Messaging and Email troubleshooting (2024)

Having problems with messaging or email can leave you out of touch, let's get it working again.

Read me first

Before choosing your situation, check the following:

  1. You have restarted your device recently. Review why it's important to Restart your device regularly.
  2. Turn off Wi-Fi to ensure you're using T-Mobile network data. If you're only having trouble when on Wi-Fi, useWi-Fi troubleshooting.
  3. Message blockingorFamily allowancesaren't preventing messaging on your end or your recipient's.
  4. Your device shows at least two signal bars. Check outSignal issues / no service troubleshooting.
  5. For picture and email issues, open a few web pages to make sure your Internet works. If not, followNo Internet.
  6. Your device has at least 15% free space.
  7. Prepaid accounts must have an account balance for text and picture messages.

Tip: For help with these steps, visit our Device tutorials page, select your device, and use the search bar to find what you're searching for.

  1. Make sure the number was entered correctly, including the country code. Use theMake an International Callpage for dialing patterns.
  2. Check that the number isn't on your device's spam list or block list. A Message blocking active error when sending a text to a specific person means their message blocking is active.
  3. Update the time and date on your device and enable auto-update.
  4. Uninstall any downloaded messaging apps.

Android devices:

  • Make sure the SMSC setting is +12063130004.
  • Clear the app cache for Email & Messaging.
  • Reset APNs to default.

Apple devices:

  • If the message is blue, review theiMessagepage.
  • If you or your contact had an iPhone and switched recently, turn off or unregister iMessage & FaceTime. Get Apple Support.
  • Check whether picture messaging is turned on in Settings > Messages > turn on MMS Messaging.
  • Reset Network Settings in Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
  1. Update your device software to the latest version.
  2. Delete all text threads. You can back these up beforehand using apps from the app store.

Picture Messaging (MMS): Test sending one small picture to one recipient.

  • MMS is limited to 10 recipients per message.
  • MMS can take longer to get to your mobile device than a text.
  • All networks restrict the size of MMS. For T-Mobile, the max sending size is 1MB, 3 MB for receiving, and under 3072 x 3072 resolution.
  • MMS may be automatically resized when sent, but may still be too large.

If available, move the SIM card to another T-Mobile device and try texting from that device to determine if it's a network or device issue.

Still need help?

If you're still experiencing the problem, call us at 1-877-746-0909. It's best if you can call from a different phone than the one you are having issues with.

Email issues

  1. For email set up, find the Email accounts step for your Device​.
  2. On a computer, check that you can send/receive anew email. If not, contact the email provider.
  3. If you use an email program, like Outlook, set it to leave emails on the server.
  4. In the app store search for the email provider's app.
    • Some providers rely on you using their app to send/receive emails and attachments.
    • If you are only having problems with a downloaded app, contact the app developer.
  5. If not using an email provider's app, find the information for your provider and make sure they match your device settings:
    • Email address
    • Incoming server address
    • Outgoing server address
    • Domain
    • User name
    • Password
    • SSL Encryption
  6. Check if you have two-step verification on the email account. If you do, follow the email provider's steps to activate email on the device or turn the feature off.
  7. Turn off any data saver, battery saving, or power-saving features or apps.

Android devices:

  1. Clear the app cache and data for the app you are using for email, usually Email, Mail, or Gmail.
  2. In device settings for Data Usage, check if data has been restricted.
  3. For Exchange accounts, check the Settings > Account > Exchange account to activate device administrator if necessary.

Apple devices:

Check the Settings > Accounts &Passwords > Fetch New Data settings for new emails to be pushed to your device.

  1. If you are using tmomail.net, make sure that the email is plain text only. HTML is not supported.
  2. Restart the device.
  3. If email is still not working, delete the email account from the device.
  4. Add the email account again, and double-check all of your settings as you enter them.
  5. If problems continue, contact your email provider for their email settings and email service troubleshooting.

Attachments download but don't open

  1. Check the attachment in your email to determine the file type.
  2. Visit the Devices page, and check Tech Specs to check the file types your device supports.
  3. Search the app store for apps that can open the file type. Third-party apps support more files.
Messaging and Email troubleshooting (2024)

FAQs

How do I troubleshoot text messages? ›

  1. Step 1: Restart your phone. ...
  2. Step 2: Check the length of your message. ...
  3. Step 3: Turn off your Wi-Fi. ...
  4. Step 4: Check if your contact can receive your messages. ...
  5. Step 5: (Android only) Check your Short Message Service Center number. ...
  6. Step 6: Delete the contact. ...
  7. Step 7: Check your Apple iMessage or Android RCS Messaging status.

Why am I so bad at responding to texts and emails? ›

It could be busyness (feeling overwhelmed with messages) or underlying anxieties that lead someone to be a bad replier,” she explains. “Sometimes it can also be about control – when we feel anxious and overwhelmed, we might try to take control of the situation i.e. 'It's up to me when I get back to someone'.

