Question Turn off SMS filter

[JonC]

My phone is filtering SMS messages and I want to turn this off. Among other things, I'm not getting text verifications. I'm using the same SMS messenger I always have and I've looked carefully at its settings. I've disabled Google Messages. I've looked at the phone settings and see nothing. What could be the cause of this filtering? I have a generic Chinese-built phone. It's mainly set up with Google, no custom software.

 

[B. Diddy]

Are you getting all other SMS messages, like from friends and family?

 

[JonC]

Mostly, but not all.

 

[VidJunky]

What phone do you have?

What SMS app are you using?

I'm not sure if other apps have this but Google Messages has a setting where it automatically deletes those one time messages but it is supposed to be after 24 hours. I think the setting is called OTC, for One Time Code.

Even if you're not using Google Messages anymore it could be possible that this setting is stuck and still affecting your device. The way to check and possibly undo this would be to install or enable Google Messages, find the setting (OTC), and make sure it is disabled. I do not believe this has a setting for duration but check if it has a setting for duration and adjust that too.

There are also settings for short code SMS. This would be SMS from numbers that are shorter than 7 or 10 digits. These are typically the types of numbers that send verifications codes and there are ways to block them and it may or may not be the same way you would block sending messages to these numbers. This is because these numbers can be billed outside of your SMS plan. You may have been asked or even warned that replying to one of these short code numbers may incur some charge. If you opted to block or disable them based on this it could be why you now no longer get these messages. This would also make sense if its affecting your new app. Google provides these steps to troubleshoot this.


On your phone:

1. Check Message Blocking/Spam Filters:
   Look for settings like "Block Unknown Numbers" or spam filters within your messaging app and disable them.
   
2. Disable "Do Not Disturb":
   Ensure your "Do Not Disturb" mode isn't active, as it can block incoming messages.
   
3. Check Premium SMS Permissions:
   On Android, go to Settings > Apps > (3-dot Menu) > Special Access > Use Premium Text Messaging Services to ensure the app is allowed to send and receive messages.
   
4. Update Apps:
   Make sure the messaging app you're using is up-to-date.
   
5. Restart Your Phone:
   A simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches that may be preventing message delivery.
   
6. Reset Network Settings:
   Navigate to Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Mobile Network Settings to refresh your device's network connection.
   

With your Carrier:

1. Contact Your Carrier:
   Call your mobile provider and ask them to confirm that short code messaging is enabled on your account.
   
2. Remove Blockers:
   Inquire if there are any short code blockers, spam filters, or other restrictions on your account that need to be removed.
   
3. Confirm Your Number is Active:
   Ensure your phone number is correctly set up and active for sending and receiving messages.
   

Let us know if any these steps helped you and best wishes.