Help with a Samsung s4. Not able to text.

[hartterc]

I have a Samsung s4 that was on Verizon networks, it's now on Metropcs. Everything works except texting. I can receive pictures and texts but I can't send a text unless there is a picture attached to it?? If I try to send a text like ( Hello) it fails to send. Doesn't matter who I send it to..Same problem each time. No one has been able to figure this out.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Are you using the stock Messaging app, or Verizon's own Message+ app?

 

[hartterc]

Using the stock Message app.

 

[B. Diddy]

Have you already tried wiping the cache partition? https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-27777

 

[hartterc]

Yes I did that. Same problem still. Ive done two factory resets and nothing changes. Frustrating.

 

[B. Diddy]

Have you checked to make sure the APN settings are correct? https://www.androidcentral.com/change-apn-metropcs

 

[hartterc]

Yes. Confirmed them with Metro. Matter of fact, I have tried multiple ones and same issue each time. I find it weird I can send a picture with text but not just a text. Why would a picture work and not just a text?

 

[B. Diddy]

MMS uses mobile data, while SMS uses the voice signal, so that might explain why you're seeing that.

After a quick search, I've found at least two forum posts about the exact same issue -- one on Android, and another on Windows Phone:

https://forums.androidcentral.com/v...roblems-after-switching-verizon-metropcs.html
https://forums.windowscentral.com/c...-metro-pcs-now-i-cant-send-text-messages.html

Contact MetroPCS and ask them what the SMS Message Center Number is, and make sure it's entered correctly in your phone's Messaging app.

 

[hartterc]

How do I get in there to change the number? Talked to the guy and was hard to understand. He said the number is already there? but would not give me a number. Had the same issue when I asked what the number was for voice mail..They said there wasn't one..Wrong! I found it and I got the voicemail working.

 

[B. Diddy]

Hmm, you might have to root the phone: https://forums.androidcentral.com/v...-verizon-samsung-galaxy-s4-2.html#post5789493

But see if this works first: https://thedroidguy.com/2015/08/how...ding-failed-error-other-related-issues-110758

 

[hartterc]

So yesterday morning I did the update through Kies and there was a software update. Did it to only have it fail at 85% three times! Soft brick! Well I decided one more try but using windows 10 instead of XP because that's an old app. It worked!! I also noticed it changed the software to a different Baseband version. The new version allows you to Root the phone. NOT going to do it after this nightmare issue. I also figured something out with the texting issue. (Smashes face on desk). If I put text in subject line I can send normal text...WTF!! I'm going to get my samsung S3 fixed and go back to being happy.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions.

 

[B. Diddy]

If I put text in subject line I can send normal text

I didn't know Messaging apps had subject lines! (I only use the Android Messages app, and before that it was Hangouts.)

Anyway, glad you were able to get things straightened out, if only partially.