Mobile communications from LUKOIL (formerly known as "Tambov GSM" or operating on infrastructure Tele2 in a number of regions) requires correct device configuration for stable operation of text messages. Users of devices based on Android often encounter a situation where incoming messages arrive, but outgoing messages are stuck in the "Sending" status or returned with an error. This is not always the fault of the network; often the problem lies in an incorrectly specified message center or outdated parameters of the access point.
For successful sending SMS your smartphone must have an active SIM card with a positive balance and correctly configured system settings. Modern versions of the operating system Android 10, 11, 12 and newer automatically adjust most parameters when you first install a SIM card, but manual verification remains a mandatory procedure. In this article, we will analyze in detail each step, from checking the balance to deeply setting up system protocols.
Do not ignore the first signs of a failure. If the message does not go away within 1-2 minutes, this is a signal to action. Ignoring the problem can lead to a complete blocking of data services or disruptions in voice communication, since all these services are linked to a single subscriber profile in the operator’s network.
Checking the balance and status of services before setting up
Before getting into the jungle of system settings Android, you need to make sure the basic functionality of the SIM card. The most common reason for failure to send messages is lack of funds in the account or blocking of the outgoing SMS service by the network administrator. To check the current account status, use universal USSD commandsthat work on any phone without Internet access.
Dial the command on the phone keyboard *111# and press the call button. In the menu that appears, select the item responsible for checking your balance. You can also use the command *105# to access your personal account, where more detailed information about connected options is displayed. If the balance is negative or equal to zero, top up your account in any convenient way through the bank application or terminal.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that you do not have the "Banning outgoing SMS" service activated. Sometimes it is activated accidentally or at the user's request to save money, which makes it impossible to send any text messages, including confirmation codes.
The service status can be checked through the command *111*6# (the code may vary depending on the service region). If the service is blocked, follow the voice menu prompts or send a command to unblock it. Only after confirming the active status and the presence of funds in the account does it make sense to proceed to the technical setup of the device.
Setting up a message center (SMSC) on Android
Short message service center (SMSC) is a key piece of infrastructure through which all your text passes. If the wrong center number is specified in the phone settings, the message simply will not know where to deliver it and will remain in the outbox forever. On devices Android this option is often hidden deep in the menu or reset after a firmware update.
To check and change the message center number, open the standard messaging application. Click on the three dots in the corner of the screen to open the menu and select "Settings". Next, go to the "Advanced" or "SIM Card Settings" section. Here you will find the "Message Center" or "Service Center" field. For the operator LUKOIL (Tele2 core network), the number usually looks like +79220000000 or +79040000000, but the exact value depends on your region of registration of the SIM card.
If the field is empty or the number differs from the official one, fix it manually. After entering the number, be sure to click "Save" or "OK". Reboot your smartphone for the changes to take effect at the radio module level. In some shells, for example MIUI or OneUI, the path may be slightly different: Settings → Applications → Messages → SIM cards.
- 📱 Open the Messages application and go to the settings via menu.
- 🔢 Find the "Message Center" (SMSC) field in the SIM settings section.
- 💾 Enter the current center number and save the changes.
- 🔄 Reboot the device to apply the new network settings.
If you do not know the exact message center number for your region, call the operator's support service or find out from a friend with a SIM card of the same region by looking in the settings of his phone.
APN access point configuration for data transfer
Although classic text ones SMS do not require an Internet connection; modern smartphones often use hybrid protocols (RCS, Chat features), which operate exclusively through a data transmission channel. In addition, for MMS delivery and operator services to work, the access point must be correctly configured APN (Access Point Name). Without the correct APN configuration, the phone may not see the network properly.
To configure, go to the menu Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access points (APN). Click the "Add" button or the plus icon at the top of the screen. You will need to create a new entry with specific parameters. The name of the access point can be anything, for example, "Lukoil Internet", but the "APN" field must contain a strictly defined value, for example internet.tele2.ru or a regional equivalent.
Other fields, such as proxy server, port, username and password should be left blank in most cases. Set the authentication type to PAP or CHAP, and specify the APN type as default,supl,mms. After filling out all the fields, save the profile and be sure to select it as active by checking the appropriate checkbox or switch.
| Parameter | Value for setting | Required to be filled in |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Lukoil Internet | Yes (any name) |
| Access point (APN) | internet.tele2.ru | Yes (critical) |
| Proxy (Proxy) | Not specified | No |
| Port | Not specified | No |
| Authentication type | PAP or CHAP | Recommended |
What to do if there is Internet, but SMS messages are not received?
