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

iPhone 12 Pro Max not sending text messages? Fix

Last Updated: July 15, 2021 by Kevin Shaw

Is your iPhone 12 Pro Max not Sending text messages? You’re not alone.
Worry not, the problem seems fixable.

Just like the traditional phone calls, text messages (SMS) remains a feature that cannot be underrated on any smartphone. Even with the popularity of more secure instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, SMS is still widely utilized as it can be used in nearly every condition. With this, it can be a frustrating predicament when your iPhone can’t send text messages.

While this problem could emanate from issues like insufficient airtime, wrong settings, etc., this article will guide you on possible fixes to be able to send SMS on your iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Contents show
1 ‘why is my iPhone 12 Pro Max not sending text messages?’
2 Is Your iPhone 12 Pro Max Not Sending Text Messages? Here’s How to Fix the Issue
2.1 Check the phone number
2.2 Enable send as SMS
2.3 Check the reception
2.4 Turn Off and On Airplane Mode
2.5 Restart Your iPhone
2.6 Remove & Reinsert iPhone’s SIM Card
2.7 Update iOS
2.8 Update Carrier settings
2.9 Check your cellular provider’s website
2.10 Reset Network Settings on iPhone
2.11 Reset All Settings
2.12 Make Sure your iPhone’s Date and Time is correct
2.13 Contact Your Carrier
3 iPhone 12 Pro Max not sending texts: Fixed
3.1 Editors' Recommendations:

‘why is my iPhone 12 Pro Max not sending text messages?’

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.

Is Your iPhone 12 Pro Max Not Sending Text Messages? Here’s How to Fix the Issue

If you are not able to send texts on iPhone 12 Pro Max, these troubleshooting steps can help you clear up the issue. Before getting started, it’s always a good idea to test your ability to send texts to a few different people, if possible. That could yield some clues as to what the problem might be.

Check the phone number

Confirm that you are texting the right number. If you entered the number wrong or the intended recipient now has a new number, you may be prevented from sending the text.

Enable send as SMS

Make sure that your iPhone can send a message as a regular text message when iMessage isn’t available. For this, open the Settings app and tap on Messages. Scroll down and then turn on the toggle for Send as SMS.

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 sending texts. It should work.

Restart Your iPhone

Even after following the above fix, if you have trouble sending texts on your iPhone 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 send 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 sending 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 sending 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.

Make Sure your iPhone’s Date and Time is correct

Not just text messages, but several applications and services won’t work properly if your iPhone is set to the wrong time zone. To check if your iPhone has the correct time and date, go to Settings app > General > Date & Time > turn on the toggle for Set Automatically.

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 sending texts: Fixed

These are some of the ways to fix iPhone 12 Pro Max not sending 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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