Can't receive or send text messages

Here are some reasons why you can't send or receive text messages over the Verizon network or Wi-Fi.

Connectivity — Sending and receiving text messages rely on your phone's communication with a network. Text messages can't be sent and can't be received if:

• Your device isn't connected to a cell signal or Wi-Fi
• Airplane mode is on
• Roaming or Mobile Data is turned on

Software or memory issues — Your messaging app might run into software, memory or cache issues that prevent text messages from working. You can restart the device or app to try to fix the issue.

Spam protection — Your text might be flagged as spam and not sent or received if it:

• Has lot of recipients
• Is going to a distribution list that has text message addresses
• Includes links that seem suspicious

Blocked numbers — Blocking features on your Verizon mobile account can cause failure to send or failure to receive text messages. You can:

• Remove blocked numbers
• If you have Smart Family, check for blocked numbers or for time restrictions

Message attachments — Text messages might fail to send if attached picture or video file sizes are too large. You can try:

• Sending multiple text messages with different attachments instead of just one
• Reducing the file size of the image or video

SIM card issues — If your device has a physical SIM card visit: How do I install (or remove) a SIM card?

Switched carriers — Depending on the original carrier, it can take from 72 hours up to 10 days for text messages to be delivered after you switch. Check your transfer status.

Resetting network settings on your device may fix problems with texting. Our Troubleshooter can guide you through a network reset for your specific device. Or search the manufacturer's website for how to "reset network settings" for your device.

Keep in mind:

• Resetting network settings won't impact your personal data or apps.
• A network reset may change system sounds, display preferences, etc. to the original formats.
• You must have your device and carrier login credentials to complete a network settings reset.

If you can send and receive messages to some numbers but not others, here are some things to check:

• Numbers and contacts — If you're texting to a phone number, make sure the number is correct and uses 10-digits (area code and phone number). If you're sending to a contact with multiple numbers, use the number the recipient uses to get text messages.
• Blocked numbers — Messages won't be delivered if you’ve blocked the number, or if the recipient blocked your number:
  • You can block or unblock numbers from My Verizon or your phone contacts.
  • Verizon Smart Family can also be used to block numbers or place time restrictions on messaging. Check that your Smart Family settings aren't interfering with the message you want to send.
• Muted conversations — On iPhone a crescent moon icon next to a conversation in your messages means a conversation is muted. Swipe left on the conversation and tap the bell icon to unmute.

Text messages might not be delivered from users with other operating systems for these reasons:

• Switching from iPhone — If you're switching to an Android phone, you must deregister from and turn off iMessage. If you don't, messages with iMessage will continue to be sent but won't be delivered to your new phone. Visit Apple's troubleshooter for more help.
• Switching from Android — Some Android devices and texting apps support enhanced chat features that aren't supported by iPhone or older devices or texting apps. If you're switching to a device that doesn't support these features, disable them. Look in your texting app settings for "chat features" or "RCS" and make sure they are turned off.