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You are here: Home / Not working? / iPhone 12 Pro Max not receiving text messages? Fix

iPhone 12 Pro Max not receiving text messages? Fix

Last Updated: July 15, 2021 by Kevin Shaw

It is highly irritating when your iPhone 12 Pro Max won’t receive text messages. If you’re facing this issue and wondering, “why is my iPhone 12 Pro Max not receiving text messages?” you’ve come to the right place. This technical glitch seems to inexplicably occur on almost any Apple smartphone, including the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. But we’ve tested some solutions for you, so here’s how to fix iPhone 12 Pro Max not Receiving texts issue.

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.
See also: iPhone 12 Pro Max not Receiving calls? Fix

Contents show
1 The Causes of Delayed or Missing Texts on iPhone 12 Pro Max
2 How to Fix iPhone 12 Pro Max Not Receiving Texts
2.1 Check blocked numbers
2.2 Check the reception
2.3 Turn Off and On Airplane Mode
2.4 Restart Your iPhone
2.5 Remove & Reinsert iPhone’s SIM Card
2.6 Update iOS
2.7 Update Carrier settings
2.8 Check your cellular provider’s website
2.9 Reset Network Settings on iPhone
2.10 Reset All Settings
2.11 Contact Your Carrier
3 iPhone 12 Pro Max not getting texts: Fixed
3.1 Editors' Recommendations:

The Causes of Delayed or Missing Texts on iPhone 12 Pro Max

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 properly, 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, and messages are sent in the order received. Considering all these potential points of failure, it’s best to start with the most common problem and work your way down the list.

How to Fix iPhone 12 Pro Max Not Receiving Texts

If you don’t receive texts on iPhone 12 Pro Max, 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.

Check blocked numbers

If you know someone is sending you texts, but your iPhone 12 Pro Max is not receiving those texts, check to see if the number is blocked. For this, open the Settings app and tap on Messages. Scroll down and then tap on Blocked Contacts.
If the person/number is added here, swipe right to left on it and tap on Unblock.

Check the reception

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.

See also: iPhone 12 Pro Max cellular data slow? Fix

Turn Off and On Airplane Mode

Open the Settings app and tap on the icon for Airplane Mode to enable it. After 30 seconds, tap on the same toggle to disable it. Now, Check if Your iPhone 12 Pro Max is receiving texts. It should work.

Restart Your iPhone

Even after following the above fix, if you have trouble getting texts on your iPhone’s 12 Pro Max, try restarting your phone. The simplest way is to use the buttons as you usually do. You may also open the Settings app and tap on General. Next, choose Shut Down. After a minute, turn on your iPhone and see if you can receive messages. The issue will most likely be fixed.

Remove & Reinsert iPhone’s SIM Card

iPhone 12 Pro Max has the SIM card slot on the right side. Use the ejector tool or a pin to remove the SIM card carefully. Next, slowly and with caution, rub it on a soft dry cloth and insert it back.

See also: iPhone 12 Pro not Detecting SIM card? Fix

Update iOS

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.

Open the Settings app and tap on General.

Next, tap on Software Update. If you see a pending update available, tap on Download and Install.

Once the process completes, there is a strong possibility that the iPhone 12 Pro Max not Receiving texts issue is successfully addressed.

Update Carrier settings

Make sure that your phone is operating properly on your network, and do need to be updated from time to time. To update your carrier settings, simply go to Settings > General > About.

If there is an update available, the option to update will appear here. Also by going to Settings > General > About, you can see which version of your carrier settings that you’re running on your device.

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.

Reset Network Settings on iPhone

If you think that network is the culprit behind iPhone 12 Pro max not Receiving texts messages issue, you can go for Reset Network Settings. Most network-related issues like the inability to make phone calls, message failures, cellular data issues are fixed after a reset. Please know that this won’t delete any personal data, but things like your saved Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth devices, VPN configurations will be erased.

To perform a Network reset, open the Settings app > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Enter your iPhone passcode and confirm.

Reset All Settings

If the above less severe reset did not work, please follow the same steps as above and choose Reset All Settings. The consequences of this are more significant.

It will erase or return to default, all settings you have ever changed on your iPhone. This includes keyboard settings, Home Screen layout, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN, Location Settings, and more. But, it won’t delete any personal data like photos, videos, apps, music, etc.

Contact Your Carrier

Finally, if nothing helps, contact your mobile carrier. You can reach them via email, Twitter, or use their mobile app. Make sure there is no pending bill or unpaid charges that have resulted in the suspension of the service.

iPhone 12 Pro Max not getting texts: Fixed

These are some of the ways to fix iPhone 12 Pro Max not Receiving texts Messages issue successfully. I hope one of the solutions helped you out of this problem.

Editors' Recommendations:

  1. iPhone 15 not receiving text messages, how to fix

About Kevin Shaw

Kevin Shaw is a tech writer at iPhoneArena covering news, how-tos, and user guides about iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.

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