Missing or even delayed text messages can be problematic as a user generally doesn’t realize the issue until it is too late. One of the most common ways people have realized this problem is when they are expecting an OTP that doesn’t arrive and thus delaying the process at hand. The cause for this problem can stem from the network, the device, or the application. Any of which can trigger this issue due to various reasons. But, there is no need to panic or worry as there is a very high chance of you easily fixing it. There are a lot of hassle-free potential fixes to this problem. All of which have been listed below to help you send and receive texts without any trouble.
Cause of the problem Before we move ahead to fix the problem, it is essential for you to understand the nature of the problem itself. As mentioned above, there are three components that play a part in text messaging: device, application, and network. Minor problems in any can break the process of text communication.
Problems with the Network: Text messaging needs a strong and reliable network connection to function smoothly. Disruption to which in any way can lead to this problem. Problems with other Messaging Application: Android is known for being highly customizable and its vast range of third-party applications. A system conflict with another messaging application installed on the device can also lead to this problem along with corrupt application caches, overdue updates, etc. Problems with the device: These can be in the form of a lack of storage space on the device or the presence of viruses and other malware that may be preventing messages from being stored. An overburdened system or overdue system updates can also cause the device to malfunction.
How to fix the problem of sending or receiving a text on Android?
As there are multiple causes of the problem, there are a lot of potential solutions to match. They can range from frantically running around your house in search of the cellular networks to simply enabling or disabling settings with a few clicks.
How to fix the problem of sending or receiving a text on Android? Method 1: Check your network signal strength Method 2: Check if your data plan Method 3: Turn off Airplane mode Method 4: Disable power-saving mode Method 5: Restart your device Method 6: Check blocked numbers Method 7: Clear Cache Method 8: Delete unwanted messages on your phone Method 9: Delete messages on your SIM card Method 10: Deregister iMessage Method 11: Change your preferred texting app Method 12: Resolve software conflicts Method 13: Update Android Method 14: Re-insert your SIM Card Method 15: Reset your Network settings Method 16: Re-register your mobile network Method 17: Check with your Cellular Network provider Method 18: Perform a Factory Reset on your device
One by one go through the methods listed below until you find a solution. We recommend that you have a spare phone handy so that you can test sending and receiving messages between devices.
Method 1: Check your network signal strength
Just like texting applications such as the WhatsApp Messenger, WeChat, Line, and more need a smooth internet connection to function, SMS requires a strong cellular network connection. A weak signal is the simplest and the most probable reason a user is not being able to send or receive a text. Mobile networks can be unpredictable sometimes, look at the top of the screen and see how many bars you have to determine the signal strength. A mobile phone network or reception is the signal strength (measured in dBm) received by mobile phone from a cellular network. Signal strength depends on various factors like proximity to a cell tower, any physical obstruction like walls, buildings, trees between you and the cell tower, etc.
If you can see only a few bars then the signal is too weak to send or receive an SMS, try to find a higher place or step outside if possible. You can also move toward a window or in the direction where you usually have the strongest signal.
If the bars are full, then you know that the mobile network isn’t a problem and you can move on to the next step.
Method 2: Check if your data plan
If your network connection is strong and yet you are unable to send or receive messages, there is a possibility that your current data plan has expired. To check this, you can simply contact your carrier and renew it if necessary. This should resolve problems sending or receiving text messages on Android.
Method 3: Turn off Airplane mode
If Airplane mode is intentionally or accidentally turned on, it will cut you off from using cellular data and voice connection through your phone. You won’t be able to receive or send text messages and phone calls, as you will only be connected over Wi-Fi. To turn it off, simply pull down the quick settings panel from the top and tap on the Airplane icon.
If you can’t find the option here, open your phone’s settings and locate the ‘Wi-Fi and Internet’ option.
In this section, click on the toggle switch located next to ‘Airplane mode’ to turn it off.
Method 4: Disable power-saving mode
In some cases, Android’s power-saving mode disables the default applications to save battery. Turn it off, ensure your phone has enough charge, and now check if you are able to send or receive messages again.
Method 5: Restart your device
Restarting a device seems like a magical solution to fixing any technical problem on the device, but it is grounded in reality and is often the best fix. Rebooting the device closes and resets any background process that may be hindering your device’s performance. Turn your phone off for a few minutes before turning it back on and then try to send a message.
Method 6: Check blocked numbers
If you know that a particular person is trying to connect with you via a text message but isn’t able to, you might need to check if their number has been accidentally blocked or not. The process for checking if the number has been unintentionally added to the SPAM list is fairly simple.
Open your phone’s default calling application. Tap on the ‘Menu’ button located on the top-right and select the ‘Settings’ option.
Scroll down to find an option called ‘Blocking Settings’ (or any similar option depending on your device manufacturer and application.)
In the submenu, click on ‘Blocked Numbers’ to open the list and check if a particular number is present there.
If you can’t find the number here, then you can rule this possibility out and move to the next method. Once finished, check if you’re able to fix problem sending or receiving text messages on Android.
