How to write a new SMS on Android: 5 methods + solving errors

Sending SMS on Android seems like a simple task - until you encounter unexpected problems: the message is not sent, the keyboard disappears, or the Messages application suddenly stops working. This article will not only tell you how to create a new SMS using standard methods, but will also reveal little-known functions (for example, delayed sending or RCS chats), and will also help you deal with common errors.

We analyzed the interfaces of the latest versions Android 14 i Android 15, as well as popular shells (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi HyperOS, Oppo ColorOS) to provide up-to-date instructions. If you are using a device with custom firmware or an outdated version of the OS, some menu items may differ - we will warn you about this in advance.

We paid special attention security: how to protect SMS from interception, why you should not save passwords in texts and how to recognize phishing messages. At the end of the article there is a FAQ with answers to frequently asked questions, including problems with MMSC and APNsettings.

1. Standard method: through the Messages application

This is a basic method that works on all smartphones, regardless of brand. The algorithm is the same for Google Messages (installed by default on "pure" Android) and branded applications from manufacturers.

To create a new SMS:

1. Open the application "Messages" (icon with an envelope or cloud for RCS).
2. Click on the button "Start chat" (usually located in the lower right corner). In some shells (for example, Samsung) this may be an icon + or a pencil.
3. In the "To" field, enter the recipient's phone number in the format +79XXXXXXXXX (for Russia) or select a contact from the list.
4. In the text field at the bottom of the screen, enter a message. Here you can use emojiemoticons or insert media files.
5. Click on the button "Send" (right arrow or airplane).

If the send button is inactive (gray), check:

• 📶 Network connection (SMS are sent even without the Internet, but coverage from a cellular operator is required).
• 📱 The entered number is correct (no spaces or special characters).
• 🔄 Settings APN (more about them in the section about errors).

2. Quick methods: voice messages and commands

Not everyone knows that you can send SMS on Android without manual text entry. This is convenient while driving, while playing sports, or if the screen is dirty.

Method 1: Voice input

Activated via the keyboard (for example, Gboard):

1. Open a chat or create a new message.
2. Touch the text field → a keyboard will appear.
3. Click on the icon microphone (on the right from the space).
4. Dictate the text. The system will automatically add punctuation marks if you pause.
5. Confirm the recognized text and send an SMS.

🔹 Important: an Internet connection is required for voice input to work (the data is used for speech processing on servers Google).

Method 2: Google Assistant commands

You can send an SMS without opening the Messages application:

1. Activate Google Assistant voice (“Okay, Google”) or holding down the button Home.
2. Say: "Send message to [contact name]".
3. Dictate the text of the message.
4. Confirm sending by voice (“Yes” or “Send”).

⚠️ Attention: If several numbers are saved in a contact, the Assistant may send an SMS to the wrong one. Always check: "To mobile" or "To work number".

3. Delayed sending and scheduling of SMS

The function Delayed sending is not available in all standard applications, but it can be activated through third-party messengers (for example, Pulse SMS or Textra) or special modules for Magisk (requires root).

If you use Google Messages:

• 📅 Write a message, but do not send it.
• Press and hold the send button → select "Schedule sending".
• Indicate the date and time (scheduling is available for maximum 7 days in advance).

For Samsung Messages:

1. Create a message.
2. Click on the three dots at the top → "Schedule".
3. Select a date/time and save.

What happens if the phone turns off before sending?

The deferred SMS will be sent immediately after the device is turned on and the network connection is restored. If there is no coverage at this moment, the message will remain in the queue. sending (up to 30 days, depending on the operator).

⚠️ Attention: delayed SMS do not encrypted and are stored in clear form in the phone memory. Do not use this function to transfer confidential data (passwords, codes from the bank).

4. Sending SMS from a computer (synchronization)

If you are working on a PC, but need to urgently send a message, you can use synchronization. SMS methods depend on the brand of the device:

Brand	Synchronization method	Is Internet required
Google Pixel, "pure" Android	Web version Google Messages (messages.google.com)	Yes (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
Samsung	App Samsung Flow or Link to Windows	Yes (for setup)
Xiaomi, Redmi	Mi-account + web version Mi Messages	Yes
Any Android	Third-party services: Pulse SMS, MightyText	Yes

For Google Messages:

1. Open the application on your phone.
2. Click on the three dots → "Messaging devices" → "Web version".
3. Scan the QR code from site messages.google.com.

