or change the security policy. Return the network settings to factory settings (Settings → Mobile network → Reset APN) and check whether the new version of Android blocks messages from short numbers in the section Security.