What Does 'Sent as SMS via Server' Mean on Android, and How Do You Fix It? (2024)

Turn on SMS delivery reports, clear the Messages app cache, or turn off RCS chats

Published on September 5, 2023

There’s no need to be concerned if you see ‘Sent as SMS via server’ beside the text messages you sent. This article explains what ‘Sent as SMS via server’ means on Android, what causes it, and what you can do to get rid of it.

Causes of ‘Sent as SMS via Server’ Message

You’ll sometimes see ‘Sent as SMS via server’ when you send a message using Google Android’s RCS (Rich Communication Services) protocol. Traditional SMS texts are sent directly from one device to another via cellular networks. RCS messages go through a server, which acts as a switchboard between different mobile networks and SMS gateways to deliver messages as quickly and efficiently as possible.

RCS allows sending messages that include multimedia (such as images and videos) to many recipients over Wi-Fi. The downsides of RCS are it only works for Android devices and requires an internet connection.

When you send an RCS message to a device that doesn’t support it, the message will be sent as an SMS instead, and you’ll see ‘Sent as SMS via server.’ Think of it like the status notifications you’re used to seeing next to SMS messages, such as ‘Sent’ or ‘Failed.’

Text messages that can’t be delivered as RCS are automatically sent as SMS, and any multimedia is converted to MMS. You may see ‘Sent as SMS via server’ in the following cases:

  • The recipient has an iPhone.
  • The recipient has an older Android or a non-smartphone.
  • The recipient has RCS chats turned off.
  • The recipient isn’t connected to the internet.

How to Turn Off the ‘Sent as SMS via Server’ Message

‘Sent as SMS via Server’ is not an error message, so fixing it is unnecessary. However, you can revert to regular delivery notifications if you don’t want to see it.

Regardless of the manufacturer, these fixes will work for all Android devices, but the menu options may differ slightly depending on your phone.

  1. Turn on SMS delivery reports. In the Messages, tap your profile icon in the upper-right corner, then go to Settings > Advanced > Get SMS delivery reports to turn it on. You should stop getting ‘Sent as SMS via server’ and start seeing ‘Sent,’ ‘Delivered,’ or ‘Failed.’

  2. Clear the Message app cache. There's an off chance that your phone can't send RCS messages due to a temporary bug. Clearing your device cache can resolve such issues.

  3. Turn off RCS chats. In the Message app, go to Settings > RCS chats > Turn on RCS chats to turn it off. Turning off RCS chats means that your messages are not end-to-end encrypted, and sending multimedia messages will consume more mobile data. Therefore, it's not recommended.

    If you don't see RCS chats in Settings, first tap Chat Features.

  4. Turn on RCS chats. On the other hand, if both you and the recipient(s) turn on RCS chats, no one has to worry about seeing ‘Sent as SMS via server.’

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What Does 'Sent as SMS via Server' Mean on Android, and How Do You Fix It? (2024)

FAQs

What Does 'Sent as SMS via Server' Mean on Android, and How Do You Fix It? ›

If you receive a text where the “delivered” notice usually appears that says “sent SMS via server” or “sent as an SMS via server,” this means that the message was crafted using a device other than a mobile phone. In this case, a “server” refers to a computer, laptop, or tablet with wifi access.

Why does my text say sent SMS via server? ›

When you send an SMS to someone using a different mobile carrier network, your message passes through multiple servers and gateways to reach its destination. Server systems facilitate this process, which explains the "Sent as SMS via Server" status.

How to get rid of sent as SMS via server? ›

Clear the Messages app cache

A possible fix, suggested by a few online forums, involves clearing the Messages app cache. Open 'Settings' and then 'Storage'. Navigate to the Messages app and tap 'Clear Cache' or 'Cleanup'. You could also try a general cleanup on your Android device too.

Does sent as SMS via server mean I'm blocked on Android? ›

If you consistently see the "sent as SMS via server" message when messaging a particular contact, there is a possibility that they have blocked your number. In such cases, your messages will be redirected through a server, preventing them from reaching the recipient.

Why is SMS not sending on Android? ›

To fix an Android that won't send text messages, try restarting it or checking for updates. Check if you've been blocked by the recipient, or if your carrier is having network issues. You can also try clearing the messages cache or making sure your SIM card is installed properly.

Does sent as SMS mean blocked? ›

No, “sent as a text message” does not mean your number is blocked. If your number is blocked and you attempt to send an iMessage to the recipient who blocked you, the blue bubble will still appear and it will look like your message actually was sent (although it won't show a “Delivered” confirmation).

Why does my text say SMS and not delivered? ›

If your message failed to send, it could be due to a poor network connection or a problem with your service provider. Other factors, like a full inbox or a recipient blocking your number, can also prevent your message from being delivered.

How do I turn off SMS messaging on Android? ›

Tap the profile icon on the right side of the search bar. Go to Messages settings > Chat features. Switch the Enable chat features toggle off.

Can I delete a sent SMS? ›

In most cases, you can't unsend a text message you've already sent on your Android.

What is via SMS code? ›

SMS codes, or Short Message Service codes, are short sequences of alphanumeric characters used for various purposes in modern communication and marketing. These codes are typically sent via text messages and serve as a quick and convenient way to convey information, participate in promotions, or engage with a service.

How do you know if someone blocked you from sending SMS? ›

SMS messages that aren't delivered usually say “Message Not Delivered” underneath the green bubble. A sudden switch from blue to green could simply mean a user has their phone in airplane mode or switched to an Android device. However, when combined with other signs, it could be an indicator you've been blocked.

What happens if you send an SMS to someone who blocked you? ›

If you text someone who blocked you, they won't receive your text. In most cases, you won't see anything special on your end—no notifications that you've been blocked, and the message won't fail. The text will look like it went through, but the person you're texting won't know you've texted them.

How do I know if my Android phone is blocked by SMS? ›

How can you tell if someone has blocked you on an Android Phone?
  1. When your calls go straight to voicemail. ...
  2. Your Text Messages are not being delivered. ...
  3. Delete their number and search in your contacts list. ...
  4. Call using another phone number or a hidden number. ...
  5. Using Social Media.

Why is my Android not receiving SMS messages? ›

Causes of Delayed or Missing Texts on Android

Text messaging has three components: the devices, the app, and the network. These components have multiple points of failure. The device may not be working correctly, the network may not be sending or receiving messages, or the app may have a bug or other malfunction.

How do I enable SMS on my Android? ›

Steps to activate SMS on android

Access Settings: Look for the settings option within the messaging app. It is typically represented by three dots or lines on the top right corner of the screen. Click on it to access the settings menu. Enable SMS: Within the settings menu, look for the option to enable SMS.

Why are my text messages being sent as SMS messages? ›

This might happen for various reasons, such as when the recipient's device or network doesn't fully support RCS, or when there's a need to ensure message delivery and prevent delays.

What is SMS notification server? ›

What is an SMS notification service? An SMS notification service is a platform that lets you send text messages to your customers instantly. Depending on the customer's mobile device settings, they'll receive this SMS text message notification on their cell phone's messaging app, lock screen, or home screen.

What is the meaning of via SMS? ›

SMS (Short Message Service), commonly referred to as "text messaging," is a service for sending short messages of up to 160 characters (224 character limit if using a 5-bit mode) to mobile devices, including cellular phones and smartphones. An error occurred.

What is the meaning of SMS in Android? ›

SMS stands for Short Message Service and is commonly known as texting. It's a way to send text-only messages of up to 160 characters between phones. Play video.

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