If you are unable to send Text Messages from iPhone, you can find below the steps to fix the problem of iPhone Not Sending Text Messages.
iPhone Is Not Sending Text Messages
When you send Messages from iPhone, the Messages are delivered in the form of free iMessges to Apple device users and in the form of paid SMS Text Messages to Android Phone users.
Hence, the problem of iPhone not sending Text Messages is mostly related to a problem with your mobile service providers network.
In addition to above, the problem of iPhone not sending Text Messages can also be caused due to Incorrect Messages App Settings, Network related issues and other reasons.
1. Rule Out Cellular Service Issues
Before trying out other troubleshooting tips, make sure that the Cellular Signal strength on your device is at a reasonable level (not at 1 or 2 bar/dot).
Also, make sure that your Cellular Service Plan is active and you are still within the limits of your Texting plan.
2. Check Recipients Phone Number
If you are trying to send a Text Message to recently added Contact, make sure that the Contact’s Phone Number and Area code is correct.
In case of an old Contact, make sure that the Phone Number is still valid and your Contact has not changed his/her Phone Number.
In rare cases, the problem can also be caused due to your Phone Number being accidentally blocked by your Contact.
3. Restart iPhone
The simple act of restarting a device is known to fix minor glitches and help in fixing problems.
Go to Settings > General > scroll down to the bottom and tap on Shut Down.
Allow iPhone to Shut Down completely > Wait for 60 seconds and restart iPhone.
4. Enable SMS and MMS Messaging
iPhone makes use of carrier supported SMS/MMS messaging protocal to send messages to people who are not using Apple Devices.
Go to Settings > Messages > enable Send as SMS and MMS Messaging options.
This will allow iPhone to send Text Messages using the Carrier supported SMS/MMS messaging system.
5. Check Send/Receive Settings
The Messages App makes use of your Apple ID to send and Receive iMessages. Hence, make sure that your Apple ID is listed under “You Can be Reached By iMessage At” section.
Go to Settings > Messages > scroll down and tap on Send & Receive.
On the next screen, make sure that your Apple ID Email Address is listed under “You Can Be Reached By iMessage At” section in addition to your Phone Number.
6. Turn OFF LTE
Having LTE Service enabled for Text messages is also known to cause problems with the Messages App.
Go to Settings > Cellular > Enable LTE > tap on Data Only Or OFF.
Wait for 5 minutes > Restart your iPhone and see if you are able to send Text Messages.
7. Install Updates
Follow the steps below to install iOS and carrier updates on your iPhone
Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
On the next screen, tap on Download and Install (in case an update is available).
8. Reset Network Settings
This method can help, if the problem is due to an unknown change, glitch or an error in Network Settings.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > On the pop-up, select Reset Network Settings option.
If prompted, enter your Lock Screen Password > On the confirmation pop-up, tap on Reset Network Settings to confirm.
After iPhone restarts, reconnect your device to Cellular or WiFi Network and see if you are able to send a Text Message.
9. Delete Messages or Start New Conversation
Sometimes, the problem is due to a struck Message thread preventing the iPhone Messages App from functioning properly.
Users have reported fixing Message problems on iPhone by deleting the Last Message that was received prior to the start of the problem and also by deleting multiple old Messages.
If the problem persists, you can try starting a New Conversation and see if this helps in fixing the problem.
10. Factory Reset iPhone
The Factory Reset Process wipes out all the data on your device, including all damaged and corrupted files causing the problem on your device.
Hence, make sure that you backup iPhone to Mac or Windows computer, before going ahead with the steps to Factory Reset iPhone.
After the Factory Reset process is completed, you will be able to Restore iPhone using backup that you had previously made on your computer.