Home » Top 12 Solutions: Troubleshooting Guide for iPhone Not Sending Text Messages

Top 12 Solutions: Troubleshooting Guide for iPhone Not Sending Text Messages

by Vincent

iPhones have become an integral part of our lives, and we rely on them for almost everything. One of its essential functions is texting, and we cannot imagine making it through the day without it. However, at times, we face issues with our iPhone not sending text messages, and it can be a frustrating experience. This problem can occur due to various reasons, such as network errors, software glitches, or insufficient storage. But no need to worry, as we have compiled a list of the top 12 ways to fix iPhone not sending text messages. 

1. Check Your Network Connection:

The first thing you should do is check if your iPhone is connected to a reliable network. Sometimes, your phone might accidentally switch to airplane mode, which can result in a loss of network connectivity. Just swipe up from the bottom of your screen, and you’ll see the airplane logo. If it’s active, turn it off, and you’re good to go. 

Phone no connection

2. Restart Your iPhone:

 

Restarting your iPhone can help fix many issues, including the problem of not being able to send text messages. Press and hold the power button on the side of your phone until you see a slider appear on your screen. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone, then wait for a few seconds before turning it back on.

Restart phone

3. Update Your iOS:

Keeping your iPhone updated with the latest software can help fix any software glitches that might be causing the text messages not to be sent. Go to Settings, select General, and then select Software Update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to update your iPhone. 

Keyboard with blue enter key

4. Check Your Message Settings:

Ensure that your message settings are properly configured. Go to Settings, select Messages, and check if your iMessage and MMS settings are on. Turn off iMessage, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. 

Checking messages

5. Clear Message History:

Clearing your message history can help free up storage space, which is necessary for smoothly functioning your iPhone. Go to Settings, select General, and then select iPhone Storage. Scroll to Messages, select it, and then select the option to delete all the messages.

iPhone Storage Settings

 

6. Reset Network Settings:

Resetting your network settings can help fix any network errors that might be blocking your iPhone from sending messages. Go to Settings, select General, and then select Reset. Select Reset Network Settings, enter your passcode if asked, and then select Reset Network Settings again.

iPhone reset network

 

 

 

7. Disable VPN:

If you have VPN enabled, temporarily disabling it might help resolve the problem of not being able to send text messages. Navigate to Settings, select General, and then select VPN. Toggle the switch to disable the VPN.

iPhone VPN Settings

 

8. Disable Contact Blocking:

If you’ve blocked a contact, it could be causing issues with your iPhone not sending text messages. Go to Settings, select Messages, and then select Blocked. Remove any contact that you’ve previously blocked.

iPhone blocked contacts

9. Check Message Center Number:

Ensure that your message center number is set correctly. It enables your phone to route the text messages through the correct network. Go to Settings, select Messages, and check to see if the message center number is set correctly.

Contact

 

10. Toggle iMessage Off and On:

Sometimes, toggling iMessage off and then on again can help fix the texts not sending problem. Go to Settings, select Messages, and toggle the switch to off. Wait for a few seconds and then turn it back on. 

iMessage

11. Remove and Reinstall SIM Card:

 

Removing and re-inserting the SIM card can help reset the network connection settings. Turn off your iPhone, eject the SIM tray using the SIM ejector tool, remove the SIM card, and then reinsert it. Turn on your iPhone and check if the problem is resolved.

iPhone with sim card removed

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

12. Contact Apple Support:

 

If none of these steps work for you, you can contact Apple Support. They will be able to assist you with the issue and provide a solution. 

Headsets on a laptops

Photo by MART PRODUCTION

 

Having trouble with your iPhone not sending text messages can be frustrating. However, by following these simple steps, you can fix the problem and restore the ability to send and receive text messages. Always ensure that you have the latest software update, follow proper message settings, and have a reliable network connection. Performing regular phone maintenance and upgrading your device’s storage capacity can also prevent such limiting issues in the future. It is advised always to contact Apple support as a last resort if none of the suggested solutions work for you.