How to Fix It When You're Not Receiving Texts on Android

Missing and delayed text messages can be frustrating, especially since you may not be aware of the problem until somebody contacts you using another method to ask why you're not responding or where you are. Luckily, you can address the problem quickly.

The Causes of Delayed or Missing Texts on Android

Text messaging has three components: the devices, the app, and the network. These components have multiple points of failure. The device may not be working correctly, the network may not be sending or receiving messages, or the app may have a bug or other malfunction.

In some cases, these causes aren't easy to diagnose. For example, text messages may be delayed because the cellular network is overwhelmed with traffic, sending messages in the order received. It's best to start with the most common problem and work your way down the list since there are many potential points of failure.

How to Fix Androids Not Receiving Texts

If you don't receive texts on Android, and you know someone is sending them to you, these troubleshooting steps can help you clear up the issue. Before getting started, it's always a good idea to test your ability to receive texts from a few different people, if possible. That could yield some clues as to what the problem might be.

1. Check for blocked numbers. If you know someone is sending you texts, but you're not receiving those texts, check to see if the number is blocked.

2. Check the network connection. Mobile networks are sometimes unpredictable. If you see a few or no bars, step outside or find a higher place indoors. If you're in your home, you can use a signal booster to improve reception throughout the home.

3. Disable Airplane mode. Check your settings to see if airplane mode is enabled, and once disabled, check your network connection. Airplane mode shuts down every form of wireless communication, not only Wi-Fi.

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4. Reboot the phone. Sometimes there are endless loops or other issues behind the scenes that you may be unable to diagnose but are easily solved with a reboot. This also installs any operating system updates the texting app may need.

5. Deregister iMessage. If you formerly used an iPhone, ask anyone who regularly texts with you with an iPhone to either disable iMessage or to send you a new text at your number, instead of contacting you from an old text thread. An iMessage thread doesn't translate over to Android.

6. Update Android. Install any outstanding operating system updates, even if an update doesn't seem relevant to the problem you experience. Some bug fixes and other repairs may address operations or features the texting app uses. Wait for any updates to finish before texting.

7. Update your texting app. Updates often resolve obscure issues or bugs that may prevent your texts from sending.

8. Clear the texting app's cache. Then, reboot the phone and restart the app.

9. Check your cellular provider's website. If nothing else works, look for any alerts or updates concerning network issues. Network problems may not be immediately obvious to end users, or may only affect certain functions.

After trying all these steps, if you're still having trouble, it might be time to look for a newer phone. Android models range anywhere from $150 to $2,000; we've tested many phones, so be sure and review our recommendations list before you buy.