How to Fix Not Receiving Texts on iPhone in 6 Quick Ways

Bon LewisUpdated by Bon Lewis / January 30, 2026 05:10

Hi! Why is my iPhone not receiving texts? I do not know when my iPhone experienced this, but I only noticed it today. I’m afraid that this happened a long time ago. Can you help me fix this issue? Thank you in advance!

Receiving SMS or text messages on your iPhone is essential. In this case, you can connect or contact your loved ones when you are not with them. However, some iPhone users cannot receive texts on their iPhone. Why? Let this article answer that in detail! Scroll below and discover the 6 leading ways to fix the messages not coming through on iPhone.

iPhone Not Receiving Texts
Guide

Guide List

Part 1. Why is My iPhone Not Receiving Texts

Why is my phone not getting texts, especially my iPhone? This problem could be related to network, settings, or Apple ID issues. You might have a weak cellular or Wi-Fi network when you are receiving messages from someone. It is also recommended to check if the person you are trying to receive the message from is blocked. The reason is that a blocked contact cannot make calls or send texts to you. You can unblock them from Settings. Tap Phone and select Blocked Contacts or Settings. After that, choose Privacy & Security. Select Blocked Contacts and tap Edit. Unblock the contact afterward. It is also possible that a carrier or SIM card problem causes the issue. You may contact them if that’s the case.

Part 2. Restart Your Device When Your iPhone Not Receiving Texts

Restarting your iPhone after a long operation gives a lot of benefits. It fixes temporary system glitches, which cause different issues on your iPhone, including not receiving messages. It also lets you improve the performance of your iPhone apps and features. Perform the steps below to restart your iPhone.

Press the Volume Down and Power buttons for the latest versions. Press the Top or Side button, press the button, and hold it until the Power-off slider appears for the earlier versions of iPhone. After that, slide it.

Part 3. Check and Reset Network if You are Not Receiving SMS on iPhone

The network settings on your iPhone are also responsible for receiving and sending messages. The reason is that the network settings are essential for cellular or Wi-Fi connections. Wrong network settings can lead to the iPhone not receiving SMS. Reset network settings on iPhone with the steps below.

Open the Settings application on your iPhone. After that, select the General button from the options list. Then, tap the Transfer or Reset iPhone button at the bottom of the main interface. Later, tap the Reset button to see a list of more options from the small window. Tap the Reset Network Settings button from the list and confirm the action.

Tap Reset Network Settings Button

Part 4. Check Send & Receive to Fix iPhone Not Receiving Texts

The Send & Receive feature on your iPhone is responsible for controlling how or where you can send and receive iMessages. With the correct added contacts, you can fix the iPhone not receiving messages. Follow the steps below.

Access Settings on an iPhone and open the Apps section by tapping the button. Later, tap the Messages app from the list to open the settings that can be applied. Select the Send & Receive button from the list. Then, choose the phone number or email that you want to use for messages.

Set Your Contacts

Part 5. Turn On/Off iMessages to Fix Not Receiving SMS on iPhone

The iPhone not receiving SMS texts can be caused by a turned-on iMessage feature. Turning it off can fix the issue. This procedure is quick and easy. It will only last for a few seconds. Turn off iMessage with the instructions below.

Go to the iPhone Settings app. Open it by tapping its button from the Home Screen section. After that, please tap the Apps button. Look for the Messages app and tap its button to see the available settings. Toggle off the iMessage feature at the top afterward.

Toggle Off Imessage Feature

Part 6. Update iOS if Your iPhone Not Receiving Texts

Updating your iPhone iOS version is another way to fix bug issues, including iPhone not receiving SMS or messages. Aside from that, it helps you improve the security of your iPhone for your information, files, and data. You will also have better performance and stability for your iPhone. Update iOS version on your iPhone with the detailed steps below.

Ensure that your iPhone is connected to the internet. After that, tap the Settings app to open it. Then, select the General button from the list and select the Software Update button. Later, wait for the available version to be prompted. Tap the Update Now button afterward to update your iPhone's iOS version. You may also toggle on the Automatic Updates slider at the top.

Tap Update Now Button

Part 7. Try FoneLab iOS System Recovery When iPhone Not Receiving SMS

If none of the built-in methods work from the previous section, it is time to use a third-party tool. FoneLab iOS System Recovery can be considered. This third-party tool has 2 features that can fix the iPhone not receiving SMS in a few clicks. You can use its Standard Mode and Advanced Mode features. Besides the mentioned issue, this tool can fix more iPhone issues. It includes screen issues, a disabled iPhone, system issues, and more. Follow the steps below to know how this third-party tool fixes the mentioned issue.

FoneLab iOS System Recovery
FoneLab iOS System Recovery

FoneLab enables you to fix iPhone/iPad/iPod from DFU mode, recovery mode, Apple logo, headphone mode, etc. to normal state without data loss.

  • Fix disabled iOS system problems.
  • Extract data from disabled iOS devices without data loss.
  • It is safe and easy to use.

Step 1Download FoneLab iOS System Recovery on a computer. Set up and install it afterward. Then, click the iOS System Recovery button from the first interface to proceed.

Click IOS System Recovery Button

Step 2Plug the iPhone into the computer and allow the permissions needed. Then, select the System Repair button at the bottom left. Later, click the Start Now button.

Click Start Now Button

Step 3Select between the Standard Mode and the Advanced Mode. Then, select the Confirm option at the bottom to start fixing your iPhone.

Click Confirm Button

Part 8. FAQs about iPhone Not Receiving Texts

Why is my iPhone not getting text messages from a specific person?

There are instances where people cannot receive messages from one contact only. If that’s the case, there is a big chance that you blocked the person. On the other hand, they probably blocked you.

How to turn off text notifications on iPhone?

Open the iPhone Settings app. After that, tap the Notifications button from the list and tap the Messages app. Later, toggle off the Allow Notifications slider from the screen.

This article helps you fix the old or new iPhone not receiving texts. It lists the 6 proven and tested ways that you can consider. Among them, FoneLab iOS System Recovery is the best. Besides the said issues, it can also fix 50+ more iPhone issues in a few clicks. Download the tool now to explore it more!

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