SMS / messages app not working

[MalF-bair]

I have got the Xperia xz1 a few days ago and now even Android 9 has been installed. But I've also noticed that I cannot receive or send SMS via the messages app. Phone calls work fine at the same time.

I have seen this topic here, but I'd like to ask, which privileges this app needs exactly. How could I fix this issue with the mysterious Companion Programm, while I have Linux based PCs only?

Any other hint? 

[Qatrium]

@MalF-bair

My Messages app has the following permissions enabled: Camera, Contacts, Microphone, Phone, SMS, and Storage.

[Lori632]

Try to force restart your phone(power button+vol up until the phone vibrates).You might want to try clearing data for messages in settings-apps-all,but backup your messages before.

[MalF-bair]

Thanks! Unfortunately this did not help yet. 

[MalF-bair]

I've checke and here the messages app has the same privileges.

So I'm kind of out of options. Any idea regarding this Companion app? 

[Qatrium]

@MalF-bair

You can perform a software repair using Xperia Companion. This will do a clean installation of the latest firmware and will also wipe your internal memory. Don't forget to backup using the same Companion, but preferably without adding apps or settings to the backup.

The link above contains a detailed guide.

[MalF-bair]

As far as I can see, this is available for Windows and Mac only. So - I have Linux PCs only - I will see how I can achieve this. Do you know, what the actual problem could be? Some broken software (regarding updates / versions)? Should I file a bug somewhere?

[Jonas · Accepted solution]

Hi @MalF-bair, sorry to hear about this.

Xperia Companion is only available for Windows and Mac, however there are a few more things that you can try before trying to get a hold of another computer.

Are you able to send and receive text messages using another sms application? If you search for "sms application" in the Google Play store there should be a couple of different applications to choose from.

You can also try with a different SIM card in the device, either if you get a new one from your operator, or if you can borrow one from a friend, colleague or family member and try sending a SMS to that number, to see if it works to both send and receive.

Let us know how it goes!

[MalF-bair]

Thanks! I did not know, that I can use any SMS / messaging app! Obviously I'm quite outdated, but still ready to learn.

So I've installed a different and simple messaging-app and this one works perfectly for me.

[Jonas]

Hi again @MalF-bair, you're very welcome!

That is one of the parts that is so great about Android, that you can easily download another application that does the same thing as the pre-installed one but it may look a bit different, have some different settings that are more suited towards how you  want to use it or in your case, it works!

Let me know if there is anything I can assist you with and have a great Monday!