When you switch to Public Mobile and text messages completely break, it is almost always caused by one of two classic activation glitches: a stuck number transfer (port) from your old carrier or an out-of-sync message center number.
Let’s get this sorted out right now. Work through these steps in order.
If you can browse the internet and make outgoing phone calls, but incoming texts and calls aren't arriving, your number transfer from your previous carrier is stuck. Your old provider hasn't fully released the number yet, creating a state called "split service." Put your old carrier's SIM card back into a phone. Check to see if you received a text message from your old provider asking you to confirm the move. You must reply "YES" to that text within 90 minutes of it arriving to authorize the release.
If you missed that text window, the port request automatically locks up. You can completely bypass web support by calling Public Mobile's dedicated backend Telus Porting Support Team. A number will be provided to you via your private mailbox here on the forum located here.
If the routing settings are correct, your phone might just be holding onto network baggage. Let's do a clean handshake with the local cell towers. Turn Airplane Mode ON and leave it entirely alone for a full 10 consecutive minutes. This forces Public Mobile's backend network switch to mark your profile as disconnected. When you turn it off, it forces a hard, brand-new connection profile download to your SIM. IF that doesn't work, go to your phone's main settings menu and search for Reset Network Settings. Run the reset. (Note: This will erase your saved Wi-Fi passwords, but it completely flushes out corrupted cellular routing configurations).
If you've tried these steps and you are still in a texting dead-zone, your profile is physically stuck on Public Mobile's central switch. You will need a Customer Service Agent (CSA) to push a manual system refresh.
Skip the chatbot completely and use this direct link to message a real agent on the community forum:
👉Public Mobile CSA Direct Message Link
