SMS sending from a random number

[docdrew]

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?

[docdrew]

THank you! This reddit thread eventually got me the solution.

I had to go into my messenger app (which is a Google app, I hadn't fully realized that), find the Settings for the app (not intuitive), go to RCS, turn the RCS off completely (and it showed by very old, 236 number), reboot phone, reinitialize Messages and turn RCS back on completely. Then it took a few minutes and figured out that I had a 'new' (ported in) number from a year ago. Now things seem to be working ok.

[Phil_Adelphus · Accepted solution]

@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/ 

[docdrew]

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. 

[Phil_Adelphus]

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

[docdrew]

I am Android. never have owned iphone.

[HALIMACS]

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

[docdrew]

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.

[docdrew]

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?

[hTideGnow]

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?

[HALIMACS]

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

[docdrew]

how do I do that?

[Dunkman]

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@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!

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@docdrew 

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

[docdrew]

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]

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

I've rebooted. This did not help.

[docdrew]

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.

[Dunkman]

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@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.

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@docdrew 

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@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.

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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). 

[HALIMACS]

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:

1. 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, 
2. 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.

[docdrew]

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.

[Dunkman]

@docdrew 

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

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

[HALIMACS]

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?