iPhone 14 Pro Max Cannot Send SMS to One Specific Contact Using Either SIM Card — All Standard Troubleshooting Failed. How Can I Fix This?

I've seen cases where:

• +91XXXXXXXXXX
• 91XXXXXXXXXX
• 0XXXXXXXXXX
• XXXXXXXXXX

are treated differently internally.

The carrier accepts some formats but not others.

If the mother's number exists somewhere on the device in multiple formats, Messages may be choosing an unexpected representation.

If you're using a VPN, disable it and check if the error goes away. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and turn off any active VPNs. Disabling a VPN only from the iPhone settings may not completely turn it off. To fully disable it, you need to switch it off from the VPN service provider’s app or remove the configuration profile they installed. Only then is the VPN truly off, which can help if it’s causing issues with cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Though you said initially: You have Reset the iPhone settings but it is not clear what settings!

That said, if Reset Network Settings has not been explicitly tried, it is one of the few remaining non-destructive tests worth attempting before a full erase. It clears:

• carrier settings cache,
• APN-related configuration,
• Wi‑Fi networks,
• VPN settings,
• cellular preferences.

But based on the evidence, I would not expect it to have a high success rate.

Based on the symptoms and the extensive troubleshooting already performed, I would first investigate whether the recipient’s phone number is being interpreted correctly by the iPhone, rather than immediately suspecting an iOS bug or a hardware fault.

Although the user has already deleted and re-added the contact and tried entering the number manually, I would recommend one specific test: open the Phone app, use the dial pad to enter the complete phone number manually, and send an SMS to that number without selecting the recipient from Contacts or an existing Messages conversation. If necessary, enter the number in the full international format, including the country code.

This test can help rule out an issue with how the number is stored or selected. If the SMS still fails, compare the exact destination number with the number that was successfully messaged from the Samsung phone. If both numbers are identical and the problem persists, the investigation should move toward iOS messaging or the interaction between the iPhone and the carrier network.

Since the user has already tried many standard troubleshooting steps, it is important to isolate the failure systematically rather than repeat the same procedures or assume a hardware defect without supporting evidence.

You've done a lot of troubleshooting. An iOS update can't just summarily refuse to send a message to one recipient, but permit sending all other contacts. You've also checked with YOUR carrier and Apple Support. I would have to believe this issue is on your mother's side, not your side. Has your mother sought help from her carrier? Based on everything you've done, it just doesn't seem to be an issue with your phone or carrier.

AnnaGLP wrote:

Could this be related to:

• Carrier bundle configuration?

Carrier Update (Required): Released by your Cellular Service provider (Carrier Update), affects your Outgoing / Incoming calls, SMS, Data etc..

How to Update Carrier Settings

You can manually check for and install a carrier settings, update with these steps: Make sure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. Tap Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you'll see an option to update your carrier settings.

Update your carrier settings on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Few Carrier (Cellular Service Provider) does not provide Carrier Settings in full but they offer APN settings for example

• Google FI which has APN to be entered manually as h2g2
• MTN Ghana which provides APN pin to be updated manually as the internet
• BSNL in India which provides APN pin to be updated manually as bsnlnet (Watch teh GIF below)

Settings > Mobile Data > APN [under Mobile Data APN] enter the APN pin

View and edit your APN settings

If your carrier allows it, you can view your APN settings in one of the following locations: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Network. Settings> Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Mobile Data Network.

View and edit your Access Point Name (APN) on your iPhone ...

Use the APN pin based on your carrier. Ask them (Your Carrrier) or search using any search engine.

1. Is this your corporate/organisation/enterprise/School Management iPhone? Then please contact the system administrator of your corporate//organisation/enterprise/School Management
2. If it is your device, in that case, do you have any profile installed by your corporate/organisation/enterprise/School Management?
   1. Erase the profile added by you If you have installed a profile on your own --> Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone - Apple ...
   2. Or please contact the system administrator of the organisation who provided the profile to you

A corporate profile installed on your iPhone could potentially be contributing to the inaccessibility of certain features. 

Here's why:

• Restrictions: Corporate profiles can have restrictions placed on apps and functionalities. These restrictions might be limiting some activity, causing it to be unresponsive or quit.
• Managed Apps: IT departments might deploy specific navigation apps through the profile, potentially blocking certain functions or features.
• Security Settings: Corporate profiles often have stricter security settings that could affect app or function behavior. This might be causing unexpected behavior of an App or functions.

Here's what you can do:

• Check with IT: The best course of action is to contact your IT department. They can explain the restrictions set by the corporate profile and see what is affected. They might be able to adjust settings or suggest alternative apps or features approved for corporate use.
• Look for App Conflicts: See if your IT department uses a different app through the corporate profile. Conflicting apps might cause crashes.

Additional points to consider:

• Even if the profile isn't directly affecting the function, it's still a good idea to check with IT. They might be aware of similar issues and have workarounds.
• While troubleshooting, make sure you prioritize safety. Don't fiddle with your phone. 

By working with IT and considering these possibilities, you can hopefully identify if the corporate profile is the culprit and find a solution that allows you to use the iPhone to your liking.

AnnaGLP wrote:

Hello! Thank you for your time. Yes, my mom also contacted her carrier, and they checked everything — there are no issues on their end.

I’d like to add something. If I move the physical SIM card to another phone, I can both send and receive messages from my mom. But as soon as the SIM card is in the iPhone, messages won’t send😢

To better understand the situation...

Is your mom on Android?

Was the other test phone an Android?

It could be that the Settings, Apps, Messages, Resend as Text Message is turned off

Sravan, she has ONE number only that she cannot text to.