How to solve trouble sending messages? ›

To fix an Android that won't send text messages, try restarting it or checking for updates. Check if you've been blocked by the recipient, or if your carrier is having network issues. You can also try clearing the messages cache or making sure your SIM card is installed properly.

Why is there so much miscommunication via email and text? ›

Most digital miscommunication happens because we don't have access to the non-verbal cues, including tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions, that give us valuable emotional context when we're discussing in person.

How do I reset my text messages? ›

To reset Chat features:
  1. Turn on Airplane mode.
  2. Clear Storage for Android Messages and Carrier Services.
  3. Turn off Airplane mode.
  4. Restart the phone.
  5. Open Android Messages.
  6. Select Android Messages as default messenger.

What is wrong when you can't receive text messages? ›

The device may not be working correctly, the network may not be sending or receiving messages, or the app may have a bug or other malfunction. In some cases, these causes aren't easy to diagnose. For example, text messages may be delayed because the cellular network is overwhelmed with traffic.

Why do I have a hard time responding to emails? ›

The Cognitive Load. Email communication requires mental effort. Not only to process the information coming in, but in composing responses and organizing thoughts. When one has to deal with multiple emails, it can lead to cognitive overload.

Why do I get overwhelmed responding to texts? ›

This anxiety can arise from various factors, including social anxiety, past experiences of bullying, or discomfort with the lack of face-to-face interaction. Texting anxiety is a common issue that many people experience, often without realizing its impact on their daily lives and relationships.

Why are you not responding to my messages? ›

If someone isn't responding to your texts, they might just be taking time to process your message and come up with a response. Text anxiety, ADHD, or digital burnout are also possible reasons that someone might feel too overwhelmed or anxious to reply to your text right away.

Why do my text messages keep failing to send? ›

Low signal or network problems and network settings

As a result, SMS messages may fail to be sent or experience delays in delivery. Several factors contribute to low signal or network connection problems, including geographical obstacles such as tall buildings, mountains, or rural areas with sparse network coverage.

Why is text me not letting me send messages? ›

Then, check if your Textme number hasn't expired. If you receive a notification "You have reached the limits" or a security notification, that means that your texting capabilities have been temporarily paused, which is why you are unable to send messages at the moment.

Why are my messages not saying delivered? ›

Your text message may not say 'delivered' due to several reasons. The recipient's phone might be switched off or out of service range. The recipient might have blocked your number. Or, the carrier might be experiencing technical difficulties.

What can be done to prevent misunderstandings when communicating by email or text? ›

  1. 1 Choose the right channel. Before you send a text or an email, ask yourself if it is the best way to communicate your message. ...
  2. 2 Be clear and concise. ...
  3. 3 Use the right tone. ...
  4. 4 Respond promptly. ...
  5. 5 Follow up and confirm. ...
  6. 6 Be professional and courteous. ...
  7. 7 Here's what else to consider.
Aug 4, 2023

Why is it hard to communicate through email? ›

Reflect on the tone of your message. When you are communicating via email, your words are not supported by gestures, voice inflections, or other cues, so it may be easier for someone to misread your tone. For example, sarcasm and jokes are often misinterpreted and may offend your audience.

What is the biggest cause of miscommunication? ›

Lack of active listening

Active listening is crucial to effective communication, as in its absence, miscommunication is often the result. The consequences of inattentiveness. Inattentiveness, multitasking, or simply not being present during meetings can lead to missed opportunities and impact productivity.

Why are all my text messages failing? ›

If your message failed to send, it could be due to a poor network connection or a problem with your service provider. Other factors, like a full inbox or a recipient blocking your number, can also prevent your message from being delivered.

Why are my text messages not being delivered? ›

Blocked Number: The recipient may have blocked your number, which prevents your texts from being delivered. Phone Settings: The recipient's phone might be set to Do Not Disturb or has other restrictions. Service Outage: Sometimes, service providers experience outages which message delivery.

How do I fix my text messages on my Android? ›

Ways to Fix Android Not Receiving Texts
  1. Reboot Your Smartphone. Perform a simple reboot of your device by turning it off and on again. ...
  2. Check Spam & Blocked Message Folder. ...
  3. Turn On and Off Airplane Mode. ...
  4. Reset Your Network Settings. ...
  5. Disable Power Saving Mode. ...
  6. Clear Phone Storage. ...
  7. Check Blocked Number.
Aug 10, 2023

How do I manage my text message settings? ›

Change global settings
  1. Open Google Messages .
  2. Tap your profile photo or icon. Settings. Stop notifications from other apps: Tap Notifications. Turn off All "Default settings" notifications. Get notifications on your phone from Google Messages: Tap Notifications. Turn on Incoming messages.

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