Let’s cut straight to the chase. What exactly does “Service not activated on the network” mean?
“Service not activated on network” is a prompt for users that restricts their access to certain features on phones or devices (such as texting).
This restriction can be due to a user not enabling MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service).
It’s common for Android users to experience this issue due to a default setting that doesn’t enable MMS. Certain specific SIM cards or phone contracts will come with MMS disabled.
It’s also possible that there may be a problem with your APN (Access Point Name) service.
Read on below for further details on what may be causing this issue- as well as how you can fix it!
Why Do I Get The Message “Service Not Activated On Network”?
“Service not activated on Network” is not limited to issues with MMS restrictions.
It can also be a prompt indicating that your phone carrier (companies such as T-mobile, AT&T, Verizon, etc.) has limited your phone’s services and functions.
MMS can include (but isn’t limited to) sending and receiving texts, calls, and using data to access the internet through apps or browsers.
Any service provider in the U.S. has the right to remove a user’s MMS usage due to unpaid phone charges as well. This can be rectified by paying any outstanding bills/fees.
MMS restrictions can be disabled in the settings of most phones. Certain Android phones come with MMS disabled as a default to protect minors from receiving undesirable calls or texts.
However, even if you have MMS disabled on your phone or can not place normal calls, you can still always call emergency services.
However, if this problem persists, you are up to date on your payments and you have enabled MMS, it’s probably a good idea to contact your service provider.
The APN represents your service or connection to your service provider. You can view this connection represented as little bars at the top of your phone.
There are also indications of your type of internet connection that are shown with “E”, “3G”, “4G”, or “5G”.
The strength of the connection to your network can be affected by different factors such as a cellphone tower being nearby, your person being currently underground, or being in an environment surrounded by thick cement or dense forest.
The strength of your connection to your service provider’s network will affect the quality of calls and the speed at which you can send/receive texts.
What Can I Do If MMS Service Is Not Activated On The Network? How Do I Enable MMS?
In most cases, MMS is a feature you can simply enable in your phone settings.
This is a common problem that Android phone users face and can easily be fixed. Enabling MMS is different for different phones, but you should be able to follow the steps below.
To enable MMS, go to:
- Settings
- Then, Select Wireless and Network Settings
- Choose Mobile Connections or Mobile Networks
- There should be a button for you to enable MMS in this section.
If your phone settings don’t look quite like this, it may be a good idea to check the phone manual or search for MMS settings in your phone’s General settings.
Some service providers require payments so that you can use certain services such as sending texts and making calls.
For instance, to begin using the phone, you may need to buy “Calling minutes,” “Airtime,” and/or “Data.”
The prices for the services offered and the cost of accessing these will vary between different service providers.
Related Questions:
Do I have to pay for extra services such as texts or calls?
Whether you have to pay for extra services will depend on what your phone contract with your service provider.
However, most service providers in the U.S. don’t require an additional fee.
If yours doe, you should be able to start the process by inputting a specific code such as “#111*.”
What does MMS mean?
MMS (Multimedia messaging services) refers to features like calling, texting, and data usage on a phone.
Can I use MMS over WIFI?
Even if you can’t send texts or place calls over MMS, you can still receive them.
There are also apps available such as Whatsapp, Instagram, Signal, and other social media platforms that you can use in the meantime.
These apps will allow you to send messages, make calls, and even host video calls! These apps are free of charge to use, but do have the occasional ad.
Do you have to pay for connection to a service provider?
Most phones come with contracts that will give you unlimited data, calls, or texts at a fixed rate from a phone service provider.
If you do not have an active contract with your carrier, you can still receive calls and texts. However, you will have to pay a premium cost per text, call, and data used.
What’s the difference between MMS and SMS?
SMS text messages are limited to texts and only contain 160 characters.
MMS messages have the ability to include pictures, videos, website links, and GIFs- making it a potentially much more interactive medium of communication.
