In an age where the likes of WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Twitter and many other apps have taken over the communication realm, no one would expect that a failing SMS service would draw so much attention from smartphone users.
Users of the Google Pixel phones have been up in arms complaining that their phones can’t receive text messages. Apparently, this seems to have been around for a while, but it has just come to Google’s attention thanks to the growing number of frustrated users.
Most of those affected by this SMS bug are using the Google Pixel and Pixel XL on Verizon, but since some have not stated their carriers, it’s not possible to suggest that this is a Verizon-related issue. Also, most of the affected have already updated to the latest Android 8.0 Oreo, yet they never experienced this problem when using Nougat. Still, there is one user who says the issue was present before updating to Oreo, which further adds to uncertainties surrounding the source of the problem. In addition to Google Pixel and Pixel XL, it appears that the issue is also affecting other Verizon users on the Nexus 5X as well as Galaxy S7 running on Nougat.
While Google is still working on a fix, those affected can try rebooting their Google Pixel or Pixel XL phone, but there is no guarantee this will work. There are reports that some went through a factory reset and fixed the issue, but it was back after a few days. Interestingly, those who have their account linked to other devices such as tablets or any other Android device can still receive SMS messages on these other devices. Google, through its product forums, has responded saying that it’s looking into the matter and a fix should be out soon.
While it has been argued that the likes of WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and other instant messaging apps have already replaced SMS services, well, the latest events say otherwise. The outcry from many affected users proves that text messages aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.