Not receiving SMS / Text messages

Issue

Some users notice that SMS messages don’t appear until the phone is restarted, after which multiple delayed texts arrive at once.
This usually occurs when Google Messages RCS (“Chat features”) or Carrier Services becomes out of sync with your mobile network.

Affected devices

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (and other Galaxy phones on Android 13 / 14)

• Networks: Telstra / Amaysim / Optus MVNOs

Root cause

• RCS (Google’s “Chat features”) tries to route messages through Google’s servers instead of the carrier’s SMS system.

• After a SIM swap, new phone setup, or eSIM transfer, RCS may fail to reconnect.

• Carrier Services or Messages cache can then “hold” texts until a restart forces re-registration.

Step-by-Step Fix
1. Turn off RCS / Chat features

1. Open Google Messages.

2. Tap your profile picture → Messages settings → RCS Chats (or Chat features).

3. Toggle Off “Turn on RCS chats.”

4. Wait until the status shows “Chat features are turned off.”

2. Clear Messages and Carrier Services cache

1. Settings → Apps → Messages → Storage → Clear cache → Clear data.

2. Settings → Apps → Filter & sort → Show system apps → search ‘Carrier Services’.

3. Tap Carrier Services → Storage → Clear cache → Clear data.

💡 If Carrier Services isn’t listed, install/update it from the Google Play Store.

3. Restart your phone

Hold Power → Restart.
This forces a new carrier registration.

4. Refresh network connection

• Turn Airplane mode ON for 30 seconds, then OFF.

• Wait until your signal bars reappear.

5. Test

Send yourself a test SMS from another phone.
Messages should now appear instantly — no restart required.

If the problem returns

• Leave RCS chats OFF permanently; standard SMS/MMS is more reliable on Australian MVNO networks.

• Keep Carrier Services updated via Play Store.

• Confirm Battery → Background limits → Never sleeping apps includes Messages and Carrier Services.

Summary StepActionPurpose1Disable RCS chatsStops Google-server interference with SMS2Clear CachesResets app-level network sync3Restart DeviceRe-registers to carrier network4Toggle Airplane modeForces fresh connection

Result:
✅ Text messages now deliver instantly, without restarting the phone.