suddenly, I can't receive external text messages on iPhone12 with Verizon

yamster2000

iPhone12 with fam'plan full data and text. In the last three days sometime, I've lost ability to receive external text messages, such as two-factor authentication text message from my banks and even test text from Verizon tech support (they admitted that the test texts 'failed', but couldn't tell me where the failure occurred).

I still receive texts from friends and family across the country.

I've reset my iphone network settings fully, and unblocked all blocked numbers (there were just 4 or 5).

I'm updating from 17.1.2 to 17.2.1 now per Verizon tech support suggestion (eventhough this update is not an 'automatic update', I had to force it).

Has anyone had this same issue or suggestions? (thanks in advance)

Accepted answers

yamster2000

SOLVED!

I did everything including iOS update to latest 17.2.1 , restarts, reset network (which wipes out all wifi pwrds), and more. None of it worked. Including test texts from Verizon (which tech can only tell me that they 'failed').

I tried a few things with two different live voice techs at Verizon as well.

Finally, I tried a chat based tech support (I don't know if Human or 'bot'), but what they did worked! Which is on Verizon's end, they activated "Integrated Messaging" for my phone number. The chat gave me link to click on to activate it, I clicked on it, accepted the terms of service(it was free$), and reset/restarted my phone. And that worked!

PS(I have a plan with 4 lines for my kids and my dad. I have iPhone12, my son iPhone15(new), my daugher iPhone12, my dad has XR. Nothing had changed on our account or iPhone(no updates) or living situation(or where I was, which is at home like normal), except my son got upgraded from iPhone12 to iPhone15, the day after he activated the new phone is when my phone lost external text receive ability...not sure if this had anything to do to cause my hiccup.)

Good luck All... (I hope this never happens to any of you..I was ready to go get a go-phone to use for vpn and bank account authentication.)

All comments

Verizon_Support

Ya,ster2000, thank you for reaching out for assistance. Please let us know if this continues after the update.

-Melissa

SynthpopAddict

Do a search on YouTube for "fix not getting 2FA texts" and there's someone named Trevor who put up what I thought was a very informative video "How To Fix Verification Code Not Received". Since you already unblocked your blocked numbers, am guessing you need to adjust the text settings to allow SMS (regular) texts, otherwise your phone will only get texts via iMessages which Android doesn't use, nor do the "short code" numbers.

yamster2000

SOLVED!

I tried a few things with two different live voice techs at Verizon as well.

Good luck All... (I hope this never happens to any of you..I was ready to go get a go-phone to use for vpn and bank account authentication.)

[Deleted User]

Since the OP's issue has been resolved, this topic has been closed to new replies. If you have a similar question or issue that you wish to discuss, then please feel free to start a new conversation on the most relevant board. Thanks!