How to Fix iPhone Can’t Send or Receive Texts From Android and Windows Phone

Amongst some problems that arise at times face while using an iPhone, error in sending or receiving text messages from Android or Windows phone is one of the most common issues. Here is a list of possible solutions for such errors.

Why an iPhone is not sending texts to Android or Windows Phone?

Before you can proceed to problem-solving of this issue, you must ensure that

• Your iPhone is not in Airplane Mode
• The signal of your iPhone is good
• The iPhone doesn’t show ‘No Service’
• The contact number that you are using to send the message is correct or the country code prefixed is correct

Solution 1: Restart the iPhone

Soft restart your phone can easily fix small errors or software glitches like messaging issues. It doesn’t erase any data, so you don’t need to take any backup. Quit the messages app first and then restart your iPhone.

• Hold down the Power and Home Key till you see the Apple logo

Solution 2: Toggle the Airplane Mode

A quick and simple way to refresh the network connectivity of your iPhone is to toggle the Airplane Mode. It refreshes the cellular data and signal.

• Swipe up on your iPhone’s screen
• Tap on the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on
• Wait for 10 seconds and then tap on the icon again to turn it off

Check if you can send or receive messages to other OS now.

Solution 3: Check Settings

It is significant that you stay connected to a cellular network or a stable Wi-Fi connection to send or receive messages. Then check the message settings.

• Go to Settings > Messages – check if iMessage, SMS and MMS are all turned on.

Solution 4: Is the Recipient in Blocked List?

You might have blocked (accidentally or mindfully) the recipient’s number, which is why you are unable to send them any text messages.

• Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification > Blocked Contacts

You will be able to check the blocked contacts. If you wish to send them a message you need to unblock them first.

Solution 5: Reset Network Settings

If none of the solutions above have worked and your iPhone can’t receive texts from Android, then you should try resetting the network settings of your phone. Remember to take note of your current network settings because resetting it will erase all network details stored on your iPhone.

• Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings – confirm when prompted

Wait for the iPhone to be rebooted and then test the device to send or receive messages to check if the issue has been fixed.

Solution 6: Check for Software Updates

Every software update brings with it new features or fixes for persisting issues. Keeping your phone updated with the latest software ensures that it runs smoothly.

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update

If there are any iOS updates available, tap to download and then install it on your iPhone.

Solution 7: Check for Carrier Updates/ Get in Touch with Them

After checking for an iOS update, you must also check for updates from your carrier.

• Go to Settings > General > About > Update (if available)

Alternatively, you can also get in touch with your carrier to check if there are network issues from their end.

Solution 8: Check the System Status for iMessage

Check if iMessage is available on the Apple Service Status page. If it is not listed in there, then you must get in touch with Apple.

Solution 9: Sign Out from iMessage and FaceTime and Sign in Again

Another possible solution for the problem could be to sign out from iMessage and FaceTime and then sign in back again.

• Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive – sign out by tapping on Apple ID
• Go to Settings > FaceTime – sign out by taping on Apple ID
• Once you have signed out from both the apps, sign in back to iMessage and Facetime using your Apple ID.

Solution 10: Back Up and Restore Device

As a final solution, you can back up and restore your device. Before you can restore your phone to factory settings you must take a back-up of your data. You can do it using iCloud or your PC. To restore the phone to original factory settings:

• Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings – enter the password and tap on Reset All Settings to confirm.

These solutions have worked effectively on iPhones 4 and above. If you find that the problem persists, you can always visit the nearest Apple service provider to get the problem checked.