Why does my SMS keep showing as not delivered?

This usually means the recipient's number is incomplete or missing a country code, or the carrier network has no signal at the moment. Re-check the number entered at Enter a Phone number or select a Contact and try again.

Can I send a text to a number that is not saved as a contact?

Yes. Type the number directly into Enter a Phone number or select a Contact instead of picking from the contact list.

Why does tapping Start chat sometimes open a blank conversation?

This happens when no contact or number has been entered yet. Add a recipient through Enter a Phone number or select a Contact before typing text at Enter a Text message.

Android

Android: How to Send an SMS Text Message

If the Messages app opens to an empty screen or you cannot tell whether to tap Start chat or search for an existing conversation, sending a simple SMS text can feel more complicated than it should. Dual SIM phones add another layer of confusion, since you may need to pick which SIM card sends the message before it goes through. This mix-up between chat apps, contacts and SIM selection is the most common reason a text never leaves the outbox.

Updated: 04.08.20265 min6 steps

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Android

Send an SMS Text Message auf Android

SMS still runs through the built-in Messages app on Android, separate from WhatsApp, Messenger or any other chat app installed on the phone.

To send a text, open Tap on Messages and either pick an existing thread from the list or start a new one with Choose a Conversationor tap on Start chat. From there, enter the recipient with Enter a Phone number or select a Contact.

On phones with two SIM cards active, Android asks you to Choose a SIM card (Dual SIM) before the text goes out. This step decides which number the message is sent from and which carrier gets billed for it. Skipping it or picking the wrong SIM is a common reason texts fail to send or arrive from an unexpected number.

After the SIM is set, type the message with Enter a Text message and confirm with Tap on Send. The message moves into the conversation thread immediately, and delivery status appears below it once the carrier confirms receipt.

If a text repeatedly fails, check signal strength and confirm the number format includes the correct country code, since neither Messages nor the network can deliver an SMS to an incomplete number.

Frequently asked questions

On dual SIM devices, each SIM can carry its own number and plan, so Android needs to know which one to bill for the SMS. Choose the SIM under Choose a SIM card (Dual SIM) before the message goes out.

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Android: How to Send an SMS Text Message

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