How do I set up text messaging to send and receive on Android?
Answer
On Android, open your Messages app (Google Messages or Samsung Messages), confirm mobile service is available with Wi‑Fi off briefly, then check the default SMS app and SIM messaging settings. A restart often finishes setup after those checks.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Stop if a screen asks you to pay an unexpected fee or install unknown software to restore texting.
Follow these steps
Open the Messages app
Open the Messages app you normally use (Google Messages or Samsung Messages) and try starting a new text to a known working number.
You should see: The compose screen opens, or you see a clear setup, permission, or error message.
Confirm mobile service
Turn off Wi‑Fi for a moment so the phone must use mobile service, then check that signal bars appear and that you can place a short test call if possible.
You should see: The phone shows mobile signal, or you confirm there is no cellular service to fix first.
Restart the phone
Restart the phone, wait until it fully reconnects to the network, then open Messages again and retry sending a text.
You should see: Messaging either works, or the same failure repeats so you can continue with settings.
Set the default Messages app
Open Settings, search for SMS, messaging, or default apps, then select Google Messages or Samsung Messages as the default SMS app.
You should see: Your preferred Messages app is listed as the default for texts.
Check SIM and messaging permissions
In Settings, open the Messages app info page and allow SMS and Phone permissions. If you have dual SIM, confirm the SMS SIM matches your active number.
You should see: Permissions are allowed and texts attempt to send on the correct line.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether Messages opens, whether send fails with an error or does nothing, and whether the status bar shows mobile signal when Wi‑Fi is off.
Before you change anything: Confirm the phone has an active SIM or eSIM and a plan that includes SMS. Note whether you use Google Messages or Samsung Messages. Avoid paying unexpected fees or deleting SMS data unless you understand what will be lost. Never share account passwords or one-time codes with unexpected callers.