How to fix Google Pixel 2 texting issues: won’t send text messages

Hello Google Pixel fans! Today’s short troubleshooting article will deal with some of the more common issues on the #GooglePixel2. The main issue we want to cover in this post is about two similar situations wherein a Pixel 2 is unable to send SMS. This type of problem can be caused by a number of factors so there’s no universal fix that can be provided all at once. Our solutions below are all situational and depends on the circumstances mentioned by users. We hope you’ll find them helpful.

Problem #1: How to fix Google Pixel 2 texting issues: won’t send text messages, other people can’t hear during calls

Hi. I’ve been having issues with my Google Pixel 2 for a few weeks now. It will sometimes not send messages or let me do anything with my mobile data even though it is showing that I have full signal and 4G. Sometimes I won’t receive a message for hours even though messages that have been sent after that one will come through fine. And now I am also not able to hear anything on calls, not even the ringing, and the people on the other end can’t hear me either. I’ve had the phone for about a year and a half and I have done a full factory reset and the issue is still happening.

Solution: As the issues happen randomly and inconsistently, the most likely reason is network- or service-related. That factory reset did not do anything to help is a clear indicator that this is not a device issue. The area where you are located may be getting poor cellular coverage, or there’s an on-going issue on your network operator’s side. We suggest that you work with carrier’s technical support team to find out what’s going on. They’re the only support team that can help you directly and effectively in this situation.

Problem #2: How to fix a Google Pixel 2 that can’t send a text message

Hi. I have the same problem as your posted question with my son not receiving my text messages but everyone elses. And on my phone messages are shown as sent. My number is not blocked on his phone. But when I go into “block number” I can see “Inbox” where my sent messages are. But I cannot reach them. They are not shown in the “Conversation” mode. My son has a Galaxy S6. I have a Google Pixel. My son’s phone used to be mine. We both have carrier “3”. Sweden.

Solution: You may changed some settings on your text messaging app, or a bug may have developed causing the problem. To fix the problem, follow our suggestions below.

Clear cache or data of text messaging app

From a Home screen, touch and swipe up to display all apps.
Go to Settings.
Tap Apps & notifications.
Tap Up arrow icon See all ‘xx’ apps.
Tap the appropriate app.
Tap Storage.
Tap Clear cache or Clear data. Note This option may not be available for some apps.

Use another text messaging app

If the problem won’t be fixed by wiping its cache or data, consider using another app to receive your SMS and MMS. There are many free text messaging apps in the Play Store for this purpose but be careful with your choice. Be sure to use only one that comes from a good or reputable company.

Master Reset

If both solutions above won’t improve the situation, don’t hesitate to do a more drastic solution — factory reset or master reset. As the name suggests, this solution will return all software settings to their defaults. Since the cause is most probably software in nature, this should help.

Press and hold the Volume Down key with your phone powered off.
Press and hold the Power key with the Volume Down key held down.
Release both keys when the Android screen appears.
Press the Volume keys to scroll to and highlight Recovery mode option.
Then press the Power key to confirm selection.
Press and hold the Power key again when the No command message appears.
Then press and release the Volume Up key while holding the Power key.
When the Android Recovery screen appears, release the Power key.
Press the Volume Down key to scroll to and highlight Wipe data/factory reset option.
Then press the Power key to confirm selection.
Wait until the data wiping is finished and once it’s completed, the Reboot system now option is highlighted.
Press the Power key to reboot your device.

IMPORTANT: Factory reset will erase your data such as photos, videos, documents, contacts. Be sure to back them up to your Google account first before wiping the phone.

Problem #3: Google Pixel 2 can’t receive messages when using stock Email app

Hi. I have a new Google Pixel 2 which for some strange reason will not permit my gmail emails to come through to my email account. The emails come thru fine on the gmail app but when I sign in with my password on the email account I just get a message which says “sign in failed”. I have tried to go thru all the email settings but nothing helps. The rep at the cell phone outlet is unable to assist me. I previously had a little Galaxy J1 2016 where the gmail’s came thru on gmail and email simultaneously. But it will not do it on the Pixel. Very frustrating indeed as I prefer to access my emails thru email and not gmail. Any suggestions how to fix this issue. Thank you.

Solution: You may need to re-add your email account to the Email app. The “sign-in failed” error usually occurs if there’s an authentication issue when logging in. we’ve noticed this issue happening for accounts that has extra security enabled. If you enabled two-step verification or similar additional security on your email account, we suggest that you disable them first. After that, try adding your email to the Email app. Once the email account has been successfully added and you can start receiving email again using your Email app, log in to email account using your computer or your phone’s browser and enable additional security once again.

If this workaround won’t help in fixing the issue, contact your email provider and ask them to troubleshoot the issue for you. There may be some issues on their end that prevents your account from being added to the Email app, or from working properly in this email app.

Problem #4: Google Pixel 2 unable to receive MMS from iPhone

I previously had a galaxy prime and had this same issue. I recently bought this Pixel phone and have the same issue. I am able to send and receive pictures and texts to other people that have iphones but are not able to get pictures from the same iphone. I can get texts but not MMS messages. I have my data turned on. I don’t know what else to do. I tried to deactivate my phone number from the iphone site in case my number used to be used by an iphone. I have never had an iphone and have had this phone number for close to 15 years. I would love some insight as to what else I can do. Thanks.

Solution: If your Google Pixel sends and receives SMS to this particular iPhone fine, the problem must be coming from that iPhone and not your device. It may not be set properly to switch regular text messaging when sending MMS and may still be trying to send MMS using iMessage. You can ask this iPhone-using contact to ensure that his or her iPhone device is configured properly not to use iMessage when sending a message to you.

Problem #5: Google Pixel 2 won’t support a work app

My work app propertyware isn’t tracking like it’s supposed to. Also I keep getting a picture closed error once in a while. could these be related? Nobody can figure out why neither are working properly. Can you help? Supposedly, my phone version doesn’t work sometimes with the app version for work. however it did until July 3rd and all of a sudden it doesn’t. 9 months works fine.

Solution: If it’s a company app, you should probably talk directly to your IT or the app developer to see if there’s an incompatibility issue that causes the problems. For basic device troubleshooting, you can try to reset all settings or factory reset it. Refer to the steps above on how to factory reset your device.