Sony Xperia Z Cannot Send / Receive Text Messages [How To Fix]

Perhaps the most common problems with cellphones and smartphones is that there are times when they just cannot do their common tasks, i.e. sending and receiving text messages. This operation is the most basic function yet you’ll be surprised sometimes that even a device as powerful as the Sony Xperia Z cannot do it.

There are actually two variations of this problem wherein. The following emails from our readers could explain them:

Xperia Z Can’t Send / Receive Text Messages

My Xperia Z just started acting crazy yesterday, I couldn’t send text messages. Using my “dumbphone” I texted the people I often get messages from and ask if they texted me, they said yes and they were surprised not being able to receive replies from me since I usually do that. Do you know how to fix this? 

Xperia Z Can’t Send Text Messages 

I just got my phone last month, it’s a Sony Xperia Z and I love it. However, there are times when I just can’t send a text message. Today, it happened again and whatever I do, it just does not go through. Help me fix the problem. Thanks. 

Xperia Z Can’t Receive Text Messages 

I don’t know if you guys are familiar with the Xperia Z not being able to receive text messages. I can send texts just fine but I can’t receive any. I’ve confirmed (through Facebook) that one of my textmates sent a message to me in the morning but I haven’t received it at all. 

Troubleshooting

This problem is, more often, a temporary device issue. In fact, many users who have encountered it reported having the problem resolved without doing something at all. There are a lot of factors that may have caused it but there are actually just a few troubleshooting procedures you could do to fix it.

Step 1: Check signal. Look at your status bar and check the signal strength to make sure your phone is connected to a network. If you can see it is weak or not receiving signal at all, move to an open location or to a place that you know you could get the signal you need. If you’re still not getting the signal, try to reboot your phone to refresh its memory. Others may object to this procedure but a procedure as simple as this may be just what you need to resolve the issue.

Step 2: Check memory. Make sure your phone has sufficient memory needed to execute this very simple function. If the memory is full, you may need to remove or delete some conversations or files just to give your phone a little more space.

To view the status of your memory

  1. From your Home screen, tap Apps.
  2. Find and tap Settings > Storage to view the status of your memory.

To delete a message

  1. From your Home screen, tap Apps, then find and tap Messaging.
  2. Tap the conversation containing the message you want to delete.
  3. Touch and hold the message you want to delete, then tap Delete message > Delete.

To delete conversations

  1. From your Home screen, tap Apps, then find and tap Messaging.
  2. Press Menu, then tap Delete conversations.
  3. Mark the checkboxes for the conversations that you want to delete, then tap Apps > Delete.

Step 3: Check number. Use the full phone number when you send a message. When you enter the country code, use “+” instead of “00″. Touch and hold “0″ to add a “+”.

Share with us your problem

Have you, by any chance, encountered this problem with your phone? Share with us your experience by leaving a short comment below. You could also share with us the troubleshooting procedures you did that may have fixed the problem. You can also send an email to us at [email protected]

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Harold Hisona

Harold has been in the tech industry since 2008 when he started out as a tech support for companies like Time Warner, Comcast and Tracfone. He’s been troubleshooting phones when the smartphone industry started booming. During his tenure as a tech support, he’s already been writing for various tech blogs and doing some freelance SEO. In 2012, he joined a small team of bloggers to write for The Droid Guy, and he has been with the company ever since. Today, he doesn’t only write tutorials and troubleshooting pieces but also shoots and edits videos for The Droid Guy channel while trading stocks on the side. Contact me at Email

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