Tesco Mobile Not Receiving Texts? – Here’s How to Fix

Wondering why is Tesco mobile not receiving texts? Keep reading!

When Tesco mobile is not receiving any of the SMS sent, there could be quite a few reasons why this is happening.

In this guide, we’re going to explore how Tesco messages work and why you’re not receiving any of them.

Let’s learn more about the solution!

When Tesco mobile is not receiving text messages, we need to check our Air Time balance and make sure that our Tesco SIM card is recognised. The next step is to change the Message Centre Number and refresh our Default Messaging App.

Let’s next learn more about the reason why Tesco texts are not arriving!

Not Receiving Texts Tesco Mobile – Reasons!

Such as any other carrier, to receive SMS on Tesco mobile, there are criteria and a few requirements that must be met.

We’ve done our best to present ALL causes at your disposal to be easier for the reader to identify and later solve the problem.

Here’s what could be causing your Tesco Mobile not to receive texts:

• Tesco Account, No or Low Air Time
• Tesco SIM Card is not recognised by the device
• Incorrect Tesco Message Centre Number
• Tesco user is not using the default Messaging app
• Mobile device locked to a certain service provider

These are the reasons why your Tesco mobile device is not receiving texts and we’ve managed to discover a solution for each of the possibilities.

Let’s jump straight into the solution guide!

How To Fix When Tesco Mobile Not Receiving Texts?

The solution is simple and only takes several minutes so let’s jump right in!

Method #1 Restart Tesco Mobile

The very first step is to perform a restart on our Tesco mobile device.

It’s important, to begin with, a reboot since the reason for the SMS issue could be based on a lost connection.

When you restart your device, the Tesco SIM and cellular service will be refreshed and ready to go.

• To restart your device hold down the Power button and select Shut Down!

This method will turn OFF our system first and then by holding the power button again we’ll be able to freshly turn ON our phone.

When we’re ready we can send a text from a secondary device to our Tesco mobile to check whether the SMS will arrive.

Note: SMS takes approximately 10 seconds to arrive!

Method #2 Check Air Time Balance

Like all operators, Tesco requires Air Time for its users to be able to send texts.

In case you’re sending an SMS from a Tesco Mobile and the text is not arriving on the receiver’s end, you need to inspect the Air Time balance.

• To check the Air Time Credit left, call 282 for free, using your Tesco Mobile!

In order to inspect the status of any Tesco bundles, test “BALANCE”, without the brackets to the 2112 number to hear the remaining texts, data and minutes.

It’s all free when you’re using the Tesco mobile device so check whether you’re able to send an SMS to a receiver.

Note: The length of the SMS is what the credit required depends on!

Method #3 Reinsert Tesco SIM Card

When the Tesco SIM card is not recognised by the mobile device, you won’t be able to receive or send SMS, as well as ALL other cellular services.

This is why it’s extremely important to make sure that your Tesco SIM card is inserted properly and is recognized by the host device.

Here’s how to re-insert your Tesco SIM card into your device!

1. Using the SIM ejector tool, remove the SIM Tray.
2. Take out the Tesco SIM Card from the cardholder.
3. Ensure that the card is not damaged.
4. Embed the Tesco SIM correctly into the SIM Tray.
5. Gently push the cardholder into the Tesco Mobile.
6. Wait for the PIN Code activation prompt to appear.

It takes approximately 10 seconds after the Tesco SIM has been inserted for the PIN prompt to appear.

The default UK Tesco PIN is “5555” so only after the SIM card has been recognized, you’ll be able to insert the code. Then you can test the Tesco SMS.

Method #4 Correct Messaging Centre Number

Sometimes when the Tesco mobile not receiving text messages, we need to check whether the correct Messaging Centre Number is used.

This is just like a purgatory number where all SMS go through before reaching the receiver. When wrong, well, SMS won’t arrive!

Here’s how to set up the correct Tesco Messaging Centre Number:

1. From the Home Screen, go to Apps/Storage.
2. Select Messaging.
3. From there go to the three dots, thus Settings.
4. Beneath the SIM Settings, find the SMS Centre Number.
5. From there insert this number “+353894300000”.

When you exit the settings, we strongly recommend performing a restart on your Tesco mobile to refresh the services.

When your device is back up, you should now be able to receive text messages on your Tesco mobile.

In case the issue is still there, keep reading!

Method #5 Optimise Reception!

What comes next is how strong the coverage of your Tesco mobile reception is!

You can instantly check what’s the status of your reception by taking a look at the top-right corner of your Tesco mobile.

You’ll see the signal strength indicator which consists of up to 4 bars and when we only see 1 or 2 bars it means that our reception is weak.

The only way to improve our signal reception is to go outside or avoid attempting to receive Tesco SMS underground.

The Tesco reception is strongest in cities and populated areas while in the countryside or in the forests, the signal might not be enough to receive an SMS.

Note: The optimal reception necessary to receive a text message is at least 2 bars!

Method #6 Reset Messaging App

Sometimes the problem comes from the default Messaging application of our device or due to the fact that we don’t have one.

Your Tesco mobile might be receiving the texts but you might be looking for them in the wrong application.

How To Change Default Messaging App?

1. From the Home Screen, go to Settings.
2. Navigate to the Apps/Storage tab.
3. Tap on Choose Default Apps.
4. Select the SMS/Messaging App.
5. You can now select another Messaging app.

How To Reset the Default Messaging App?

To reset the application, you only need to Uninstall for Androids or “Offload” the app on iOS devices, which will clear the cached data.

Then, simply go into the Google Play or App Store to download the “Messages” app again and test whether the Tesco texts will now arrive.

Tip: It’s important to select the Messaging app that you’re awaiting your Tesco texts to arrive at.

Method #7 Update Tesco Mobile

The very last possibility for non-arriving Tesco messages could be that your device is running an Outdated Firmware that we need to upgrade.

Upgrading a mobile device nowadays is really simple and all we need to do is check for any pending updates. The rest happens automatically.

Simply go to the Tesco Mobile Settings > About > Firmware Update > Update!

The update shouldn’t take long but remain patient in case it continues for more than 5 minutes.

When the upgrade is over you can test whether the Tesco messages will start arriving in your default messaging app.

In case they don’t, you surely need some professional help!

Why Not Ask Tesco For Help?

It’s important to check whether your device is locked to the previous mobile provider before contacting Tesco for help.

Sometimes our phones have to be unlocked, especially when we switch from another provider to Tesco.

In case your device is not locked, contact Tesco Customer Service to report your problem and ask for a solution.

With a bit of luck, the issue could be something minor and easily resolved.

Good Luck!

Quick Recap:

Thus, Tesco mobile is not receiving texts because the SMS Centre Number is wrong, we’re out of reception or our Tesco SIM is not recognised. The solution revolves around inspecting ALL aspects of the problem as well as addressing our Default Messaging App.

Wrapping Up:

Now that we learned why is Tesco mobile not receiving texts, we’re ready to solve the problem and our messages should start arriving.

However, we’ve also learned that when the problem is persistent and we can’t solve it at home, we can always reach out for help!

Read Next: Can I Use T-Mobile Home Internet Anywhere?