iPhone Not Receiving Texts from Android? Try These 15 Solutions

I’m trying to text a friend with an Android phone, but my iPhone keeps saying the message won’t send. Is there a way to fix this?

You’re not the only one with this issue. Below are some tips to get your iPhone sending and receiving texts normally again. If you also have trouble with receiving calls, see our guide on the iPhone call failed problem.

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Like many iPhone users, you might see errors when sending or receiving messages, particularly with Android devices.

Why is my iPhone not sending and receiving texts from Android?

Several things can cause this issue, including your carrier’s network, incorrect settings, or a software bug. Make sure you have a stable signal, your phone’s Airplane mode is off, and that you aren’t experiencing any service outages. Also, try skipping the country code in the number if you’ve been adding it.

Solution No.1: Toggle Airplane Mode

Turning Airplane mode on and off refreshes your phone’s network connection.

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner (on newer iPhones) to open Control Center.
2. Tap the Airplane icon to turn it on.
3. Wait a few seconds and tap it again to turn it off.

Solution No.2: Device Settings (Enable Messages)

You might have messaging features turned off.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Messages.
3. Make sure Send as SMS, MMS, and iMessage are on.

Solution No.3: Sign Out from Your Apple ID and Sign Back In

If you still can’t send messages, try logging out of your Apple ID.

1. Settings > tap your name (Apple ID banner).
2. Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
3. Restart your phone.
4. Go back to Settings and sign in again.

Solution No.4: Check Date & Time

Messages can fail if your time settings are off.

1. Settings > General > Date & Time.
2. Toggle on Set Automatically or manually adjust the correct time zone if needed.

Solution No.5: Switch Network

Sometimes using the wrong network mode (LTE, 3G, 2G) can affect SMS.

1. Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data.
2. Toggle between LTE, 3G, and 2G to see if it helps.

Solution No.6: Check the Recipient Number

Ensure the number isn’t in your blocked list.

1. Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts.
2. See if the person’s number is listed. If so, unblock it.

Solution No.7: Turn Off iMessage Temporarily

If you’re struggling to send SMS to non-Apple phones:

1. Settings > Messages.
2. Toggle iMessage off.
3. Wait a few seconds, then try sending an SMS.

Solution No.8: Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart can fix a lot of issues.

• On newer iPhones, hold Power + Volume until you see the slider.
• For older devices, hold the Sleep/Wake button.
• Slide to power off, wait, then power on again.

Solution No.9: Reinsert the SIM Card

Remove the SIM and check for damage.

1. Power off your phone.
2. Use a SIM eject tool or paperclip to remove the SIM.
3. Check for scratches or dirt.
4. Reinsert carefully or replace if damaged.

Solution No.10: Reset Network Settings

This clears Wi-Fi, VPN, and cellular configurations but not your data.

1. Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Reset.
3. Choose Reset Network Settings.
4. Confirm with your passcode.

Solution No.11: Contact Your Carrier

There might be a network outage or an account issue. Call your carrier to check if texting is enabled on your plan.

Solution No.12: Disable VPN or Turn Off Any VPN App

VPNs can sometimes interfere with sending messages.

1. Settings > VPN.
2. Toggle it off.
3. Or open the VPN app and disable it there.

Solution No.13: Carrier Settings Update

Make sure your carrier settings are up to date.

1. Settings > General > About.
2. If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt.

Solution No.14: Update iOS

Bugs in older iOS versions might cause messaging issues. Make sure your device is charged (or plugged in) and connected to Wi-Fi to avoid interruptions.

1. Settings > General > Software Update.
2. If there’s an update, tap Download and Install.

Solution No.15: Reset All Settings

Resets all system settings to default without deleting your personal data.

1. Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Reset, then Reset All Settings.
3. Enter passcode if asked.
4. Confirm.

FAQs

Why won’t my iPhone send texts to Android users?

It could be an issue with iMessage, network settings, or your SIM card. Try toggling iMessage off and on, or reset network settings.

Can a bad signal cause message failures?

Yes. If your signal is weak or you’re in a “No Service” area, texts won’t go through. Move to an area with better reception.

Why do I have to update my iOS?

Sometimes bugs in the software cause messaging issues. Apple may release a fix in an update.

Does resetting network settings erase my personal data?

No. It only resets cellular, Wi-Fi, VPN, and Bluetooth settings. Your apps and files remain untouched.

What if I still can’t send texts after trying everything?

Contact your carrier. They can check if there’s an outage or a specific issue with your account.