If texts stopped sending after you switched Android messaging apps, first confirm the app you want is selected as the phone’s default SMS app. Then identify whether the failure affects SMS, picture or group MMS, or RCS chats: each depends on different settings and services. Changing the default does not by itself mean your message history was deleted.
1. Set the messaging app you intend to use as the default
Android routes SMS through the selected default SMS app. The exact labels vary by phone and Android version, but the setting is generally under Settings > Apps > Default apps > SMS app. Select the app you want to use, then try sending a plain text message.
Alternatively, open Google Messages and follow its prompt to make it the default. Google says message history can be viewed in Google Messages after setup, and new texts are sent and received in the selected default app. Google also explains that message history is stored in the device’s SMS database and may be accessible to other apps; switching defaults does not necessarily delete it. Google Messages: make Google Messages your default messaging app
Android’s default-handler status is also tied to access to SMS-related permissions. That platform detail explains why the selected app matters, but it is not a separate repair step. Android Developers: SMS-based apps
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
2. Work out what is failing before changing more settings
Note whether the problem is outgoing texts, missing incoming messages, or both; whether it affects every recipient or just one; and whether it happens in one app or every messaging app. Also distinguish ordinary SMS from photo or group MMS and RCS chats. Those clues point to different causes: a default-app selection, contact details, mobile data or APN settings, RCS registration, or carrier service.
- Only one recipient: Check that person’s number, your blocked-contact list, and whether an international country code is needed.
- All recipients, one app: Recheck the default SMS app and the app’s setup.
- Photos or group messages fail, but plain texts work: Check MMS-related mobile data and APN settings.
- Messages fail across apps, or incoming messages disappeared after switching: Check basic service and RCS registration, then contact the carrier if local checks do not help.
Google’s troubleshooting guidance covers these checks, including service, SIM, signal, plan balance, and supported message types. Google Messages: troubleshoot sending or receiving messages
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
3. Check the phone, SIM, signal, and account
Before treating the issue as an app fault, work through these basic checks:
- Install any available update for Google Messages if you use it.
- Check that the SIM is seated correctly and that the phone has mobile signal.
- Turn off airplane mode.
- Check that your plan or account has the credit or service needed to send messages.
- Confirm that your carrier supports the message type you are trying to send.
- If only one person is affected, verify the number, blocked-contact list, and international country code.
If an error message specifically says Premium SMS is restricted, follow Google’s guidance for that restriction rather than assuming every text failure has the same cause. Google Messages: troubleshoot sending or receiving messages
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
4. Reset RCS if incoming messages or chats broke after the switch
RCS is separate from ordinary SMS. A correct default SMS app does not necessarily restore RCS delivery after an app change. Google specifically advises turning off RCS chats if you are not receiving messages after changing messaging apps.
- In Google Messages, open Settings > RCS chats.
- Turn off RCS chats, then turn them on again.
- If you still have the old device and it is part of the change, turn off RCS there too.
If the old phone is unavailable, Google provides a remote deactivation option. While RCS is off, its features are suspended. Google says you are removed from all RCS group chats if you do not turn RCS back on within 30 days. Google Messages: turn off RCS chats
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
5. Fix MMS failures separately from SMS
If plain SMS sends but photos or group MMS do not, check that mobile data is available and reset the phone’s APN settings to their default values. MMS has different requirements from ordinary SMS, so a working text-only message does not prove that picture messaging is configured correctly. Use your phone maker’s or carrier’s instructions for the exact APN menu; labels and available settings vary by device and carrier. Google Messages: troubleshoot sending or receiving messages
For group messages, check the messaging app’s group setting. Group MMS keeps replies in one conversation, while a mass-text SMS setup can deliver replies as separate conversations. Choose the mode that matches how you want group replies to appear.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
6. Contact the carrier when app and device checks are not enough
Ask your carrier to check SMS/MMS provisioning on the line, account restrictions, and network service if sending fails in multiple messaging apps or the carrier indicates a service restriction. These are carrier-side conditions that changing apps cannot fix. Google also recommends checking carrier support and plan balance, and AT&T notes that blocked text or data service prevents RCS from working. Google Messages: troubleshoot sending or receiving messages · AT&T: RCS messaging support
Samsung publishes separate Galaxy setup guidance; its supported Android-version details apply to the listed Galaxy devices, not all Android phones. Samsung: set a default messaging app on Galaxy devices
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
