Why are my text messages not sending? Common Causes and Solutions

Introduction

It’s another day, and once again, I find myself staring at my phone, asking, “Why are my text messages not sending?” It’s frustrating when a message fails to go through, but what’s even more frustrating is not knowing why.

If you’ve experienced this issue, you’re not alone. In fact, 1-5% of text messages never reach their destination due to various reasons. Whether you’re sending a personal text or running an SMS campaign, undelivered messages can be a real headache.

This issue is not uncommon, as a small percentage of texts can get lost. Understanding the causes behind these failures can help us address the problem and improve communication reliability.

As we explore this topic, we aim to uncover the leading causes of message send failures. By identifying these reasons, we can develop practical solutions to ensure our SMS communications are successful and efficient.

Key Takeaways

• Text messages sometimes fail to send due to various technical or user-related issues.
• Identifying the cause can help improve message delivery success.
• Implementing solution strategies can enhance communication reliability.

Why Are My Messages Not Sending?

We’ve all been there—trying to send an important text, only to see that it just won’t go through. There are a few reasons for this. Sometimes it’s a network issue—making sure you have a good signal can help. At other times, the issue is with settings or even phone memory. Clearing up space or adjusting settings can make a difference. If none of these work, checking our service provider’s suggestions might guide us further.

Common Causes of Text Message Not Sending

When our text messages not sending. it can be frustrating. There are several reasons this might happen, and understanding these can help us find a solution more quickly. Here is a list of common causes:

1. Network Issues: Sometimes, the mobile network is down or weak, leading to undelivered messages.
2. Incorrect Settings: Our phone settings, such as blocking certain numbers or setting limits on outgoing messages, could prevent texts from being sent.
3. Full Message App Cache: When the messaging app cache is full, it can cause glitches that stop messages from going out.
4. Carrier Restrictions: Depending on the network provider, there might be limits on the number or type of texts we can send, especially if we’ve exceeded a preset cap.
5. Spam Filters: Texts containing words flagged as potential spam may not send due to automatic filters. Messages sent with flagged content might also be barred by the carrier.
6. SIM Card Issues: If the SIM card is damaged or improperly placed, it might affect the ability to send messages.
7. Blocked Numbers: If the recipient has blocked our number, messages won’t be delivered.
8. International Message Restrictions: Sending messages across countries can lead to issues if crossed carrier agreements block or delay texts.

By examining these areas, we can often uncover why our messages aren’t sending and take steps to fix the issue. Using these insights, we should be able to troubleshoot effectively and ensure our texts get delivered as intended.

1. Our Number Isn’t Verified by Carriers for Bulk Texting

Businesses that want to send texts in large quantities must be aware of carrier rules. These rules are in place to reduce fraud and spam. Carriers require a verification process to ensure that our business number is legitimate.

Why Verification Matters:

• Prevent Spam: Unverified numbers might be flagged as spam and blocked by carriers.
• Enhance Trust: Verified numbers signal to carriers that we are legitimate, allowing texts to pass through smoothly.

To get our number verified, we need to follow specific steps required by the carriers. This might include providing business details and going through a registration process. By doing so, we can ensure our messages reach our audience without unnecessary interruptions.

Example:

 A fitness studio wants to send class reminders to 1,000 clients, but because their number isn’t verified with carriers, many messages fail to deliver. Once they complete the verification process, their texts reach customers without issues.

2. Using the Incorrect Type of Messaging

When we send text messages from our phones to friends, this is called peer-to-peer (P2P) messaging. It’s the regular way we all text each other. But for businesses, there’s another type called application-to-person (A2P messaging). A2P is used for sending out tons of messages at once, like marketing campaigns.

If we attempt to send large quantities of messages from our personal phone numbers, they might get blocked. This is because such bulk messaging should be done using a registered SMS service designed for A2P tasks. Using personal numbers for mass texts may lead to those texts being flagged and not reaching their intended recipients.

Using the proper messaging type helps ensure messages are delivered effectively.

Example: 

A restaurant tries to send promotional texts from a personal number instead of an A2P service. The carrier flags the messages as spam, preventing customers from receiving the special offers.

