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Thursday, March 28, 2024

How to Fix iPhone Neither Sending Texts to Android, Nor Receiving from It!

Though we live in the era of instant messaging, there might be times when you need to use the Message app on your iPhone which has been a problem for some iPhone users. They keep on reporting issues like “iPhone not sending texts” to Android and other standard phones. However, not only in sending on Android phone, there have been a slew of complaints from users about “iPhone not receiving texts from Android devices” also.

To be precise, ‘not sending or receiving text messages from non-iOS devices’—is a very common problem among iPhone users that occurs mainly due to poor cross-platform compatibility of iPhone with Android.

Thus, considering that such complaints have been doing rounds for quite a while now and hence deserve attention, today we’ve discussed all the possible solutions for fixing “iPhone Neither Sending Texts to Android, Nor Receiving from It” issue.

So, if you also have recently encountered the same issue then, you should know how to fix it otherwise, it can be hell annoying!

However, before you begin troubleshooting, it is worth having a look at the list of probable factors that can be the culprit behind this discussed issue—

Why Can’t I Send or Receive Texts to/from Android Device Users?

If your iPhone is unable to send or receive text messages to/from non-iPhone devices then it is no wonder as there are a handful of reasons behind not working of the messaging technology on your iPhone like:

  • Network Disturbance, 
  • Outdated Software, 
  • A mismatch in iPhone Message App Settings,
  • Carrier Settings not updated, or
  • SIM card is no longer usable/damaged, etc.

In short, a successful text messaging experience involves three factors – the device, the network, and the app. Out of them, if any starts acting up unusually, you’ll notice message delivery failure.

Top 12+ Solutions to Try When iPhone Neither Sends, Nor Receives Texts from Android

Keeping the above factors in mind, we are now going to share below every possible solution that will help you to deal with this problem.

So, with that said, let’s get started without wasting any further second —

Note: The solutions listed underneath are effective on iPhone’s all popular models ranging from iPhone 4, iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPhone SE, iPhone 7 to iPhone 8, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 and iPhone 13’s each and every version.

Solution 1: Check Your Cellular Coverage or Wi-Fi Connection

You should always start troubleshooting with the basics and what’s more basic than, checking your network connection as you can’t send or receive text messages without access to either a cellular or Wi-Fi network!

After checking, if it turns out that you have weak or no network connectivity; you can simply consider “Turning on and off the Airplane Mode” to refresh your iPhone connectivity and to reconnect your iPhone with your cellular or an available Wi-Fi network.

Toggle the “Airplane Mode” Switch ‘ON’ and then, ‘OFF.’

Note: Especially, in regard to sending messages from iPhone, it is worth mentioning that—iPhone uses dual message delivery setup. It can send a text message either as an “iMessage” (it can be sent over Wi-Fi or cellular connection) or as an “SMS” (it uses only cellular network)! So, based on that, it is necessary to make sure that you not only have good network coverage but also the right one.

Solution 2: Restart iPhone and Check for Updates

The next basic reason why you can’t send text messages or receive them to/from non-iOS users may be related to a software issue on your iPhone. 

So, if there’s a software issue that is creating hindrance in the smooth exchange process of your text messages then, the best thing you can do to avoid this kind of situation is to give a quick restart to your iPhone.

Restarting your iPhone usually resolves a lot of issues, unless the problem requires a more in-depth approach. If so then, what else you can do is—

You never know, maybe the issue is from your carrier’s end. Wondering how? Let us explain!

Carrier settings in iPhone that enables it to place calls, transmit data and send text messages through cellular or Wi-Fi networks; they keep getting updated in a timely manner by your SIM carrier.

If you forget to update it for your iPhone then, you’re likely to experience connectivity problems leading to such encountered issues. Therefore, it is recommended solution that you must check and update your iPhone to the latest carrier settings via following the steps below—

  • Step 1: Open the ‘Settings app’ on the iPhone. 
Open the ‘Settings app’ on the iPhone
  • Step 2: Under settings, tap on the ‘General’ section.
Go to the ‘General’ section under Settings.
  • Step 3: Then, tap on the ‘About’ option inside the General section.
  • Step 4: Following that, you’ve to scroll down to the ‘Network’ section.
  • Step 5: Now, tap the “Current Network version” under the ‘Network Provider menu.’
  • Step 6: In doing so, your iOS device will be updated to the latest carrier settings. 
Under ‘General’ setting, open the ‘About’ section to tap the current network version from the Network Provider menu.

If not due to the carrier settings, the error may be related to the latest iOS glitch on your device. However, luckily Apple is very quick to resolve such glitches by offering the latest software update. So, it is advisable to check for an iOS software update to make sure your iPhone is running on its latest version. 

To do so, simply follow these steps—

  • Step 1: Open the ‘Settings App’ on your iPhone.
  • Step 2: Inside the app, you’ve to locate and tap on the ‘General Settings.’
  • Step 3: From the general settings, tap on the ‘Software Update’ option to see if there is an update available or not.
  • Step 4: In case if there’s an update available, you simply have to ‘Download and Install’ it on your device.
Inside ‘Settings’ open the ‘General Setting’ tab and select the ‘Software Update’ option to see if there is an update available.
Download and install

Solution 3: Check Your iPhone’s Message Settings

Next thing that you should be doing is check if the relevant ‘Settings for Messages App’ are enabled on your iPhone as you may have changed some settings in the past and now, you don’t remember them at all.

