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User profile for user: victorfromsandy springs
victorfromsandy springs Author
User level: Level 1
12 points

Unable to send SMS/MMS from iPhone XS Max - Message failed to send

It seems since the iOS 13 upgrade, I have been unable to send sms or mms from people who do not have iMessages. iMessages works fine, receiving sms or mms works fine. I always get a message failed to send error message. I did the iOS 13 upgrade from a clean install. I have an AT&T iPhone XS Max 512gb running iOS version 13.2. Most of the steps I've tried are on Apple's Support pages, but do not work at all in this situation.

Steps tried:

  • Checked for Carrier update by going to General --> about - no update available.
  • Reset Network settings and restart. Same issue and no update available.
  • Turn off MMS in group chat and sms to test. Same issue. Turned off iMessage and then I can't send any sms /mms messages.
  • Checked Messages option - my phone number is listed to receive iMessages and reply from. Also same number to start new conversations from.
  • Uninstall and reinstall SIM card to see if that would work. It did not.
  • I turned off cellular for 20 min and reboot. No change.
  • Since I have an AT&T phone. I called them and had them troubleshoot. They were able to force and update, but the same issue. They were able to show that nothing was wrong on their end. They could send me mms messages and sms messages, but I could not send any back. Always fails.
  • I got a new sim card anyway from AT&T. Once provisioned, I get the same error. I haven't tried esim yet, but I think the result will be the same.
  • I've tried sending smaller pictures and same issue. Nothing works. I can receive all day, but I can not send a single message to anyone that doesn't have iMessages. Either on Wifi or Cellular it doesn't matter.
  • I also can not send sms messages from my MBP (2018 running Catalina), but I can make phone calls and receive them on the laptop. I get the same message here as on the phone. Message failed to send.

Anyone have any suggestions that work?


iPhone XS Max

Posted on Nov 2, 2019 7:46 PM

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User profile for user: ckuan
ckuan
User level: Level 10
120,794 points

Nov 2, 2019 8:03 PM in response to victorfromsandy springs

You really need to troubleshoot with your carrier.

SMS/MMS are carrier features and only they can help since you are paying for it,

You make sure your SMS/MMS plans are provision properly by them.


Try this:

  1. make a backup using your Mac, read here: Back up iPhone - Apple Support
  2. restore as new and test, read here: Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

If after step 2, you can, it means your data is corrupted, if you still cannot, you can restore from your backup.

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User profile for user: victorfromsandy springs
victorfromsandy springs Author
User level: Level 1
12 points

Nov 2, 2019 8:07 PM in response to ckuan

Actually this is untrue. Apple uses an RCS gateway to send SMS.MMS messages and this is what's failing. If you read the post, I advised that I did troubleshoot with them. I got a new sim card, had them update my settings, etc. I have restored twice (didn't include that above) and reset network settings multiple times. I will not do that again, it takes forever. lso it's not my mac in particular that's having the problem, it's the iPhone. Again, I can RECEIVE all MMS and SMS message. I can not send. I was just troubleshooting on the MBP as an option. Can't send here either.

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User profile for user: ckuan
ckuan
User level: Level 10
120,794 points

Nov 2, 2019 8:25 PM in response to victorfromsandy springs

Mac can only send SMS/MMS when paired with your iPhone.

So if your iPhone can't, your Mac will not be able to.

SMS piggy back on the voice line and MMS using cellular data which your Mac lacks.

Since I don't see much post with your issue, I can only repeat my earlier post.


Or make a genius bar appointment with Apple for an evaluation.

They have diagnostic tools and can tell you what options you have.

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Unable to send SMS/MMS from iPhone XS Max - Message failed to send

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