The problem of iPhone Not Sending Text Messages could be due to a variety of reasons. You will find below various methods to fix this issue.
iPhone Not Sending Text Messages
When you send a Message from iPhone, the message is delivered to iPhone users via Apple Servers as an iMessage and as SMS Text Message to Android Phone users via the Carriers Network.
Hence, the problem of iPhone not sending Text Messages could be due to problems with the Carriers Network and also due to problems with Apple’s iMessaging service.
In addition to above, the problem can also be caused by incorrect settings, minor technical glitches and other problems.
So, let us go ahead and take a look at different methods to fix the problem of Text Messages not being sent or delivered on iPhone.
1. Rule Out Cellular Service Issues
Before trying out other troubleshooting tips, make sure that the Cellular Signal strength on your iPhone is at a reasonable level (not at 1 bar/dot or below).
Also, make sure that your Cellular Service Plan is active and you are still within the limits of your Texting plan.
If you are using WiFi Network to send messages, make sure that your iPhone is connected to WiFi.
2. Check Recipients Phone Number
If you are trying to send a Message to recently added Contact, make sure that your Contacts Phone Number and the 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 could be due to your Phone Number being accidentally blocked by the recipient.
3. Restart iPhone
The simple act of restarting a device is known to fix minor glitches and help in fixing problems.
1. Go to Settings > General > scroll down to the bottom and tap on Shut Down.
2. Allow iPhone to Shut Down completely > Wait for 60 seconds and restart iPhone.
4. Enable SMS and MMS Messaging
As mentioned above, iPhone makes use of carrier supported SMS/MMS messaging to send messages to people who are not using Apple Devices.
1. Open Settings > scroll down and tap on Messages.
2. On the Messages screen, enable Send as SMS and MMS Messaging options.
This will allow your iPhone to send Messages using the carrier supported SMS/MMS messaging system.
5. Check Send/Receive Settings
The Messages App on iPhone 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.
1. Go to Settings > Messages > scroll down and tap on Send & Receive.
2. 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 can sometimes cause problems with Messages App on iPhone.
1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Enable LTE
2. On the next screen, tap on Data Only Or OFF.
3. Wait for 5 minutes > Restart your iPhone and see if you are able to send Text Messages.
7. Delete Messages or Start New Conversation
Sometimes, stuck Messages can interfere with proper functioning of iMessage system.
Users have reported fixing iMessage problems by deleting the last iMessage 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.
8. Install Updates
Follow the steps below to install iOS or updates from the carrier on your iPhone
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. On the next screen, tap on Download and Install (in case an update is available).
9. Reset Network Settings
This method can help, if the problem is due to an unknown change, glitch or an error in Network Settings on your iPhone.
1. Go to Settings > General > scroll down and tap on Reset.
2. On the Reset screen, tap on Reset Network Settings.
3. On the 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.
10. Factory Reset iPhone
The Factory Reset Process will wipe out all the data on your iPhone, including all the 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.