My SMS isn't sending or receiving

Last updated: May 14, 2026

Most SMS issues are resolved by a quick device reset or network refresh.

This covers standard SMS. If picture messages or group chats aren't working, see MMS or picture messages aren't working.

iPhone users — rule out iMessage first. iMessage (blue bubbles) is Apple's own service and sends over Wi-Fi or mobile data between Apple devices. It does not use the carrier SMS network at all. If your texts to other iPhones aren't going through but you have Wi-Fi or data, this is likely an iMessage or data issue, not an SMS issue. Send a text to a non-iPhone contact: if it sends as a green bubble, SMS is working and you can stop here. If the green bubble also fails, continue with the steps below.

Step 1 — Toggle airplane mode

Enable for 30 seconds, then turn off. This forces your device to re-register with the SMS centre.

Step 2 — Restart your device

Step 3 — Check your messaging app settings (Android only)

On Android, your messaging app uses an SMSC (Message Centre) number to route texts. If this is blank, SMS won't work even if your service is active: open your messaging app → Settings → More settings → Text messages → check the Message Centre number is populated. If blank, raise it through the app.

Step 4 — Check for short code issues

If you can send and receive with regular contacts but not with banks, apps, or 2FA services, this is a short code issue. Raise it through the app.

This article doesn't cover:

Calls also not working →Calls or texts not working

Picture messages →MMS or picture messages aren't working