How to Fix Vodafone Error 28 Easily?

Wondering why Vodafone error 28 appears? It’s simple!

The error means that your messages are not reaching the recipient. The reason could be related to anything that can impact your cellular connection or messaging app.

Let’s learn more!

When Vodafone error code 28 appears, the first step is to check whether the recipient’s number is correct, reboot our device and re-insert the SIM card. In case that doesn’t help we need to check if we’re out of service or then focus on our Vodafone service.

Let’s next explore the possibilities behind Vodafone code 28 and how to solve the problem!

Why Does Vodafone Error Code 28 Appear?

The Vodafone code 28 appears when you’re attempting to send a message but the SMS could not reach the recipient.

The reason for the error could be coming from quite a few different factors and below we’re going to explore all of them.

Let’s jump straight in!

Here’s what could be causing error 28 on Vodafone services:

• Out of coverage!
• Wrong recipient number
• No Vodafone Data
• SIM is not recognized
• Misconfigured APN Settings
• Incorrect SMS Centre Number

As you can see there are quite a few different possibilities behind the Vodafone code 28.

Well, we’ve managed to find a solution for each of them so let’s proceed to the solution guide!

How To Fix Vodafone Error 28? – Easy Methods!

The solution for error 28, which appears when we attempt to send an SMS, revolves around inspecting ALL services.

We need to identify what’s wrong first and then use the correct approach to solve the problem in no time. Without further ado let’s jump right in!

Method #1 Reboot the Device

In case you haven’t attempted it yet, the restart should be the very first step!

In general, when we perform a restart on the Vodafone SIM-host device, we simply refresh ALL services.

That includes communication with the cellular as well as your messaging app.

Here’s how to restart almost any smart device in easy steps:

1. Close the Messaging app.
2. Hold the power button for 10 seconds.
3. Shutdown the device.
4. Wait for a few moments.
5. Turn the device back on.

You will be prompted to enter your Vodafone PIN (0000), after which you’ll need to check whether you’ve got coverage.

You need at least 2 bars to be able to send SMS.

Wrong Recipient Number?

In case error 28 continues to appear with Vodafone, then you need to inspect whether the recipient’s number is correct.

To feel most confident, simply re-write the number and test again!

In case you’re trying to purchase something via SMS message, keep in mind that error 28 appears when the number is unreachable.

In order to be as efficient as possible, attempt to send SMS only to a person, thus not an automated service.

Method #2 Reinsert Vodafone SIM

One of the most frequently used methods, when something with the Vodafone services is not working, is to reinsert the SIM card.

This is a simple operation – take the SIM out and then in.

You need to use the ejector tool or something sharp to take the SIM card tray out of the smartphone.

Then simply wait for a few moments, check whether the card embeds correctly and insert the tray back into your device. Next, simply insert the PIN code and you’re in.

Test whether you can send SMS messages without error 28 appearing!

Note: You may also test by inserting the Vodafone SIM card into another device!

Method #3 Delete Texting History

A straightforward solution recommended by Vodafone themselves is to clear the Messaging app history when error 28 starts to appear.

According to them, this is a well-known glitch that appears when users change their number or device. The solution only requires a clean-up!

Clear Texting History on iPhone:

1. Open the Messaging app.
2. Tap on Edit at the top-left corner.
3. Choose, Select Messages.
4. Tap on ALL messages to select them.
5. Lastly, hit on Delete to remove them!

Clear Texting History on Android:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap on hold on the first message.
3. When the options appear, choose More Messages.
4. From there select Delete to confirm.
5. This will clear ALL texting history.

Now with the fresh Messaging app, it’s time to re-write the recipient number with great attention and attempt to send an SMS.

In case the error continues to appear, attempt the following:

Clear Messaging app Cache!

Sometimes it’s not enough to only clear the texting history, instead, we need something more powerful.

We’re going to delete the cache data of our Messaging app and test again!

• On Android, clear the cache data from Settings > Apps/Storage > App Data > Clear
• On iOS, you can only Offload the app through Settings > Messages > Offload

Note: Any saved SMS contacts will be removed from the application permanently.

Method #4 Check Data Balance

Now that we’ve excluded more of the possibilities we should proceed by focusing on our Vodafone mobile plan and settings.

Since we’ve got no mobile data and minutes, we won’t be able to surf online, send SMS or call anyone.

To check the balance we need to either open the official website or download and install the mobile Vodafone application.

When you’re ready follow the steps below:

1. Open the Vodafone mobile app.
2. Press on Billing the dashboard.
3. You’ll be able to see your most recent bills.
4. Choose the latest bill to find any limitations.
5. Pay any dues to renew your SMS services.

Error 28 will definitely appear when we haven’t paid our dues or we’re unaware of any account suspension.

If you pay as you go, simply dial *#1345# to see your balance or 2345 to hear it.

Note: In case the app is not working for you, call 44555 to check your monthly bills!

Method #5 Adjust APN Settings

Sometimes we can’t send message with Vodafone error 28 because the APN settings (cellular networking) are to be configured properly.

However, we can easily adjust the settings manually, by following a few steps that will help set things up the right way.

To reach the APN settings go to Settings > Cellular > Data Options > Cellular Network!

When you’re there simply set the APN settings as follows:

• Name – Vodafone
• Proxy – 10.10.1.100
• Port – 9401
• APN – portalnmms

You should leave all else blank and make sure to save the settings before you exit. When you’re ready you’ll be able to send an SMS without Vodafone code 28 appearing.

In case the issue is still there, let’s proceed to the final and most powerful method!

Method #6 Set the Correct SMS Centre Number

When you keep seeing error 28 when you attempt to send Vodafone messages, perhaps the Message Centre number is incorrect.

Luckily, you can easily set the SMS Centre number manually through your Messaging application’s settings.

Let’s learn more!

Set Messaging Centre Number on Android:

1. Wake up your phone.
2. Open the Messaging App.
3. Go to the Settings.
4. Select SMS Centre.
5. Insert the key “35387699989” in the field.
6. Hit OK,to save the change.

Set Messaging Centre Number on iPhone:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Select the Keypad.
3. Call **5005*7672*#

It’s essential to set the correct SMS Centre Number since this ensures that your text will reach the recipient.

Without the correct key, it’s highly likely that you’ll end up seeing “Error 28” with the Vodafone mobile service. When you’re ready, check whether you can now send messages!

Note: Any other smart device, should follow the above steps as per their operating system!

Issue Still There?

In case error 28 starts to appear after you’ve changed your mobile device or just activated your Vodafone SIM, you need to wait for 24 hours.

This is the activation period, during which most of the services will not be active. Otherwise, find more help at Vodafone Help and Support.

Quick Recap:

Thus, to fix when Vodafone error code 28 appears, we need to check whether we’ve got coverage and if the recipient’s number is correct. In case that doesn’t help we need to refresh the messaging app and set the correct SMS centre number in the settings.

Read Next: Vodafone No Service on iPhone? – Fixed

Final Thoughts:

Now that we’ve learned why Vodafone error 28 appears when we attempt to send an SMS, we’re not ready to reach out to the recipient.

The methods above made sure to tackle each and every possibility so if followed in order, the problem should be gone by now!

We hope that this guide was helpful and to discover more relevant content check our blog!