Empty Text

[Tigers828]

Pretty straightforward but nonetheless peculiar. I received a text message containing an unknown mobile number (originating from that same number). Within a minute, the message had been replaced by a blank white space (no chat "bubble") with only the default chat head icon remaining. I texted "??" but no response.

A cursory Google searches seemed to indicate this number was on the O2 network, so perhaps just some glitch in networking.

Any explanation for this phenomenon? I've never seen it before.

[MI5]

@Tigers828 I can only assume that whoever sent it realised it was a mistake and recalled the message.

[EmilieT]

Hi @Tigers828, has this happened again since you last posted? The suggestion above might help, but if you find out more on your end please let us know as well. It could help someone else experiencing a similar issue in the future

to the forum!

[Tigers828]

Hey there. I'm reluctant to accept MI5's solution as I can't see how a text could be unsent without both parties using an app such as messenger. This event happened via my phone's preset text messaging app.

It hasn't happened again, but I guess it's not a big deal. I'm struggling to come up with an explanation other than some sort of "networking glitch".

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

Some phones have the option to recall a standard sms withing 30 seconds or so of sending. You need to find someone with, I think a Huawei phone to prove it out.
There may be some other Android phones with the same capability too.

[Cleoriff]

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@MI5 wrote:
Some phones have the option to recall a standard sms withing 30 seconds or so of sending. You need to find someone with, I think a Huawei phone to prove it out.
There may be some other Android phones with the same capability too.

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Sometimes I wish ALL phones had that option !!

[MI5]

It's a useful feature, for sure....

[jonsie]

Phones that do have this option don't ordinarily send a blank test when it's been recalled.....

[MI5]

I've never tried it.....?

[jonsie]

A friend of mine did and mentioned that he had recalled a prevous text minutes earlier and i certainly didn't get a blank text. Not sure what phone he now has tbh.