3. Messages with Prohibited Content

When we send text messages with content like adult themes, references to drugs, or any criminal activity, they will be blocked by the recipient’s carrier. This is because the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) has strict rules about SMS messages. They ban content related to hate speech, alcohol, firearms, and tobacco.

The CTIA also forbids messages with:

• Violent images or promotions
• Mature or unsuitable material
• Offensive language

If we operate a business that sells alcohol, SMS campaigns can be used to promote events like happy hours, provided there is a method for verifying the recipient’s age.

Example: 

A liquor store tries to promote a wine-tasting event via SMS without age verification. The carrier blocks the messages because they contain alcohol-related content without proper compliance.

3. Sending Excessive Text Messages

Sending too many messages can trigger spam filters, hindering the delivery of text messages. Every phone has certain guidelines, impacting how many messages can be sent. While there’s no exact limit, it’s essential to gauge what’s appropriate for your field.

For example, businesses messaging employees frequently about work schedules might send numerous texts each week. On the other hand, a retail business might limit itself to one promotional message weekly. It’s important for us to find a balance between staying in touch and overwhelming our contacts to ensure communication remains effective and compliant. With our approach, we can maintain a productive and respectful relationship with our audience.

Example: 

A small business sends five promotional messages daily to the same customers. The carrier detects this as spam-like behavior, leading to many texts getting blocked or filtered out.

4. Your links seem unusual

Scammers often use link shorteners to hide malicious links, making them look harmless. This can lead to carriers filtering messages with suspicious links, especially those shortened by third-party services. When sending text messages through our platform, we have the ability to shorten links directly from the message composer, eliminating the need for separate third-party tools.

Example: 

A company uses a free link shortener for its promotional SMS. The carrier flags the messages as potential phishing attempts, causing them to be undelivered.

5. Our Mass Texting Platform May Be Blocked in Certain Countries

When sending SMS messages across borders, local rules might limit our ability to reach recipients. In some regions, these laws allow marketing messages only on weekdays and during specific hours. Messages sent outside this timeframe may not go through. To navigate these restrictions, it’s crucial to research each country’s regulations or consult with us for guidance. By using an A2P service, we can schedule messages to be sent automatically, ensuring compliance with local laws and maximizing successful delivery rates.

Example: 

A travel agency sends booking confirmations globally. In some countries, messages sent outside business hours fail because of local regulations restricting marketing SMS timing.

6. Our Contact List Might Include Invalid Numbers

When our contact list is full of numbers that are no longer active, it can signal to carriers that we either don’t have permission to send messages or the recipients are not interested. This can often result in our texts not being delivered, leading to text messages not sending issues.

To prevent this, we may need to use a verification service that checks our contact list and flags any inactive or deactivated numbers. Services like SimpleTexting offer self-cleaning lists, automatically identifying these numbers for us.

To find these invalid contacts, we have two options:

• In our inbox, check for an Invalid tag next to the contact details.
• In the Contacts tab, look for the Invalid section on the right side of the screen.

We should also consider the possibility that some numbers are landlines. While not as common today, landlines still exist, and these cannot receive text messages. By keeping our contact list updated and accurate, we can make sure our messages reach the right people.

Example: 

A retailer’s SMS campaign has a high failure rate because many contacts on their list are outdated or belong to landlines. After cleaning their contact list, message delivery improves.

7. When Contacts No Longer Want Our Messages

When someone decides they no longer wish to receive our texts, they have several options. They might block our number or report it as spam to their carrier. Another choice is to unsubscribe, often by sending a message like “Text STOP to stop receiving these messages.” In each of these situations, our messages won’t be delivered. It’s essential that we comply with every opt-out request we receive to follow guidelines properly.

Example: 

A customer who signed up for SMS updates decides to opt out by replying “STOP.” The business honors the request, ensuring compliance and avoiding potential complaints.

8. The Contact May Have a Billing Problem or Unpaid Bill

Sometimes, when someone doesn’t pay their phone bill or exceeds their plan, the cell phone company may limit their ability to send and receive texts. This action serves as a reminder for the individual to settle their outstanding payments. It can disrupt communication until the issue is resolved.

