Why does my phone ask for a download of received text messages?

[billrichards]

When receiving text messages, my phone asks for me to download the message.  How do I eliminate this?

When I send a text message it is right justified rather than the normal left justified.  How do I change the format of the message?

[beyedup]

I'll try helping you out here.

Open your Messaging app

Hit menu key for the setttings

Click Settings

Scroll down to see if Auto retrieve is checked

[rrsteffe]

I have the same problem, but when I get a message that says download and hit the download button, I just get a screen that says "Downloading" and the message never shows up.

[rrsteffe]

I have the same problem. Auto-retrieve is checked.

[visionaryness]

Are you on Wi-fi when you are unable to receive texts? I found the default messaging app fails to work on wifi after the most recent software update from Verizon. I switched to the Hangouts app as my default SMS app and I've had no problems on wifi or 4G.

[kmquig]

I have the same behavior as visionaryness described on my droid razr hd.  If i'm on wifi, MMS messages show as "downloading" in the default android messaging app, but are actually hung up.  It'll remain in that state indefinitely.  But as soon as I go off wifi, the MMS shows up.