In regard to this, let us tell you that in iPhone, there are basically two main options i.e., ‘iMessages’ and ‘Send as SMS’ using which you can send messages.

Out of the two, let’s suppose if SMS sending is disabled, you can send iMessages from your iPhone to other iPhone users but, you cannot send messages to Android and Windows phone users. On the contrary, if the iMessage option is disabled then, remember that you wouldn’t be reachable to your recipients through text either.

So, it is necessary that both these options including ‘MMS Messaging’ are enabled on your iPhone and to do so, you have to follow the steps below—

  • Step 1: In order to check your iPhone’s message settings, you first of all, need to ensure that your device is connected either to your “Cellular” or “Wi-Fi Network.”
  • Step 2: Following that, open the ‘Settings app’ and simply navigate to the ‘Messages’ section. 
Inside the settings app, scroll down to tap on the ‘Messages’ section.
  • Step 3: There inside the messages section, you’ve to make sure that all these “MMS, SMS and iMessage” options are enabled.
Inside Settings, navigate to the ‘Messages’ section and make sure “MMS, SMS and iMessage” are enabled.

Solution 4: Check for Blocked Numbers

Another possibility why you’re not able to send messages from your iPhone to an Android device of your recipient is that you may have blocked the number of your intended recipient due to some old spat and forgot about it and that’s why the Android device of that person is not receiving texts from your iPhone.

So, considering that, you should check whether you’ve blocked your recipient or not. If yes, here’s how you can unblock them—

  • Step 1: Begin the process by opening the ‘Settings app’ of your iPhone.
  • Step 2: Then, go to the ‘Messages’ section.
  • Step 3: In that, scroll down to the ‘Blocked Contacts’ option and there, you’ve to simply check if the phone number of your recipient (whom you want to send a message) is added to the block list or not. 
  • Step 4: If the number is added in the block list then, you’ve to simply remove it by swiping the blocked number left and selecting the ‘Unblock’ option. 
Go to the ‘Messages’ section in Settings, tap on the ‘Blocked Contacts’ option and swipe the number left to select ‘Unlock’ for it.

In doing so, not only you can send messages, you should also be able to receive messages from unblocked numbers of non-iOS users.

However, if you experience the same problem, you can move on to try the next given solution.

Solution 5: Delete Old Messages from Your iPhone

As per this solution, you’ve to check on your iPhone whether you are left with some space to send or receive any further text messages. This is because if you already have tons of messages on your device then, it might prevent you from sending or receiving messages, especially MMS messages to/from Android.  

In regard to this, it is worth mentioning that you don’t have to worry about the iPhone to iPhone message exchange process, as it uses the iMessage platform.

So, only with reference to the former case, you’re suggested to delete some old irrelevant messages from your iPhone to clear up some space to send and receive new messages.

Solution 6: Check Your SIM Card & Re-Insert It Properly

At times, the culprit behind your iPhone’s inability of sending or receiving texts from Android 2021 is none other than your faulty/damaged SIM card. So, considering that, you can take out the SIM card from your iPhone to check if its condition is good enough or not. Basically, you’ve to check for “no scratch or damage” on your SIM card and put it back again properly.

However, in doing so, if you find out that your SIM is no longer usable or is damaged—you must contact your carrier for help regarding the same.

Solution 7: Check Your Send/Receive Settings

Another common reason for experiencing Messaging problems on iPhone is due to incorrect Send/Receive settings. However, worry not! You can easily configure this setting properly with the given steps—

  • Step 1: Open your iPhone’s ‘Settings app.’
  • Step 2: Inside settings, go to the ‘Messages’ section.
  • Step 3: There, scroll down and tap on ‘Send & Receive’ option.
Go to the ‘Messages’ section inside Settings and tap on ‘Send & Receive’ option.
  • Step 4: Now, on the next screen, you just have to make sure your ‘Phone Number’ is listed under the “You Can Be Reached By” section.
Check inside the ‘Send & Receive’ option that your ‘Phone Number’ is listed under “You Can Be Reached By” section.

Solution 8: Reset Your Network Settings

To those who don’t know, let us tell you that the iPhone Network Settings controls the entire process of how an iOS device accesses the cellular networks. So, if you’ve entered a wrong network setting on your iPhone then, chances are high that it can interfere with the whole messaging experience. 

However, you don’t have to worry a lot about the same because the good news is, you can easily reset network settings of your respective iPhone via following the steps below—

  • Step 1: In order to reset network settings on your iPhone, you’ve to, as usual, open the ‘Settings app’ first.
  • Step 2: Then, inside settings, go to the ‘General Settings’ section.
  • Step 3: There, you’ve to tap on the ‘Reset’ option.
  • Step 4: Following that, just tap on the ‘Reset Network Settings.’
Inside the ‘Settings’ app, go to the ‘General Settings’ section to tap on ‘Reset’ and then, on ‘Reset Network Settings.’

