Text messages for businesses are not the key thing today, but they’re still in use. If you have a client or a lead, you might first call them or send emails. SMS can serve as a backup method of communication if they don’t reply.
The real frustration begins when your text messages aren’t sending. This is not a very common issue these days, but Android and iOS users still face it. And today we’re here to discuss those annoying reasons why SMS is not sending.
This guide covers 21 specific reasons for text messages not sending. Each section includes a clear explanation and targeted fixes. These steps draw from carrier guidelines and device support resources. Apply them to regain smooth texting.
Why SMS Fails: The Big Picture
Before delving into the specifics, let’s establish the context. SMS (Short Message Service) has been around since the ‘90s, and it’s still a powerhouse—95% of texts are read within 3 minutes of being sent.
But when messages fail to send, you find yourself questioning: Is it my phone? The network? Something else? The truth is, it could be any of these—or a combo. I’ll break it down step-by-step so you can pinpoint the issue and fix it quickly.
The Top Reasons Your SMS Is Not Sending
Time to explore the top reasons why SMS is not sending:
1. Weak Cellular Signal
The most common reason for text messages not sending is a weak cellular signal on your device. Phones rely on towers to route SMS. In remote areas or indoors, coverage drops. The result leads to failed deliveries.
The quickest way to resolve your issue is to examine the signal bars on your device. If you experience poor reception, please consider moving to an open area. Toggle Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds, then off. Test sending a message. This procedure would probably resolve the issue.
2. Airplane Mode Activated
Airplane Mode disables all wireless functions. It blocks text messages from being sent by cutting off cellular and Wi-Fi. Users activate it during flights but forget to deactivate it.
Swipe down from the top screen to access quick settings. Tap the Airplane icon to turn it off. Wait 10 seconds. Try sending a text. Confirm network reconnection in the status bar.
3. Do Not Disturb Enabled
Do Not Disturb mode silences notifications but can interfere with sending. Some configurations block outgoing texts during scheduled times. This functionality affects focus hours set by users.
Open Settings. Go to Sounds or Notifications. Select Do Not Disturb. Turn it off or adjust exceptions for messages. Please send a test text right after making the changes.
4. Outdated Device Software
Outdated operating systems can also cause compatibility issues. Bugs in old iOS or Android versions disrupt SMS functions. Security patches often fix these glitches.
Update your device. Restart after updating. Test messaging. Hopefully it will resolve this issue.
5. Full Storage Space
Low storage halts app operations. The Messages app needs space to queue and send texts. When full, it fails silently or shows errors.
Free up space by deleting unused apps or old photos. Retry sending.
6. SIM Card Problems
A faulty or improperly seated SIM card blocks network access. Dust or damage prevents authentication for sending texts.
Power off the phone. Remove the SIM tray with a tool. Clean the card gently. Reinsert firmly. Restart the device. If issues persist, visit a carrier store for a replacement.
7. Blocked Recipient Number
If blocked by the recipient, texts won’t send. Carriers or apps show “not delivered” for blocked contacts. This error stems from privacy settings.
Open the Messages app. Review recent failures. Ask a mutual contact to verify. If possible, unblock the number using the Contacts app. Otherwise, use email as a workaround.
8. Invalid Phone Number
Typos in numbers lead to instant failures. International formats or landlines without texting capability cause issues.
Please double-check the number in your contacts. Include country codes for global texts, like +1 for the US. Use the dialer to verify. Correct and resend.
9. Recipient’s Phone Turned Off
When the recipient’s device is off, texts queue but don’t deliver until powered on. This delays sending confirmation.
Wait 30 minutes and retry. No adjustment on your end. Inform the recipient via another method. Delivery status updates once they reconnect.
10. Carrier Network Outage
Carrier-wide outages affect entire regions. Texts fail across users due to maintenance or failures.
Check your carrier’s status page or app, like Verizon’s network map. Use DownDetector for reports. Wait for resolution or switch to Wi-Fi messaging temporarily.
11. MMS vs. SMS Mismatch
MMS requires data for media attachments. If data is off, texts with photos fail, while plain SMS works.
Open Messages settings. Ensure mobile data is on. Send as SMS only by disabling MMS temporarily. Toggle group messaging off if needed.
12. International Texting Disabled
Many plans restrict international SMS by default. Attempts to foreign numbers fail without activation.
Log into your carrier account online. Enable international texting under plan features. Add credits if pay-per-use. Test with a known international contact.
