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Troubleshooting Texting Issues

Overview

This article provides information regarding troubleshooting texting issues (both SMS and MMS) for Republic Wireless phones.  

Please use the drop downs below for information on various troubleshooting information.

Most Common Causes
The APN settings have not been added (Phones on our 5.0 plans only)

Phones that have been used on other networks may need to have the APN settings created for Republic Wireless 5.0 network. See: Finish Setting Up Your Phone's APN Settings

The Republic Wireless App Needs to be Updated (Republic Wireless Legacy Phones only)

The Republic Wireless app may need to be updated.

Recently Transferred Number
It can take up to 72 hours for inbound messages to start working after a number transfer is complete as carrier routing is updated across other networks.
Only 7 Digits Are Being Used
We only support 10 and 11 digits when sending a message; 7 digits will fail.
Previous iPhone User
iMessage will hijack messages sent to your number. If you don't remove your old phone and number from the iMessage database, messages may not be delivered to you.
Previous Phone used the Chat features in the Messages app by Google
If your previous phone used the Chat feature in the Messages app by Google, you'll need to disable that feature on the old phone. Instructions from Google are here: How to turn Chat Features Off
Using an Unsupported Messaging App

Install the Messages app produced by Google and set it as the default messaging app. While other messaging apps may work, we'll only provide troubleshooting support for messaging using the Messages app by Google.
Note: Samsung phones on our My Choice plan must use the Messages app by Google. The native Samsung app is not compatible with our My Choice plan.

No/Poor Data Connectivity

Our phones, like all phones, need some kind of connectivity to receive a text message. We require a cell connection or WiFi access to the Internet to receive text messages. Once you are connected to cell or WiFi, you will receive your message.

Note: Phones on the Republic Refund (2.0) plans will need to disable roaming data in the Republic app to avoid its use by other apps. 

Time Change on Phone
If you have changed your time (not time zone) manually on the phone, MMS may not work.
Other Text Messaging Issues
Delayed Delivery of Messages
  • Text Messages (SMS)
    If your phone is off or not connected to any data or cell source, any messages sent to you during this time will not be received until the next time you're connected. When your phone does not have connectivity for an extended period, inbound messages may time out and fail to be delivered. The timeout period is determined by the sender's carrier.
  • Picture Messages (MMS)
    Picture messages can be delayed because they take time to upload and pass through provider networks. Some providers require us to compress or adjust media before sending or after receiving the message. Because of this, we cannot guarantee timely MMS delivery.
Messages Received Out of Order
This is common when SMS messages longer than 160 characters are sent. The sending provider breaks up the message into pieces, and many providers do not send the message number along with these pieces to allow messages to be placed back in order. Because of this, we cannot guarantee that messages will be displayed in the order they were sent.
Duplicate Messages
Duplicate messages are usually related to the quality of the cell network available at the time messages are sent. If the message is sent over WiFi and does not acknowledge receipt, the phone will then send the message over cell through our CMDA or GSM provider, even though the message did send initially. This would cause a duplicate message. This can be a result of messages being sent while you are roaming. Rebooting your phone is a good first step to try in an attempt to resolve.
Responses to a Group Message (MMS) Appear Outside of the Group
Group messages are sent as MMS. Sometimes individual responses within a group message do not appear in the group. This happens when the provider sending the message sends it as a standard SMS with no message indicator.
A Different Phone Number is Showing When Sending Text Messages
Text Messages Fail to Send and You Receive a Text Back from Yourself
This is caused by issues with the Republic Wireless app. 

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