Can't receive or send text messages

Here are some reasons why you can't send or receive text messages over the Verizon network or Wi-Fi.

Connectivity — Sending and receiving text messages relies on your phone's communication with a network. Text messages can't be sent and can't be received if:

• Your device isn't connected to a cell signal or Wi-Fi. If you believe you're having network issues, check and report any issues.
  
• Airplane mode is on.
• Roaming or Mobile Data is turned on.

Software or memory issues — Your messaging app might run into software, memory or cache issues that prevent text messages from working. You can restart the device or app to try to fix the issue.

Spam protection — Your text might be flagged as spam and not sent or received if it:

• Has lot of recipients.
• Is going to a distribution list that has text message addresses.
• Includes links that seem suspicious.

Blocked numbers — Blocking features on your Verizon mobile account can cause failure to send or failure to receive text messages. You can:

• Remove blocked numbers.
• If you have Verizon Family, check for blocked numbers or for time restrictions

Message attachments — Text messages might fail to send if attached picture or video file sizes are too large. You can try:

• Sending multiple text messages with different attachments instead of just one.
• Reducing the file size of the image or video.

SIM card issues — If your device has a physical SIM card visit: How do I install (or remove) a SIM card?.

Switched carriers — Depending on the original carrier, it can take from 72 hours up to 10 days for text messages to be delivered after you switch. Check your transfer status.

Resetting network settings on your device may fix problems with texting. Our Troubleshooter can guide you through a network reset for your specific device. Or search the manufacturer's website for how to "reset network settings" for your device.

Keep in mind:

• Resetting network settings won't impact your personal data or apps.
• A network reset may change system sounds, display preferences, etc., to the original formats.
• You must have your device and carrier login credentials to complete a network settings reset.

Learn more about messaging and texting.

If you can send and receive messages to some numbers but not others, here are some things to check:

• Numbers and contacts — If you're texting to a phone number, make sure the number is correct and uses 10-digits (area code and phone number). If you're sending to a contact with multiple numbers, use the number the recipient uses to get text messages.
• Blocked numbers — Messages won't be delivered if you’ve blocked the number, or if the recipient has blocked your number:
  • You can block or unblock numbers from My Verizon or your phone contacts.
  • Verizon Family can also be used to block numbers or place time restrictions on messaging. Check that your Verizon Family settings aren't interfering with the message you want to send.
• Muted conversations — On iPhone a crescent moon icon next to a conversation in your messages means a conversation is muted. Swipe left on the conversation and tap the bell icon to unmute.

Learn more about messaging and texting.

Text messages might not be delivered from users with other operating systems for these reasons:

• Switching from iPhone — If you're switching to an Android phone, you must deregister from and turn off iMessage. If you don't, messages with iMessage will continue to be sent but won't be delivered to your new phone. Visit Apple's troubleshooter for more help.
• Switching from Android — Some Android devices and texting apps support enhanced chat features that aren't supported by iPhone or older devices or texting apps. If you're switching to a device that doesn't support these features, disable them. Look in your texting app settings for "chat features" or "RCS" and make sure they are turned off.

Learn more about messaging and texting.

These iPhone features can affect sending and receiving text messages:

• SMS and iMessage — Go to Settings > Messages and make sure iMessage, Send as SMS, MMS Messaging and Group Messaging are turned on.
• Updates — Apple sends iOS updates to add new features and fix bugs. To help avoid performance issues, always install updates on your device when notified.
• Do not disturb — If you're not notified about text messages, your phone may be in Do not disturb mode. Check if there's a purple moon icon in the status bar. If so, turn it off by going to Settings > Do not disturb or Settings > Focus.

In your iPhone's conversation list, sent text messages appear blue when sent by iMessage (over the internet). Sent text messages appear green when sent as an SMS (over your wireless carrier's network). Here's why messages may be sent by SMS instead of iMessage:

• You sent a message to someone who doesn't have an iPhone.
• The recipient's iMessage features are turned off.
• iMessage may be having functionality issues. Visit Apple's troubleshooter for help.

Your Android phone may not send and/or receive text messages for any of these reasons:

• Updates — Android manufacturers send operating system (OS) updates to add new features and fix bugs. To help avoid performance issues, always install updates on your device when notified.
  
• Do not disturb — If you're not notified about text messages you get, your phone may be in Do not disturb mode. Turn off this mode in your settings. Depending on your phone, settings may be in:
  • Settings > Notifications > Do not disturb
  • Settings > Sound & notification
  • Settings > Sound & vibration, or Settings > Sound
• Other messaging apps — Make sure other messaging app settings (e.g., Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, etc.) are correct and the person receiving the message knows which app you're using.
• Notifications — If you aren't receiving notifications, check Settings > Notifications and make sure notifications are turned on. Notifications can be muted for specific apps, so check the app list in the notifications settings screen.

Learn more about messaging and texting.

The first time you send a message to a premium SMS short code (a number shorter than a normal phone number), you're asked to allow or deny permission to send. If you originally denied the permission, check your app permissions and allow them. For more information see our Troubleshooter.