13. No Texting in Plan
Basic plans exclude unlimited texting. Overage blocks are sent after limits are hit.
Review your bill or carrier app for usage. Upgrade to a texting-inclusive plan. Contact support to confirm activation. Monitor quotas going forward.
14. Spam Filter Triggers
Carriers flag suspicious texts as spam. Keywords or frequency trip filters block delivery.
Review message content for promotional language. Shorten texts. Use opt-in confirmations for groups. Register with carriers like T-Mobile for whitelisting.
15. Rate Limiting Exceeded
Sending too many texts quickly triggers limits. Carriers impose limits to prevent abuse, which can result in temporary blocks.
Please consider spacing out messages by 1-2 minutes. Use scheduling tools for bulk. For businesses, verify numbers via 10DLC registration. Resume after a cooldown.
16. Messaging App Glitches
App crashes or cache buildup corrupts data. Default apps like Google Messages falter under load.
Clear app cache: Settings > Apps > Messages > Storage > Clear Cache. Force stop and reopen. Update from the app store if available.
17. Wi-Fi Calling Conflicts
Wi-Fi calling routes texts over the internet. Unstable Wi-Fi causes drops, mimicking signal issues.
Disable Wi-Fi calling in Settings > Phone or Connections. Test on cellular only. Re-enable if stable. Ensure router firmware updates.
18. Device Compatibility Issues
Older phones lack support for modern SMS standards like RCS. Fallback to legacy fails.
Check device specs against carrier requirements. Upgrade if over 5 years old. Enable RCS in Messages settings for compatible devices.
19. Incorrect APN Settings
The Access Point Name (APN) configures the data settings required for sending and receiving MMS. Wrong settings block multimedia texts.
Search your carrier’s APN codes online. Go to Settings > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names. Add or edit. Save and restart.
20. Overheating Device
Phones throttle functions when hot. Messaging queues pause to cool down.
Place in a cool area away from the sun. Close background apps. Avoid charging while using. Wait 10 minutes before retrying sends.
21. Account Suspension
Unpaid bills or violations suspend service. Texts fail, while calls might work partially.
Check account status via carrier app. Pay dues or resolve issues. Reactivate service. Prevent by setting auto-pay.
Pro Tips to Prevent SMS Failures
Now that you’ve got the “why” and the “how-to-fix,” let’s lock in some habits to keep this from happening again:
- Test Regularly: Send a text to yourself weekly to catch issues early.
- Backup Plan: Keep WhatsApp or iMessage handy for emergencies.
- Stay Updated: Verify carrier plans and phone updates monthly.
- Monitor Usage: Watch for odd patterns (like sudden failures) that hint at bigger problems.
Take Control of Your SMS Today
In summary, while SMS failures can be frustrating, they are not inherently mysterious. From signal woes to carrier quirks, you’ve now got rock-solid reasons why your texts aren’t sending—and the exact steps to fix them. If your message encounters a delay next time, please remain calm and refer to this list. You’ll be back in action fast.
FAQ
1. Why are my text messages not delivering on iPhone?
iMessage fails if the recipient uses Android. Switch to SMS in Settings > Messages. Ensure iMessage is on for Apple devices.
2. Why can’t I send texts on Android but can receive them?
Sender permissions might be off. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Permissions. Enable SMS. Restart the phone.
3. What does “message not sent” mean on my phone?
It indicates a delivery block, often from signal or block lists. Retry after checking the network. Clear the queue in the app.
4. How do I fix text messages that are stuck sending?
Force close the Messages app. Clear cache. Toggle Airplane Mode. Update the app from Google Play or the App Store.
5. Why won’t texts send to one specific person?
They may have blocked you. Verify via call. Please verify that there are no typos in their number. Use a different device to test.
6. Why do my SMS messages fail to send on Verizon?
The issue could be due to either network congestion or plan limits. Use Verizon’s troubleshooter online. Enable Wi-Fi texting as backup.
7. Can a low battery cause texts not to send?
Yes, power-saving mode restricts background tasks. Charge more than 20%. Disable a battery saver in Settings > Battery.
8. Why are group texts not sending properly?
Group MMS needs data. Turn on cellular data. Limit the group size to less than 10 for reliability.
9. How to troubleshoot texts not sending on AT&T?
Reset network settings in Settings > General > Reset. Contact AT&T support for account checks.
10. Why do texts say “failed to send” randomly?
Intermittent signal drops. Move to better coverage. Update carrier settings via push notifications.
