Android Messages Not Sending? Fix SMS, MMS, and RCS

Last updated: April 29, 2026

Your Android phone says the message failed to send. Maybe SMS works but pictures do not. Maybe group texts are stuck. Maybe RCS says connecting, verifying, or waiting. It feels random, but most Android messaging problems have a few common causes.

Messages can fail because of weak signal, mobile data issues, wrong default texting app, SIM trouble, carrier problems, outdated Google Messages, full storage, blocked contacts, RCS connection problems, or incorrect APN settings.

This guide starts with the safest fixes first. Try them in order before resetting anything serious.

Quick Answer

If Android messages are not sending, restart your phone, check signal, turn Airplane Mode on and off, make sure Google Messages is your default texting app, update Google Messages, check your SIM, confirm mobile data is on for MMS and RCS, clear Google Messages cache, and check whether your carrier supports SMS, MMS, and RCS. If RCS is stuck, turn RCS off and back on or send the message as SMS or MMS.

First, Know What Type of Message Is Failing

Android phones can send different types of messages. The fix depends on which one is failing.

SMS

SMS is a basic text message. It does not need mobile data or WiFi, but it does need cellular service and carrier support.

MMS

MMS is used for pictures, videos, longer group texts, and some media messages. It usually needs mobile data and correct carrier settings.

RCS

RCS is a newer messaging system in Google Messages. It can support read receipts, typing indicators, better photos, and richer chat features when both sides support it.

If you are confused by the difference between RCS, SMS, and MMS, read this guide after fixing the problem: What Does RCS Mean in Texting? iPhone and Android Guide.

Common Signs of Android Messaging Problems

• Message failed to send
• Text stuck on sending
• Pictures not sending
• Group messages not sending
• RCS stuck on connecting
• RCS stuck on verifying
• Messages only send on WiFi
• Messages only send as SMS
• One contact cannot receive your texts
• You can receive messages but cannot send

Fix 1: Restart Your Android Phone

Restarting is simple, but it fixes many temporary network and app glitches.

1. Hold the power button.
2. Tap Restart.
3. Wait for the phone to turn back on.
4. Open Google Messages.
5. Try sending the message again.

Google’s Android troubleshooting guide recommends restarting and updating when an installed app is not working correctly.

Official guide: Android Help: Fix an installed Android app that is not working

Fix 2: Check Signal and Airplane Mode

If your phone has poor signal, SMS can fail. If mobile data is weak, MMS and RCS can fail.

Try This

1. Look at the signal bars at the top of your screen.
2. Move near a window or outside.
3. Turn Airplane Mode on.
4. Wait 15 seconds.
5. Turn Airplane Mode off.
6. Wait for your phone to reconnect.
7. Send the message again.

If your phone often loses service, the issue may be carrier coverage or SIM related. iPhone users can read this similar signal guide: iPhone Says SOS Only: Meaning and Simple Fixes That Work.

Fix 3: Make Sure Google Messages Is the Default Texting App

If your phone has more than one messaging app, messages can fail or behave strangely. Google recommends making sure Google Messages is set as the default texting app when fixing sending and receiving problems.

How to Set Google Messages as Default

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Tap Default apps.
4. Tap SMS app.
5. Select Messages or Google Messages.

Menu names can vary by Samsung, Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, and other Android phones.

Official guide: Google Messages Help: Fix problems sending or receiving messages

Fix 4: Update Google Messages

An outdated messaging app can cause failed texts, RCS issues, picture problems, or app crashes.

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for Google Messages.
3. Tap Update if available.
4. Restart your phone.
5. Try sending the message again.

Google Messages Help recommends using the most updated version of Google Messages when troubleshooting sending or receiving problems.

Fix 5: Check Your SIM Card or eSIM

If your SIM is not working correctly, SMS and MMS can fail. Google Messages Help says to make sure the SIM card is inserted properly if your phone uses one.

For Physical SIM

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Remove the SIM tray.
3. Check that the SIM is clean and not damaged.
4. Place it back carefully.
5. Turn the phone on again.

For eSIM

Open your mobile network settings and check whether the active line is turned on. If you recently changed phones, plans, or carriers, contact your carrier to confirm the eSIM is active.

