Text Messages Going to Old Phone [2023 Top Fixes]

Imagine this: you just got a new phone, you set it up, and while logging in to some apps, the OTP and text messages keep going to your old phone. This can become really annoying really quickly, as getting texts on your phone is kind of an important feature. If you are someone whose text messages are going to your old phone, then you are not alone. This problem is not that rare and happens to a lot of people. So today, we will understand why you might be facing this issue and how to fix the issue.

In this guide, you will find the top fixes if your text messages are going to your old phone. So make sure to read the entire guide.

Why Are My Text messages Going to Old Phone? Android & iOS

When it comes to the reasons why your texts are going to your old phone, there is no solid one. This is not a standard error and can have a lot of explanations. Here are some of the common reasons for this error:

Porting Error

Many times when you buy a new phone, it is usually sold by a carrier, and instead of paying a ton of processing fees, you simply switch to the carrier and get a new number or have your old one ported. While this is rare, there can be some porting error that can send messages to your old phone. So whenever you switch to a new carrier or a new number, ensure that all of the functions(including sending and receiving texts) are working nicely.

Network Error

Sometimes the network service of your carrier or the receiver’s carrier might be disrupted. This can cause a wide range of issues. When the network is disrupted, sending or receiving messages is almost impossible, and maybe that is why you might not receive texts on your new phone.

Thread Corruption

If you talk to someone regularly on texts and switch to a new smartphone all of a sudden without taking any backup, then the chat thread might get corrupted. This can cause a wide range of errors, including this one. So make sure that you don’t have any thread corruption.

Device Error

No matter how brand new a phone you get, there is always a slight chance that something might be wrong with it from the manufacturer's side. It is always a better idea to catch it sooner rather than later so that you can claim a warranty for the device and get it replaced. If your device is faulty, then it will not receive any text messages, and the text messages might go to the old phone.

Messages App Malfunctioning

Out of many reasons, this one might be the most correct. If you are using the same messaging app on both your old and new phone, then this issue can happen. If there is a problem with sync or the messaging app starts to malfunction, then your texts might go to the old phone.

Blocked Contacts

Sometimes we block some contacts and forget about them. Later, when they try to reach out to us, they can’t. So if someone is unable to send you messages, make sure that you have not blocked them in the first place.

Text Messages Going to Old Phone: Android & iPhone Fix

Enable iMessage

One of the biggest issues for Android users switching to iPhones is enabling iMessage. It is the stock messaging app for iPhone, and all the texts and sent and received via this app. If you do not enable iMessage, then you might face some issues with text messaging. Here is how to enable it:

Step 1: Tap on Settings.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap Messages.

Step 3: Turn on the toggle for iMessage. Make sure that you have entered the correct phone number just below the iMessage.

That’s it!

Restart Your Phone

There is nothing that a simple reboot can’t fix. Sometimes, there is nothing wrong with the device or the network. It is just about a simple restart of your phone. Just turn your phone off and then turn it back on. This should fix the issue for good.

Reset Network Settings

If your text messages are still going to the old phone, then you can try resetting the network settings of both of them.

If you are on iPhone, here is how to reset your network settings:

Step 1: Go to Settings.

Step 2: Tap on General.

Step 3: Scroll down and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 4: Tap on Reset.

Step 5: From the list, select Reset Network Settings.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

For Android, follow these steps. They might be a little different depending on which brand you use, but the core steps are pretty much the same:

Step 1: Go to Settings.

Step 2: Tap on System>Advanced.

Step 3: Tap Reset Options.

Step 4: Finally, tap on Reset network settings.

That’s it!

Clear Cache of Messaging App

Sometimes the cache buildup on the messaging app can also cause this error. You can clear the messaging app’s cache and see if it resolves the issue or not. Here is how to do it:

Step 1: Go to Settings.

Step 2: Tap on Apps.

Step 3: Scroll down and tap on the Messages app.

Step 4: Tap on Storage.

Step 5: Now tap on Clear cache in the bottom right corner.

That’s it!

Contact Carrier Support

If none of the above methods are working, then you should try contacting your carrier, as they have a better understanding of the issue. They will be able to tell you where your messages are going.

Contact Phone’s Customer Care

You can also try contacting customer support on your phone. If your phone is in the warranty period, then you might be able to get a free fix or replacement. Make sure you try contacting customer support.

Closing Phrase

So that was all the possible fixes for the text messages going to your old phone. The important thing is to understand the root cause of the issue. We hope this guide helps you understand and resolve the issue.