Method 7: Clear Cache
Cache helps the smartphone speed up your day to day processes. If these files get corrupt, the information stored will be jumbled and may cause issues like the one being faced right now. Caches are known to occasionally cause application crashes and other erratic behavior. Cleaning these out from time to time is good for your device’s overall performance and also helps you in freeing up some valuable storage space. To clear the cache, open your phone’s settings and tap on ‘Apps & Notification’. Locate your default calling application and navigate yourself to its storage and cache option. Finally, click on the ‘Clear Cache’ button.
Method 8: Delete unwanted messages on your phone
Annoying promotional texts, OTPs, and other random messages may take up a lot of space and fill up your phone. Deleting all the unwanted messages might not only solve the current issue but also create space and improve the device’s overall performance. The clearing process differs from phone to phone, but it roughly has the same few steps. But before you go ahead, we recommend that you copy and store any important text messages in a different location. You can also take screenshots to save conversations.
Method 9: Delete messages on your SIM card
SIM card messages are messages that are stored on your card and not your cellphone’s memory. You can move these messages from the SIM card to your phone, but not vice versa. Once you have freed up space, check if you are able to send or receive messages.
Method 10: Deregister iMessage
This is a likely problem if you are a former Apple user who has recently switched to an Android device, as iMessage threads do not translate over to Android. The problem is prevalent when an iPhone user texts you, an Android user, who hasn’t unregistered from iMessage. A bug arises as Apple’s system may fail to recognize that a switch has been made and will try to deliver the text via iMessage. To fix this issue, you will have to simply deregister from iMessage. The deregistration process is quite easy. Start by visiting Apple’s iMessage Deregister website. Scroll down to the section titled ‘No longer have your iPhone?’ and enter your phone number. Follow the instructions mentioned and you will be good to go.
Method 11: Change your preferred texting app
If you have multiple messaging applications on your phone, one of them is generally set as the default or the preferred one. For example, setting Truecaller as your preferred application instead of the built-in one. Malfunctions within these third-party applications might result in the said problem. Changing your texting app preference back to the built-in application may help you solve the problem.
Method 12: Resolve software conflicts
Android is known for being highly customizable but having multiple applications for the same functions is always a bad idea. If you have more than one third-party application for texting, software conflicts are bound to happen between them. You can try to update these applications and wait for the bugs to be fixed. Alternatively, you can delete the third party application entirely and stick to the built-in one as it is generally more efficient and reliable.
Method 13: Update Android
Updating your phone’s system may not seem relevant at first to the current problem, but software updates are important as they fix bugs and issues faced by its users. These repairs may address the operations or features of your texting application. Once you go through with the outstanding operating system update, check if you are able to send or receive text again.
Method 14: Re-insert your SIM Card
If the SIM card is not properly placed in its designated slot, it can cause connectivity issues. This can be easily ruled out by re-inserting the SIM card firmly back in its place. To do this, firstly, switch off your phone and take out the SIM card from its tray. Wait for a couple of minutes before putting it back in and turning the device on. If you have a dual SIM device, you can try placing it in a different slot. Now, test if the issue has been fixed. If you spot any visible damage on the SIM card, you might want to get it replaced with the help of your service provider.
Method 15: Reset your Network settings
Resetting your network settings is an invasive troubleshooting method as this will erase all the network settings on your device. This includes any and all Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and mobile data information stored. Carefully follow the method below to reset your mobile network settings. Keep in mind that all your Wi-Fi passwords saved on your device will be deleted, so you will have to connect to each again.
Open the Settings application on your device, locate the ‘System’ option inside it, and click on the same.
In system settings, click on the ‘Reset options’.
Finally, click on the ‘Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth’ option.
You will be asked to confirm your action, after which the reset process will initiate. Wait a while for it to be complete and then check if you’re able to fix problem sending or receiving text messages on Android.
Method 16: Re-register your mobile network
Sometimes your phone may not be registered with the network service correctly. Removing and then inserting your SIM card into another phone overrides the network registration setting. Hence, it is worth a shot. Turn off your phone and carefully take out the SIM card for its slot. Now, insert it into another phone and turn it on. Make sure that the cellular signal is active. Keep the cellphone on for about 5 minutes before turning it off again and taking out the SIM card. Finally, insert it back into the problematic device and turn it back on to check. This should automatically reconfigure the network registration.
Method 17: Check with your Cellular Network provider
If nothing mentioned above works, it might be time to contact your service provider for further assistance and guidance. You can call them up and describe the problem to the operator or visit their website to look for any alerts or updates concerning network issues.
Method 18: Perform a Factory Reset on your device
If absolutely nothing mentioned above worked for you, this is your last and ultimate resort. A factory reset can fix this issue as it deletes all data including glitches, viruses, and any other malware present on your device. Before performing a factory reset, remember to backup and store all your personal data in a safe place. The reset process is easy but it is essential to perform it correctly.
Open the Settings application on your device and navigate yourself to the System settings.
Locate and tap on the ‘Reset’ option.
Scroll down and click on the ‘Factory Reset’ option. At this point, you will be asked to enter your device’s password. Confirm this action again in the arising pop-up and wait for the process to be complete. Factory resetting a device can take a while so be patient.
Once your phone starts again and goes through the general setup process, you should start receiving text messages again. Recommended:
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Let us know which one of the above methods helped you solve the problems while sending or receiving text messages on your Android device.
