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I cannot send/receive text messages. How can I solve this?

If you are experiencing issues with incoming or outgoing text messages, please follow these steps to verify your device is configured correctly:

iOS (iPhone)
For users on iOS 18 or later, built-in app settings have moved to a dedicated section.
  1. Enable SMS Fallback:
    • Go to Settings > scroll to the bottom and tap Apps ≫ Messages.
    • Scroll down and ensure Send as SMS (or Retry as Text Message) is turned ON.
      Note: This allows your phone to send messages as regular text when iMessage is unavailable, ensuring communication with non-iOS devices.
  2. Verify iMessage Settings:
    • In the same Messages menu, ensure the iMessage toggle is ON.
    • Tap Send & Receive. Ensure your phone number is selected under the "You can receive iMessages to and reply from" section.
  3. Check Blocked Contacts:
    • Go to Settings ≫ Apps ≫ Messages ≫ Blocked Contacts.
    • Verify the list does not contain the contact you are trying to reach.
  4. Reset Network Settings:
    • If the issue persists, reset your network connectivity (this will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords).
    • Go to Settings ≫ General ≫ Transfer or Reset iPhone ≫ Reset ≫ Reset Network Settings.
    • The device will reboot. Test the service again.

Android
Most modern Android devices use RCS (Rich Communication Services), which requires an internet connection.
  1. Check RCS/Chat Settings:
    • Open the Messages app (ensure it is the default app, not a third-party one).
    • Tap your Profile Picture/Icon in the top right > Messages settings.
    • Tap RCS chats (on older versions, this may be labeled Chat features).
    • Toggle the feature OFF and test your service. If it works, try toggling it back ON, wait for the "Connected" status, and test again.
  2. Unblock Contacts:
    • Tap your Profile Picture/Icon ≫ Messages settings ≫ Spam & blocked.
    • Select the contact from the list and tap Unblock.
  3. Reset Network Settings:
    • Go to Settings ≫ System ≫ Reset options.
    • Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth (or Reset network settings).
    • On Samsung devices: Settings ≫ General management ≫ Reset ≫ Reset network settings.
    • Confirm the reset. Your device may prompt for your PIN.

⚠️ Still not working?
If you've tried everything above and you’re still offline, our support team is ready to help! Please email us with these details:
  • What’s happening: (e.g., "I can text, but I can't make calls.")
  • Phone Info: Your Tello number and the device IMEI.
  • Your Location: Your exact address (Street Name and Number, City, State, ZIP) so we can check the towers in your area.
  • Error Messages: Any error messages displayed on your phone (if any)
  • The steps you already tried: (Just let us know you followed this guide!)
This allows us to check your service further!

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