- Understand why your #Google #Pixel can no longer send and receive text messages or #SMS and learn how to troubleshoot it.
- Learn how to troubleshoot your phone that can no longer send and receive picture messages or #MMS.
Sending and receiving text messages is the most common feature or service any mobile phone can offer. Basic phones does it without a hitch but it’s funny how premium smartphones today like the Google Pixel have issues transmitting small amount of data over the cellular network. We’ve already received a lot of complaints from our readers that are related to the capability of the phone to send and/or receive text messages. So in this post I will tackle two of the most commonly reported issues–can’t send / receive SMS and MMS.
How to troubleshoot your Google Pixel phone that can no longer send / receive text messages (SMS)
It’s very unusual for a phone as good as the Pixel not to be able to send and receive text messages but things like this actually happen all the time. So, it’s better that you know how to troubleshoot your phone so that when it happens to you, you know what to do.
Step 1: Reboot your Pixel phone
If it’s the first time that your phone failed to send the text message, then don’t do anything just yet, instead try to reboot your phone. System glitches happen all the time and they occur when you least expect them. More often, they may seem very complex but at the end of the day, a simple reboot can actually fix them.
After the reboot, try to send a text message to your own number. This way, you would know if the phone can successfully send out the message and actually receive it. If the message goes through but not received, then try to check if there’s still enough space in your phone’s internal storage. Remember that text messages are saved in the phone’s internal storage so if there’s not enough space, you won’t be able to download or receive your messages. Deleting some text messages may fix the problem if this is the case.
Step 2: Check the signal bars
After rebooting your phone and you still can’t send nor receive text messages, then check the signal bars to see if your device is getting decent signal because if not, then you will immediately know that it’s a problem with the signal or the reception of your phone.
If the phone isn’t receiving signal, reboot it and then try to see if the Flight Mode is enabled. After verify thing and the phone is still not getting any signal, try to boot your device into safe mode. I encountered some issues wherein some third-party apps can cause loss of signal. So, try to boot your device in safe mode:
- Press and hold the Power button until the Google logo appears on screen then release. Allow several seconds for the logo to appear.
- With Google logo still on screen, press and hold the Volume down button.
- Continue to hold the Volume down button until “Safe mode” appears in the lower-left of the unlock screen then release. This may take up to 30 seconds.
Step 3: Master Reset your Google Pixel
If the problem persists, then you have no other choice but to reset your phone. This will bring the phone back to its default factory settings or a configuration that works. Aside from that, it will wipe out all your personal information so as to protect your privacy. This is in preparation for possible tech checkup. Here’s how you do it:
- If your device is on, turn it off.
- Press and hold the Volume down button. While holding Volume down, press and hold the Power button until the phone turns on. You’ll see the word “Start” with an arrow around it.
- Press the Volume down button until you highlight “Recovery mode.”
- Press the Power button to start recovery mode. You’ll see an image of an Android robot with an exclamation mark (you may also see “No command”).
- Press and hold the Power button. While holding Power, press the Volume up button once. Then release the Power button.
- If “Wipe data/factory reset” isn’t highlighted, press the Volume down button until it is. Then press the Power button to select it.
- Press the Volume down button until you highlight “Yes” (or “Yes – delete all user data”). Then press the Power button to select it.
- After the reset is complete, press the Power button to select “Reboot system now.”
- When you’re done, restore your data.
After the reset, try to send a text message to your own number to see if it goes through. If the problem still persists, then the next step might help you.
Step 4: Call your service provider
If you still can’t send / receive text messages after the reset, then it’s time to seek assistance from your service provider. Call tech support and inquire about the status of your account, your credits or anything that might hinder your phone number to send and/or receive text messages.
How to troubleshoot your Google Pixel phone that can’t send / receive picture messages (MMS)
When sending or receiving picture messages or MMS, mobile data is required. Needless to say, the phone must be connected to your provider’s mobile data network to use the service. If you’re having this problem, this is what you’re going to do:
Step 1: Verify mobile data is enabled on your phone
Mobile data is everything when it comes to MMS so it must be the first thing you have to check. Of course, you have to make sure that there are no bars in your account and that you have credits or data left to be used. You can do so by calling your service provider and verifying your account’s status.
To turn cellular network data access on:
- Open your device’s Settings app.
- Tap Data usage.
- Tap Cellular data.
Step 2: Verify that correct APN settings are set in your device
If you’ve already enabled the mobile data and you still can’t send and receive MMS, then it could be the APN Settings that have issues. Access Point Names are necessary so your phone can connect to the data network of your provider. If a single character is missing or incorrectly entered, your device may still not be able to connect to the network and your service would be interrupted or disrupted.
Step 3: Call your service provider
After checking every setting in your phone and the problem still continues, then call your service provider and inquire about your account and if there are issues with the network. If everything looks good network-side, then the problem is with your phone.
Step 4: Reset your phone
If the problem is with your phone and you’ve tried everything, then it’s time to reset your device. Just make sure you backup your data and files before doing it.
- Open your device’s Settings app.
- Under “Personal,” tap Backup & reset.
- Tap Factory data reset and then Reset phone or Reset tablet.
- If you have a screen lock, you’ll need to enter your pattern, PIN, or password.
- When prompted, tap Erase everything to erase all data from your device’s internal storage.
- When your device has finished erasing, select the option to reboot your device.
- When you’re done, restore your data. Learn how to restore your data on a Pixel phone.
I hope this helps.
