topic Re: SMS sending from a random number in Get Support

SMS sending from a random number

docdrew — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:31:29 GMT

I woke up this morning and sent some SMS. For some reason, the receivers got it from a completely different phone number. (I have a 778 phone number; they received it from a 236 phone number: both are area codes for greater Vancouver, but I don't have a 236 number). When they respond to the SMS, I get it to my phone fine. I've tried turning phone off and on. When calling, my number shows up as the normal 778 number.

I have no idea how this could be happening. Any ideas?

Re: SMS sending from a random number

HALIMACS — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:35:03 GMT

Did you recently port your number here from another provider @docdrew

If yes, did you reply YES to the port authorization request when doing so, and within 90 minutes of getting that text, with the prior provider SIM card in your device?

Does the prior provider service/SIM still work in any way?

Re: SMS sending from a random number

Dunkman — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:35:47 GMT

@docdrew

Are you able to receive phone calls at the 778 number?

Are you a new customer who recently ported over your number?

Re: SMS sending from a random number

docdrew — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:36:39 GMT

Nope. Didn't port. Nothing changed. I've had Public Mobile for a year. I recently changed subscription to a higher service plan, but it hasn't taken affect yet.

Re: SMS sending from a random number

HALIMACS — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:39:11 GMT

Well, that's interesting @docdrew

Did you recently change numbers within this service or perhaps use a call-forwarding option?

Try rebooting your device and resetting network connections.

You also may wish to move the SIM card into a different device and see if the problem continues to determine whether it's a device or a network/SIM/Account issue.

If you need support, to contact a Customer Support Agent, there are 2 methods:

Use the ticketing system for a faster response time. Click here to create a support ticket, then type Customer Support Agent, then Contact Us, or,
Send a private message to Customer Support Agent by clicking here. You’ll need to be logged into your Community account for the link to work.

Watch for their response in your Community private mailbox which will be indicated by a number on the small envelope icon to the left of your Community avatar.

Re: SMS sending from a random number

Dunkman — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:40:37 GMT

@docdrew wrote:
Nope. Didn't port. Nothing changed. I've had Public Mobile for a year. I recently changed subscription to a higher service plan, but it hasn't taken affect yet.

@docdrew

@docdrew wrote:
Nope. Didn't port. Nothing changed. I've had Public Mobile for a year. I recently changed subscription to a higher service plan, but it hasn't taken affect yet.

Check your self service account to see what phone number shows up in your account.

Maybe try rebooting your phone. Network reset of phone (this will erase your saved Wifi passwords).

Re: SMS sending from a random number

docdrew — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:40:45 GMT

I can receive phone calls to the 778 number. I do not receive the call if my wife tries to call the weird 236 number, but I receive a SMS if she texts to the weird 236 number. I also receive the SMS if she sends it to my usually 778 number.

I am not a new customer. Been with Public Mobile for over a year.

Re: SMS sending from a random number

docdrew — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:41:55 GMT

I checked. The usual 778 number shows up in my account.

I've rebooted. This did not help.

Re: SMS sending from a random number

docdrew — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:43:36 GMT

Nope. No call forwarding, no change in number recently.

Already tried rebooting. No difference.

I will try to reach out to Customer Support. Thanks!

Re: SMS sending from a random number

Dunkman — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:47:41 GMT

@docdrew wrote:
Nope. No call forwarding, no change in number recently.
Already tried rebooting. No difference.
I will try to reach out to Customer Support. Thanks!

@docdrew

AS you wait for CSA help, might want to try a network reset of your phone. Different from rebooting.

Re: SMS sending from a random number

docdrew — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:48:10 GMT

how do I do that?

Re: SMS sending from a random number

HALIMACS — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:55:19 GMT

Should be in your network connections.

This will help (note, look near the bottom of the article for both ios and android) :

How to reset your Android or iOS network settings

Re: SMS sending from a random number

hTideGnow — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:55:00 GMT

HI @docdrew

are you able to receiving inbound calls on your phone with your phone number?

you ported in your number? how long was it?

Re: SMS sending from a random number

docdrew — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:57:54 GMT

OK, so I've called and texted other friends. Here's what's happening (I think):

If it's plain SMS, it gets received by my friends as the 778 number. (My usual number.)

But if it's RCS, it gets received by my friends as the 236 number. I think the 236 number was the original number I was assigned with Public Mobile when I first signed on before I ported my 778 number in. However, like I said, I ported in my 778 number over a year ago. But I'm just learning now that some of my friends have had both phone numbers listed for me for the past year. To be fair, I have RCS communication with very few people, it's mostly plain SMS or WhatsApp.

So this seems it might be a porting issue combined with RCS. Any ideas?

Re: SMS sending from a random number

docdrew — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:59:46 GMT

Yes, I can received inbound call to my normal 778 number (but not the 236 number). I ported in my 778 number over a year ago.

Re: SMS sending from a random number

HALIMACS — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 19:23:25 GMT

If it's iMessage, in the Messaging tab, is there an option to select a number below the iMessage toggle on/off switch?

Re: SMS sending from a random number

docdrew — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 19:24:36 GMT

I am Android. never have owned iphone.

Re: SMS sending from a random number

Phil_Adelphus — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 19:52:34 GMT

@docdrew Try turning off RCS chats, wait a moment or two, then turn it back on again.

Re: SMS sending from a random number

docdrew — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 20:08:01 GMT

Tried. When I turn it off and send an SMS to someone that I usually have RCS with, it comes out with the 778 number. But when I turn the RCS back on and send a text, it goes back to the 236 number.

Re: SMS sending from a random number

Phil_Adelphus — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 20:11:02 GMT

@docdrew Maybe temporarily try a different messaging app? I don't know if the forum will let me post this link but there are more suggestions here

https://www.reddit.com/r/google/comments/r6bt4r/google_chat_rcs_displaying_wrong_number/