topic Re: Unable to send SMS to some numbers in Tech Support

Unable to send SMS to some numbers

Ruswit — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 14:17:56 GMT

Hi all,

I ported from Virgin to O2 around 10 months ago now, and since then I have been unable to send SMSs to some (but not all) numbers.

I will get a message saying that the number isn't formatted correctly, but they definitely are.

I have tried this in an old phone with my current sim and it also no longer works, so I am doubtful that the phone is the cause. This old phone had no issues in the past, same as my current phone.

Colleagues of mine are able to text these numbers without issue.

My partner who also changed from Virgin to O2 recently cannot text these numbers either, and they are using an i-phone.

Is there any known issue with migrating across? I am using a pixel 5 + stock android 13. I have only used physical sim cards.

https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/How-to-Guides/Text-Message-Tips-not-sent-or-received/ba-p/1179723 I have already checked all the steps in that link.

Mobile data works fine.

Thanks in advance.

Re: Unable to send SMS to some numbers

pgn — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 15:52:51 GMT

Did O2 send you an O2 branded SIM to replace your Virgin-branded one, @Ruswit?

If you ported yourself, then it could be a partial port, or a config on your phone that did not update correctly.

Pop into an O2 Shop, with phone and photo-id, and the Store staff should be able to get you changed over, as well as giving your phone a health check in case an SMSC number did not change correctly when you moved to O2. Good luck!

Re: Unable to send SMS to some numbers

Ruswit — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 22:11:21 GMT

Yep new O2 SIM was sent months ago and has been in use since 😕

Re: Unable to send SMS to some numbers

Ruswit — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:54:20 GMT

This is a very late response, but I have managed to resolve this (finally!)

The trick was uninstalling updates on my google messaging app and then that resolved things, I can text all these numbers that weren't working.

Updating the google messages app again seems to be fine too.

Re: Unable to send SMS to some numbers

Enlli — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:59:46 GMT

@Ruswit Glad it's working

Thanks for the tip it may come in useful here in the future

Re: Unable to send SMS to some numbers

pgn — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:35:02 GMT

Great info, @Ruswit - and this "fix" is also listed in this guide #, very last post, if this works for you:

https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/How-to-Guides/Text-Message-Tips-not-sent-or-received/bc-p/1711828#M3031

One I had forgotten about tbh 👴