How to set up an alert for missed calls via SMS on Android

Do you often miss important calls due to quiet mode or a weak Internet connection? There is a solution: setting up notifications for incoming calls via SMS. This feature allows you to receive text messages with information about missed calls—even if your phone is turned off, low on battery, or out of network coverage. This is especially true for owners Xiaomi, Samsung Galaxy and other popular models, where standard notifications are sometimes lost.

In this article we will look at all working methods for activating SMS call alerts on Android in 2026including operator settings, third-party applications and hidden firmware functions. You will learn how to enable the service on any smartphone - from budget Redmi to flagship Google Pixel 8, as well as what pitfalls may arise when using this function. Let's start with the simplest method, which works for 90% of users.

1. Standard setup via the phone menu (for most Androids)

Many modern smartphones already have a built-in function for sending SMS notifications about missed calls. It is hidden in the call settings and may be called differently depending on the manufacturer. Here's how to find it:

• 📱 On Samsung Galaxy (One UI): go to Phone → ⋮ (three dots) → Settings → Advanced → Missed call notifications
• 🤖 On pure Android (Pixel, Motorola): Phone → Settings → Calls → Send SMS when missed
• 🍎 On Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI): Phone → ⚙ Settings → Call notifications → SMS alerts

If your phone does not have such an item, do not be upset - this means that the function is either disabled at the firmware level, or it needs to be activated via USSD operator command (more on this in the next section). Also check if the option is hidden under a different name, for example “Send notifications to another number” or “Call notification”.

Look for the "Phone" or "Calls" menu in applications

Check the "Notifications" section or "Additional"

Make sure that the SIM card is active (the function only works with the main card)

Reboot the phone after changing the settings-->

⚠️ Attention: On some models Huawei i Honor (EMUI) this function may be blocked due to firmware features. In this case, only installing a third-party application or contacting the operator will help.

2. Activation via USSD operator commands (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, Megafon)

If the phone settings do not have the required item, try turning on SMS alerts directly via secret operator commands. This method works regardless of phone model, but requires that the service is supported by your plan. Here are the current commands for Russian operators (2026):

Operator	Enable command	Disable command	Cost
MTS	*111*251#	*111*250#	Free
Beeline	*110*371#	*110*370#	0.50 ₽/day
Megaphone	*105*481#	*105*480#	Free
Tele2	*155*1*1#	*155*1*0#	1 ₽/day
Yota	No support	—	—

To activate the service:

1. Open the application Phone and go to the dialing tab.
2. Enter the command for your operator (see table) and press the call button.
3. Wait for an SMS with confirmation of activation (arrives within 5 minutes).
4. Check your balance - some operators charge the service fee daily.

If the command does not work, the service may not be supported on your tariff. In this case, contact the operator's support via *111# (MTS), *110# (Beeline) or other short numbers. Check whether the option “Informing about missed calls” or “SMS notifications about calls” is available.

⚠️ Attention: The service may be automatically disabled when changing the tariff plan or prolonging the SIM card. Check its status once every 2-3 months.

3. Using third-party applications (if nothing works)

If neither the built-in settings nor the operator commands helped, they will come to the rescue specialized applications. They work on a different principle: they intercept information about missed calls and send an SMS to the specified number. The best options:

• 📲 Missed Call Alert —sends an SMS to any number with information about the call (time, subscriber number). There is a free version with advertising.
• 🔔 Call Notifier —supports message templates and sending to several numbers at the same time. Suitable for business.
• 📧 SMS Missed Call - simple interface, works without the Internet. Disadvantage: no Russian language.

How to set up (using an example Missed Call Alert):

1. Download the application from Google Play and install.
2. Open it and provide all requested permissions (access to calls, SMS, contacts).
3. In the menu Settings → Notification Rules add a rule for missed calls.
4. Specify the number to which SMS will be sent and the message template (for example: "Missed call from {number} at {time}").
5. Activate the service in the main application menu.

The advantage of this method is flexibility: you can configure notifications to be sent only from certain numbers (for example, from work) or at specific times. However, keep in mind that applications require permission to send. SMSwhich can be a security risk. Install only proven apps with a high rating (4.5+).

4. Setup through operator services (personal account)

Not everyone knows, but many operators allow you to manage SMS notifications about calls. via personal account on the website or in the mobile application. This is convenient if you do not want to delve into the phone settings or are afraid of USSD commands. Here's how to do it:

For MTS:

1. Go to the "My MTS" application or the website lk.mts.ru.
2. Go to the "Services" → "Additional services" section.
3. Find "Information about missed calls" and activate.
4. Indicate the number to which SMS will be sent (you can use your own or another).

For Beeline and Megafon the process is similar, but the names of the services may differ:

• 🔹 Beeline: "SMS alerts" in the "My Services" section
• 🔹 Megafon: "Call notifications" in "Additional options"

The main advantage of this method is no need to configure anything on the phone. The service is activated at the SIM card level and will work even if you change the device. The downside is that not all operators provide such functionality in your personal account (for example, Tele2 and Yota do not support it).

⚠️ Attention: When changing the SIM card (for example, when switching to eSIM), the service may be reset. Check its status after any changes with the number.

