Best Solutions to Fix iPhone Not Receiving Texts

Jason

By Jason

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iPhone Not Receiving Texts

Introduction

So, you’re having trouble receiving texts on your iPhone? Don’t panic, you’re not alone. This is a common issue that many iPhone users face, and the good news is it’s usually easy to fix. Let’s navigate this together!

Common Causes of iPhone Not Receiving Texts

Before we jump into the solutions, it’s important to understand the possible causes of this problem. Broadly, these can be divided into software issues, carrier issues, and device-specific issues.

Software Issues

Your iPhone might not be receiving texts due to problems with your software, such as outdated iOS versions, misconfigured settings, or even bugs.

Carrier Issues

Carrier issues include network congestion, poor signal, or service outages. This can be a problem particularly in areas with weak cellular coverage.

Device-Specific Issues

Sometimes, the issue is specific to your device. For example, your iPhone might have a faulty SIM card, or there may be physical damage preventing it from receiving texts.

So, to make your life a lot easier, we’ve narrowed it down, and you can read the most effective solutions for an iPhone not receiving or sending texts below.

Solution #1 – Fix ‘iPhone Not Receiving Texts’ with Tenorshare ReiBoot

Right off the bat, we have Tenorshare ReiBoot. This is our personal favorite because it doesn’t just fix iPhone not receiving texts, it can fix pretty much any iPhone error.

If the issue is because of your carrier or Apple, Tenorshare ReiBoot won’t be of much use. However, if there is even the slightest fault with your iPhone, this is a guaranteed solution.

  • Repair any iOS error without losing the iPhone’s app data or your personal data
  • Can fix an iPhone frozen on the Apple logo, white screen, and black screen
  • Fixes iOS devices that are stuck in Recovery Mode/DFU Mode
  • Enables iPhone users to downgrade the iOS to an earlier version
  • Very easy to use and provides instructions along the way
  • Supports the repair of all iPods, iPads, and iPhones (as well as every iOS version!)
  • Also has the capability of fixing iTunes errors, including Error 27, Error 21, and Error 4005
  • Includes a Deep Repair which scrubs your iPhone and guarantees the repair

The list could go on and on, but the bottom line is that Tenorshare ReiBoot is without a doubt the superior tool to fixing iPhone not receiving texts.

After you install it on your computer, you can quickly access it and repair any iTunes or iOS device error that comes your way.

Steps to Use Tenorshare ReiBoot to Fix iPhone Not Receiving Texts

As amazing a program as Tenorshare ReiBoot is, it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t explain how to use it in this situation.

So, to repair iPhones that don’t receive texts with Tenorshare ReiBoot, follow this guide.

#1 – Download and install Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer, and launch it when ready.

Tenorshare ReiBoot

#2 – Select the “Standard Repair” option from the main menu to proceed.

Tenorshare ReiBoot

#3 – Connect the iPhone, which you are experiencing problems with to the computer using a lightning cable.

#4 – Follow the instructions shown to you in order to enter DFU Mode/Recovery Mode.

Tenorshare ReiBoot

Note: we highly recommend Standard Repair as it ensures you don’t lose any data. That said, if that mode doesn’t work, consider using Deep Repair instead.

#5 – Select the appropriate device model at the top of the window and press “Download“.

Tenorshare ReiBoot

#6 – Tenorshare ReiBoot will detect when your device successfully enters Recovery Mode. The program will then automatically download the necessary firmware and use it to repair your iPhone.

Tenorshare ReiBoot

#7 – After roughly 10 minutes, the repair will be complete.

Tenorshare ReiBoot

Usually, it isn’t necessary for users to run the repair more than once. In this case, if Standard Repair doesn’t fix your iPhone not receiving texts, you have a few options. Either try again, use Deep Repair, or move on to our next solution.

Solution #2 – Try Basic iPhone Repair Fixes

Next is to make your way through a list of basic iPhone repair techniques, None of these requires additional software so if you don’t want to jump straight to using Tenorshare ReiBoot, use this solution first.

There is no guarantee that any of these will resolve the texting issue; they are simply general iPhone issue fixes.

1. Check the Phone Number

If you aren’t able to send text messages, then check you are texting the right phone number. Likewise, if you aren’t receiving texts from someone, make sure they are using your correct number.

2. Text Someone Else

You might find that the problem isn’t with your phone. Instead, whoever you are unable to text is the one with the texting issue. To test this out, text someone else and see if the issue persists.

3. Tap the Exclamation Mark

When you send a text, if there is a red exclamation mark with “Not Delivered” written next to your text, tap it. Either tap on “Try Again” or “Send as Text Message“. If sending as a text message works, then iPhone not receiving texts is an iMessage-related issue.

4. Check Your Wi-Fi to Fix iPhone Not Receiving Texts

Take a minute to check the Wi-Fi connection. If you can load websites fine and other devices can also connect to the internet (and perhaps send texts), it’s not a Wi-Fi problem.

5. Try Calling Someone

Check if there is something wrong with your SIM card by calling the other person instead. If your SIM card is working correctly, then you’ll be able to establish a call easily.

6. Check Date and Time Settings

An iPhone’s date and time are used as a means to verify an authorized connection. If the iMessage servers detect these settings are wrong, your iPhone’s connection will be denied. Check that these settings are correct and if you set them manually, consider enabling the automatic option.

7. Turn It Off and On

Turning a tech device off and on has, for years, been the go-to fix. Many problems resolve almost instantly when users try this. Simply turn off your iPhone then turn it back on, and check if you can text again.

