Google Messages Not Working? 9 Fixes for RCS, SMS and MMS

If Google Messages isn’t working for you, you shouldn’t worry because the issue can usually be fixed by checking your connection, default messaging app, SIM, app updates, and RCS settings. Here are some tried-and-tested methods to fix Google Messages when it won’t send or receive messages or connect properly.

How to Fix Google Messages Not Working

Try these fixes one at a time. After each step, open Google Messages and try sending a message.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

If you are using RCS chats, Google Messages needs an internet connection.

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Tap Wi-Fi or Mobile network.
3. Turn your connection off.
4. Wait a few seconds and turn it back on.
5. Open Google Messages and try sending the message again.

If you use mobile data, make sure you have an active data connection.

2. Check Your Mobile Signal

A weak cellular connection can prevent regular SMS and MMS messages from sending.

1. Look at the signal indicator on your phone.
2. Make sure you have a stable cellular connection.
3. Open Quick Settings.
4. Make sure Airplane mode is turned off.
5. Try sending the message again.

3. Set Google Messages as the Default App

Google Messages may not work correctly if another app is handling your SMS messages.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Tap Default apps.
4. Select SMS app.
5. Choose Google Messages.

The exact menu names can vary between Android phones.

4. Update Google Messages

An outdated version of Google Messages can cause messaging problems.

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for Google Messages.
3. Open its app page.
4. Tap Update if an update is available.
5. Wait for the installation to finish.
6. Open Google Messages and test it again.

5. Check Your SIM Card

Your carrier connection can affect SMS and MMS messages.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet or Mobile network.
3. Make sure your SIM is enabled.
4. Check that your phone has cellular service.
5. If you use a physical SIM, make sure it is inserted properly.
6. Try sending a regular SMS message.

If SMS still does not work, your carrier may need to check the account or network connection.

6. Check Your RCS Settings

RCS problems can prevent Google Messages from sending chat messages.

1. Open Google Messages.
2. Tap your profile picture.
3. Select Messages settings.
4. Tap RCS chats.
5. Check the connection status.
6. Ideally, it should show Connected.

If it says Connecting or shows another error, wait a few minutes and check again.

7. Restart Your Phone

Restarting the phone can refresh its mobile connection and messaging services.

1. Press and hold the Power button.
2. Tap Restart.
3. Wait for the phone to boot completely.
4. Open Google Messages.
5. Try sending another message.

8. Check the Contact

If messages fail only with one person, the problem may be specific to that conversation.

1. Open the affected conversation.
2. Check that the phone number is correct.
3. Check whether the contact is blocked.
4. Try starting a new conversation with the same number.
5. Send a test message.

If messages work with other contacts, this can help narrow down the problem.

9. Try Sending the Message as SMS

If RCS is causing the problem, you can try sending the message as a regular SMS.

1. Open Google Messages.
2. Tap your profile picture.
3. Select Messages settings.
4. Tap RCS chats.
5. Look for the option to Resend messages.
6. Enable the option to resend failed messages as SMS or MMS.
7. Return to the conversation.
8. Try sending the message again.

What if Google Messages RCS is stuck on connecting?

Open Messages settings > RCS chats and check the status. Google says number verification can show Connecting, while Trouble connecting. Awaiting retry indicates a verification problem. If it remains for more than 30 minutes, Google recommends submitting feedback from the RCS settings.

What if Google Messages still cannot send texts?

Check whether your carrier supports SMS, MMS, and RCS. If regular SMS also fails, the issue may involve your SIM, mobile service, or carrier rather than the Messages app itself.

That’s all we have for you in this guide on fixing Google Messages when it isn’t working or you’re having trouble sending and receiving texts. If you’re also experiencing issues with Facebook Dating or Messages on Mac, check out our respective linked guides for more help.

FAQs related to Google Messages not working issue

1. Why is Google Messages not sending messages?

Check your signal, mobile data, SIM, default SMS app, and RCS connection. Updating Messages can also resolve compatibility problems.

2. Why is Google Messages stuck on Connecting?

RCS may still be verifying your phone number. If the status remains stuck for over 30 minutes, check your connection and submit feedback through RCS settings.

3. Can Google Messages work without RCS?

Yes. Google Messages can send traditional SMS and MMS when RCS is unavailable, provided your carrier and mobile service support them.

4. Should I turn RCS off and on?

Google does not generally recommend repeatedly switching RCS on and off. This can affect group chats and should mainly be done when troubleshooting specific problems.