- To fix an Android that won't send text messages, try restarting it or checking for updates.
- Check if you've been blocked by the recipient, or if your carrier is having network issues.
- You can also try clearing the messages cache or making sure your SIM card is installed properly.
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If you are having trouble sending texts on your Android phone, it could be that something is wrong with your Android, the recipient, or the mobile service provider.
Fortunately, fixing the problem is usually pretty easy. In fact, the first thing you should do is ensure that you have a decent signal — without network connectivity, those texts aren't going anywhere.
If the signal is good and the messages still aren't going through, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can do to fix an Android that won't send texts.
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Restart your phone
When restarting your phone, don't use the standard method, which is holding the Lock button for three seconds, and then tapping Power off. Instead, press and hold the Lock button and the Volume Down button until the phone does a forced power cycle.
This method of shutting down your phone resets the device, and will often fix any glitches.
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Check for updates
If the reset didn't work, you should check if there are any updates you can install.
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Software Update.
3. If an update is available, tap Download and install.
4. Tap Download now.
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Clear your Messages cache
Next, it's time to clear the Message app cache, which can become corrupted, especially after an update.
To clear your message cache, follow these quick steps:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Apps.
3. Tap the Messages app.
4. Tap Storage.
5. Tap Clear cache in the bottom-right corner.
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Check your SIM card
Next make sure that your phone's SIM card is properly installed.
You can pop out the SIM tray using a dedicated tool or by unwinding a small paperclip pushing it into the tray's eject hole.
If the card was physically out of place, that was likely the cause of the problem.
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The recipient blocked your messages
If your text messages aren't going through to a particular recipient, it could very well be that they have blocked your number. There's no easy way to find out since you don't get an alert when someone has done this. However, there are a few ways to check.
Try the following and keep an eye out for red flags of being blocked:
- Call the person: If your call goes to voicemail, it means they haven't blocked you. However, if it tells you that the person you're trying to call is unavailable, even after multiple calls at different times of the day, there's a chance they may have blocked you.
- Check if they are a suggested contact: Try deleting the person's phone number, and then checking if they reappear as a suggested contact. If they do, your number is probably not blocked; if they don't, then that's a red flag.
- Text someone else: Try texting other people to see if they are receiving your messages. If they are going through to everyone else except this one person, then chances are, you have been blocked.
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Your texts were flagged as spam
If too many people have reported your text messages as spam, which can happen if you're using the number to text customers a lot, carriers could blacklist your number. That means every time you try to text a number belonging to those carriers, their spam filters will prevent your message from going out.
Depending on the severity of the spam reports, your number could be temporarily or permanently banned from texting.
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The carrier is experiencing technical difficulties
Sometimes, if you're unable to send a message, it could be that your mobile service provider is experiencing issues with their SMS service. Call them to find out if that is the case and when you can expect normal service to be restored so you can try sending the text messages again.
Freelance Writer
Steven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www.stevenjohnbooks.com.
