Why SMS Is Still Important

Although less frequently used nowadays, there are still important situations where SMS is necessary, such as account verification. If you can’t receive a verification code, you won’t be able to complete the account setup, which can affect other things you need to do.

Knowing how important SMS is, you can imagine the hassle when your phone suddenly stops receiving these messages.

Common Reasons Your Phone Can’t Receive SMS

Several issues could be behind your phone’s inability to receive SMS, ranging from app settings and system problems to issues with your mobile carrier. Here are some common culprits:

• Issues with the SMS app on your phone
• Your SMS inbox is full
• Network setting errors
• Carrier service disruptions
• And more

Understanding the specific cause can help you find the right solution. For instance, if the problem is with your carrier, fiddling with your phone settings won’t help.

How to Fix Your Phone Not Receiving SMS

Once you know the possible reasons, here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue. These solutions apply to all phone brands, including ASUS, Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, Lenovo, Huawei, Samsung, and others, as well as all mobile carriers in Indonesia like Telkomsel, IM3, XL, Axis, Smartfren, and Tri (3).

Clear Your SMS Inbox

One common reason for not receiving SMS is a full inbox. SMS apps don’t have a strict limit, but it depends on your phone’s internal memory. If your phone’s memory is full and new messages can’t come in, try deleting old and unnecessary messages to make room.

Clear SMS App Cache

Another reason could be a bloated cache in your SMS app. Though less common now due to reduced SMS usage, it can still happen. If your SMS messages aren’t coming through, try clearing the cache for the messaging app. Here’s how:

• Open your phone’s Settings.
• Go to Apps.
• Scroll down to your SMS or Messaging app.
• Tap Storage, then Clear Cache or Clear Data.

Switch to 3G Network

4G networks, by default, don’t support sending or receiving SMS unless your phone supports VoLTE. Many phones in Indonesia don’t support this feature, so switching to a 3G network might help. Here’s how:

• Go to your phone’s Settings.
• Select Mobile Network.
• Open Network Settings.
• Change from 4G to 3G or 3G Only.

Check SMSC Settings

The SMSC (Short Message Service Center) setting is typically configured automatically by your carrier. However, in some cases, it can change on its own. Make sure the SMSC settings are correct by checking your carrier’s instructions online.

Wait Out Carrier Issues

Sometimes, the issue might be with your mobile carrier. If they’re experiencing technical difficulties, you might face issues like no internet, call problems, or SMS reception issues. Usually, these problems resolve within a few hours.

Contact Your Carrier’s Customer Service

If waiting doesn’t help, try contacting your carrier’s customer service. Explain the problem, and they might offer a solution.

Factory Reset

If none of the above solutions work, consider a factory reset as a last resort. This will restore your phone to its original settings, potentially resolving the issue. Before doing a factory reset, try inserting your SIM card into another phone to see if the issue persists. If the messages come through on the other phone, it indicates a problem with your original phone.

Conclusion

Many people don’t know why their phone can’t receive SMS, especially if it’s only affecting them. By understanding and trying the steps above, you can troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue. Start with the easiest solutions and work your way through. Hopefully, this guide helps you get your SMS working again. Good luck!