Why SMS is not sent from the phone and what to do about it

Why SMS is not sent

Here are some common reasons:

• Not enough money in the account. The telecom operator cannot write off the required amount for sending SMS, as a result an error occurs.
• There are bugs in the system update. They may affect the default settings. For example, sometimes it is erased and changed to the wrong number of the operator's SMS center.
• The device cache is full. This happens during long-term operation without rebooting.
• The phone is out of network coverage.
• The SIM card is broken. In this case, you will not be able to send SMS or call. The phone simply does not find the desired network.
• Applications associated with the SMS function do not work properly and block the sending of messages. In addition, viruses can interfere with the transfer.
• You are blacklisted by the recipient. In fact, the sending will take place, but the messages will be blocked from the receiving side. And there is no way around this limitation.

What to do if SMS is not sent

Restart your smartphone

This often removes some of the software errors in the device. The system can return to normal, messages will be sent again after the gadget is restarted.

Check network signal strength

Make sure the machine is within the operator's network coverage area. The signal level is indicated by the indicator in the upper corner of the screen. The more divisions are filled, the better the reception and more stable connection.

Check your account balance

If the connection is working properly, then you should make sure that there are funds in the account. This can be done in several ways: in a mobile application, by entering a USSD code, or in the service menu of a SIM card.

Replace SIM card

To avoid damage to your smartphone, you should use another physical SIM card (if your device does not have an eSIM). If in this case SMS will be sent, you should replace SIM card new. You can also connect an alternative digital option if the gadget supports this type of card.

Check the SMS center and correct the operator number

When you insert a SIM card into the device, the SMS center number is automatically registered. But sometimes this setting is reset or changed. And you can find out information on the website or in the application of your mobile operator.

Here's how to fix the situation.

On Android

Method 1

1. Launch the text messaging app, open its settings, and go to the "More" or "SMS" section.
2. Open the SMS Center menu and select the SIM card that does not send messages.
3. Compare the number indicated there with the telephone number of the SMS center of your mobile operator. Correct it if necessary, and if missing, enter and save.

Method 2

1. Dial a USSD request *#*#4636#*#* and press the call button. This will open the "Check" section of the smartphone's service menu.
2. Open Phone Information.
3. In the SMSC field, enter the number of the SMS center in the format +7xxxxxxxxxx and tap "Update".

On iOS

1. Launch the calling app.
2. Type a request on the keyboard *#5005*7672# and press the call button. After that, the current SMS center number will be displayed on the screen.
3. To change it, enter *#5005*7672#+7xxxxxxxxxx#, where instead of signs x a new number must be entered. After pressing the call button, the combination will be saved.

If you cannot edit the SMS center number, you can reset the network settings - the data will automatically change to the correct ones.

1. Go to the main system settings and select Reset.
2. From the list of available actions that appears, select "Reset network settings".

Test for conflicts with other applications or malware

If you entrusted the sending of messages to a third-party program, then see if it is set for SMS by default. This is worth doing, even if you have been using it for a long time and there were no problems before: after the update, some of the functions may break or become paid.

To rule out a problem with third-party software, send a message through the standard application. If it works, then clear cache broken application, reinstall it or roll back to an earlier version.

It is also worth disabling utilities that use SMS functions, optimize the system, protect against spam and viruses, and perform tasks parental controls. To do this, temporarily stop working or uninstall such programs.

One of the signs of a mobile device being infected with malware is the failure of some system functions, including sending text messages. Try sending SMS to several different numbers. Maybe something will come through. This will confirm suspicions about the virus.

To find and eliminate malware, scan your smartphone antivirus Or do a factory reset. If after cleaning the gadget the function of sending messages is not restored, contact the support service of the mobile operator.

What to do if nothing helps

Sometimes there are problems with sending messages after the device is damaged as a result of a fall. The contacts of the SIM card slots are quite fragile and can break if strongly shaken. In this case, it will be difficult to solve the problem on your own - it is better to contact the repairman.