Fix 6: Check Carrier Support and Account Status

Your carrier must support the message type you are trying to send. Google says to make sure your carrier supports SMS, MMS, or RCS messaging when messages are not sending.

Contact your carrier if:

• No SMS messages send at all.
• MMS picture messages never send.
• Your bill or plan may be inactive.
• You recently changed SIM or carrier.
• You are traveling outside your normal area.
• Other people on the same carrier also have message problems.

If the issue started after switching phones, ask your carrier to check SMS, MMS, RCS, and APN settings for your line.

Fix 7: Turn Mobile Data On for MMS and RCS

SMS can usually send without mobile data, but MMS and RCS often need mobile data or WiFi. If pictures, videos, or group texts are failing, check mobile data first.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network and internet or Connections.
3. Tap Mobile network.
4. Turn Mobile data on.
5. Try sending the MMS or RCS message again.

Google’s MMS troubleshooting says to make sure you have a data connection when MMS messages are not sending.

If your phone data is fine but your home WiFi keeps failing, this guide may help with router troubleshooting: Alexa Not Connecting to WiFi? Simple Fixes That Usually Work.

Fix 8: Check RCS Status in Google Messages

If RCS messages are not sending, check whether RCS is connected. RCS can fail when your phone number is stuck verifying, your carrier does not support it, your internet is weak, or the other person does not have RCS available.

How to Check RCS Status

1. Open Google Messages.
2. Tap your profile picture or initial.
3. Tap Messages settings.
4. Tap RCS chats.
5. Check the status.

Google’s RCS guide says users can turn RCS chats on or off inside Google Messages settings.

Official guide: Google Messages Help: Turn on RCS chats

If RCS Is Stuck

1. Turn RCS chats off.
2. Restart your phone.
3. Open Google Messages again.
4. Turn RCS chats back on.
5. Wait for it to reconnect.

Google also has a troubleshooting page for users who cannot turn on RCS chats.

Official guide: Google Messages Help: Can’t turn on RCS chats

Fix 9: Send as SMS or MMS Instead of RCS

If an RCS message will not send, you may need to resend it as SMS or MMS. This is useful when the other person is offline, RCS is down, or your internet connection is weak.

Check Resend Settings

1. Open Google Messages.
2. Tap your profile picture or initial.
3. Tap Messages settings.
4. Tap RCS chats.
5. Tap Resend messages.
6. Choose how failed RCS messages should be resent.

Google notes that if you choose to send media as SMS with a link, the media could be accessible by a public link not controlled by Google. Read the option carefully before choosing it.

Fix 10: Clear Google Messages Cache

A damaged app cache can cause stuck messages, slow loading, or app glitches. Clearing cache removes temporary files without deleting your SMS history.

Steps to Clear Google Messages Cache

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Choose Messages.
4. Tap Storage or Storage and cache.
5. Tap Clear cache.
6. Restart your phone.

Android explains that clearing cache removes temporary data. Do not tap Clear storage unless you understand the risk and have checked important messages first.

If app storage is a common problem on your phone, this Instagram guide explains cache cleanup in more detail: How to Clear Instagram Cache on iPhone and Android.

Fix 11: Check Phone Storage

If your phone storage is nearly full, apps can slow down or fail. Google Messages may have trouble downloading media, sending pictures, or storing conversations.

Check Storage

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Storage.
3. Check available space.
4. Delete old downloads, large videos, duplicate files, and unused apps.

If your Google storage is full too, Gmail, Drive, Photos, and backups can create extra problems. Use this guide if your Google account is warning you about storage: Gmail Storage Full? How to Free Up Space Without Paying for Google One.

Fix 12: Check If the Contact Is Blocked

If messages fail only for one person, you may have blocked them by mistake, or they may have blocked you.

Check Blocked Numbers in Google Messages

1. Open Google Messages.
2. Tap your profile picture or initial.
3. Tap Spam and blocked.
4. Check whether the contact is listed.
5. Unblock the number if needed.

If the message is from a suspicious sender, do not unblock it unless you are sure. For spam protection, read: How to Stop Spam Texts on iPhone and Android.