Once you’re done resetting your iPhone’s network settings, this will reboot your iOS system and erase all your network data & settings. So, bearing in mind that you lose access to your Wi-Fi passwords, networks and custom DNS settings; you’ll have to first re-enter all your passwords, re-join a network and re-enter your DNS settings. 

Only then, you can figure out whether the ‘inability to send or receive messages’ issue has been resolved after resetting your network settings or not.

Solution 9: Reset All Settings

If resetting your network settings also won’t be able to help you resolve the ‘iPhone not sending | receiving text-messages’ issue then, try resetting all settings because not just network setting, any wrong setting on your iPhone can result in a text message failure to/from the Android device. 

So, having that in mind, here’s how you can reset all settings of your iPhone—

  • Step 1: Open ‘Settings app’ on your iOS device. 
  • Step 2: Then, go to the ‘General’ settings. 
  • Step 3: Under it, you’ve to tap on the ‘Reset’ to select the ‘Reset All Settings’ option that appears on the screen.
Inside the 'General’ section of your iPhone settings, tap on the ‘Reset’ option to select ‘Reset All Settings.’

Solution 10: Disable RCS on Android Device

By far, we have only discussed those troubleshooting methods that are applicable on the iPhone device.  However, one cannot deny this fact that— the encountered problem could be from the Android side as well.

Well, better late than never, you can check whether the RCS, short for Rich Communications Services, is enabled on the Android device or not. If yes, you have to disable it from the Android’s Messages Settings using the steps given below—

[Note: Those who don’t know, RCS is Google’s version of iMessage that aims to deliver a close-to-iMessage experience with typing indicators, read receipts, group messages, and more. It has been introduced by Google for Android devices to counter the growing popularity of the iPhone’s iMessage service.]

  • Step 1: Open the ‘Messages app’ on your Android phone. 
  • Step 2: Inside the app, tap on the ‘Three-dot menu’ which is located in the upper right corner of the screen.
  • Step 3: From the menu, select the ‘Settings’ option.
  • Step 4: After that, just tap on the ‘Chat features’ to turn off ‘Enable chat features’ from its menu.
Inside Android’s Message app menu, select the ‘Settings’ option and, tap on the ‘Chat features’ to turn off ‘Enable chat features.’

Solution 11: Deregister iMessage

As you may already know, the iPhone uses a dual message delivery setup. But, what you surely don’t know is that–this setup can create such problems in two scenarios and i.e., if the recipient’s New Phone Number was previously used by an Apple device user or if the recipient has recently switched from iPhone to Android.

So, if that is the case with you also then, the only fix for this problem is to deregister/ remove / unlink your Phone Number from Apple’s iMessage Service. 

To do so, you have to follow these given steps—

  • Step 1: To deregister iMessage, you have to insert the SIM card into your iDevice – which you’ve transferred to an Android device from your old iPhone.
  • Step 2: Then, you need to ensure that you’re connected to the cellular data or Wi-Fi network.
  • Step 3: Following that, you need to go to your iPhone’s Settings app and then, go to the “Messages” section to simply disable “iMessage.”
Go to the “Messages” section in Settings to disable the “iMessage” option.
  • Step 4: Once you’ve done that, remove your SIM card from the iPhone and insert it back into your Android phone.

Now, you should be able to send or receive text messages to/from iPhone on your Android phone.

[ Bonus Tip] Send Text Messages from iPhone to Android using Android Manager Software

If you want to transfer your text messages from iPhone to Android without any inconvenience, you can use a tool like ‘AnyDroid –the Android Manager Software’ that helps you to transfer messages very smartly on the computer. 

However, if you particularly want to use this software only then, you can simply follow these steps to use it for sending text messages from iPhone to Android—

  • Step 1: Visit the Official Website of AnyDroid.
  • Step 2: There, click on ‘Download the software’ link to save it on your computer.
  • Step 3: After downloading the software, what you’ve to do is use digital cables to connect both iPhone and Android phone to the computer. 
  • Step 4: Upon doing so, select the ‘Android Mover’ option and click “iOS to Android.”
  • Step 5: Now, you’ve to simply scroll down to the interface of managing files by category to select the ‘Messages’ option.
  • Step 6: And, in the end, you just have to click on the ‘Next’ button to begin the transferring process from iPhone to Android.

Solution 12: Contact Your Carrier

Albeit, the above discussed solutions are effective enough to help you fix the encountered issue but, still if your iPhone is neither sending nor receiving texts to/from Android then, it might be because the carrier itself is having server issues on their side.

So, in this case, we suggested that you should contact your network carrier either on social media or you can directly call or email them to assist you troubleshoot the given issue. 

Bottom Line

That’s all! This guide has covered all possible solutions that are effective to help iPhone users resolve the “iPhone won’t send or receive texts to/from the non-iPhone users” issue. So, hopefully after trying out the above-mentioned fixes, this issue gets resolved for you as well.

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