Text messaging is the most basic function of a mobile phone so a premium device such as the new Apple iPhone 7 must not have any issues sending and receiving SMS. However, we’ve already seen that even iPhones suffer the same problem as with other smartphones in the market today. In fact, we already received several complaints from our readers about this problem with the new iPhone 7.
In this post, I will tackle the issue and provide step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot when your new iPhone 7 won’t send nor receive SMS. But since text messaging covers multimedia service (MMS), I will also tackle the most common issue and how to fix it. Read on to understand more about the problem and learn how to fix it.
For those who have other concerns, make sure you visit our Apple iPhone 7 troubleshooting page for we have already published several troubleshooting guides and tutorial posts to help you make the most out of your new premium device. If you need further assistance and are hesitant to go to the Apple store, then you may contact us by filling up our iPhone issues questionnaire. Just provide us the details and we will be digging more information that can help you fix the problem.
Troubleshooting iPhone 7 that can’t send & receive SMS
The causes of texting issues are often difficult to determine considering the problem may come and go without proper resolution. Thus, we need to rule out one possibility after another so that we can arrive at a point wherein it’s very much possible to determine what the problem and the cause is. When that happens, we can easily find workarounds or even solutions to the problem. If your iPhone 7 cannot send and receive text messages, here are the things you need to do:
Step 1: Check the signal bars and reboot your iPhone
Don’t immediately jump into other procedures instead make sure your phone is getting a decent signal because that’s everything when it comes to sending and receiving text messages. Whether it indicates it’s getting signal or not, it’s better that you restart your iPhone to refresh its memory and load default services after the boot up.
After the boot up process and the phone shows it’s receiving signal from the tower, then compose a text message and send it to your own phone number. If the message didn’t go through or if you haven’t received it, then continue with your troubleshooting.
Step 2: Disable and re-enable iMessage or sign out and sign back in
I just can’t explain point-by-point why this method is very effective. I have a first-hand experience with it, although I’m sure if it was just a coincidence or something but basing on the testimonies of others, it really appears that this method works. What you need to do is this…
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Messages.
- Disable iMessage.
- Wait for a couple of minutes and enable it back.
After this, try to send a text message to your number again and if the problem remained, then try this…
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Messages.
- Touch Send & Receive.
- Touch Apple ID and sign out.
- Sign back in and try sending another message.
Should the problem persist after this, then try the next step.
Step 3: Hard reboot your iPhone
A hard reboot basically just restarts the phone it forces it to power down and then boots up normally. For minor firmware and app issues, this procedure is very effective that’s why for this problem, you also need to try this. Here’s how…
- Press and hold the On/Off button.
- While holding down the On/Off button, press and hold the Home key as well.
- Keep both keys held down until the screen powers off and turns back on.
Step 4: Try turning off LTE
While LTE continues to improve, it is yet to achieve stability. Thus, it’s inevitable sometimes that it creates conflict with other frequencies. There have already been reports from users who fixed their problems by disabling LTE so the steps below may be worth it…
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on Cellular.
- Tap on LTE.
- Tap on either Data Only or Off.
- Reboot your iPhone 7.
Step 5: Reset Network Settings of your iPhone 7
Doing this procedure is often a hassle as you would have fill every field again but then it has also been reported many times that when it comes to not being able to send and receive message or make and receive calls, resetting the network settings may fix the problem, so you should try this.
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on Reset, it’s all the way at the bottom.
- Tap on Reset Network Settings.
- Confirm in the popup.
- Your iPhone 7 will reboot.
Step 6: Restore your iPhone 7
As far as troubleshooting is concerned, this is as far as you go. Many of the problems can be fixed by this method as iOS is more stable than its counterparts but then again, there’s no guarantee that’s why we still have Apple technicians waiting for users to walk in. So, to conclude your troubleshooting and still with the hope of fixing the problem, restore your iPhone 7.
If the problem remains, then you have to go to an Apple store and have the phone checked properly.
Troubleshooting iPhone 7 that can’t send and receive MMS
Multimedia Messaging Service or MMS is basically just like SMS except that it may contain other files or attachments such as pictures, videos, audio files, etc. While SMS is over cellular network, MMS is on data network. Thus, you need to make sure or verify first if mobile data is enabled in your iPhone.
- Open the Settings app.
- Touch Cellular.
- Touch the switch next to Cellular data to enable it.
In case the data is already turned on and you still can’t send and receive MMS, call your service provider and inquire whether your account is currently barred and request help from the rep to check the APN settings on your phone. When it comes to MMS, there’s only so much you can do.
Engage with us
If you have other issues with your Apple iPhone 7, we are always willing to help. Contact us through our iPhone issues questionnaire and provide us with all necessary information about your problem so we can find a solution to your issue.
Hello! I really like your blog! Continue to write more! Very interesting!
Am trying to text one of my contacts with my iphone7.
Message won’t be delivered. On my wife’s phone, same message is delivered.(same number)(same phone).
Why?
Hi, thanks for the information, but part of your second step is not possible, under messages, there is no send and receive option. Thank you.
My iPhone 7 and my new iPad won’t text pictures to non iPhone users. It send pictures to other iPhone users. I can’t find a menu that gives the option of SMS or MMS. I can send word texts but not photos.
I can’t open photos that are sent to my iphone 7 plus. What’s wrong?