Failure to send SMS on Android smartphones with a Tele2 SIM card often occurs due to resetting the message center parameters after updating the system or changing the tariff, which requires an immediate manual check of the settings to restore communication.
Before you panic and contact a communication shop, you should try to solve the problem yourself. In most cases, the reason lies in incorrect parameters of the access point or a broken message center number. This article will help you diagnose the malfunction and return the connection to normal operating condition without extra costs and trips to the service center.
We will consider both software failures of the device itself and specific settings of the operator’s network. You will learn where important parameters are hidden that rarely change in normal mode, but are critical for the stable operation of the short message service. Follow the instructions carefully so as not to miss them.
Primary diagnosis and quick solutions
First of all, it is necessary to exclude trivial causes that are often overlooked. Perhaps your balance simply ran out of funds, or you accidentally activated airplane mode. Check the status of the SIM card in the top notification shade: the symbol of a crossed out SIM card or the absence of a signal indicates problems with registration on the network.
Sometimes a simple reboot of the device helps. This action forces the phone's modem to re-register with the operator's network and request the latest configurations. If the problem persists after turning on, try moving the SIM card to another slot if your smartphone supports two active lines.
- 📶 Make sure that Airplane mode is turned off and there is a stable network signal.
- 💰 Check the balance via the USSD command
*105#or in your personal account office. - 🔄 Reboot your smartphone to reset temporary network errors.
⚠️ Attention: If you have a dual-SIM phone, check which SIM card is selected for sending SMS by default. Often, after updates, Android resets priority to the second SIM card, which may not have a paid tariff for messages.
It is also worth paying attention to the message format. If you are trying to send a long text, it may be split into several parts or converted to MMS. Make sure that your mobile data is turned on, as it is required to send multimedia messages, even if you do not use it for surfing.
Checking the message center number (SMSC)
One of the most common technical reasons for the inability to send messages is an incorrect short message service center number. This setting tells your phone exactly where to send the text for further routing to the subscriber. If there is an error here or the number is deleted, sending will be physically impossible.
To check and change this setting, you will need to go to the settings of your messaging application. The interface may differ depending on the smartphone model (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei), but the logic remains the same. Find the section responsible for additional parameters or SIM card settings.
For operator Tele2 message center number must be set to +79220000220. In some regions or on older SIM cards, the 89220000220format may be used. It is important that the number begins with a plus if you are entering it in international format. An error in even one digit will cause messages to be stuck in the “Sending” status.
If the message center number field is inactive for editing, try temporarily removing the SIM card, reinserting it and rebooting the phone. Sometimes this unlocks the field for manual input.
The change process is as follows: open the Messages application, tap 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. Find the “Message Center” item and enter the correct number.
After saving the settings, be sure to send a test message to your number or a friend’s number. If the status changes to "Delivered", then the problem is resolved. Otherwise, it’s worth checking whether an antivirus or system firewall is blocking the application’s access to the network.
Setting up an APN access point for MMS and SMS
Although regular text SMS does not require the Internet, modern smartphones often use data channels for service signals, especially when sending MMS or long messages in RCS format. If the access point (APN) is configured incorrectly, communication with the operator’s servers may be lost.
The access point settings are located deep in the Android system menu. The path to them usually looks like this: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access points (APN). Here you will see a list of available profiles. You need to find a profile with the name Tele2 Internet or create a new one if it doesn’t exist.
| Parameter | Value for Tele2 | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Tele2 Internet | Any clear name |
| Access point (APN) | internet.tele2.ru | Must be in small letters |
| User name | (leave blank) | Do not fill in |
| Password | (leave blank) | Do not fill in |
| Authentication type | PAP or CHAP | Default |
When creating a new access point, it is important not to change other parameters that are not listed in the table above. Leave the MCC and MNC values as they are by default - they are detected automatically by your SIM card. After entering all the data, click the menu (three dots) and select “Save.”
Don't forget to activate the created profile by clicking on the circle to the left of the access point name. It should turn green or blue, depending on your Android version. After that, turn airplane mode on and off so that the phone picks up the new network settings.
☑️ Checking APN settings
Reset network settings and messaging application
If manual configuration did not help, the system may have accumulated cache errors or conflicting configurations. In this case, an effective solution would be to reset the network settings. This procedure will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairs, but will return the network settings to the factory state.
