How to Fix SMS Not Sending or Delivering on Android (Step-by-Step Beginner Guide)

It can be very stressful when you try to send an SMS and it shows:

• Message failed
• Not delivered
• Pending
• Stuck sending forever

I’ve personally faced this issue on my Infinix phone before, and I’ve helped many people fix it using these exact steps.

The good news is:

Most SMS problems are caused by simple network or settings issues — not a serious phone fault.

Let’s fix it step by step.

---

Step 1: Confirm You Have Network Signal

SMS cannot work without mobile signal.

Do this:

1. Look at the top of your phone screen
2. Check if you have at least 2–3 signal bars

If your signal is weak:

• Move closer to a window
• Step outside briefly
• Try another location

---

Step 2: Turn Airplane Mode On and Off

This refreshes your mobile network instantly.

Steps:

1. Swipe down from the top
2. Tap Airplane Mode
3. Wait 10 seconds
4. Turn it off again

Then try sending your SMS.

---

Step 3: Restart Your Phone

This fix worked for me many times when SMS suddenly stopped working.

Steps:

1. Hold the power button
2. Tap Restart
3. Wait for the phone to reboot
4. Try sending a message again

---

Step 4: Check Your SMS Balance or Plan

Some networks block SMS if:

• You have no airtime
• Your SMS bundle expired

Quick test:

Send a short message like:

“Hi”

If it fails, check your airtime balance.

---

Step 5: Confirm the Recipient Number Is Correct

Sometimes the problem is the number.

Check:

• Country code (if international)
• No missing digits
• No extra spaces

Try sending to another contact to confirm.

---

Step 6: Clear the Messages App Cache (Safe Fix)

Cache errors can stop SMS delivery.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Apps
3. Select Messages
4. Tap Storage
5. Tap Clear Cache

Do NOT tap Clear Data.

---

Step 7: Set the Correct Default Messaging App

If you installed multiple SMS apps, Android may get confused.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Apps
3. Tap Default Apps
4. Select SMS App
5. Choose your main Messages app

Then test SMS again.

---

Step 8: Check SMSC Number (Advanced but Important)

The SMSC number connects your phone to your network’s SMS service.

If it’s missing, SMS will fail.

Steps:

1. Open your phone dialer
2. Dial:

*#*#4636#*#*

3. Tap Phone Information
4. Look for SMSC

If it is blank or incorrect, contact your mobile provider.

---

Step 9: Disable Wi-Fi Calling or RCS Chat Features

Some devices interfere with SMS when RCS is enabled.

Steps:

1. Open Messages app
2. Tap Settings
3. Tap Chat Features
4. Turn off RCS / Advanced Messaging

Then retry SMS.

---

Step 10: Update Your Messaging App

Outdated apps can malfunction.

Steps:

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Search your Messages app
3. Tap Update if available

---

Step 11: Reset Network Settings (Strong Fix)

This fixes deep network configuration problems.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap System
3. Tap Reset Options
4. Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth
5. Confirm Reset

Then restart your phone.

---

Step 12: Contact Your Network Provider (Last Option)

If SMS still fails, the issue may be:

• SIM card blocked
• Network outage
• SMS service restriction

Call customer care and ask:

“Is my SMS service active?”

---

Helpful Internal Guides (Recommended)

If you want deeper messaging solutions, these guides will help:

Full pillar guide for SMS + WhatsApp messaging fixes:
How to Fix SMS & WhatsApp Messaging Problems (Step-by-Step Mobile Guide)

Fix internet/network issues that may affect messaging:
How to Fix Wi-Fi and Internet Connection Problems (Step-by-Step Beginner Guide)

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts (Important)

When SMS is not sending or delivering, the most common causes are:

• Weak signal
• Wrong settings
• App cache issues
• Network restrictions

I’ve personally used these fixes, and they solve the problem for most Android users quickly.

Written with care by Akindele Akinfenwa — Founder of Smsmobile24.com.