Why am I not receiving text messages?

⚡ Fast fix

• Restart first—Texting issues are often caused by temporary carrier or network glitches.
• Only missing texts from iPhone users? Learn more about iPhone texts not coming through and why.
• Verification codes not showing up? Check for blocked numbers, spam filters, or weak signal.
• Recently switched phones? RCS or messaging settings sometimes break during transfers or setup changes.

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Text messages usually “just work”—until suddenly they don’t.

Whether you’re missing verification codes, group chats, messages from iPhone® users, or texts from just one person, messaging problems can happen for several different reasons. 

At Asurion, our experts help customers troubleshoot texting issues every day on iPhone and Android™ devices. One of the biggest surprises we see is how often a simple setting change, failed software update, or phone switch can quietly stop messages from coming through. Here’s what to check if your phone isn’t receiving text messages—and how to get your conversations working again.

1. Check your network connection

Your phone needs a strong cellular or Wi-Fi connection to receive messages. If you’re in an area with poor reception, messages may be delayed.

• Look at your signal bars to see if you have service.
• Turn Airplane Mode on, then off to refresh your connection.
• Try sending a text to yourself to test if messages go through.

Learn more about fixing iPhone texting issues or resolving Pixel text problems in our easy to follow guides.

2. Make sure your messaging settings are correct

A change in settings can sometimes block incoming messages.

For iPhone:

1. Open Settings, scroll down, and tap Apps > Messages.
2. Make sure iMessage, MMS Messaging, and Group Messaging are all toggled on.
3. If your texts are sending from an email address rather than your mobile digits, tap Send & Receive and ensure your phone number is selected under Start New Conversations From.

For Android:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap your profile picture or icon in the top-right corner, then select Messages settings.
3. Tap RCS chats and verify the toggle is enabled so your phone can communicate properly with modern network standards.

3. Check for blocked numbers or spam filters

You might have accidentally blocked a specific sender, or your phone’s automated spam protection might be hiding their notifications.

On iPhone: Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Blocked Contacts and review the list to make sure the number isn't restricted.

On Android: Open the Messages app, tap your profile icon, and check both the Spam & blocked folders to see if the missing texts were filtered away.

You can also follow our tips for blocking or unblocking text messages on Android.

4. Free up storage space

If your smartphone's local memory is entirely full, it will refuse to download incoming text attachments and database files.

1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage (on iPhone) or Settings > Storage (on Android) to verify you have at least 1GB of free space.
2. Delete unused apps, large videos, or clear out your photo library's Recently Deleted folder to open up system memory.

5. Update your software

Outdated software can cause messaging glitches.

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update (on iPhone) or Settings > System > System update (on Android).
2. Download and install any available updates.
3. Restart your phone after updating.
4. You can also update your Messages app through the App Store or Google Play Store.

6. Check your SIM card and carrier status

A loose or slightly dirty physical SIM card can drop its data registration loop without completely showing a "No SIM" error code.

1. Power off your mobile phone completely.
2. Use a SIM removal tool (or a paperclip) to pop open the SIM tray slot on the side of the device.
3. Blow away any dust, ensure the gold contacts are sitting flush in the tray, and slide it back in securely before turning the device back on.

(Note: If your phone uses a digital eSIM, skip this step and look for a carrier profile update instead).

For Android users, our guide to fixing “Not Registered on Network” errors may help.

7. Troubleshoot verification codes

If you’re not receiving codes for two-factor authentication, make sure Do Not Disturb is turned off, your network connection is stable, and your messaging settings are correct. You can find more tips in our iPhone not receiving texts guide.

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FAQ

Why am I not receiving text messages from one person?

They may have blocked your number, or there could be an issue with their carrier. Ask them to check their settings and try again.

Why am I not receiving group messages?

You may need to turn on Group Messaging in your settings. Also check that MMS Messaging is enabled.

Why am I not receiving text messages on Wi-Fi?

You may need to enable Wi-Fi Calling or ensure your messaging app supports messages over Wi-Fi.

Can a full inbox stop me from receiving text messages?

Yes. If your phone or messaging app storage is full, new texts won’t come through until you delete old ones.

Why am I not receiving two-factor authentication verification codes?

Verification shortcodes are sent via alternative carrier routes. If you aren't getting them, make sure Do Not Disturb or a Focus Mode isn't silencing unknown senders. If the problem persists, check with your cellular provider to ensure "Premium SMS Messaging" or shortcode delivery isn't blocked on your billing account.