You can perform a reset through the phone settings menu. Go to section System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings. Confirm the action. After rebooting, the phone itself will ask the operator for the latest settings, which often solves the problem of “invisible” conflicts.
It is also worth clearing the data of the Messages application itself. Go to Settings → Applications → Messages → Memory and click the “Clear cache” and “Clear data” buttons. Don't be afraid, your correspondence will not be deleted if you have synchronization enabled, but the application itself will return to its out-of-the-box state.
⚠️ Attention: Before resetting your network settings, make sure that you remember the passwords for your Wi-Fi networks, as you will have to enter them again. This measure is necessary to completely clear the network protocols.
In some cases, the problem may lie in updating the messaging application itself. Try uninstalling updates for the Messages system application through the app management menu, and then check the operation. If you have a third-party application installed (for example Textra or Google Messages), try temporarily switching to the standard one.
What to do if the reset did not help?
If even a complete reset of the network settings does not return the ability to send SMS, the problem may be on the hardware side. Try inserting the SIM card into another phone. If everything works there, the problem is in your smartphone, you may need to reflash the modem or replace the antenna cable.
The impact of Android updates and locks
Modern versions of Android, especially from 11 and higher, have tightened the requirements for application permissions. Perhaps, after the next system update, the Messages application has lost the right to access SMS or phone calls. Check the permissions in the settings: Applications → Messages → Permissions.
Make sure that the switches next to the “SMS”, “Phone” and “Contacts” items are active. Without SMS access rights, the application technically cannot initiate sending. Also check if the “Traffic Saver” or “Power Saving Mode” function is enabled, which can block the background operation of network services.
Another important aspect is blocking by the operator for suspicious activity. If you have recently sent many identical messages, the security system Tele2 may temporarily limit your ability to send SMS to protect against spam. In this case, only a call to support will help.
Sometimes firmware updates change the standard set of APNs, deleting old operator profiles. In this case, the automatic setup may not work and you will have to enter the settings manually as described in the section above. Always check the official information for major system updates.
⚠️ Attention: Terms of service and technical network parameters may be changed by the operator without prior notice. If you see a sending error message, it is best to check the relevance of the settings on the operator’s official website or in the My Tele2 mobile application.
Most often, the problem is solved by checking the message center number and clearing the application cache. A network reset is required only in advanced cases of software failure.
Alternative methods of sending and final conclusions
If no settings help, and the message needs to be sent urgently, you can use alternative methods. For example, send a message via the web version of the messenger or social network if the interlocutor has the Internet. You can also use the operator’s “Send SMS from the website” service, if it is available in your region.
As a last resort, contact the nearest communication store Tele2. Employees can check the SIM card for physical damage or replace it with a new one while maintaining the number. Sometimes the SIM card chip becomes oxidized or damaged, which leads to unstable operation of all network functions.
To summarize, we can say that the problem with sending SMS on Android can be solved in 95% of cases by the user. The main thing is to act consistently: from checking the balance to a complex reset. Do not ignore simple steps like rebooting, as they save time and nerves.
Remember that stable communication depends not only on the operator, but also on the correct settings of your device. Check regularly for system updates and ensure that important system applications have the necessary access rights. This will avoid similar problems in the future.
Save a screenshot of the correct APN settings and message center number in a separate folder on your phone. This will allow you to quickly restore communication in the event of the next failure or flashing of the device.
Why are SMS sent but not delivered?
This may indicate a problem with the recipient (phone is turned off, no network) or your number is blocked by the operator due to suspicion of spam. It is also possible that the message was sent as an MMS, and the recipient's mobile data is disabled.
Can a virus block the sending of SMS?
Yes, malware can intercept control of the communication module or block the operation of standard applications. Scan your phone with an antivirus, for example, Dr.Web or Kaspersky, and remove suspicious applications.
What to do if you do not receive SMS with verification codes?
Check the “Spam” or “Blocked” folder in the messages application. Make sure that you have not added bank or service short numbers to your blacklist. Also, the problem may be on the sender's side.
Does the Android version affect the operation of SMS?
Yes, in new versions of Android (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) the rules for accessing SMS for applications have changed. Old messaging apps may not work correctly without granting special permissions.
How do I know if my SIM card is blocked?
Try calling the operator's toll-free support number. If the call does not go through or the autoinformer reports blocking, then the problem is on the operator’s side, and the phone settings have nothing to do with it.