SMS NOT SENT – what to do

Your attention is a guide on how to identify the main causes of failures and ways to solve problems. For example: checking the status of an account, setting up an SMS center, updating software and resetting data for gadgets running Android and iOS.

Why SMS is not sent from Android and iOS phone

Often the gadget does not send SMS due to the banal lack of money in the account. The mobile operator cannot write off the required amount from the subscriber’s account, so the device gives an error. The easiest way to solve this problem is by ordering an additional package of services or replenishing.

But there are also much more complex situations. For example, the phone downloaded and installed updates that affected the default settings. In this case, the operator’s SMS center number is often erased and replaced with an incorrect one. Then it may need to be adjusted.

Or there are problems with sending SMS after the mobile phone fell and got damaged. The contacts of the SIM card slots are quite fragile, they can break with a strong shake. In this case, it will be very difficult to solve the problem on your own, without visiting a repair shop.

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What to do if SMS is not sent: algorithm of actions

First of all, try restarting your phone. It happens that during long-term operation without a reboot, the cache memory of the gadget overflows. Restarting programs helps restore normal operation.

Next, you need to make sure that the phone is in the coverage area of ​​the network. The signal level is indicated by the indicator in the upper corner of the screen. The more divisions are filled, the better the reception and the more stable the connection.

If everything is fine with the connection, it is worth checking the status of the account and making sure that there are funds available for withdrawal.

Check your blacklist and remove the blocked number. Check if the recipient’s number is written correctly. Write the country code before the main numbers (for Ukraine “+38”). Try again to send SMS.

If it still failed to send, in the next step make sure that you correctly wrote the number of the SMS center in the phone settings. You can find the exact combination on the operator’s website or in the application.

If everything is indicated correctly, but the issue has not been resolved, it’s time to move on to considering more complex options.

1. Try removing the SIM card from the slot and putting it back in. Reboot your gadget again. It is possible that the map has shifted, which causes an error.
2. If the phone has fallen or been in water, after which there are difficulties with sending SMS or receiving calls, you should contact the service center. Damage to the contacts is quite possible even in the absence of visual mechanical breakdowns.
3. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network and check for updates. Sometimes software developers learn about the presence of bugs in firmware versions only from user feedback. In this case, an additional software package is released that corrects the errors or shortcomings that were originally made.
4. Check and clear all message program restrictions. Open all necessary access. Access settings for the “Messages” subprogram are made through the program management menu, in the “Program Permissions” item or in the “Permissions Manager”.
5. If none of the actions taken has given the desired effect, you can reset the network data or contact the operator’s contact center.

Let’s start with the easiest and simplest ways to fix problems.

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How to check your mobile phone balance

If the phone picks up the signal perfectly, the subscriber can check the status of the account in three ways. The step-by-step course of actions is described in the table:

Smartphone owners will greatly simplify their access to number management, balance tracking and account replenishment by installing the operator’s proprietary software. It will be easier for owners of a push-button phone to use the USSD code.

On the official websites of operators and in branded applications, you can replenish your account without commission, using a bank card.

Problems with the SIM card slot

If you are convinced that the problem with sending SMS is not due to lack of funds on the account, new software, operator failure or temporary signal loss, then you should think about possible damage to the contacts.

First of all, try to get the SIM card out of the slot and put it back in. If your phone supports multiple SIM cards, swap them. It is possible that the contacts are oxidized or worn out. This problem occurs with frequent change of gadgets or long-term operation.

If the card was cut manually before being installed in the gadget, the contact damage is also possible. In this case, it is recommended to replace the SIM card at the operator’s service center.

Even minor falls or a strong shake of the phone can become a source of trouble. External signs may not appear, but internal damage is much more difficult to diagnose.

If your gadget often loses connection with the operator’s towers, and friends and colleagues complain about the inability to get through in the absence of objective reasons, contact the repair shop. Specialists can repair damaged contacts, and the problem with the slot and signal reception will be solved.

SMS center number check and correction on Android

In order to check if the SMS center number is entered correctly in the settings on the Android phone, you must:

• open the main settings menu,
• go to the “Applications” tab,
• open the “System Applications” item,
• select the control program “Messages”,
• find “Advanced Settings”
• the SMSC (SMS Center) number will appear in the pop-up window.