This may indicate a protocol conflict. Try temporarily turning off mobile data in the notification shade and sending a regular text message. If it goes away, the problem is in the RCS or hybrid messages settings.
Managing access rights and application permissions
In modern versions Android the security system has become much stricter. The application for sending messages must have explicit permission to work with SIM card, phone and contacts. If you recently updated the system or installed a new launcher, access rights may have been reset to default, which blocks the sending functionality.
Go to Settings → Applications → Messages. Select the "Permissions" section. Make sure that the switches next to the "SMS", "Phone" and "Contacts" items are active and highlighted. Access to the phone is especially important, since it is through it that the application reads the SIM card ID for authorization in the operator’s network.
Also check whether the "Power Saving" function is enabled for the messages application. This option can limit the background activity of the app, which is why the delivery report does not arrive, or the message itself hangs in the queue until the screen is unlocked. Set the battery mode to "Unlimited" for this application.
- 🔒 Check if you have permission to access SMS in the application settings.
- 📞 Make sure that the application is allowed to access the phone state.
- 🔋 Disable energy saving for the messaging service.
- 📲 When using third-party apps (Textra, Handcent), set them as the default application.
⚠️ Attention: If you use a third-party messaging application instead of the standard one, the system may block it from running in the background with aggressive energy-saving algorithms. Add such an application to the list of exceptions (“Do not sleep”) in the battery settings.
Resetting network settings as a method of solving problems
Sometimes a combination of small errors in the network configuration leads to the fact that simple methods do not help. In this case, the most effective solution is to completely reset the network settings. This procedure will return all mobile data, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi parameters to factory settings, removing possible conflicts in configuration files.
You can perform a reset through the menu Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings. Please note that this operation will not delete your personal files, photos or contacts, but you will have to re-enter passwords for saved Wi-Fi networks and re-pair Bluetooth devices.
After rebooting, the phone will automatically ask the operator for new settings. Wait for the service SMS with configuration parameters to arrive and accept them. This ensures that the device’s memory contains exactly those parameters that are relevant for the network LUKOIL at the current time.
☑️ Checklist before resetting the network
Diagnostics of hardware problems and SIM cards
If software methods do not produce results, the problem may lie in the physical condition of the SIM card or phone slot. Old SIM cards, especially those that have been used for more than 5-7 years, may have oxidized contacts or an outdated chip that does not work correctly with modern 4G/LTE communication standards.
Try removing the SIM card and wiping its contacts with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use alcohol or aggressive liquids. Insert the card back, making sure it fits snugly in the slot. To avoid damage to the smartphone itself, move the SIM card to another phone. If messages are not sent there either, the problem is clearly on the side of the operator or the card itself.
If a card malfunction is detected, you need to contact the operator’s communication center for a free SIM card replacement while keeping your number. The new card will support all modern encryption protocols and ensure stable operation of services.
Replacing an old SIM card with a new one with USIM support often solves problems with message delivery and the speed of registration on the network, even if visually the old card appears to be working properly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why messages go through, but not do you receive a delivery report?
The delivery report depends not only on the operator’s network, but also on the settings of your phone. Check if the "Request delivery report" option is enabled in the Messages app settings. Also, the recipient may have turned off receiving reports or his phone is out of network coverage.
Is it possible to send SMS via Wi-Fi to LUKOIL?
Wi-Fi Calling (VoWiFi) technology allows you to make calls and send SMS via the Internet, but this service must be explicitly activated by the operator and supported by your tariff plan. In your phone settings, enable the "Wi-Fi Calling" feature, if available.
What to do if you receive a "Not Delivered" error?
A "Not Delivered" error most often means that the message did not reach the processing center due to problems with the balance, an incorrect SMSC number, or temporary failures on the cell tower. Try rebooting your phone and checking your balance.
How to disable advertising in SMS from an operator?
You can disable mailings from an operator by sending a special stop word (usually "0" or "STOP") to the short number from which the message came. You can also manage advertising mailings in the operator's personal account or through the USSD command.
Does the "Flight" mode affect the SMS settings?
Yes, turning on the "Flight" mode completely disables the radio module, making sending and receiving SMS impossible. If you use this mode to save power, be sure to turn it off when you are expecting important messages or confirmation codes.