How to Enable SMS on Android

Sending and receiving text messages is one of the most basic yet essential functions of any smartphone. On Android devices, this capability is provided through the SMS (Short Message Service) feature.

While SMS is usually enabled by default, there may be instances where you need to manually enable or configure it. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various methods to enable SMS on your Android device.

How to Enable SMS on Android

1. Open your device’s “Settings” app.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Apps & notifications” or “Apps.”
3. Tap on “Default apps.”
4. Then tap on “SMS app.”
5. Here, you should see a list of apps that can be set as the default for managing SMS. The current default app (in most cases Google Messages) will likely be highlighted or checked.
6. If you want to change the app, tap on the app you want to use.

Please note that depending on the model of your Android device, the wording might be slightly different.

Additionally, ensure that you have the necessary permissions granted for the SMS app. For example, if the app does not have permission to send or receive SMS, you will have to enable it.

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Go to “Apps & notifications” or “Notifications.”
3. Find and select the Messages app from the list.
4. Ensure “Show notifications” is enabled.
5. Adjust additional notification settings as desired, such as importance, sound, vibration, etc.

Many default SMS apps also support RCS (Rich Communication Services), which can add features like read receipts, typing indicators, and higher quality media sharing. Additionally, some devices may allow you to set a different default messaging app for specific contacts or conversation threads.

Important Features to Enable Along With SMS

1. Enable SMS Delivery Reports

SMS delivery reports are notifications that inform you whether your sent message has been successfully delivered to the recipient’s device. To enable this feature:

1. Open the “Messages” app.
2. Tap on your profile photo or icon, then select “Settings.”
3. Tap on “Advanced.”
4. Turn on “Delivery reports.”

2. Enable Automatic Previews for Web Links

Many messaging apps, including the default SMS app on Android, offer the ability to display previews of web links shared within conversations. To enable or disable this feature:

1. Open the “Messages” app.
2. Tap on your profile photo or icon, then select “Settings.”
3. Tap on “Automatic previews.”
4. To enable previews for all web links, turn on “Show all previews.”

3. Enabling Verified SMS (If Available)

Some Android devices and carriers offer a feature called “Verified SMS,” which helps identify and verify messages from participating businesses. To enable or disable this feature:

1. Open the “Messages” app.
2. Tap on your profile photo or icon, then select “Settings.”
3. Tap on “Verified SMS.”
4. Turn on or off the “Verify business message sender” option as desired.

Also Read: How to Enable Pop-Ups on Android

Conclusion

Process to enable SMS on your Android device is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through above given methods. By taking advantage of other features that we have mentioned, you can ensure that your text messaging experience is efficient, organized, and tailored to your preferences. If you have any other queries or suggestions, do let us know in the comments section below.