Every operating system has a problem or two now and again. If you’re an Android user, you’ve probably encountered several issues when using your phone or tablet. A bug can typically be fixed, and that’s what we’ll aim to accomplish here. Now, the bug in question is related to Android SMS Messages.
In the Notification panel, you can get an error that says ‘Message not sent’. When a message isn’t sent, this may be displayed to you. The problem can be highly inconvenient because tapping or swiping on the ‘Message not sent’ warning does nothing useful, and the alert keeps coming back every time the Messages app is opened.
In this article, we’ll show you how to solve the ‘Message not sent’ problem on Android.
How to fix ‘Message not sent’ error on Android
Choose the correct SIM
The fact that you utilize different SIM cards is the most typical cause of a failed SMS message. Some Android phones offer Dual SIM capability, which makes it possible to create and receive calls and texts depending on which SIM you use.
The fact that you’re seeing the ‘Message not sent’ problem shown on the screen is most likely because your inactive SIM has been set as your default SIM for sending texts when you have two SIMs loaded on your phone but only one is active (being billed for calls, data, and texts).
If this is the situation, you can resolve the ‘Message not sent’ error by making your active SIM the default messaging SIM. To do so, open the Settings app and go to Network and internet (labeled ‘Wireless and networks’ on some phones) > SIM cards (labeled ‘SIM manager’ on some phones).
On this page, you can select which SIM card can perform a specific action and personalize it to your desire. You can use the other SIM for the same purpose if the SIM you’re presently using doesn’t support text messaging or you don’t have enough credits to use text messaging on it.
To do so, go to the ‘Text messages’ option (‘Default SIM for SMS’ on some phones) and choose the SIM card from which you send texts frequently.
After that, you’ll be able to send texts from your phone with ease.
How to fix error code 17
You may also be unable to send text messages and instead receive Error Code 17 on your phone. The problem is said to occur when a user is sending a message and occurs about a minute after the message is marked as ‘Sending’. Users are greeted with an error message that states “Can’t send. Network problem. (Error code 17)”.
Although the source of error code 17 is unknown, several customers in this Google support thread say that there is a temporary workaround to fix the problem. When you’re disconnected from a WiFi network, the desired message appears to be transmitted, however, the mileage varies from one network to the next.
To resolve error code 17, unlock your phone and disable your WiFi connection by turning off your phone’s WiFi. To do so, go to Quick Settings and disable the WiFi toggle.
You can also go to the Settings app, go to Network and Internet, and turn off the option next to ‘Wi-Fi.’
If the issue has been widely reported, your device manufacturer should provide you with a permanent repair via an update. You can easily update to the current software version of your device whenever the update with a patch is put out to get it repaired.
15 Fixes You Should Try
If the previous method doesn’t succeed, try the following fixes to fix your phone’s ‘Message not sent’ issue.
1. Check the delivery report of the message: By setting Delivery reports for SMS, you may see if your message was delivered from your phone or if it reached the receiver’s phone. To do so, open the Messages app, tap the 3-dots symbol > Settings > Advanced, and check the box next to ‘Get SMS delivery reports.’
2. Copy and resend the message again: If you can’t send a message, the next best thing is to attempt sending it again.
3. Verify that the receiver’s phone number is correct: While it may seem absurd, you should double-check the receiver’s phone number to see whether it’s correct or if one or two numbers are missing. Check to see whether their country code differs from yours, and if you’re in separate nations, try adding the real country code.
4. Delete the contact and add it again: You can delete a contact by opening the Contacts app, selecting it, navigating to More > Delete, and then hitting Delete again to confirm the deletion. You can add the contact again by calling the number and adding it as a new contact in the Phone app.
5. Check if you have blocked the receiver: Go to Spam and blocked > More > Blocked contacts, and then delete the blocked contact from the list.
6. Update your Messages app to the latest version: Google Play has a new version of the Messages app to update.
7. Clear cache of the Messages app: Hold the Messages app in your hand and select the ‘I’ icon. To erase the cache, go to Store & cache and touch ‘Clear cache.’
8. If you are using a third-party app, set Messages as your default SMS app and try again: Tap on ‘Set as default chat app’ in the Messages app.
9. Ensure that your carrier supports SMS/RCS messaging: Text messaging is no longer supported by several carriers. To see if your carrier supports it, go to their website.
10. Check if you have enough credit balance to send messages: You may not have enough credits to use your carrier’s text messaging service, even if it is supported by your carrier. Check your existing strategy to determine if your SIM supports text messaging.
11. Make sure you’re connected to a cellular network with good signal: Go to Settings > About phone > SIM status to check your signal strength.
12. Turn Airplane mode ON and then OFF: Swipe down on your home screen to access Quick Settings, then hit the Airplane (Flight mode) icon to switch it OFF after a few seconds.
13. Reboot your phone: Hold down the power button and then press the ‘Restart’ button.
14. Force-close the Messages app and open again: Hold down the Messages app, then tap the ‘I’ icon, then ‘Force close’
15. Factory Reset your Android phone: Resetting your phone to factory settings may help you solve your problem, but this will erase all of your data, so approach with caution. Go to Settings > System > Advanced > Reset options and hit ‘Erase all data’ to factory reset your phone.
In this video, we are gonna show you how to fix message “Not sent tap to try again” error on Android:
That’s it. The error ‘Message not sent’ should no longer appear on your device.
