5 Ways to Fix Text Messages Not Sending on Android

Quick Tips

• Ensure your cellular plan supports outgoing messages, and the recipient supports incoming messages.
• When using multiple SIM cards, select the right one before you send a message.
• Enable RCS to send a message over the internet to another Android device.

Basic Fixes

• Check network plan: Ensure your plan supports sending SMS messages, check your account balance, and ensure sufficient funds to cover the SMS cost.
• Check network connectivity: Ensure that the network strength in your surroundings is good enough to let you send text messages.
• Check with the receiver: Ensure that the contact or the phone number you are trying to use to send text messages supports incoming messages.
• Toggle airplane mode: Turn on, and turn off airplane mode to refresh the network on your device.
• Restart device: Restart your Android device to get rid of temporary bugs and glitches.

Fix 1: Enable Permissions for the Messaging App

Check that Messages or your default messaging app has permission to send and receive SMS and MMS messages on your Android device.

Step 1: Long-press the Messages icon on the home screen or app tray and tap the enclosed (i) icon on the context menu.

Step 2: On the Messages app info page, select Permissions.

Step 3: Select SMS.

Step 4: Ensure the SMS Access for the app is set to Allow.

Fix 2: Send a Message Using the Right SIM Card

When sending a text message, select the SIM card that supports outgoing SMS messages with an active plan.

Before you send a message, tap on the SIM icon, and select the SIM card you want to use.

Fix 3: Check RCS Settings

If you are trying to send a message over the internet connection to another Android device, ensure you have enabled the RCS functionality.

Step 1: Open the Messages app on your Android phone.

Step 2: Tap on your profile icon at the top-right corner.

Step 3: Select Messages Settings.

Step 4: Tap on RCS Chats.

Step 5: Turn on the toggle next to Turn on RCS Chats if it’s disabled.

Also Read: Fix Android RCS not working

Fix 4: Clear Messages Cache

The Messages app could also malfunction if there are corrupt files in its cache directory.

Step 1: Long-press the Messages icon on the home screen or app tray and tap the enclosed (i) icon on the context menu to reveal the Messages app info menu.

Step 2: Select Storage & cache.

Step 3: Finally, tap the Clear cache icon to delete the Messages app’s cache.

Fix 5: Reset Device

When none of the above methods work, factory reset your Android phone. Doing this will fix any misconfiguration causing the problem.

However, this will reset all the preferences and settings on your device and remove any saved Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi passwords, and so on.

Go to Settings > Back up and reset > Reset Phone and reset all the settings.