Are you facing the annoying issue of your Samsung S23 cannot send or receive text messages? 

At first, this might seem like a problem with your device. However, connection issues and problems with your carrier can also cause text messages not to work properly. 

Text messaging is one of the most used primary functions on any smartphone, and that is why it is crucial to fix such issues that could ruin your entire day.

So in this article, we’ll show you the solutions you can try on your Galaxy S23 and fix the text messaging issue once and for all.

Note: Solutions in this guide will work on any Samsung Galaxy S23 model (S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra models.)

Editor’s note: We created these instructions using a Samsung Galaxy S23 running Android 13. Depending on your device’s software version, some steps and menu positions may look slightly different.

Why Your Samsung Galaxy S23 Cannot Send or Receive Text Messages

There are many possible reasons behind Samsung S23 cannot send or receive text messages. So let us briefly explain what is going on here.

If you can make and receive calls, then it is likely an issue with your device’s SMS service. This can be due to the SMS app and your device’s configuration or because of an issue from your network provider’s end.

But if you cannot make or receive calls too, it could mean that there is an issue with your connection. You should contact your service provider as it has nothing to do with the SMS service or any other solution we have listed here.

So before getting to the solutions, ensure which case you are in. and follow the solution according to your case. That said, let’s move on to the solutions.

Fix 01: Restart Your Device to Fix Temporary Glitches

Restarting your device can be a great way to fix temporary glitches that may cause text messaging issues. To do this, you’ll need to enable airplane mode and then force restart the device. Here are two steps for doing so:

1. Swipe down the notification bar and tap on the Airplane mode.
2. Press and hold the power button and volume down button until you see the device starts to switch off.

Fix 02: Re Insert the SIM Card to Fix Loose Connections

In this fix, we will reinsert the SIM card of your Samsung Galaxy S23 to ensure all connections are snug.

To do so, turn off your device and use a SIM ejection tool to remove the SIM tray. Then, reinsert the SIM tray, and ensure the SIM card is properly seated in the SIM tray. After, turn on your device.

Once the device is restarted, check if you can send or receive messages without any issues.

Fix 03: Check for Blocked Numbers on Messenger

If you cannot receive or send messages only to a few numbers, then it may be due to blocked numbers on your messaging app.

To ensure you are not blocking those numbers, check any existing settings in your messaging app by following these steps:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap on the three dots at the top right corner, and select Settings.

3. Tap on Block numbers and spam.

4. Check the list and remove if there are any numbers added to the block list.

If you have not blocked any number on the messaging app, then move on to the next solution. Otherwise, unblock that number and see if it works.

Fix 04: Clear the Messages App Cache

It is also possible to fix this issue by clearing the default Messaging App Cache. It is because app-related issues can also block incoming and outgoing messages due to corrupted and outdated cache data.

To clear the cache:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Then, tap on Apps.
3. Select the Messages app.
4. Go to Storage section.
5. Then, tap on Clear cache.

Fix 05: Reset Network Settings

Resetting the network settings on your Samsung Galaxy S23 could help if something has gone wrong with how your device communicates with cellular networks for sending and receiving SMS messages.

However, doing so will erase any saved Wi-Fi passwords or other configuration details, but since it can eliminate any problems preventing you from sending/receiving text messages, give it a try.

To do this, open up Settings from the home screen of your phone and follow these steps:

1. Once you are in Settings, tap on General management.
2. Then, tap on Reset.
3. Tap on Reset network settings.

4. Confirm.

Fix 06: Contact Your Service Provider

If the problem still persists, the next step is to contact your service provider. 

Many times, these issues arise due to network coverage or a problem on their end. Once you clearly explain the situation, your service provider will check the settings from their end, send a configuration setup, or be able to provide additional solutions to fix the problem.

Fix 07: Use a Different SIM Card

Swapping out the SIM card might be a suitable solution if you can’t receive or send SMS because of the connection. 

Try using another compatible SIM card to check if it works properly. If it does, then the issue is your connection, and you may need to switch to a new provider. It’s important to make sure that the new connection works well for both sending and receiving text messages for your Galaxy S23.

Fix 08: Do a Software Update

A software update can help resolve any system-related bugs causing text messaging issues. To do a software update, the first step is to make sure that your device has an active internet connection. If not, connect it to Wi-Fi before proceeding with the update process.

Next, follow the steps below:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Software update.
3. Then, tap on Download and install.

Wrapping Up

Not being able to send or receive text messages on a flagship device like Galaxy S23 can be quite frustrating. However, it’s possible to apply some solutions and get the SMS service working properly again.

And that is why after seeing a lot of complaints on the internet, we have decided to provide this guide on how to fix this problem. We hope this guide helped to fix the issue. If not, leave a comment below. We will be happy to assist you there!