⚠️ Attention: when you first connect to the web version, all SMS are uploaded to Google servers. If this is privacy-critical, use alternative methods (for example, KDE Connect for local synchronization over Wi-Fi).

5. Solving problems with sending SMS

If messages are not sent, the reasons may be either software (incorrect settings) or hardware (problems with the SIM card). Let's look at typical scenarios:

Error: "Failed to send message"

Most often associated with:

• 📡 APN settings: check the parameters in Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN). For most Russian operators, use:

Name: MTS (or your operator)
APN: internet.mts.ru (for MTS)
Proxy: not installed
Port: not installed
User name: mts
Password: mts
MMSC: http://mmsc:8002
MMS proxy: 192.168.192.192
MMS port: 8080
  

• 🔋 Operator blocking: if the number is on the black list or the SMS limit has been exceeded (relevant for corporate tariffs).
• 🛠️ Application failure: clear "Messages" cache in Settings → Applications.

SMS is sent, but does not reach the recipient

Possible reasons:

• 📵 recipient roaming is disabled (if he is abroad).
• 🚫 Number in black list the subscriber.
• 🔄 Problems with the operator: check the status of services on the provider's website.

🔹 Tip: if SMS is critical (for example, confirmation code), use a backup channel: call and dictate the text or send via messenger (WhatsApp, Telegram).

6. Security: how to protect your SMS

SMS are often used for two-factor authentication (2FA), so their interception can lead to account hacking. Main risks:

• 🕵️‍♂️ SIM-swapping: fraudsters reissue your SIM card and gain access to SMS.
• 📱 Malicious applications, reading messages (for example, banking Trojans).
• 🔗 Phishing: SMS with links to fake sites (for example, "Your card is blocked, follow the link").

How to protect yourself:

• 🔒 Disable preview SMS on the lock screen: Settings → Notifications → Messages → Lock screen privacy.
• 🛡️ Use safe applications to store SMS with codes (for example, Authy or Google Authenticator instead of SMS-2FA).
• 🚨 Set up notifications about SIM change with the operator ("Number protection" service for MTS, "SIM control" for Beeline).

⚠️ Attention: never save in SMS:

• Passwords or PIN codes;
• Bank card numbers;
• Confirmation codes (if they came via SMS, delete the message after use).

7. Alternatives to SMS: when is it better to use messengers

Although SMS remains a universal channel (works without the Internet, supported by all phones), in most cases messengers it is more convenient:

Criteria	SMS	Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)
Cost	Paid (according to operator tariff)	Free (internet required)
Media	Limit 300–600 KB per file	Up to 2 GB (in Telegram)
Encryption	No (except RCS)	End-to-end (in Signal, WhatsApp)
Group chats	Limited to 10–20 participants	Up to 200,000 (in Telegram)

When required use SMS:

• 🏦 For bank notifications (if there is no alternative).
• 📡 In places without the Internet (hiking, metro).
• 🔄 For services that require confirmation by SMS (government services, registration on websites).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about SMS on Android

Can I send SMS without a SIM card?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• Through Google Messages in the web version (an active SIM is required in a phone connected to the Internet).
• Using third-party services (for example, SMS gateways), but they are paid and require registration.

Without SIM, sending using standard Android means is impossible.

Why is the SMS broken into several parts?

The standard limit for one SMS is 160 characters (70 for Cyrillic). If the text is longer, it is split into several messages. To avoid this:

• Shorten the text.
• Use RCS or instant messengers.
• In some applications (for example, Textra) you can disable partitioning in the settings.

How to recover deleted SMS?

If messages were recently deleted:

1. Check the folder "Trash" in the Messages application (available in Google Messages and some shells).
2. Use a backup copy (if saving to Google Drive is enabled).

For deep recovery you will need root access and apps like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver. Please note that the chances of success depend on the time elapsed after deletion.

How to block spam SMS?

Methods depending on shell:

• Google Messages: click on the spam message → "Spam and blocking" → "Block".
• Samsung: hold the message → "Block".
• Universal: install a filter application (for example, Truecaller or SMS Blocker).

You can also complain to the operator by sending spam SMS to a short number 7726 (for MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2).

What is RCS and how to enable it?

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a “new generation SMS” with support for:

• Reading statuses (✓✓);
• Transfer files without restrictions;
• Group chats;
• Encryption (in Google Messages).

To enable:

1. Install Google Messages (if not installed by default).
2. Open settings → "Chat features" → enable "Enable chat features".
3. Confirm your phone number.

🔹 RCS only works between supported devices (on iPhone requires iOS 18+).