How to fix a Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro 2019 smartphone that cannot send or receive text messages (SMS)

Network problems, account issues, incorrect settings, faulty updates and software glitches are factors that can be deemed among the underlying causes of network-related issues including messaging failure in Android devices. That said, looking into each of these aspects is imperative when troubleshooting relevant issues. Highlighted in this context are generic solutions and suggested workarounds that can be used when dealing with a relevant issue on the new Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro (2018) smartphone, in which the device is unable to send or receive SMS or text messages. Feel free to refer to this walkthrough, when needed.


How to troubleshoot Galaxy J2 Pro 2018 that can’t send / receive text messages

Before you start performing any troubleshooting procedures, check and ensure that your device is getting a good signal, at least 1 stable signal bar will do. If your device is experiencing intermittent signal or signal drops, then you will need to deal with network problems or signal issues first. Once you’ve got that fixed, network functions should be up and working properly again.

If you can receive text (SMS) messages but cannot send, then verify and ensure that your account is in good standing. Some carriers would impose a soft disconnection or temporarily disables outgoing services including texting and calling functions for accounts with unsettled issues. To rule this out, call your service provider to verify your account status and if necessary, settle any account-related issues that needs to be dealt with.

And to make sure that the problem is not isolated to the messaging app you’re using, try to send SMS or text messages using other alternative messaging apps. If you’re using the stock app, then switch to third-party messaging app or vice versa.

First solution: Quit the messaging app then restart.

If this is just the first time you encounter problem sending or receiving SMS without any network problems or signal issues on your device, then most likely it’s just a random issue transpiring on the messaging app you are using. To rule this out, you can quit the app, restart your phone and then retry sending or receiving SMS messages. Here’s how:

  1. Navigate to Apps from the Home screen.
  2. Drag the screen to the left to access more Apps.
  3. Tap on Smart Manager icon.
  4. Tap RAM from the given options.
  5. Tap End All at the bottom of the screen to close all background apps including the Messaging app.

Restart your phone to refresh apps and phone system and then launch the Messaging app again to see if it is already working properly.

Second solution: Clear app cache and data.

Temporary files that are cached on the messaging app’s memory can become corrupted at some point and when this happens, functions of the app are likely affected. This is when your messaging app would start to act weird and adverse symptoms occur. To make sure this isn’t what caused you trouble sending or receiving text messages on your Galaxy J2 Pro 2018, clearing cache and data from the messaging app can help. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Tap Apps from the Home screen.
  2. Navigate to Settings-> Apps menu or Settings-> Apps & Notifications-> App info, for devices running on Oreo operating system.
  3. Tap Messaging (or the name of messaging app in use).
  4. Tap Storage.
  5. Tap Clear Cache. This will wipe cached files from the Messaging app.
  6. If you want to clear data stored on the app like logins, saved games, and other Messaging data, tap Clear Data too.
  7. Tap OK to confirm.

Restart your device (soft reset) when the cache clearing is done to refresh the system and apps as well.

Third solution: Delete old and unwanted messages from your inbox.

Accumulated old messages in your inbox not only used up memory space but can also inflict troubles to messaging and other phone functions especially when they get corrupted. The same thing can happen if any of these messages embeds some malware. To rule this out, delete all old, unused and unsolicited messages and/or message threads from your inbox.

To delete certain messages in a conversation with some contact, open the Messaging app, then find and open the conversation you want to delete the message from. Scroll up to and locate the text you want to remove from the message thread. Long press on the selected message until the Message options appear. Then, tap the option to Delete message.

The selected message will then be removed from the message thread or conversation history.

To delete multiple messages thread or conversation, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Messaging app.
  2. Tap the Menu button to open the quick settings menu.
  3. Select Delete threads option.
  4. Mark all unused threads you want to delete or tap Select All.
  5. Tap the Delete button to confirm.

You can also set your device to automatically delete all messages when the maximum number of messages is reached. This option can be accessed through the Messaging app settings menu. Just locate and select the option to Delete old messages.

Restart your device when you’re done making changes to the message settings then try to see if that fixed the problem.

Fourth solution: Remove and reinstall the SIM card.

If you cannot send or receive text messages and that you’re getting error messages or codes pertaining to the SIM card or network, try to remove and reinstall the SIM card on your device. Aside from reseating the SIM card, it will also allow you to check for any visible signs of damage on the SIM card itself. It’s also an alternative way to refresh network functions of your device. Here’s how to remove and reinstall SIM card on your Galaxy J2 Pro (2018) smartphone:

  1. Power off your phone.
  2. With your phone turned off, remove the back cover.
  3. Then remove the battery.
  4. Pull the SIM card out.
  5. Check the SIM card for any visible signs of damage.
  6. If everything looks good, place the SIM card into the SIM card slot with the gold-colored contacts facing downwards.
  7. Insert the primary SIM card into the SIM card slot 1 and the secondary SIM card into the SIM card slot 2.
  8. Place the battery back in and then put the back cover.

When everything is put back in place, you can turn your phone back on. Wait until it’s booted up completely and then try to create and send a test SMS to see if it’s already working as intended.

Fifth solution: Reset APN settings on your Galaxy J2 Pro (2018).

Incorrect network selection can lead to network-related problems including failure to send text messages. You might have configured your network settings and mistakenly modified network options. As a result, incorrect operator/SIM service have been applied. To rule this out from the probable cause, you may try to reset the access point names or APN settings on your Galaxy J2 Pro (2018) to default values. Here’s how:

  1. Navigate to Settings-> Connections menu.
  2. Tap More networks.
  3. Tap Mobile networks.
  4. Select Access Point Names.
  5. Tap the Menu key.
  6. Then tap the Reset to default button.

To verify and ensure that you are using the correct APN settings on your device, contact your network service provider or carrier for more information.

Seek more help

If you suspect that the problem is attributed to a damaged SIM card like when you see any visible indications of possible damage to the SIM card like scratches or dents, then the problem is likely due to a bad SIM card. You may contact your carrier or network service provider to request a new SIM card replacement or other recommendations. It is recommended to contact your carrier before replacing the SIM card to make sure all your services are activated on the new SIM card. Carrier settings might also have to be updated.

Don’t forget to avail for warranties if your device is still eligible for either repair or unit replacement warranty.

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