How to fix the 'Sent as SMS via Server' message on Android

Did you recently receive a “Sent as SMS via Server” notification when sending a text message on your Android™? No need to worry—there’s not a problem with your device. There are a few reasons you may be getting this message, and we’ll explain each one.  Asurion Experts help with all your tech needs, whether your Android is dropping calls or you’re getting a no service signal on your Samsung® device. Here’s everything you need to know about the “Sent as SMS via Server” message on your Android™ phone. 

What does 'Sent as SMS via Server' mean?

There are two ways to send texts from your Android device: 

1. RCS (Rich Communication Services). Typically the preferred method these days which lets you send images, video, and longer messages to multiple recipients over Wi-Fi.
2. SMS (Short Message Service). The method where shorter messages are sent directly from one device to another over cellular networks.

When you see a “Sent as SMS via Server” notification after sending a text message, it means for some reason, the RCS message you sent couldn’t be delivered and was instead sent as an SMS message. 

Causes of a 'Sent as SMS via Server' message 

There are several reasons you may be getting a Sent as SMS via Server message on your Android phone. Here are some of the most common: 

• You’re sending a text to a device that doesn’t support RCS, like an iPhone® or an older Android phone. 
• The recipient has RCS chats turned off. 
• The recipient isn’t connected to the internet. 
• You need to restart your phone or clear the Message app cache. 
• There are network issues. 

What to do about the 'Sent as SMS via Server' notification 

Although it doesn’t mean there’s an error, you still may want to know how to turn off “Sent as SMS via Server” notifications on your phone. Here are a few things you or the person you’re texting can do:

Turn on RCS chats

If the person you’re sending a text to has an Android device that supports RCS, have them turn on RCS chats. In the Message app, open Settings > RCS chats > Turn on RCS chats. 

Check the Wi-Fi connection 

To receive your RCS messages, your contact needs to be connected to Wi-Fi. 

Restart your Android device

It’s possible your messages are being rerouted because your Android needs a restart. Here’s what to do:

Samsung phones: 

1. Press and hold the Power button until the Power off prompt appears. 
2. Tap Restart, then tap Restart again to confirm. 

Other Android phones:

1. Press and hold the Power button until you see the Options menu. 
2. Tap Restart. 

Clear the Message app cache 

Your Android phone may not be sending RCS messages due to a temporary bug or glitch. Check out our guide on how to clear the cache on your Android device. 

Check your network connection

Your wireless carrier may be experiencing network issues that could affect messaging. Check for any reported outages in your area that could impact cellular signals. 

Reset network settings on your Android device

A reset of network information on your mobile phone could fix your issue. Make sure to back up your data first, then try this:

1. Open Settings > General Management > Reset. On some models, options may be Settings > System > Reset options.
2. Tap Reset network Settings > Reset settings. Or, on some Android phones, tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth > Reset settings. 

Turn on SMS delivery reports

To stop seeing “Sent as SMS via Server” notifications and start seeing “Sent,” Delivered,” or “Failed,” turn on SMS delivery reports. Here’s how: 

1. In Messages, tap your Profile icon in the upper-right corner. 
2. Open Settings > Advanced> Get SMS delivery reports.