5. Alternative methods: forwarding and cloud services

If none of the above methods worked, consider workarounds:

• 📞 Call forwarding: Set up all missed calls to be forwarded to another number (for example, a work phone). To do this, enter the USSD command 21[number]#. Minus: the subscriber will hear beeps and not understand that you are unavailable.
• ☁️ Cloud services: Applications like Google Voice (not available in all countries) or Skype can send notifications about calls to email or instant messengers. Suitable for international calls.
• 🤝 Synchronization with another device: If you have a tablet or a second phone on the same SIM card (via multi-SIM), missed calls will be duplicated automatically.

Most reliable, but paid option - virtual PBX (for example, Zadarma or Mango Office). These services allow you to set up complex alert rules, including SMS, email and push notifications. Suitable for business or if it is critical for you not to miss a single call.

How does forwarding work?

When you activate forwarding (21), all incoming calls are first sent to your main number. If you do not answer within 20-30 seconds (time depends on the operator), the call is automatically redirected to the number you specified. There it can be accepted or rejected - in any case, you will receive a notification about the missed call.

6. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after proper configuration, SMS notifications about calls may not arrive. Here top 5 reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
SMS not arrive	No network coverage	Check the signal level or switch to 2G (in the SIM card settings)
Alerts arrive with a delay	Problems with the operator	Call support or check the status of the service via USSD (*100#, etc.)
The function turns itself off	The funds in your account have run out	Top up your balance (some operators block services at zero)
Does not work on the second number (dual-SIM)	The service is tied only to the main SIM	Change the priority of the SIM card in the phone settings
An empty SMS is received	Failure in the template messages	Disable and re-enable the service via USSD command

If the problem is not solved, try:

1. Delete the application cache Phone (in phone settings → Applications → Phone → Memory → Clear cache).
2. Check if your antivirus or firewall is blocking SMS sending (for example, Kaspersky or Avast may limit application rights).
3. Update your phone firmware to the latest version - bugs with notifications are sometimes fixed in new versions of Android.

7. Security: how not to run into scammers

The SMS call alert function is useful, but it can be used by criminals to collect your data. Here's what to pay attention to:

• 🕵️ Phishing SMS: Fraudsters can send fake notifications about “missed calls” with a request to call back to a paid number. Always check the number in the message - it must match the real number of the caller.
• 🔓 Data leak: Some alert applications request access to call log i contacts. Install only apps with a transparent privacy policy.
• 💰 Hidden fees: Operators sometimes connect paid services along with free alerts. Check the tariff after activation through *100# or your personal account.

To protect yourself:

1. Set up black list in your phone to block spam numbers (path: Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Blocking numbers).
2. Use two-factor authentication in the operator's personal account so that fraudsters cannot activate services on your behalf.
3. Check regularly history of USSD requests through the operator's application - this way you will notice suspicious activity.

If you receive an SMS notifying you of a missed call, but are not sure of its authenticity, do not call back. It’s better to check the call log or contact the subscriber via messenger.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to set up alerts for calls to another number (not your own)?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• Usually you can specify any number in Russia. USSD operator commands Usually you can specify any number in Russia.
• B third-party applications (for example, Missed Call Alert) there is also this option.
• Some operators (for example, Megafon) allow notifications to be sent only to their network numbers.

Before setting up, check the conditions with your operator - sometimes for sending SMS to third-party numbers an additional fee is charged.

Why do not notifications come to all missed calls?

This depends on several factors:

1. Time of the missed call call: Some operators send SMS only if the call lasted more than 5-10 seconds.
2. Subscriber status: If the caller hid his number or called from a messenger (WhatsApp, Viber), the notification may not work.
3. Technical limitations: When the network load is high, the operator may delay or skip notifications.

Check the filtering settings in the operator’s personal account - sometimes there is a checkbox “Ignore short calls.”

How much does the SMS alert service cost for different operators?

Tariffs for 2026:

• 🔹 MTS and Megaphone: free.
• 🔹 Beeline: 0.50 ₽ per day (15 ₽/month).
• 🔹 Tele2: 1 ₽ per day (30 ₽/month).
• 🔹 Yota and virtual operators (Tinkoff Mobile, SberMobile): the service is not supported.

Check the current tariffs on the operator's website - they may change without warning.

Will the alert work if the phone is turned off or in on an airplane?

Depends on the setup method:

• 📴 Through the operator (USSD/personal account): Yes, SMS will arrive, since the service is activated at the SIM card level.
• 📱 Through applications: No, since the phone must be turned on for processing missed calls.
• ✈️ In airplane mode: Only if enabled module mode (allows calls and SMS).

The most reliable option for a switched off phone is setting it up through the operator.

Is it possible to turn off notifications at night?

Yes, there are several ways:

1. B phone settings (if there is a built-in function) you can usually set notification schedule.
2. In operator's personal account sometimes there is a "Do not disturb" option for SMS alerts.
3. In third-party applications (for example, Missed Call Alert) you can configure quiet hours.

If your operator does not support the schedule, use automation through applications like MacroDroid or Tasker to disable the service at night.