Inconsistent text tones from non-iPhone users

Question

Level 1

12 points

Inconsistent text tones from non-iPhone users

When receiving texts from non-iPhone users on my iPhone 12 pro, there are usually no text tones. This started when I first received the phone in December 2020, and my software is up to date (14.4.2) according to my phone. While I always receive text tone notifications from other iPhone users, I usually receive no sound notifications for texts from Android users. I have sounds selected and set to full volume. Making the problem particularly tough to diagnose is the fact the phone sometimes (but usually doesn't) sound when receiving texts from a particular Android user. There doesn't seem to be any connection between the problem and whether the message app is open, the phone is awake or asleep or Wifi is enabled. I've closed apps, checked settings and restarted my phone several times, but nothing seems to work. The problem has persisted through at least three software updates. I've also noticed a weakening of my signal since upgrading from an iPhone 8. I live in the country, and I wonder if reception or limited availability of cell phone towers could have anything to do with the problem. Even so, that wouldn't explain why connection and signal strength was better at home with iPhone 8 than with iPhone 12 pro. I'm running out of tricks to try.

iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 14

Posted on Apr 3, 2021 1:25 AM

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Answer 1

jeremy_v

Community Specialist

Apr 4, 2021 9:57 AM in response to TrainInVein

Hi TrainInVein,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We understand you're unable to hear text tones from non-iPhone users on your iPhone, along with experiencing poor cellular service. We'll be happy to help.

Excellent job with the troubleshooting steps that were performed. By any chance, did you follow the recommended steps outlined in this helpful article: If you hear no sound or distorted sound from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch speaker If not, we encourage for you to follow these steps. You can also temporarily change the text tone and see if that helps by going to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Text Tone.

With regard to troubleshooting cellular service, you'll want to follow these suggested steps: If you see No Service or Searching on your iPhone or iPad This article is relevant to the behavior you're experiencing and may help.

Please keep us posted with the results.

Kind regards.

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Answer 2

bryanr14

Community Specialist

Apr 24, 2021 11:37 AM in response to TrainInVein

TrainInVein,

Thanks for verifying that information for us. In reference to having an iPhone with 5G service, if 5G is unavailable your iPhone will use LTE network. Our recommendation is to review the settings for cellular service by following these steps: Use 5G with your iPhone You'll also want to consider using Wi-Fi Calling, if the cellular coverage in your area is low: Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling

With the inability of receiving text tones from non-iPhone users, were you able to temporarily change the tone for your text messages? If not, let's go ahead and change the alert tone to see if you can hear text tones from non-iPhone users. You'll want to go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Text Tone. Let's see if you're able to hear text tones without any issues.

Best regards.

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Answer 3

TrainInVein Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 4, 2021 10:20 AM in response to jeremy_v

Thanks, Jeremy.

I have repeatedly checked all sound settings, restarted multiple times, checked and double checked for software and carrier updates. I've turned off Wifi. I've turned on Wifi. I've closed all applications. I've kept the phone from going to sleep. (I've been trying to fix this for months now, so I've tried pretty much everything.) I don't own an Apple watch. My phone is not connected to any other devices. And I have no trouble receiving all alerts, tones and notifications from other iPhone users. I do wonder if moving to a 5g phone while living in a place with no 5g service has actually made my service worse.

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Inconsistent text tones from non-iPhone users

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