Sending SMS on smartphones Android seems like a simple task - until you come across the nuances. Some people can’t find the standard Messages application, others can’t send MMS, and still others are looking for ways to automate mailing. This instruction covers all scenarios: from basic sending to working with alternative messengers and troubleshooting.

We will look at not only how to write an SMS through the standard application, but also how to set up quick replies, send a message from a computer, save templates and even send an SMS via Google Assistant. And if something goes wrong, at the end of the article there is a section with solutions to the most common problems.

Modern Androidsmartphones (from Samsung Galaxy S24 to budget Xiaomi Redmi) support SMS by default, but the interface may differ depending on the shell: One UI, MIUI, ColorOS or "clean" Android. However, the operating principles remain the same. If you are using a device with two SIM cards, we will separately tell you how to select the desired SIM card to send.

1. Where to find the Messages app on Android

By default, all smartphones Android have a pre-installed SMS application. Its name may vary:

  • 📱 "Messages" (standard name on most devices)
  • 📱 "Messages" (on smartphones with an English interface or "pure" Android)
  • 📱 "SMS/MMS" (on some models Huawei or Honor)
  • 📱 "Google Messages" (if the Google application is installed)

If you can’t find the icon, use the search:

  1. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to open application menu.
  2. In the search bar (usually at the top), enter messages or sms.
  3. The system will show all relevant applications. Look for the icon with envelope or message cloud.

On some devices (for example, Samsung with a shell One UI), the application may be hidden in the "Google" or "Connection"folder. If there is no icon at all, the application may have been deleted or disabled. In this case, it can be restored via Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Three dots (menu) → Show system.

📊 Which SMS application are you using?
Standard "Messages"
Google Messages
Other (specify in the comments)
I do not send SMS

2. Step-by-step guide: how to write and send an SMS

Let's consider the process using the example of a standard application "Messages" (relevant for Android 13/14/15).The interface may differ slightly, but the steps remain the same.

Step 1. Open the application

Tap the "Messages" icon on the home screen or in the application menu. If this is the first launch, you may need to confirm permissions to access contacts and SMS.

Step 2. Start a new message

In the lower right corner, click on the button "Start chat" (or icon ✏️/+). In some versions, this may be a button "New message".

Step 3. Select a recipient

Enter the contact name in the search bar or phone number manually. If the contact is saved, the system will prompt you for it. To send to several numbers, add them separated by commas or press + after each number.

Step 4. Write text

In the input field (at the bottom of the screen) write your message. Limitation - 160 characters for one SMS. If the text is longer, it will be split into several messages (but sent as one).

Step 5. Send SMS

Click on the icon sending (usually an arrow → or airplane ✈️).

☑️ Check before sending SMS

Done: 0 / 4

If the message is not sent, check:

  • 📶 Network connection (in the top panel there should be a mobile network indicator: 4G, 5G or E)
  • 💳 Account balance (on some tariffs SMS is paid)
  • 🔄 SMS Center (the center number must be specified in the SIM card settings)
💡

If you often send SMS to the same number, pin the chat at the top of the list: long press on the dialogue → "Pin."

3. How to send SMS from a computer (via Android)

Sending messages from a PC is convenient if you work on a computer and don’t want to be distracted by your phone. There are several ways:

Method 1. Through Google Messages (official method)

  1. Install the application Google Messages from Play Market (if it is not there by default).
  2. Open messages.google.com in a browser on your PC.
  3. On your phone in the application Google Messages click on profile avatar → Devices → Pairing with the web version.
  4. Scan the QR code from your computer screen.

Now all your SMS will be synchronized with the web version. You can write messages directly from the PC keyboard.

Method 2. Through Samsung Flow (for Samsung devices)

If you have a smartphone Samsung, install the application Samsung Flow on your phone and computer (available for Windows i Mac). After synchronization, you will be able to send SMS directly from your desktop.

Method 3. Via Pushbullet or MightyText

These third-party services allow you to manage SMS from your computer, but require registration and may have limitations in the free version.

How to send SMS from a PC without Internet?

If you do not have access to the Internet, but the phone is connected to the PC via USB, you can use apps like MyPhoneExplorer (you need to enable USB debugging in the developer settings).

4. Alternative ways to send SMS

In addition to the standard application, there are other methods for sending messages:

1. Voice sending via Google Assistant

Say:

"Okay Google, send SMS to [contact name] [message text]"

The assistant will confirm the number and text before sending.

2. Quick replies from notifications

When an SMS arrives, swipe the notification to the left and tap "Reply". In some shells (for example, MIUI), you can configure quick reply templates in the notification settings.

3. Sending via WhatsApp or Telegram

If the recipient has messenger installed, it’s easier to send a message through it - it’s free and supports media files. However SMS reaches even if the recipient does not have the Internet or the messenger is not installed.

4. SMS scheduler

Applications like SMS Scheduler allow you to schedule a message to be sent at a specific time. Useful for congratulations or reminders.

Method Advantages Disadvantages
Standard application Does not require internet, always works Limitation on text length
Google Messages (web) Convenient from PC, synchronization Registration with Google required
Voice sending Fast, no need to print May not recognize text correctly
Messengers (WhatsApp) Free, supports media Internet required for both

5. Setting up SMS: message center, notifications, auto replies

For SMS to work correctly, sometimes additional configuration is required.

