Written by 
In the digital age, SMS messaging remains a widely used communication tool. However, like any technology, it can experience various problems, which can be frustrating. This article covers some of the most common SMS messaging issues and provides quick solutions to fix them, whether you’re using an Android or iOS device.
1. Message Sending Failures
Sometimes, you may encounter a “Message Not Sent” notification. This can happen for several reasons, such as poor network coverage, incorrect message settings, or temporary glitches in the app or operating system.
Solutions:
Check Network Connection: Ensure your device has a stable signal. If you’re in a low-coverage area, move to a place with better reception.
Toggle Airplane Mode: Enable Airplane mode, wait a few seconds, and then disable it. This often refreshes your connection to the network.
Restart Your Phone: A simple restart can resolve minor software glitches that may be affecting SMS functionality.
Verify Message Settings: Go to your SMS settings (usually found in the “Messages” or “SMS” app settings) and check if the SMSC (SMS Center number) is correctly configured. Contact your carrier for the correct SMSC number if needed.
2. Delayed Messages
Receiving or sending delayed messages can be frustrating, especially when timing is crucial. This issue can stem from network congestion, low memory, or even an overloaded messaging app.
Solutions:
Free Up Storage Space: SMS messaging requires some available memory to function smoothly. If your phone is low on storage, delete unnecessary files, photos, or old messages to free up space.
Clear Cache of Messaging App: Go to your device’s settings, select “Apps” or “Applications,” find your messaging app, and clear its cache. This can resolve issues caused by temporary data overload.
Turn off Data Saver Mode: On Android, if Data Saver mode is on, it may restrict SMS functions. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver and disable it.
Contact Carrier Support: If delays persist, they might be due to network congestion, so contact your carrier for further assistance.
3. Duplicate Messages
If you’re receiving multiple copies of the same message, it’s likely a network issue or a problem within the messaging app itself.
Solutions:
Restart Your Device: Restarting your device can clear temporary software bugs that may be causing duplicate messages.
Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth. This refreshes your network settings, which may resolve the issue.
Update Messaging App and Software: Ensure both your messaging app and phone software are up to date. Manufacturers often release bug fixes to address such issues.
Contact Carrier: If the problem persists, reach out to your carrier, as it may be an issue with the network or your account settings.
4. Unable to Receive SMS Messages
Not receiving messages can happen due to various reasons, such as network issues, Do Not Disturb mode, or blocked contacts.
Solutions:
Disable Do Not Disturb Mode: Check if Do Not Disturb mode is enabled and disable it. On Android, go to Settings > Sound & Vibration > Do Not Disturb.
Clear Blocked Contacts: Ensure that the sender is not on your blocked contacts list.
Check Storage: If your storage is full, you may not receive new SMS messages. Free up some space to resolve this issue.
Try SIM Card in Another Device: Insert your SIM card into another phone to confirm if the issue lies with the phone or the network.
Check SMSC Number: Make sure the SMS Center number is correctly configured in your SMS settings. Contact your carrier if you’re unsure about the correct number.
5. Unable to Send MMS (Picture Messages)
Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) allows you to send images, videos, or other media files, but it requires mobile data. If you’re unable to send MMS, it could be due to data issues, incorrect settings, or a problem with the messaging app.
Solutions:
Enable Mobile Data: MMS messages require a data connection. Ensure your mobile data is on and working correctly.
Check MMS Settings: Go to your messaging settings and check if MMS is enabled. If unsure, consult your carrier for the correct MMS settings.
Reset APN Settings: The Access Point Name (APN) settings should be configured correctly for MMS to work. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Access Point Names, then reset to default or contact your carrier for proper APN settings.
Update Messaging App: Outdated apps can cause MMS issues. Update your messaging app to ensure compatibility with your phone’s operating system.
6. Not Receiving Verification Codes
Verification codes are often sent via SMS to authenticate online accounts, but sometimes these codes fail to arrive.
Solutions:
Disable Third-Party Messaging Apps: If you use a third-party messaging app, it may interfere with the standard SMS service. Try switching back to the default SMS app and request the code again.
Use Airplane Mode: Toggle Airplane mode on and off to reset the network connection, then request the code again.
Check for Carrier Restrictions: Some carriers block verification messages. Contact your carrier to ensure that SMS for verification codes is enabled on your account.
Request Code via Alternative Methods: Many services offer alternative options like email or authenticator apps. Consider using these methods if SMS verification isn’t working.
7. Missing Notifications for SMS
If you aren’t receiving notifications for new SMS messages, it may be due to notification settings or system bugs.
Solutions:
Check Notification Settings: Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications and ensure all notification settings are enabled.
Disable Battery Optimization: Some devices restrict app notifications to save battery. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization and exclude your messaging app.
Reinstall Messaging App: If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall the messaging app to resolve any potential issues with the app itself.
Update OS and Apps: Software updates can address notification issues. Make sure both your phone’s OS and messaging app are up to date.
8. SMS Messages Disappearing or Deleting Automatically
Some users find that their SMS messages delete on their own. This may be due to settings that limit the number of stored messages or bugs in the app.
Solutions:
Change Message Limit Settings: In your messaging app settings, you may have an option to limit the number of saved messages. Increase this limit or disable the feature.
Disable “Delete Old Messages” Option: Some messaging apps have a setting to delete old messages when storage is low. Ensure this option is turned off.
Back Up Messages: Use a backup app to save important messages. This ensures that even if messages are deleted, you have a copy saved.
Conclusion
Most SMS messaging issues are fixable through simple troubleshooting steps like restarting your device, resetting network settings, or checking message settings. By following these tips, you can quickly resolve common problems and keep your messaging app running smoothly. For issues that persist, contacting your carrier or device support team can help uncover specific network or hardware-related concerns.
Written by 
Written by