Each mobile phone company has its own number.

A short combination *#*#4636#*#* will help to simplify the search for the necessary settings. Test mode opens on the phone. “Information about the phone 1” is the first installed SIM card, respectively, 2 is the second one.

In the field at the bottom of the screen, opposite the inscription SMSC, enter the number of the operator’s SMS center and click the “Update” button. After making changes, it is worth restarting your phone and trying to send a text message again.

The same tab allows you to test the signal strength of the network and the Wi-Fi receiver.

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Reset data on iOS

iPhone owners have several options for solving the problem.

1. The first allows you to completely disable the iMessage service. The method is radical, but effective.
2. The second option is more flexible – it allows you to send messages as regular text SMS in the absence of a stable Internet.

To get to the desired menu, open the “Settings” item, go to the “Messages” tab and in the window that opens, set the sliders to the desired values. You should also disable the ability to send messages from other devices.

The iOS system does not allow the user to view or edit SMS center numbers. The iPhone receives this data from the operator automatically. But the user has the option to reset the network settings.

You can perform this action in the “Settings” menu:

• go to the item “Basic” and select “Reset”,
• a list of available actions appears on the screen,
• select “Reset network settings”.

On both Android and iOS, a full data reset and factory reset should be resorted to as a last resort. In order not to lose important information, it is better to seek help from professionals.

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Trying to send a message later

After carrying out any serious manipulations, the phone should be rebooted.

1. First, it will allow the software to restart with the new settings applied.
2. Secondly, some services may simply ignore the settings received from the user without restarting the system.

It is worth considering that operators also experience technical failures in network maintenance. Do not rush to mentally write off your phone as scrap. Wait a few minutes and try sending the text message again.

If you can’t solve the problem on your own, feel free to go to the network maintenance managers for help. They operate at authorized customer service points of the mobile service provider.

We turn to service centers for help

You can get advice on setting up gadgets for sending SMS messages by phone, by USSD request, on the official resources of operators or at authorized service points.

For Vodafone subscribers

You can get detailed instructions by phone by calling the short number 111 (or 0 800 400 111 from any landline phone). Calls within Ukraine are free. After dialing the number, follow the instructions of the voice menu.

The necessary settings will be sent via SMS in response to the subscriber’s request. To set the desired parameters, the user only needs to save the received message.

You can use USSD code *120#. Or send an SMS to number 620 with the message: Info / Info / Info.

You can find the nearest point for setting up programs and services on the official website of the operator. We go from the main page to the “Support” item, then “Find a store”. Enter the name of your city. The map shows all available operator points.

For Kyivstar subscribers

The mobile service provider does not indulge its users with the ability to order automatic settings using SMS or USSD requests. You can get qualified assistance in the online chat on the company’s website or in the application.

By calling 466 (from a mobile phone) or 0 800 300 466 for stationary devices, the user will also receive the necessary assistance.

You can find customer service centers on the Kyivstar web resource. Go to the “Service Centers and Stores” section. Select the desired city from the list or enter the name in the search field.

For Lifecell users

You can get advice to fix problems with sending SMS to Life subscribers in the application released by the telecom operator by calling 5433. For stationary devices – 0 800 205 433.

The website of the mobile service provider has an online chat for communication with consultants and a detailed support service.

You can find the nearest service center by calling 545. In the footer of the operator’s official resource, there is a search page for the company’s stores where users are provided with support.

So, let’s sum it up. Before you plunge headlong into the settings of your gadget, start with the basics: checking the black list of subscribers, entering the correct phone number and account status. For many users of mobile networks, problems with sending SMS are solved at these stages.

Carefully check the restrictions and accesses set for the messaging program. Accept the recommended settings or reset your network settings.

Check and enter the correct SMS-center number of the service provider. Download and install the latest server software updates. After making changes, restart the gadget.

If communication problems arose after, at first glance, minor damage, contact the repairmen of the devices.

Operators provide assistance in setting up the service in various ways. But if you still can’t fix the error, seek professional help.

We wish you fewer annoying problems with your favorite gadgets and only pleasant communication!

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