Text messages not sending/receiving unless I make a call

[mountainbreeze]

I've been having issues sending and receiving text messages for the past two weeks or so. Messages are only sent or received sporadically. Weirdly, my phone seems to only send or receive text messages during a call (doesn't matter if I receive or make the call). It seems that my phone isn't connecting to the network to receive or send texts unless my phone is actively calling someone.

I noticed the exact issue yesterday when someone texted me multiple times, but I never responded because I never received the texts. This person then called me to make sure I was ok. As soon as I answered the call, suddenly my phone notified me and I received a bunch of texts all at once that had been sent over the past few days. It was many texts, all from different people that had been sent since the last time I called someone.

Similarly, if I try to send any text, my device says "Sending..." forever. That is, until I make any call then suddenly all of my pending text messages get sent all at once. It doesn't matter what number I call (even just dialing my voicemail works).

The problem started two weeks ago. I have been with Public Mobile for a few months without issue before this started.

I have a Google Pixel 3a, if that makes a difference.

What can I do that might fix this issue?

[darlicious]

@mountainbreeze 

It appears you have a poor connection to the 4G LTE network. Your phone automatically switches to the 3G network when making or receiving a call thus your text messages all of a sudden are sent or received. Switching to the 3G network would solve the problem if your happy to stay on that network or toggling airplane mode on/off will give you a brand new connection to the network probably solving the issue as well. Try engaging airplane mode the next time the issue reappears.

To contact customer support click below:

https://productioncommunity.publicmobile.ca/t5/notes/composepage/note-to-user-id/22437

To pre-verify your account include your full name, address, email, phone # and 4 digit acct pin #

[mountainbreeze]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Strangely, since posting this my texting issue has gone away... for now. If it comes back I will try disabling chat features.

@BeachNBeer wrote:

I'm sure you've tried restarting your phone. Have you checked to see if there are any updates required? For instance Playstore updates? Although I don't have a pixel for the last week or so Ive had a few carrier updates and a message app update. You should check if your phone needs updates.

Also have you tried resetting your network settings? take note resetting network settings you will loose saved wifi passwords.

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Yes, I had tried restarting and everything on my phone is up to date. Although, now that I think about it, the problems started happening shortly after I performed the March 2022 update a few weeks ago! I reset my network settings anyway. 

@Spudster wrote:

I would recommend disabling any RCS features. This would be known as "Android chat" on your device.

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Good idea. I will try this if the problem arises again.  

[BeachNBeer]

@Yummy  Open your message app. You'll see 3 dots on top right, middle or bottom. Click the dots, then click settings, then you should see chat features, click that then you'll have a bar to turn on or off.

 

[Yummy]

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@Spudster wrote:

I would recommend disabling any RCS features. This would be known as "Android chat" on your device.

If under multimedia messages settings in your message app you see this enabled, make sure to disable it.

Instead, select SMS/MMS only options.

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I am just wondering is this 'android chat' feature of latest OS version as I cannot find it on v8?

[softech]

@mountainbreeze try to set your Network Settings to 3G ONLY/WCDMA ONLY.  

I wonder if you have problem with LTE in your area and your phone unable to change to 3G properly.  See if the change helps

[Spudster]

@mountainbreeze 

I would recommend disabling any RCS features. This would be known as "Android chat" on your device.

If under multimedia messages settings in your message app you see this enabled, make sure to disable it.

Instead, select SMS/MMS only options.

[BeachNBeer]

@mountainbreeze  I'm sure you've tried restarting your phone. Have you checked to see if there are any updates required? For instance Playstore updates? Although I don't have a pixel for the last week or so Ive had a few carrier updates and a message app update. You should check if your phone needs updates.

Also have you tried resetting your network settings? take note resetting network settings you will loose saved wifi passwords.

Google Pixel 3a - Reset Network Settings

From a Home screen, swipe up to display all apps.

Navigate: Settings. System. Advanced. .

Tap. Reset options. .

Tap. Reset. Wi-Fi. , mobile & Bluetooth. .

Tap. Reset settings. . If prompted, enter the PIN, password or pattern.

If prompted, tap. Reset settings. to confirm.

If it is still failing after all that. Go through your apps and find the message app than clear the cache.