How to turn on SMS on Android

⚡ Fast fix

• Refresh your connection: Enable Airplane mode for 30 seconds. Turn it off and try sending a message.
• Check your default messaging app: Verify that you've set your default SMS app to your preferred texting app.
• Confirm you have a signal: Check your phone's cellular data bars or Wi‑Fi status. Messages won't send without an internet connection.

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On a busy afternoon, you text your teen to let them know you'll be late picking them up from sports practice. But something's wrong with your Android™ phone. Your text won't send, and you're not sure why.

Asurion Experts keep your favorite tech devices running smoothly. Whether you need to fix a 'Sent as SMS via Server' message or block text messages on Android, we can help. Here's how to turn SMS on for Android so you can send and receive text messages with ease.

Set your default messaging app in settings

Android phones let you set a default messaging app for texts. Most Android phones include Google Messages as their native text app, but Samsung® devices may use Samsung Messages. You can also download a different texting app if you prefer not to use Google Messages or Samsung Messages.

To enable SMS on an Android phone, designate your default messaging app in your device settings. Take these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps > Default apps > SMS app.
3. Tap the name of the app you want to use for texting.

After setting the default app, you can use it to send texts from your phone.

Enable messaging features in your app settings

SMS and MMS messages are automatically enabled in Google Messages. However, you may want to adjust the app's settings for an optimal messaging experience. Use these tips to find the Android SMS settings location and customize the Google Messages app.

Turn on RCS chats

Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a messaging standard used by certain devices and carriers. If it's not enabled, you won't be able to send or receive RCS chats. To turn it on, take these steps:

1. Open Google Messages.
2. Tap your Profile picture > Messages settings > RCS chats.
3. Enable Turn on RCS chats.

Adjust default notifications

You can change how you receive notifications and sound alerts from Google Messages. Take these steps to access the settings:

1. Open Google Messages.
2. Tap your Profile picture > Settings.
   • Google Messages notifications: Tap Notifications. Enable or disable Incoming messages.
   • Sound alerts when sending messages: Enable or disable Hear outgoing message sounds.

Customize how Google Messages handles multimedia

Google Messages can automatically download images, videos, and audio files sent through text. It's a convenient feature, but if you're on a limited data plan, you may want to adjust this setting to minimize data usage. You can also customize how Google Messages handles multimedia files when roaming. Take these steps:

1. Open Google Messages.
2. Tap your Profile picture > Settings > Advanced.
   • Automatically download multimedia files: Enable or disable Auto-download MMS.
   • Automatically download multimedia files when roaming: Enable or disable Auto-download MMS when roaming.

Turn off RCS chats to use traditional SMS

If you enable RCS chats on your device, but message with others who use an unsupported phone, they may not receive your texts. Making the settings switch from RCS to SMS on your Android phone ensures that everyone can view your messages. Take these steps:

1. Open Google Messages.
2. Tap your Profile picture > Messages settings > RCS chats.
3. Disable RCS chats.

Most newer smartphones support RCS chats, and all major U.S. carriers do. However, this is a solid workaround if you're having trouble with texts not sending.

Troubleshoot SMS connection and permission problems

If you are not receiving text messages, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try.

Restart your phone

Turn your phone off and wait 30 seconds before turning it back on. Give it time to find a cellular or Wi‑Fi connection before texting.

Check the SIM card

A loose or damaged SIM card can cause smartphone connectivity issues. Use a small pin to eject the SIM card tray, then inspect the SIM card for scratches or bends. Reseat it in the tray and push it back into your phone, then try sending a text.

Verify your carrier signal

Check the cellular signal bars on your Android device. A low signal will prevent you from messaging and accessing the internet. Try connecting to Wi‑Fi if a cellular signal isn't available.

Fix iPhone-Android texting issues

Not receiving texts from iPhone® users is common when you transfer from an iPhone to an Android smartphone. Make sure you've deregistered your phone number from iMessage® to receive texts. You can do this through the Apple® website.

Transition from Samsung Messages to Google Messages

Beginning in July 2026, Samsung will stop supporting its native Samsung Messages app. Switch to Google Messages before support ends to avoid text disruptions.

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FAQ

Why won’t my Android send SMS messages?

Most of the time, it’s a signal, SIM card, or messaging app issue. Restarting your phone and checking your default SMS app usually fixes it.

What’s the difference between SMS and RCS?

SMS is standard texting, while RCS adds features like typing indicators, read receipts, and higher-quality media sharing.

Why are my texts sending as SMS instead of chat?

That usually means RCS chats are disabled or unavailable for the person you're messaging.

Can I use a different texting app on Android?

Yes. Android lets you choose your preferred default SMS app in Settings.