Text Message Errors: 20+ SMS Error Codes to Be Aware Of

Text message errors: Common SMS error codes and how to fix them

Explore the common text message error codes and their meanings in our latest article. We provide essential insights into diagnosing and resolving texting issues to ensure effective and uninterrupted communication.

Cezarina Dinu • April 17, 2024

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Text messages play a key role in facilitating both business and personal communication. However, the reliance on texting also comes with its set of challenges, notably text message errors, which can significantly hinder communication effectiveness.

These errors not only disrupt the flow of information but can also adversely affect user experience, potentially leading to misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and diminished trust.

Therefore, understanding the nature of SMS errors and how they impact communication is important for maintaining the integrity and reliability of our interactions.

What are text message errors?

A text message error is a problem in the SMS delivery process, typically indicated by a failure to send or deliver a message as intended.

When a text message fails, the sender often receives an error code, which identifies the specific issue that prevented the message from reaching its destination. These error codes are important for diagnosing the underlying problem.

Many providers maintain unique error codes for various messaging issues, yet the most commonly used text message error codes are standardized and recognized globally.

Types of text message errors

The following text message error codes typically represent generic issues that can occur in SMS messaging processes. These codes are generally standardized across different SMS gateways and APIs to a certain extent, ensuring a common understanding of basic SMS issues across platforms.

While the basic types of text message errors are standardized (invalid destination, spam detected, etc.), the exact definitions, numerical designations, and responses to these errors can vary by provider. Each SMS provider might:

Choose to define error conditions slightly differently based on their infrastructure or interpretation.
Offer different levels of detail in their error reporting.
Provide different mechanisms for handling or resolving these errors.

Although text message error codes can vary by SMS service provider and carrier, we’ve put together a generalized list of common text message error codes categorized by type:

Delivery errors

006 or 61 (Message Expired)
20 (Network Error)
80 (Destination Temporarily Unavailable)

Validation errors

10 (Invalid Message)
40 (Invalid Source Number)
50 (Invalid Destination Number)

Permanent delivery barriers

70 (Destination Permanently Unavailable)

Technical errors

300 (Invalid Destination)
301 (Network Timeout)
302 (Routing Error)

Format errors

400 (Invalid Number Format)
401 (Encoding Error)
402 (Empty Message)

Compliance errors

30 (Spam Detected)
500 (Unauthorized Sender ID)
501 (Spam Detected)
502 (Opt-Out Violation)

Carrier errors

600 (Carrier Rejection)
601 (Content Blocked)
602 (Carrier Network Issue)

These text message error codes provide specific feedback regarding the nature of the issue encountered during the SMS transmission process. This helps diagnose issues effectively.

Please keep in mind that for precise definitions and additional codes, you should refer to the documentation provided by your specific SMS gateway or service provider.

Text messages error codes

It’s important to understand that not all text messages sent will successfully reach their intended recipients. In cases where a message fails to deliver, you will receive a delivery report detailing the reason for the failure.

Similar to instances of delayed messages, there are various factors that can cause a message to fail. Each cause is associated with a specific error code. Here are some of the most common text message error codes and what they typically indicate:

Error Code	Description	Explanation
006 or 61	Message Expired	The message was not delivered within the allowed time frame, often due to recipient’s phone being off or out of service area for too long.
10	Invalid Message	The content of the SMS does not meet the format or content requirements, possibly due to unsupported characters or incorrect encoding.
20	Network Error	There was a failure in the network, preventing the message from being delivered. This could be due to congestion or a disruption in service.
30	Spam Detected	The message was flagged as spam by the network or recipient’s carrier, possibly due to the nature of the content or frequency of sending.
40	Invalid Source Number	The sender’s number is incorrect, not recognized, or not allowed to send messages.
50	Invalid Destination Number	The recipient’s number is incorrect, inactive, or blocked, preventing delivery.
70	Destination Permanently Unavailable	The destination number has been permanently deactivated or is no longer in service.
80	Destination Temporarily Unavailable	The recipient’s device may be temporarily unreachable, such as being switched off or out of coverage area.
300	Invalid Destination	The destination number is blocked or deactivated.
301	Network Timeout	The SMS did not reach the recipient due to a network timeout.
302	Routing Error	The message could not be routed to the specified number.
400	Invalid Number Format	The phone number is formatted incorrectly.
401	Encoding Error	The SMS contains characters that are not supported by the network or recipient’s device.
402	Empty Message	The SMS does not contain any text.
500	Unauthorized Sender ID	The sender ID used is not approved for use in the destination country or network.
501	Spam Detected	The message content violates anti-spam regulations.
502	Opt-Out Violation	Sending SMS to a number that has opted out of receiving messages.
600	Carrier Rejection	The carrier has blocked the message based on content or sender policies.
601	Content Blocked	Specific message content has been flagged and blocked by the carrier.
602	Carrier Network Issue	An issue on the carrier’s network prevented message delivery.

How to stay safe from fake text message errors

Identifying a fake error text message, especially in the context of phishing or scam attempts, is essential when it comes to protecting your personal information and computer system.

Here’s a quick guide on how to spot a fake error text message and what to look for:

1. Check the source

Legitimate origin: If an error text message from a suspicious sender includes links for more information, it could be a scam. Always make sure links are legitimate before clicking, especially if they claim to be from your provider.

2. Analyze the content

Spelling and grammar: Legitimate messages will rarely have spelling or grammatical errors. Fake messages often contain such mistakes.
Urgency and threats: A fake error message text may create a sense of urgency or threaten dire consequences if not addressed immediately, such as data loss or legal action.

3. Review the instructions

CTA: Be suspicious of text message errors that instruct you to download software, click on a link, or provide personal information.
Contact information: Legitimate error message texts rarely provide phone numbers. Scammers often include a support number to trick you into contacting them.

4. Use mobile security software

Scanning: Use reputable mobile antivirus and anti-malware software to scan your system if you suspect that the error text message might be part of a phishing attempt or malware attack.

5. Check the error online

Search the error: Look up the error message text online to see if other users have reported similar issues or if the manufacturer has noted it as a known issue or scam.

6. Seek professional advice

IT Support: If you’re unsure whether an error text message is legitimate, contact your IT department (if you received the text on your work number) or a professional tech support service for advice.

How to fix text message errors?

To fix text message errors, start by visiting your service provider’s website to understand their text message limitations. If necessary, contact them to confirm your phone number or obtain a new one. Ensure that your message format is compatible with the recipient’s phone.

If you frequently encounter these issues, you might want to consider reforming your messages by inserting spaces between letters and avoiding the use of long words or special symbols.

For specific text message error codes like ”61″ that require reporting, reach out to your service provider with accurate information to assist in troubleshooting.

Conclusion

By familiarizing yourself with common error codes and their meanings, you can quickly identify and resolve issues that may prevent your messages from reaching their intended recipients.

Whether it involves adjusting message content, verifying phone numbers, or contacting your service provider for specific errors, taking proactive steps to troubleshoot and fix text message errors will help maintain seamless communication flows.

Ultimately, staying informed about potential SMS pitfalls and knowing how to handle them effectively is essential for both businesses and individuals relying on this communication tool.