There can be multiple factors affecting text message function on the iPhone. We’ve compiled a bunch of solutions to fix this problem. Let’s start.
1. Enable and Disable Airplane Mode
This trick is one of the common ways to fix annoying network-related issues on the iPhone. Here’s what you need to do. Step 1: Go to the iPhone home screen and pull down the Control Center from the upper right corner. Those using the old iPhone model with the physical home button need to use the swipe-up gesture from the bottom to access the Control Center. Step 2: You will find Airplane mode from the menu. Turn it on, wait for a few seconds and disable it. Now you can ask the other person to send you a message again.
2. Restart iPhone
This is yet another common method to troubleshoot small quirks with the iPhone. Hold the power and volume up/down button simultaneously and reboot the iPhone. When we faced a text message not receiving an iPhone error, this trick worked wonders for us.
3. Check Network Connection
If you are in an area with low or no coverage, you won’t be able to send or receive text messages on the iPhone. Make sure you have good enough bars that represent the network connection strength on the iPhone. Check the upper right corner and inspect network strength beside the carrier name.
4. Update Carrier Settings
Your local carrier regularly releases updates to make sure flawless call and text function on your iPhone. If these carrier settings are outdated, then it might interfere with text messages on the iPhone. Follow the steps below to update carrier settings on the iPhone. Step 1: Open the Settings app on the iPhone. Step 2: Go to General > About menu. Step 3: Scroll down to Personal, and you will find the Network name and the current Network Provider version. Step 4: Tap on Network Provider, and it will be updated to the latest version available.
5. Enable MMS Messaging
If the other person is trying to send a photo or video as a text message, you need to turn on MMS Messaging from the Settings menu. Without that, you won’t be able to receive the message on your iPhone. Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Step 2: Navigate to Messages. Step 3: Scroll down to the SMS/MMS section and enable the MMS Messaging toggle.
6. Reset Network Settings
Using the iPhone’s built-in Reset Network Settings option, one can fix any network problems on the phone. Here’s how to use it. Step 1: Open the Settings app on the iPhone. Step 2: Go to General > Reset menu. Step 3: Tap on Reset Network Settings, and you are good to go.
7. Disable/Enable iMessage
This is yet another trick that has worked for many users facing iPhone not receiving text message issues. One can disable iMessage and then enable it again to troubleshoot the issue. Step 1: Open the Settings app on the iPhone. Step 2: Go to Messages and disable the iMessage toggle. Step 3: Enable it again. Now ask the person on the other side to send the text message again.
8. Delete Irrelevant Messages
If your iPhone is low on storage, you should consider deleting old messages from the device. You don’t have to select messages or conversations to delete them manually. Apple offers a neat way to remove old messages from the iPhone. Step 1: Open the Settings app on the iPhone. Step 2: Navigate to Message History > Keep Messages. Step 3: By default, it’s set as Forever. Select 30 days or a year and iOS will ask for confirmation to delete old messages. Delete them and free up space for new messages to arrive.
9. Update iPhone
Your iPhone not receiving text messages might be due to a buggy build released by Apple. The company is usually quick to fix such glaring issues. You need to update the phone to the latest version available from the Settings > General > Software Update menu.
Start Receiving Text Messages on iPhone
iPhone failing to receive text messages can be a head-scratcher for you. Go through the steps above and troubleshoot the issue in no time. We are sure that it will save a trip to the Apple store. Next up: Are you having issues with the iPhone hotspot function? Read the post below to learn why it’s happening and how to fix the issue. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.