Fix 13: Reset APN Settings for MMS Problems

If picture messages or group texts are not sending, your APN settings may be wrong. APN settings help your phone connect to your carrier’s mobile data and MMS network.

Google’s MMS troubleshooting recommends resetting APN settings to default if MMS messages do not send.

General Steps

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network and internet or Connections.
3. Tap Mobile network.
4. Tap Access Point Names if shown.
5. Open the menu.
6. Tap Reset to default.
7. Restart your phone.

Menu names vary by phone and carrier. If you do not see APN settings, contact your carrier and ask for the correct MMS APN settings.

Fix 14: Turn Off VPN Temporarily

A VPN can sometimes affect RCS, media downloads, or app connections. If RCS works badly or messages get stuck, test with the VPN off.

1. Turn off your VPN app.
2. Restart Google Messages.
3. Try sending the message again.

If messages work after turning off the VPN, check the VPN app settings or contact the VPN provider.

Fix 15: Check Date and Time Settings

Wrong date or time can affect apps and network services.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System.
3. Tap Date and time.
4. Turn on Set time automatically.
5. Turn on Set time zone automatically if available.

Restart your phone after changing these settings.

Fix 16: Check for Android System Updates

If your phone software is old, messaging services can behave poorly.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System or About phone.
3. Tap Software update or System update.
4. Install any available update.

Android Help recommends checking for system updates when apps are not working properly.

Fix 17: Test With Another Contact

If messages fail only to one person, the issue may be on their side.

Try This

• Send a basic SMS to another contact.
• Send a picture message to another contact.
• Try a different conversation.
• Ask the original contact to restart their phone.
• Ask if they recently changed phone, carrier, or number.

If every contact fails, your phone, app, carrier, or network is more likely the issue.

Fix 18: Check Spam and Security Issues

If messages are being blocked, filtered, or marked as spam, check whether the conversation went to Spam and blocked. Also be careful if someone asks you to share verification codes while you are troubleshooting.

Verification codes are private. If someone asks you to send them a code, read this warning: Google Voice Verification Code Scam: What to Do Next.

If a message asks you to pay a fine, scan a QR code, or click a strange link, this guide explains the safer steps: Traffic Violation Text Scam: What to Do If You Get a QR Code Message.

Fix 19: Ask Your Carrier to Refresh Messaging Services

If none of the phone fixes work, contact your carrier. Ask them to check:

• SMS service
• MMS service
• RCS support
• SIM or eSIM activation
• Account status
• Message blocks
• APN settings
• Network outage in your area

Carrier support can often refresh your line or send updated settings.

Android Messaging Problem Checklist

Problem	Likely Cause	Best First Fix
SMS not sending	Signal, SIM, carrier, or default app issue	Restart phone, check signal, set default SMS app
MMS not sending	Mobile data or APN issue	Turn on mobile data and reset APN to default
RCS not sending	RCS not connected or verifying	Check RCS status and turn RCS off and on
Group texts not sending	MMS or carrier setting problem	Check mobile data and carrier MMS support
Pictures not sending	MMS, data, storage, or file size issue	Check mobile data and phone storage
Only one contact fails	Blocked contact or issue on their side	Check block list and test another contact

What Not to Do

Do Not Factory Reset First

A factory reset should be the last step. Try network checks, app updates, cache clearing, RCS settings, APN reset, and carrier support first.

Do Not Clear Storage Before Checking Messages

Clear cache is safer. Clear storage can reset app data on your phone. Be careful before using it.

Do Not Share Verification Codes

No carrier, buyer, seller, or stranger needs your private codes. Scammers often ask for codes during online selling or account recovery tricks.

Do Not Keep Clicking Suspicious Links

If a failed message contains a suspicious link, do not keep trying to open or resend it. Report and block scams instead.

Do Not Ignore Storage Problems

Low phone storage can affect apps. Clean large files, old downloads, and unused media if your phone is almost full.

When to Replace the SIM or Contact Support

Contact your carrier or visit a store if:

• No text messages send after all basic fixes.
• Your SIM card is damaged.
• Your eSIM will not activate.
• MMS has never worked on your plan.
• Your account was recently changed.
• You switched from iPhone to Android and messages are missing.
• Your number was recently ported from another carrier.

