iPhone 17 text issues with Android devices

If there are any add-on VPN apps, delete all of the VPN apps. Delete them. Disabling isn’t entirely reliable. Test again.

Still having SMS issues? Reset networking settings. Test again.

Check the other messaging-related settings: If you can't send or receive messages on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If all VPN apps are removed and networking reset and the SMS problems persist, contact the carrier.

If the carrier is out of ideas, then contact Apple Support.

@razmee209 Thank you - that would be great if you didn’t repeat yourself again.

I did read your responses (patronizing questions) and called my cell provider. As expected, I was told to contact Apple for answers, as T Mobile is not expert in all the settings of the many iPhones and operating systems people are working with.

To fellow iPhone 17 users, I just figured out how to get the text to send as SMS. Go to Settings/Apps/Messages, scroll down and turn on “Retry as Text Message.” The text sent immediately!

AlainaF3 wrote:

I’ve been having issues with my text messaging since I’ve gotten this iPhone 17. Usually happens with an android device but have noticed it happening with IPhones lately also. I won’t receive someone’s text and they won’t always get mine. It’s gotten worse over the past few months and the only way I would get the messages to appear is by restarting my phone.

Verizon walked me through multiple steps including a network reset. Only to work for a brief period of time. Spoke with Verizon again yesterday and was told I can’t have a VPN on my phone because it interferes with the VPN already installed from Apple.

I never had a problem with this on my previous IPhones I had.

any idea or help would be appreciated? This phone is under warranty, I got phone December 2025.

Not an iphone or Apple issue.

IF you have VPN enabled, then disable it.

IF you still have issue, then you need to escalate the issue with Verizon tech, SMS is their feature.

having the same issue with my iPhone 17e, without any of the additional complications of the whole using a vpn thing. I am also on Verizon. I'm rather confused whether it's a device, or a carrier issue. I have seen suggestions to reset the network, but I have these issues whether on or off of wifi. Some helpful answers from anyone who has had similar issues would be appreciated

Geosax7 wrote:

I’m having the same problem sending with T Mobile.

Solutions anyone?

You pay T Mobile a monthly fee to use their service, SMS is included in that service.

So who do you think you need to contact to get your solution?

Geosax7 wrote:

Just trying to problem-solve together here — since people are experiencing the same problem using different carriers, with and without vpns, the issue would seem to be with iPhone, no?

Do you pay Apple a monthly service to use SMS?

I'm not going to repeat myself again, if you didn't bother to read my response to the OP and to your post.

Geosax7 wrote:

@razmee209 Thank you - that would be great if you didn’t repeat yourself again.

I did read your responses (patronizing questions) and called my cell provider. As expected, I was told to contact Apple for answers, as T Mobile is not expert in all the settings of the many iPhones and operating systems people are working with.

To fellow iPhone 17 users, I just figured out how to get the text to send as SMS. Go to Settings/Apps/Messages, scroll down and turn on “Retry as Text Message.” The text sent immediately!

What do you expect when you come into a thread and state I have the same problem, you're going to get the same answer that was given to the OP.

I’m having the same problem sending with T Mobile.

Solutions anyone?

Just trying to problem-solve together here — since people are experiencing the same problem using different carriers, with and without vpns, the issue would seem to be with iPhone, no?