iPhone not receiving texts? 10 fixes (including from Android)
Texts that never arrive are often filtered or blocked, not lost. Check those first, then your message settings and carrier.
The fix
10 fixes, in order
- 1
Check message filters.
In Messages, tap Filters and look in Unknown Senders and Spam.
- 2
Check blocked contacts.
Settings › Apps › Phone › Blocked Contacts. Unblock the sender if listed.
- 3
Turn on MMS Messaging.
Settings › Apps › Messages › MMS Messaging. Needed for pictures and group texts.
- 4
Turn on RCS Messaging.
Same menu, on iOS 18 and later. Helps with texts from Android.
- 5
Toggle Airplane Mode.
On for 15 seconds, then off.
- 6
Restart the iPhone.
- 7
Update carrier settings and iOS.
Settings › General › About shows a carrier update prompt if one is ready.
- 8
Turn iMessage off and on.
Settings › Apps › Messages › iMessage.
- 9
Free up storage.
A completely full iPhone can stop saving new messages.
- 10
Reset network settings.
Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset › Reset Network Settings.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I not getting texts from Android phones?
Messages from Android use SMS, MMS or RCS. Make sure MMS Messaging and RCS Messaging are on in Settings › Apps › Messages, and that you have cellular signal. Group texts with Android need MMS.
Where do filtered messages go?
If Filter Unknown Senders is on, texts from people not in your contacts go to the Unknown Senders list. Tap Filters at the top of the Messages app to see them.
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