SMS cannot be sent from Megafon phone on Android: what to do

If SMS are not sent from your MegaFon Android phone, the message hangs in the “Sending” status or is instantly returned with a delivery error, the reason most often lies in an incorrectly specified message center (SMSC) number or a network settings failure application, and not in the complete absence of a network signal.

Before you panic and run to the communication salon, it is worth carrying out a number of independent manipulations. In most cases, the reason is trivial: a broken number SMSC, a full application cache, or a temporary failure in network registration. We will analyze a step-by-step algorithm of actions that will help restore the functionality of the short message service without wasting time and money.

Please note that modern versions of the operating system Android 10, 11, 12 and higher have their own peculiarities in working with access rights and energy saving. Sometimes the system itself blocks background processes from sending data, considering this a waste of battery power. Therefore, the approach to the solution should be comprehensive: from a simple reboot to manual editing of system parameters.

Basic diagnostics and network reboot

First of all, it is necessary to exclude a temporary software failure of the communication module. Often module GSM/LTE simply freezes and stops correctly processing outgoing data packets. The most effective way to shake up the system is to cycle airplane mode on and off. This forces the radio module to re-register at the nearest operator base station Megafon.

If switching the flight mode does not produce results, try a full reboot of the device. Do not use the “quick start” function if your smartphone has it, but turn off the power completely for 10-15 seconds. This allows you to completely de-energize the communication components and reset temporary errors in the controller's RAM.

⚠️ Attention: If after a reboot your 4G/LTE icon disappears and only 2G (E) remains, the problem may be on the operator tower side. Try moving to another place or wait 30-40 minutes.

It is also worth checking your personal account balance. The SMS sending service may be blocked if the balance is negative, even if incoming calls and messages are working. Make sure that there are sufficient funds in your account to charge outgoing messages according to your tariff plan.

Checking the settings of the message center (SMSC)

The most common technical reason why SMS is not sent is an incorrectly specified number message center. Each SIM card must “know” the address of the gateway through which it transmits text. If this number is lost (for example, after moving the SIM card to another slot or resetting the settings), the message will not go further than your phone.

For the operator Megaphone the message center number must be strictly defined. You can check and change it in the settings of the messaging application. The path may differ depending on the smartphone model, but usually it looks like this: open the application Messages, click on the three dots in the corner, select Settings, then find the item Advanced or Service messages. There will be a field Message Center or SMSC.

Make sure that the number +79260000500 or 89260000500is entered in this field. The number format may vary, but the numbers must match. If there is a different number or the field is empty, manually enter the correct address and save the changes. After that, try sending a test message.

In some shells, for example MIUI or OneUI, access to these settings may be hidden deeper. In this case, you can use the engineering menu or special codes, but this requires caution. It is best to use the standard SIM card settings interface in the section Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → SIM cards.

Clearing the cache and message application data

Over time, the application for sending messages accumulates temporary files that may conflict with new system updates or lead to sending errors. Clearing the cache is a safe procedure that will not delete your correspondence, but will clear temporary errors in the app.

To clear it, go to the smartphone settings along Settings → Applications. Find your SMS application in the list (this can be a standard one Google Messages, Samsung Messages or a third-party application). Click on it and select Storage or Memory. Here you will see two buttons: “Clear cache” and “Clear data”.

Press first Clear cache. Restart the application and check the sending. If the problem persists, you can use a more radical method - Clear data. Important: clearing data can delete the chat history if you do not have backup copy, so be careful! After this procedure, the application will return to factory settings, and you will need to re-allow access to contacts and SMS.

If you use third-party launchers or applications to block spam, make sure that they have not blocked the sending of messages by mistake. Sometimes antiviruses or memory cleaners aggressively terminate message service processes, considering them suspicious.

Changing the network type and radio module mode

Modern 4G (LTE) networks transmit the Internet perfectly, but the technology for transmitting voice calls and SMS is implemented differently in them than in old 2G/3G networks. If LTE coverage is unstable in your region or there are problems with the technology VoLTE (Voice over LTE), messages may not be sent.

Try to force the phone to work only with 2G or 3G networks. This often helps push through a stuck message. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode. Select option 3G only or 2G/3G (auto). Wait until the phone re-registers on the network and send an SMS.

