What to Do If I Cannot Send a Message on My OPPO Phone
The exclamation point icon appearing each time you send a text message signifies that the message has not been successfully delivered yet. This problem can arise from several factors, including network problems or a lack of credits. To resolve this, tap the icon to try resending the message. If the issue continues, verify your device's credits or check for any network connectivity problems with your service provider. For more troubleshooting steps, continue reading below.
Note: Check your phone's ColorOS version in [Settings] > [About Phone] / [About Device].
How to Fix Unable to Send SMS Error on Your OPPO Phone
1. Check Credits on Your Phone
Make sure your device has sufficient credits to send SMS messages. Check with your carrier provider for instructions on how to verify your phone's credits.
2. Turn Airplane Mode On and Off
Airplane mode is a setting on your OPPO phone that removes its wireless communication abilities, theoretically making it approved for use on aircraft or where wireless functions are forbidden.
Go to [Settings] and toggle [Airplane Mode] to enable. In some OPPO devices, go to [Settings] > [Connection & sharing] and toggle [Airplane mode] to turn on/off.
Alternatively, Swipe down from the top of your screen to open Control Center, then tap on the
[Airplane Mode] icon.
3. Restart the Phone
Press and hold down the Power button for a few seconds and swipe to the [Restart] option to restart your OPPO smartphone. For more details, see How to Restart My OPPO Phone.
4. Remove the SIM Card and Re-insert It
Before removing the SIM card, please make sure to turn off your OPPO phone first. Then, using the ejector tool that comes in the box, locate the SIM card slot and remove and re-insert the SIM.
5. Clear the Data of the Messages App
For ColorOS 12 to ColorOS 16 and above: Go to [Settings] > [Apps] > [App management] > [Messages] > [Storage Usage] > [Clear Data].
For ColorOS 7.0 to ColorOS 11: Go to [Settings] > [App Management] > [App List] > tap the [2-dots] icon in the upper right corner > [Show System] > [Messages] > [Storage Usage] > [Clear Data].
6. Check SMSC or Message Center Number
Check the settings if the SMSC numbers are set incorrectly. If you are unsure of the SMSC or Message Center number, please get in touch with your operator.
For ColorOS 11 and above: Open the [Messages] app > tap the [Profile icon] on the upper-right corner, select [Messages Settings] > [Advanced] > [SMSC].
For ColorOS 7.0 to ColorOS 7.2: Open [Messages] app > tap the [two-dots] icon on the top right > [Settings] > [More settings] / [Advanced Settings] > [Message center].
Note: The Message Center is responsible for sending the SMS messages from your device. Messages won't be delivered if the SMS service center number is wrong. Please get in touch with your carrier for the correct number.
7. Reset APN Settings
Resetting the APN settings forces the device to re-read the information from the mobile network and your SIM card.
For ColorOS 12 to ColorOS 15 and above: Go to [Settings] > [Mobile Network] > tap the SIM card > [Access point names] > tap the [three-dots] icon on the top right > [Reset Access Points].
For ColorOS 7.0 to ColorOS 11: Go to [Settings] > [SIM card & mobile data] > tap the SIM card > [Access point names] > tap the [two-dots] icon on the top right > [Reset Access Points].
8. Uninstall Any Third-Party App
Uninstall the third-party app you have installed recently, especially if you get an error or the messages app keeps crashing since installing the third-party app.
Go to your OPPO smartphone's [Settings] > [App management] > [App list] > look for the third-party application you want to uninstall, then tap it > [Uninstall] > then tap on [Ok] to finalize the process.
Alternatively, go to your OPPO smartphones home screen, then tap and hold on the third-party application you want to uninstall > [App info] > select [Uninstall] and choose if you want to keep its stored data, and then tap [Ok] once you're done.
9. Check for a Software Update
Go to [Settings] > [Software Update] / [System Update] / [About Device] to check for and update your phone's software to the latest version.
10. Reset to System Settings
This option will reset all system settings without deleting any data or media files. There may be different terms for 'Reset to Factory Settings' like 'Erase all data (factory reset)' or 'Factory data reset' but they mean the same. See How to Factory Reset Your OPPO Phone.
Note: This option is available for devices ColorOS 3.2 and above.
If the abovementioned steps do not fix your concern, prepare your warranty card and contact your nearest OPPO Customer Service. You can also contact OPPO Support so we can help and assist you further with your concern. Depending on your region, you may check if you need to book an appointment before visiting your local Service Center.
* Pictures, settings, and paths might differ from those of your phone, but these won't affect the description in this article.