Tom Hanser
Level 2 (169 points)
iPhone

Q: Text Messaging Problems

So...now it seems I have a problem with texting people who don't have an iPhone.  This all started after last weeks iOS update.

 

I reset the phone from within Settings, and then did a restore with iTunes, which took quite a while. It had to download the OS from the iTunes Store, it seems.

 

The phone restarted, but I'm not able to send or receive from people who own anything but an iPhone.  It sends, but they don't arrive. And I'm not receiving any texts from these people, either.

 

I called my carrier (AT&T) today and talked with a customer service representative, who walked me through the process of turning OFF iMessage in Settings.  She then sent me a text message which recieved.

 

But...the problem continues. Texts sent to and from non-iPhone owners is a problem.

 

What gives? 

 

I'm two and half months away from an upgrade, so I'm stuck with this iPhone 4.

 

Any suggestions?  Can I role back the OS?

 

Thanks.

Posted on Apr 28, 2014 9:32 PM

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Tom Hanser

Q: Text Messaging Problems

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  • by sterling r,Helpful

    sterling r sterling r May 1, 2014 12:08 PM in response to Tom Hanser
    Community Specialists
    May 1, 2014 12:08 PM in response to Tom Hanser

    Hello Tom Hanser,

     

    It sounds like you are unable to send any SMS messages to non iPhones. I would use these troubleshooting steps from the following article named:

     

    iOS: Troubleshooting Messages

    http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2755

    1. Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings on your iPhone.
    2. Remove your SIM card and insert it again.
    3. Make sure that you're using the area code with the contact's phone number. When sending messages internationally, you also need to use the contact's international code.
    4. Back up and restore your iPhone as new.

     

    Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

    Take care,

    Sterling

  • by Tom Hanser,

    Tom Hanser Tom Hanser May 1, 2014 8:33 PM in response to sterling r
    Level 2 (169 points)
    iPhone
    May 1, 2014 8:33 PM in response to sterling r

    Thank you, Sterling.

     

    As of now, I have tried all of those options, including removing and re-installing the SIM card.

     

    I've done a network reset, an entire reset and recently a DFU mode reset.  I still can't send or receive to non-iPhone devices.

     

    I have two more months before I can upgrade, so...

  • by sterling r,

    sterling r sterling r May 4, 2014 12:27 PM in response to Tom Hanser
    Community Specialists
    May 4, 2014 12:27 PM in response to Tom Hanser

    thanks for the update Tom!

     

    I wanted to recommend unlinking your phone number from iMessage, testing the issue, and if it works, re link it, and try again.

    Unlink a phone number

    To remove a phone number from an Apple ID, sign out of FaceTime and Messages on your iPhone:

    • Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. Tap your Apple ID, then tap Sign Out.
    • Settings > FaceTime. Tap your Apple ID, then tap Sign Out.

    This should remove your phone number from other devices using the same Apple ID with FaceTime and Messages. If the phone number is still available on other devices after you sign out of FaceTime and iMessage on the iPhone, you may need to sign out of iMessage and FaceTime on all your devices, then sign in to FaceTime and Messages again on devices you want to use.

    iOS and OS X: Link your phone number and Apple ID for use with FaceTime and iMessage

    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5538

     

    The article outlines how to do both. If the issue persists, I would like to thank you for using the Apple Support Community. Due to the nature of your issue you may find more information by using another one of Apple's support resources - https://getsupport.apple.com/GetproductgroupList.action.