Notification

RCS is now available for texting between Android and iPhones. Learn how to turn on RCS chats on your Android phone (link).

Fix problems sending, receiving, or connecting to Google Messages

If you can't send or receive messages, or have trouble connecting to Google Messages on web, try the following suggestions below.

Fix problems sending or receiving messages

  • Make sure you have the most updated version of Google Messages.
  • If you have a SIM card, ensure that it is inserted properly.
  • If you’re on Fi, sign in to the Project Fi app.
  • Verify that Google Messages is set as your default texting app. Learn how to change your default texting app.
  • Make sure your carrier supports SMS, MMS, or RCS messaging.
  • Check your plan or credit balance to see that you have enough to send/receive messages
  • See if you have signal.
  • Check if you’re on airplane mode. If you are, turn it off.
  • If you’re switching from an iPhone, make sure you’ve deactivated iMessage for your number.
  • If you change messaging apps on your phone and don’t receive messages, you may need to turn off RCS chats.

Fix problems sending or receiving messages from specific contacts

  • Delete the contact and add it again.
  • Check if you blocked them.
  • Verify that their phone number is correct.
  • Check if you need to specify a country code (e.g. +1 for US numbers).

Fix problems sending MMS messages

  • Ensure that you have a data connection.
  • In your device’s settings app, reset your APN settings to default.

Try other troubleshooting steps

  • There’s not enough space on my device: If you get a notification that Google Messages may not send or receive messages until more space is available, try these tips to free space.
  • I’m getting unreadable text messages: If you switched from a phone with visual voicemail to one without, and you get unreadable texts from your mobile carrier, troubleshoot your voicemail notifications.
  • I’ve switched from an iPhone to an Android phone: If you're switching from an iPhone to an Android phone, be sure to turn off iMessage.

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