Example: 

A customer’s phone plan expires due to non-payment. Until they clear their bill, they won’t be able to receive SMS messages.

9. The phone’s SMS reception setting is disabled

Sometimes, the person we are texting may have disabled their phone’s SMS setting, preventing them from receiving messages. While SMS is widely used in the U.S., apps like WhatsApp and Telegram are more popular in other regions. When the SMS option is turned off, any messages we send will not get through.

Example:

 A traveler in Europe turns off SMS reception to avoid roaming charges. Any texts sent to them won’t go through until they re-enable SMS, which may be the reason why aren’t my texts going through.

10. Problems with the Carrier

We sometimes face issues with message delivery that are beyond our control. If the wireless carrier or its equipment encounters technical problems, it can stop messages from successfully reaching your contact’s phone.

Tips for Fixing Text Message Sending Problems

Dealing with text messages not sending issues can be frustrating. First, make sure you’re using the right type of message service. Resetting your phone’s settings can often clear up common issues. Another option is to restart your device, as this can refresh its system. Checking your SIM card placement is also important. If needed, reset your messaging settings to default. Each step can potentially resolve sending problems.

Step 1: Restart Your Phone

• Turn off your phone and wait for 30 seconds.
• Turn it back on and try sending a text.
• If calls also don’t work and you have no signal, check your network settings.

Step 2: Check Message Length

• If your message is over 160 characters, it might be converted into an MMS.
• MMS needs mobile data turned on, even if you don’t have a data plan.
• Try sending a shorter message.

Step 3: Turn Off Wi-Fi

Texting may not work with Wi-Fi calling. Turn off Wi-Fi and try again.

For iPhone:

• Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Turn it off

For Android:

• Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
• Tap the Wi-Fi icon to turn it off.
• If needed, go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > Turn it off.

Step 4: Check If the Recipient Can Receive Your Texts

• If you can’t text only one person, they might have blocked you or have phone issues.
• If your message shows “sent” or “delivered,” contact them another way to confirm.

Step 5: (Android Only) Check SMSC Number

Your phone’s Short Message Service Center (SMSC) number should be correct.

1. Open the Messages App.
2. Tap the Menu (3 dots at the top right).
3. Go to Settings > More Settings > Text Messages.
4. Find Message Center Number – it should be +17057969300. If not, update it.

Step 6: Delete the Contact and Try Again

• Delete the contact from your phone.
• Also delete all their text messages.
• Try sending a new message by manually entering their number.

Step 7: Check iMessage or RCS Messaging

If using iMessage (blue bubbles) or RCS Messaging (dark blue bubbles on Android), check your mobile data.

For iPhone:

• Go to Settings > Messages > Turn off iMessage.
• Try sending a text messages. If it works, turn iMessage back on.
• If iMessage still doesn’t work, contact Apple.

For Android:

1. Open Messages App.
2. Tap Menu (3 dots at the top right).
3. Go to Settings > Chat Features.
4. Turn off Chat Features and check if SMS works.

When switching between iPhone and Android, it’s important to ensure you deregister services like iMessage (for iPhone users) or RCS Messaging (for Android users) to avoid any issues with receiving text messages. Here’s a simple guide:

If You’re Switching from iPhone to Android:

1. Deregister iMessage:
   • Go to Apple’s Deregistration Page.
   • Enter your phone number and follow the instructions to deregister iMessage. If you still have access to your old iPhone, you can also turn off iMessage directly in Settings > Messages.
2. Disable RCS Messaging (for Android users):
   • Open your Messaging app and go to Settings > Chat Features.
   • Toggle off “Enable Chat Features” to ensure RCS messaging is disabled.

If You’re Switching from Android to iPhone:

1. Deregister iMessage:
   • If you’re unable to receive SMS or texts on your new iPhone, try going to Settings > Messages on your iPhone and make sure iMessage is turned on.
2. Disable RCS on Your Android:
   • Before switching, you should also disable RCS messaging on your Android by following the same steps as above in the Messaging app settings.

This ensures that your messages come through properly on both devices, and you won’t miss any texts.

Step 8: Check for Network Outages

If none of the steps work, check for network outages on your provider’s troubleshooting page or contact support.