How To Fix iPhone Can't Send Messages to Android [Full Guide]

It can be frustrating when you are unable to send text messages from your iPhone to an Android device. The good news is there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this common messaging issue.

Table of Contents

Quick Answers:

Here are quick answers in bullet points for the article on fixing iPhone’s unable to text Android:

Enable “Send as SMS” in your iPhone’s settings to allow regular SMS texts to Android
Reset your iPhone’s network settings to resolve any connectivity issues blocking messages
Make sure you have the latest iOS software update installed for bug fixes
Double-check that the Android recipient’s number is entered correctly
Verify you have enough balance on a prepaid plan for sending an SMS
Try using a third-party messaging app like WhatsApp as a workaround
Check for iMessage interference trying to send texts as iMessages
Updating your iOS software can fix messaging bugs
Use a cross-platform messaging app like WhatsApp if all else fails
Ensure no errors in the recipient’s contact details
Reset network settings to fix any iPhone connectivity problems
Lack of cellular signal means your iPhone can’t send texts
Install available iOS updates to improve messaging reliability

Follow these troubleshooting tips if your iPhone can send texts to other iPhones but not to Android phones:

Step 1: Enable “Send as SMS”

The first thing to check is whether you have the “Send as SMS” setting enabled. This allows your iPhone to send regular SMS text messages, instead of relying only on iMessage.

To enable it:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone

Scroll down and tap on Messages

Scroll down further and turn on the “Send as SMS” option

If it was already enabled, turn it off and then back on again

Enabling this setting often fixes the problem of one-way SMS messaging between iPhones and Androids.

Step 2: Reset Network Settings

Resetting your network settings can help resolve connectivity issues that may be blocking messages to Androids.

To reset network settings:

Go to Settings > General > Reset

Tap on Reset All Settings

This will reset Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and other network preferences
It won’t delete any data from your iPhone

After resetting network settings, power cycle your iPhone and try sending a text to an Android again.

Step 3: Update iOS Software

Having the latest iOS version installed ensures you have any bug fixes or improvements for messaging and connectivity.

To update iOS:

Go to Settings > General > Software Update
Download and install the latest iOS update available
After updating, restart your iPhone and test messaging again

Read my post on: 6 Ways to Fix IPhone Not Receiving Incoming Calls

Step 4: Check the Recipient’s Number

Double-check that you have the correct phone number or contact details entered for your Android recipient. Even a small error can prevent messages from delivering.

Open your iPhone Contacts and select the Android contact
Ensure their phone number is entered correctly
Check there are no spaces or special characters incorrectly added

Step 5: Verify Adequate Cellular Balance

On a prepaid cellular plan? Make sure you have enough balance for sending SMS text messages. Top up if needed.

Step 6: Try Messaging App Instead

As a workaround, use a third-party messaging app to text Android users. Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc can message across platforms.

Download the messaging app on both your iPhone and the recipient’s Android phone
Send a test message via the app to see if it works

While less convenient than regular SMS, messaging apps provide a reliable cross-platform messaging solution if all else fails.

Why iPhone Can’t Text Android Sometimes

There are a few common reasons an iPhone may be unable to send regular texts to an Android device:

iMessage interference – iMessage is enabled by default on iPhones. So your device may be trying to send an iMessage instead of SMS to the Android number, causing messages to fail. Disabling iMessage or enabling “Send as SMS” usually resolves this.
Cellular network issues – Problems with your carrier signal or network connectivity can prevent SMS texts from going through. Resetting network settings may help.
Incorrect number or contact details – Simple errors like entering the wrong number for an Android contact result in texts not delivering. Double-check all recipients’ details.
Outdated software – Having old iOS software can introduce messaging bugs. Updating to the latest iOS version fixes problems.
Insufficient prepaid balance – Not having enough funds in your prepaid account will block sending SMS. Top up your balance.
Incompatible apps – Some apps like Apple Messages rely on iMessage. Using a cross-platform app like WhatsApp provides a workaround.

FAQs:

Why can I text other iPhones but not Android phones?

This is usually caused by iMessage interfering and trying to send texts from your iPhone to Android devices as iMessages rather than as regular SMS. Disabling iMessage or enabling the “Send as SMS” option in settings will resolve this issue.

How do I enable Send as SMS on iPhone?

Go to Settings > Messages and enable the “Send as SMS” option. This allows your iPhone to send regular text messages to non-Apple devices like Androids.

Should I reset my network settings to fix issues texting Android?

Yes, resetting your network settings can help fix connectivity issues that may be preventing your iPhone texts from reaching Android devices. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

What’s the best messaging app for iPhone and Android?

No, your iPhone requires cellular connectivity via either WiFi calling or your carrier’s signal to be able to send SMS texts to Android devices. If you have no bars, you won’t be able to text until signal returns.

Can I text Android if my iPhone has no cellular signal?

Yes, keeping your iPhone’s iOS version up-to-date ensures you have the latest bug fixes and improvements for messaging reliability. Install any available iOS updates via Settings > General > Software Update.

Conclusion:

With the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve any issues with your iPhone unable to send messages to Android devices. The common fixes include enabling Send as SMS, resetting network settings, updating iOS, verifying the recipient’s number, and using a separate messaging app as a workaround if needed. With reliable SMS messaging capabilities restored, you’ll no longer have to rely solely on finicky messaging apps.