Network mode	Internet speed	SMS stability	Recommendation
5G / 4G (LTE)	High	Medium (depending on VoLTE)	Main mode
3G (WCDMA)	Low	High	If SMS do not go to 4G
2G (GSM)	Very Low	Maximum	Only for emergency cases

After successfully sending the message, return the network settings to its original state (5G/4G/3G/2G (auto)) so as not to lose high-speed Internet. This manipulation helps to reset a frozen connection with a specific type of base station.

⚠️ Attention: In some regions, the operator is already turning off 2G networks. If switching to this mode results in a complete loss of connection (“No network”), immediately return to automatic network selection.

Conflicts with other applications and access rights

Starting with version Android 6.0, the system strictly controls the access rights of applications. If the messaging app does not have permission to send SMS or access the phone, it will physically not be able to perform the operation. You can check this in the section Settings → Applications → [Your application] → Permissions.

Make sure that the switches opposite the items SMS, Phone and Contact are active. Sometimes after a system update these rights are reset. It's also worth checking to see if you have a default SMS app installed. In the phone settings, find the item Default applications and make sure that the application through which you are trying to send a message is selected.

What to do if the rights are not reset?

If The access rights checkboxes are gray and cannot be clicked; the application may be disabled by the device administrator or running in “Secure Folder” mode. Try deleting and installing the application again from Google Play.

Another reason may be third-party applications for blocking calls and spam. They can intercept outgoing traffic and block it if the recipient's number is included in their database of suspicious contacts. Try temporarily disabling such apps and checking the sending.

Resetting network settings to factory settings

If none of the previous methods helped, the system may have accumulated deep network configuration errors. Resetting your network settings will return your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data settings to factory defaults. This will not delete your personal files, photos or contacts, but it will forget saved passwords for Wi-Fi and pairs of Bluetooth devices.

You can reset through the menu Settings → System → Reset settings. Select item Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings. Confirm the action. After rebooting, the phone will ask you to set up connections again. Insert the SIM card (if removed) and check the connection.

This method is especially effective if you have recently changed your phone or transferred data from an old device through apps type Smart Switch or Mi Mover. Sometimes, when migrating, old operator configurations conflict with new network profiles.

Physical problems with the SIM card and equipment

Physical wear of the SIM card cannot be ruled out. If your card Megafon is many years old, its contact pad may have oxidized or become damaged. Also, old Mini-SIM format SIM cards, cut with Nano-SIM scissors, often work unstable in modern smartphones due to a violation of the chip geometry.

Try to remove the SIM card and wipe its contacts with a soft eraser or cloth soaked in alcohol. Make sure it fits snugly in the tray. If you have a dual SIM phone, try moving the card to a different slot. Sometimes one of the slots may have problems with contact or support only a certain communication standard.

In the worst case, the problem may be in the smartphone itself - a malfunction of the antenna module or power controller. If the SIM card is definitely working (checked in another phone), and resetting the settings did not help, you may need diagnostics at a service center.

⚠️ Attention: The operator can replace the old SIM card with a new one for free or for a nominal fee in a communication store. This often solves the problem once and for all, since you receive a new chip with up-to-date security profiles.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why are SMS not sent even though the Internet is working?

The Internet (GPRS/LTE) and short message service (SMS) use different communication channels. The Internet can work stably even if the message center (SMSC) number is down or there are problems with the 2G/3G voice channel, which is often used to deliver SMS.

Can blocking a number affect sending SMS?

Yes, if you have blocked a contact, messages will not go through to him. Also, if the operator has blocked your number for debts or suspicious activity (spamming), sending will be impossible. Check the status of the number in your personal account.

What is error code 38 and how to fix it?

Error 38 usually means “No network access” or “Network unavailable.” This indicates that the phone cannot register with the operator's network. Rebooting, checking the SIM card or changing the network mode to 3G will help.

Does the Google Messages application affect the problem?

Yes, sometimes updates to the application itself contain bugs. Try uninstalling application updates (in application settings, click three dots → “Uninstall updates”) or temporarily install another SMS application from the Play Market store to check.

Do you need to change your phone if SMS do not go through?

In 90% of cases, the problem is solved programmatically (settings, SIM card, reset). Replacing the phone is required extremely rarely, only when the radio module is physically damaged, which is usually accompanied by other communication problems.