1. Checking the SMS center number

If messages are not sent, the number SMS center (SMSC) may be entered incorrectly. To test it:

  1. Open the application "Phone".
  2. Enter ##4636## (the testing menu will open).
  3. Select "Phone information".
  4. Scroll down to the block SMSC and check the number. If the field is empty, enter the number of your operator's center (you can find out on the operator's website or by calling the support phone).

2. Setting up notifications

In order not to miss important SMS:

  1. Open "Messages" → Three dots (menu) → Settings → Notifications.
  2. Enable the option "Show notifications".
  3. Customize sound, vibration and pop-up windows.

3. Templates and auto-replies

In some applications (for example, Google Messages), you can configure quick replies:

  1. Open the application settings.
  2. Find the section "Quick replies" or "Templates".
  3. Add frequently used phrases (for example, "I'm on the way", "I'll call you back later").
💡

If you changed the SIM card, but SMS do not arrive - check if the SMS center settings have been reset.

6. Common problems and their solutions

Even with the correct settings, errors sometimes occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem 1: SMS is not sent

  • 🔌 Check airplane mode (must be turned off).
  • 📶 Make sure that there is mobile network (not just Wi-Fi).
  • 💰 On some tariffs, SMS is paid - check balance.
  • 🔄 Reboot the phone.

Problem 2: SMS do not arrive

  • 📵 Check if the number is blocked in black list.
  • 📥 Make sure that notifications are not disabled in the application settings 🔧 Reset the network settings:.
  • 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset mobile network settings.

Problem 3: Cannot send MMS

MMS requires connection to mobile data (even if Wi-Fi is on). Make sure that:

  • 🌐 Enabled mobile data.
  • 📱 Configured APN (access points). Usually they are installed automatically, but if a failure occurs, they can be downloaded from the operator’s website.
  • 📸 The file size does not exceed 300–600 KB (depending on the operator).
💡

If SMS arrive with a delay, try changing the application for messages (for example, from standard to application Google Messages).

Problem 4: It is impossible to send SMS to a short number

Short numbers (for example, 112 or banking services) may be blocked by some SMS applications. Try:

  1. Use standard application "Messages".
  2. Send SMS via dial menu (enter number → three dots → "Send SMS").
Why SMS is divided into parts?

If the text exceeds 160 characters, it is divided into several SMS (maximum 153 characters per part when using Cyrillic). Some operators combine them automatically, but this depends on the tariff.

7. Security: how to protect your SMS

SMS may contain confidential information (confirmation codes, bank data). Here's how to protect them:

1. Locking the Messages application

Set a password or fingerprint:

  1. Open Settings → Security → Lock applications (in some shells this item may be in the settings of the Messages application).
  2. Select "Messages" and set the blocking method.

2. SMS encryption

Standard SMS are not encrypted, but you can use messengers with end-to-end encryption (Signal, WhatsApp). For important messages, it is better to avoid SMS.

3. Beware of phishing

⚠️ Attention: Never send passwords, PIN codes or card details via SMS. Banks and services do not request such information through messages. If you receive a suspicious SMS (for example, “Your account is blocked, send data to unblock”), do not respond or follow the links.

4. SMS backup

To avoid losing important messages:

  • 🔄 Use Google Drive for backup (in the settings of the Messages application).
  • 📱 Install third-party applications like SMS Backup & Restore.
  • 💾 Export SMS to a file (available in some applications).

8. SMS automation: mailing, reminders, integrations

If you need to send SMS regularly (for example, mailing to clients or reminders to yourself), you can automate the process.

1. SMS scheduler

Applications like SMS Scheduler or Auto SMS allow:

  • 📅 Schedule sending for a specific time.
  • 🔁 Set up recurring messages (for example, weekly reminders).
  • 📊 Save templates for quick sending.

2. Automatic replies

Some applications (for example, AutoResponder for Android) can automatically respond to incoming SMS. Useful if you are temporarily unavailable.

3. Integration with IFTTT or Tasker

Using automation services, you can configure SMS sending under certain conditions. For example:

  • 📍 Send an SMS with the location if the battery is discharged to 10%.
  • 🔔 Receive a notification via SMS if an email has arrived from a specific sender.

4. SMS via API (for developers)

If you are developing an application, you can integrate sending SMS via SmsManager to Android SDK. This will require permissions:

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.SEND_SMS" />
⚠️ Attention: Starting Android 10apps are prohibited from sending SMS in the background without explicit user action. This restriction was introduced to combat spam.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about SMS on Android

Can I send an SMS without a SIM card?

No, you definitely need it to send an SMS SIM card with an active tariff that supports SMS. An alternative is instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), which work via the Internet.

How do I know if my SMS has arrived?

Standard SMS do not have a delivery status, but some applications (for example, Google Messages) show checkmarks (one - sent, two - delivered). For reliability, you can ask the recipient to confirm receipt.

Why do SMS messages come out of order?

This may occur due to delays in the operator's network or failures in the application. Try:

  1. Reboot your phone.
  2. Clear the cache of the Messages application (Settings → Applications → Messages → Memory → Clear cache).
  3. Change application for SMS.
Can I send an SMS to email?

Directly - no, but you can:

  • Send an SMS to a special operator gateway (for example, number@operator.ru - check with your operator).
  • Use instant messengers that support sending by email (Telegram has bots for this).
How to disable SMS notifications?

Go to Settings → Applications → Messages → Notifications and disable the option "Show notifications". In some shells (for example, MIUI) this is done through Settings → Notifications → Messages.