Solution #3 – Disable and Enable iMessage

Just like how turning off your iPhone and turning it back on could help, it also applies to iMessage. Doing this re-establishes your Apple ID’s connection with the iMessage servers. If this connection was the source of your texting issue, this should do the trick.

#1 – Open the Settings app and swipe down to “Messages.”

#2 – Tap on the iMessage slider and wait a few moments.

#3 – Tap on the iMessage slider to enable it, and try sending your text again.

Disable and Enable iMessage to Fix iPhone Not Receiving Texts

It will take a few moments for iMessage to reconnect, but soon enough, you’ll know if iMessage is the issue.

Solution #4 – Reset iPhone Network Settings

Resetting your iPhone’s network settings may also bring positive results. Again, if network problems are at the source of the iPhone not receiving texts, wiping the existing configuration and setting your networks up again will help.

#1 – Open Settings and tap on “General.”

#2 – Swipe down to the bottom of the list and tap on “Reset.”

#3 – From these reset options, tap on “Reset Network Settings.”

#4 – Confirm this decision by tapping on “Reset Network Settings” again.

Reset Network Settings to Fix iPhone Not Receiving Texts

After your iPhone restarts, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network. Try to send a text and see if you can do so successfully.

Solution #5 – Do a Hard Reset to Fix iPhone Not Receiving Texts

Turning your iPhone off and on can be handy, but it doesn’t completely restart iOS. To do this, you need to do a hard reset.

#1 – Hold down the Home button and the Lock button at the same time.

#2 – Continue holding these buttons for a short amount of time.

#3 – You will eventually see the Apple logo appear, which is when you should let go of both buttons.

Hard Reset to Fix iPhone Not Receiving Texts

Hard restarting your iPhone will differ depending on which model your device is. Apple’s advice offers more detail on the specific process you have to follow for each iPhone model.

Solution #6 – Disable LTE in Settings to Fix iPhone Not Receiving Texts

LTE, or 4G, is the network that your smartphone connects to if a Wi-Fi network isn’t available. As an iPhone networking feature, it may affect your text and calls. Simply turning it off will determine if this is the case.

#1 – Unlock your iPhone and navigate to the Settings app.

#2 – Swipe down and tap “Cellular > LTE.”

#3 – Select the “Off” option and proceed to restart your iPhone

#4 – After your iPhone finishes loading, check if your texts send.

Disable LTE to Fix iPhone Not Receiving Texts

If, after following these steps, your iPhone not receiving texts is persistent, you can turn LTE back on.

Solution #7 – Factory Reset the iPhone

Now we have a more aggressive solution: factory resetting your iPhone. Unfortunately, if no other fix has brought on the results we’re looking for, this is the only remaining option.

Advisably you should take a full backup before you do a factory reset. After you follow this guide, your iPhone’s data will all be wiped.

If factory resetting fixes the iPhone not receiving texts, then you can restore your backup, and it’ll be like nothing happened! Here’s how to do a factory reset from your device.

#1 – Unlock your iPhone and open up the Settings app.

#2 – Swipe down and tap “General,” then swipe down again and tap “Reset.”

#3 – The various reset options will appear, and for this solution, tap “Erase all content and settings.”

#4 – Next, you’ll be prompted to enter your passcode to confirm that you want to reset. Go ahead and do so.

#5 – Further confirm this decision by tapping on “Erase iPhone” when it appears.

factory reset iPhone to Fix iPhone Not Receiving Texts

#6 – You now must enter your Apple account’s password to finalize the factory reset.

#7 – The factory reset can take as long as an hour because the firmware must download and then install on your device.

#8 – After the reset is complete, follow the steps that are shown on your screen to set up your iPhone from the default state.

Hopefully, you took a backup of your data beforehand. During the setup, you’ll have the chance to restore an iCloud backup, and if you took one, your personal data is safe.

Consider this solution as a last resort. It’s not only inconvenient to do a factory reset, but if for some reason, you are unable to back up your iPhone, you’ll lose everything stored on it.

Solution #8 – Get in Touch with Apple

Finally, if not even a factory reset resolves your iPhone not receiving texts, the only other thing you can do is contact Apple.

Alternatively, depending on the results you found from following these solutions, you may want to get in touch with your carrier.

If there’s an Apple store near you, then consider paying it a visit. Explain the problem to one of their trained technicians and also the fixes you tried, and they’ll take a deeper look. On the bright side: there isn’t a single problem that they can’t fix!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Why is my iPhone not receiving texts? There can be several reasons, including software issues, carrier issues, and device-specific issues.
  2. Can I fix this issue by myself? Yes, there are several solutions you can try to fix this issue by yourself.
  3. What if none of the solutions work? If none of the solutions work, it might be time to contact your service provider.
  4. How can I prevent this issue from happening again? Always keep your software updated and regularly check your message settings.
  5. Is this a common issue for iPhone users? Yes, many iPhone users face this issue. But don’t worry, it’s usually easy to fix.

To Conclude

Now you probably notice that even the smallest of issues, like your iPhone not receiving or sending texts, have a bunch of fixes. The problem we have is finding a one-stop solution because everyone’s experience with the solutions above is different.

Some people will find Tenorshare ReiBoot to be the savior they need, while others might only repair iPhones not receiving texts by factory resetting. It’s just a matter of making your way through this list, trying each fix, and eventually finding the right one.

Hopefully, you won’t have to visit an Apple Store, and you can fix the problem at home!

Jason
Jason

Skilled software testing specialist with expertise in comparisons and research, passionate about blogging, reviews, and creating video tutorials.

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