If you recently moved from iPhone to Android, make sure your number is no longer tied to iMessage if iPhone users cannot text you properly.

How to Prevent Android Message Problems Later

• Keep Google Messages updated.
• Keep Android system software updated.
• Keep mobile data on for MMS and RCS.
• Do not switch default messaging apps too often.
• Keep enough free phone storage.
• Restart your phone once in a while.
• Contact your carrier after changing SIM, eSIM, or number.
• Do not share verification codes with anyone.

If you use WhatsApp for important chats too, make sure your backup is healthy before changing phones. Read: WhatsApp Backup Stuck? How to Fix Google Drive and iCloud Backup Problems.

Related Viral4UR Guides

These guides can help if your message issue connects to RCS, spam texts, account security, storage, app cache, WiFi, or phone service:

• What Does RCS Mean in Texting? iPhone and Android Guide
• How to Stop Spam Texts on iPhone and Android
• Google Voice Verification Code Scam: What to Do Next
• Traffic Violation Text Scam: What to Do If You Get a QR Code Message
• Gmail Storage Full? How to Free Up Space Without Paying for Google One
• How to Clear Instagram Cache on iPhone and Android
• iPhone Says SOS Only: Meaning and Simple Fixes That Work
• WhatsApp Backup Stuck? How to Fix Google Drive and iCloud Backup Problems
• Facebook Marketplace Scams: Red Flags Before You Buy or Sell
• How to Find and Cancel Hidden App Subscriptions Before They Charge You
• Alexa Not Connecting to WiFi? Simple Fixes That Usually Work
• YouTube Not Working on Smart TV? Simple Fixes That Work
• Roku Remote Not Working? Simple Fixes Before You Buy a New One
• How to Use AI to Summarize Articles, PDFs, and Long Emails

Final Takeaway

If Android messages are not sending, start with the basics. Restart the phone, check signal, turn Airplane Mode on and off, update Google Messages, make Google Messages the default texting app, and confirm mobile data is on for MMS and RCS.

If RCS is the problem, check RCS status, turn it off and back on, or resend as SMS or MMS. If picture messages or group texts fail, check mobile data and reset APN settings to default.

If nothing works, contact your carrier and ask them to check SMS, MMS, RCS, SIM, eSIM, APN, and account status for your number.

FAQ

Why are my Android messages not sending?

Android messages may not send because of weak signal, SIM issues, carrier problems, wrong default messaging app, mobile data problems, RCS connection issues, full storage, or outdated Google Messages.

Why is SMS not sending on Android?

SMS usually fails because of cellular signal, SIM, carrier, account, or default SMS app issues. Restart your phone, check signal, and make Google Messages your default SMS app.

Why is MMS not sending on Android?

MMS often needs mobile data and correct APN settings. Turn on mobile data, check carrier support, and reset APN settings to default if picture messages still fail.

Why is RCS not sending in Google Messages?

RCS may fail if it is stuck verifying, your internet is weak, your carrier does not support it, the other person does not have RCS, or Google Messages needs an update.

How do I send a failed RCS message as SMS?

Open Google Messages settings, go to RCS chats, then check Resend messages options. You can choose how failed RCS messages should be resent.

Will clearing Google Messages cache delete my texts?

Clearing cache removes temporary files and should not delete your text history. Do not clear storage unless you understand the risk.

Why do group messages fail on Android?

Group messages often use MMS or RCS. Check mobile data, carrier MMS support, RCS status, APN settings, and whether your messaging app is set as default.

When should I call my carrier?

Call your carrier if no messages send after basic fixes, MMS never works, your SIM or eSIM changed, your number was ported, or your account may have a service block.

Sources

• Google Messages Help: Fix problems sending or receiving messages
• Google Messages Help: Turn on RCS chats
• Google Messages Help: Can’t turn on RCS chats
• Google Messages: Troubleshoot RCS chat
• Android Help: Fix an installed Android app that is not working
• Android Help: Clear up space
• Android: How to clear cache and cookies on your phone
• FCC: Stop unwanted robocalls and texts
• FTC: How to recognize and report spam text messages