Unraveling the Mystery of Turning Off Sent as SMS via Server on Android
As Android technology advances, communication apps are evolving too, offering users various ways to stay connected. One feature that sometimes causes confusion is the “Sent as SMS via Server” message on Android devices. This notification can appear when messages are sent between Android devices, particularly through RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging. In this article, we will dive deep into what this notification means, why it appears, and a detailed guide to turning it off on your Android device.
What Does “Sent as SMS via Server” Mean on Android?
The “Sent as SMS via Server” notification primarily appears on Android devices when you are using Rich Communication Services (RCS) rather than traditional SMS. RCS messaging is a more advanced type of text messaging that allows for multimedia messages, group chats, and read receipts. However, in some instances, if the RCS service temporarily disconnects or is unavailable, your message may be routed as an SMS via your service provider’s server. Hence, the phrase “Sent as SMS via Server” appears as a form of transparency from your Android device, letting you know how your message was sent.
While this can be useful information for some, it might feel unnecessary or confusing to others, especially when you’re trying to keep your conversations private or avoid additional SMS charges.
Reasons to Turn Off “Sent as SMS via Server” on Android
There are several reasons why Android users may want to disable the “Sent as SMS via Server” feature:
- Clarity in Messaging: Removing this notification reduces clutter and provides a cleaner messaging experience.
- Cost Concerns: In cases where RCS fails and SMS is used instead, extra charges may apply depending on your carrier plan.
- Improved Privacy: Some users prefer not to have information about how messages were sent displayed openly.
With these reasons in mind, let’s explore how to turn off the “Sent as SMS via Server” notification on your Android device, ensuring a smooth, interruption-free messaging experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Off “Sent as SMS via Server” on Android
Disabling this notification on your Android device can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps. Remember that the exact options may vary slightly depending on the Android version and messaging app you use. Below, we will go through each method available.
1. Disable RCS in Google Messages
Since the “Sent as SMS via Server” message often appears in Google Messages, managing RCS settings within this app can help. Here’s how:
- Open the Google Messages app on your Android device.
- Tap on the three dots at the top-right corner and go to Settings.
- Navigate to Chat features (if enabled).
- Disable the Enable chat features option. This will turn off RCS messaging.
Disabling chat features will mean all your messages are now SMS or MMS, eliminating any RCS-related notifications. Note that this may remove some features like read receipts and typing indicators.
2. Clear the Cache of the Messages App
If the “Sent as SMS via Server” message continues to appear, try clearing the cache of the Messages app. This may reset the app’s functionality and resolve notification issues.
- Open Settings on your Android device.
- Go to Apps or Application Manager.
- Select Messages and tap on Storage.
- Tap on Clear Cache. Restart the app and check if the notification persists.
3. Update or Reinstall Google Messages
Sometimes, outdated versions of Google Messages might be the cause. Updating to the latest version or reinstalling the app can often resolve notification issues.
- Open the Google Play Store on your device.
- Search for Google Messages and check for any available updates.
- If an update is available, tap Update. If not, you may consider uninstalling and reinstalling the app to refresh its configuration.
4. Modify Your Carrier Settings
In some cases, the “Sent as SMS via Server” issue is related to your carrier settings. Updating or resetting these settings can often help:
- Open Settings on your Android device.
- Go to Connections or Network & Internet.
- Select Mobile Networks and look for the option to Reset Network Settings.
- Confirm the reset and restart your device.
Resetting network settings can resolve communication issues, though it will also reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. Be sure to reconnect to your Wi-Fi afterward.
Troubleshooting Tips if “Sent as SMS via Server” Still Appears
If the notification remains after following the above steps, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
Check with Your Carrier
Some carriers have unique configurations for RCS and SMS messaging that might influence this notification. Reach out to your carrier’s customer support to check if any settings need modification on their end.
Enable Airplane Mode Temporarily
Turning Airplane Mode on and off can sometimes reset network connections, potentially resolving the issue:
- Swipe down from the top of your Android screen to access the quick settings panel.
- Tap on Airplane Mode to turn it on. Wait a few seconds, then turn it off.
Consider Alternative Messaging Apps
If you continue to experience difficulties, you may want to try alternative messaging apps. Many users report fewer notification issues with third-party apps such as Signal or WhatsApp. These apps offer advanced features while avoiding certain limitations tied to RCS and SMS.
Conclusion
The “Sent as SMS via Server” message on Android can be a helpful, though occasionally frustrating, notification. By understanding why it appears and following the steps outlined above, you can effectively manage or disable this feature based on your preferences. For most users, managing RCS settings within the Google Messages app is the key to controlling this notification.
As Android technology continues to evolve, keeping an eye on updates from both your device and messaging apps is important for an optimal experience. Hopefully, this guide helps you enjoy a smoother, notification-free messaging experience on your Android device.
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by AndroidQuickGuide Team