Why am I getting "Error Invalid Number" when sending text message with iPhone?

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Level 1

4 points

Why am I getting "Error Invalid Number" when sending text message with iPhone?

Why am I getting "Error Invalid Number" when sending text message with iphone?

I only get this message when I initiate the conversation. I can reply to people with no problem. But when I try to text someone first, I get "Error Invalid Number: Please re-send using a valid 10 digit mobile # or valid short code." Well...they are valid #'s, one was my mom's and she was sitting right next to me, and what the **** is a short code? I've tried putting the area code in front of the number..no luck. I've tried 1+area code...still no luck. I have a text message plan so that shouldn't be the problem. I paid a small fortune for this phone and it should be able to send texts without a problem!

Update: I called AT&T, they told me it was a problem with the iphone and to call Apple. I called Apple and they were less than helpful. The guy told me to hit the restore button on my iphone and that "might" fix the problem. If it didn't fix it then it was AT&T's problem and to call them back. Restoring the phone didn't fix the problem so I was back to calling AT&T. They told me that I needed to have the area code in front of the number because AT&T isn't smart enough to know if I'm dialing long distance even if I'm calling my neighbor next door. And he told me to try sending a text to myself and that should fix the problem....IT DID!!! So I'm just wondering why the first AT&T guy just didn't tell me to send a text to myself...why the whole run-around!!!

Posted on May 19, 2015 11:48 PM

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Answer 1

Doctor9fan

Level 4

1,429 points

May 20, 2015 4:19 AM in response to dougieoo

Most helplines seem to run to a script, if the problem isn't listed the're stumped, the person who helped you the second time perhaps had the same problem once & tried the suggestion himself which worked for him so offered the solution to you.

Like with me, I had problems unlocking Big Fish games/in-app purchases, didn't offer any permanent solutions but discovered that changing the clock to 24 hour format fixed the problem for me.

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Answer 2

Sep 21, 2015 9:24 AM in response to dougieoo

I Had the same problem and I had tried maybe like seven different things...ways I found by googling the question. I finally read where one person just simply deleted all their group messages and then deleted the contact and added it back again and never had a problem texting that number again. Why? I have no idea but thought I would share this. Maybe it will work for someone else that is having the INVALID ERROR PROBLEM WHILE TRYING TO SEND A TEXT MESSAGE. OH YEAH BY THE WAY I MEANT TO SAY IT WORKED FOR ME ON IPHONE 5S.

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