Not Receiving Any Texts? Fixes When SMS Stops Arriving

If no texts arrive at all, the cause is usually signal, a full inbox, a blocked sender, the wrong default messages app, or a carrier problem. Try these fixes.

Phone checks

1. Check you have signal; toggle Airplane Mode.
2. Restart the phone.
3. Free up storage and delete old threads.
4. On Android, make sure your messages app is the default SMS app.
5. Check blocked numbers and spam folders.

Account and carrier checks

• Make sure your plan is active and paid.
• If you switched from iPhone to Android, deregister your number from iMessage on Apple's website.
• Ask your carrier whether SMS is enabled on the line.
• Try the SIM in another phone, or ask for a replacement SIM.

Abroad

Texts usually need roaming turned on, even if data roaming is off. Wi-Fi calling may also carry texts on some carriers.

If only codes fail but normal texts arrive, see verification code not arriving.

Messages from one person only

If only one contact's texts are missing, check you have not blocked them, and ask them to send a plain text rather than a chat message. Problems between chat services, such as iMessage and RCS, often affect one contact at a time.

FAQ

Why am I not receiving any texts?

Signal, storage, blocking, default app settings, or your carrier.

I moved from iPhone to Android and lost texts. Why?

Your number may still be registered with iMessage. Deregister it.

Do I need roaming for texts abroad?

Usually yes.

Related: iPhone codes · delivery reports · iMessage vs SMS.