The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are known for their smooth Android experience, advanced AI features, and powerful connectivity options. However, some users have reported a troubling issue — inability to receive text messages (SMS or MMS). This can result in missed important messages, verification codes not arriving, or delays in text communication, even though calls and data may be working perfectly.
If you’re facing this issue, don’t worry. This guide explains the common causes, offers step-by-step solutions, and outlines when to contact support for further help.
Common Symptoms
- Not receiving SMS texts from contacts
- Unable to receive MMS (group messages or images)
- Receiving delayed messages
- Can send texts, but not receive them
- Verification codes (OTP) from banks or apps not arriving
- Messaging works fine in apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, but not via the default SMS app
Why Am I Not Receiving Texts on Pixel 7/7 Pro?
SIM Activation or Carrier Issues
Even if calls and mobile data are working, SMS requires proper carrier-side provisioning. If:
- You recently switched carriers
- Ported your number
- Switched from a physical SIM to eSIM
- Or use dual SIM mode
…your carrier might not have fully activated SMS services, especially for short codes and MMS.
Default Messaging App Misconfiguration
Pixel 7 uses Google Messages as the default SMS app. If the app isn’t set as default or its permissions are restricted:
- You may miss incoming messages
- RCS features (chat over data) may conflict with traditional SMS
App issues, updates, or bugs can also affect message delivery.
Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode
If Do Not Disturb (DND) or Focus Mode is enabled, text message notifications may be silenced, or the app may be restricted in the background, leading to the impression that texts are not arriving.
Network or Signal Problems
Poor mobile signal, especially indoors, can prevent SMS delivery. While mobile data may still work over 5G or Wi-Fi, SMS is often handled over the LTE or 3G network.
Temporary carrier network outages can also affect message routing.
Blocked Contacts or Spam Filters
- You may have accidentally blocked a sender
- Messages from unknown numbers or short codes may be filtered as spam
Google Messages sometimes auto-filters messages without clear notifications.
RCS/Chat Feature Conflicts
RCS (Rich Communication Services) in Google Messages enables features like read receipts and Wi-Fi messaging. However, RCS setup or syncing issues can block traditional SMS.
Common issues include:
- Messages stuck in “Connecting…” state
- Chat features failing to fall back to SMS
- Switching phones without deactivating RCS
Outdated Carrier Services or Messages App
Pixel phones rely on Carrier Services, Google Messages, and Google Play Services for proper SMS functionality. If any of these are outdated, it can lead to failures in receiving texts.
How to Fix Pixel 7 Not Receiving Text Messages
Restart Your Phone
It may sound basic, but a restart can refresh your phone’s radio signals, messaging stack, and carrier sync.
- Hold Power + Volume Up > Tap Restart
Check Signal and Network Mode
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
- Ensure your Preferred Network Type is set to LTE or 5G
- Move to an area with stronger signal if indoors
Verify SIM Activation
- Test the SIM in another phone
- Call your carrier and verify SMS and MMS are provisioned
- If using eSIM, ask for a re-provisioning update
Dual SIM users should ensure:
- SMS is enabled for the active SIM
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > SMS preferred SIM
Set Google Messages as Default
- Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > SMS App
- Select Messages
Then:
- Open Messages > Tap Profile icon > Messages settings > Chat features
- Turn Chat features off, then restart the phone
This disables RCS temporarily and ensures SMS fallback is working.
Clear App Cache
- Go to Settings > Apps > See All Apps > Messages
- Tap Storage & cache > Clear cache
- Repeat for Carrier Services and Google Play Services
This removes temporary glitches that may affect message delivery.
Update Messages and Carrier Services
- Open Google Play Store
- Search for Messages, Carrier Services, and Google Play Services
- Update each to the latest version
Outdated versions can lead to RCS sync issues and message failures.
Check Blocked Numbers and Spam Folder
- Open Google Messages
- Tap the three dots > Spam & blocked
- Unblock any legitimate contacts
- Remove numbers from the block list
Disable Do Not Disturb and Focus Mode
- Go to Settings > Sound & Vibration > Do Not Disturb
- Ensure it’s disabled or configured to allow messages
- Also check Digital Wellbeing > Focus Mode
These can delay or block message alerts silently.
Reset Network Settings
If nothing else works:
- Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
This will reset carrier settings but won’t delete personal data. You’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward.
When to Contact Support
If you’re still not receiving messages after following the above steps:
- Test your SIM card in another phone
- Ask your carrier to reset your SMS profile or reprovision services
- Try inserting a different SIM into your Pixel to isolate the issue
- If it’s only certain numbers or OTPs, the issue is likely carrier-side or related to spam filtering
If multiple SIMs and networks fail, contact Google Pixel Support. Your phone may have a modem issue or be affected by deep system bugs requiring a warranty replacement.
Conclusion
Not receiving SMS messages on your Pixel 7 or 7 Pro can be disruptive, especially when you’re waiting on important verification codes or personal messages. Fortunately, most causes are software-related or configuration-based, including:
- SIM or carrier provisioning issues
- Messaging app misconfiguration
- Conflicts with RCS/Chat features
- Network resets or updates required
By systematically updating apps, checking default settings, clearing caches, and contacting your carrier if needed, you can usually restore SMS functionality. If the issue persists despite all efforts, it’s time to contact Google or carrier support to resolve potential hardware or backend service issues.
