Android messages not sending? Here's what to check

⚡ Fast fix

• One bar? That might be the whole problem. Weak signal is still the biggest reason Android messages don't send.
• RCS acting weird? Try switching between RCS and SMS.
• Airplane Mode check. It happens more often than you'd think.
• Still stuck? A network settings reset can fix deeper connection issues—but it'll erase your saved Wi-Fi passwords.

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A text that won't send always seems to happen at the worst time. Whether you're trying to confirm dinner plans or send an important update, staring at "Sending..." gets old fast.

Asurion Experts help people sort through problems like this every day. Once you know whether you're dealing with a network issue, an RCS issue, or a phone setting, the fix usually gets much easier.

Why did my Android stop sending messages?

Android messaging has gotten a little more complicated than it used to be.

Regular SMS messages use your cellular connection. RCS messages use Wi-Fi or mobile data. That means one type of message can fail while the other still works, which can make it seem like your phone is behaving randomly.

The most common reasons Android text messages fail to send are:

• Weak signal.
• Airplane Mode.
• A problem with your carrier or network.
• Incorrect SMS, MMS, or RCS settings.
• A blocked or incorrect phone number.
• A temporary glitch in the Messages app.

Now that you know what can cause the problem, here's how we'd narrow it down.

Check your signal if Android text messages won't send

Check your signal strength, then try sending the same message from a different location. If messages fail everywhere, it may be the phone. If they work in some places, it's much more likely you're dealing with a network issue.

Also take a quick look to make sure Airplane Mode isn't enabled. It sounds simple, but it still catches people.

Switch between RCS and SMS

Do SMS and RCS settings cause confusion? Absolutely.

RCS is newer and works differently than regular text messaging. It uses Wi-Fi or mobile data, while SMS relies on your cellular connection. That means one type of message can fail even when the other still works.

If your Android phone won't send messages, try switching RCS off temporarily and send the message as SMS instead. If it works, you've narrowed down where the problem is.

Older Android phones may not fully support RCS, so it's not unusual to run into compatibility issues there.

Check the contact and Messages app

If messages only fail with one person, the problem may not be your phone. Double-check that the phone number is correct and make sure the contact hasn't accidentally been blocked, then force close and reopen the Messages app to clear any temporary glitches.

Check for carrier settings updates

Carrier settings don't get much attention until something stops working, but they control how your phone connects to your mobile network. If they're out of date or incorrect, messages can fail. Updates from your carrier can fix this.

Reset Android network settings

If you've made it this far and your Android messages still aren't sending, it may be time for a network reset.

Reset network settings if messages won't send after basic troubleshooting or you're also having issues with Wi-Fi, phone calls, or mobile data in general. Just keep in mind that this will erase your saved Wi-Fi passwords, so you'll need to sign back into those afterward.

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FAQ

Why are my Android messages not sending?

The most common causes are weak signal, Airplane Mode, carrier issues, incorrect SMS, MMS, or RCS settings, a blocked number, or a temporary Messages app glitch.

Why are my RCS messages not sending?

RCS uses Wi-Fi or mobile data instead of the cellular network. If it's not set up correctly, messages may fail even when SMS still works.

Why do my Android messages send to some people but not others?

If messages only fail with one contact, check that the number is correct and make sure the contact hasn't been blocked.

Will resetting network settings fix Android messages not sending?

It can. A network reset often resolves deeper connection problems, especially if you're also having issues with Wi-Fi, calls, or mobile data.

Does resetting network settings delete my data?

No. It won't erase your photos or apps, but it will remove your saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so you'll need to reconnect afterward.