IPHONE and Android users are reporting problems sending and receiving text messages.
On Thursday, dozens of reports came in claiming that Verizon users can’t properly use SMS.
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Downdector first reported the problems around 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
It seems that the problems were resolved last night, but started again this morning.
A whopping 64 percent of the reports pointed to issues around Verizon’s cell phone service.
Another 22 percent reported problems with their signal and connectivity.
The remaining 18 percent of reports claimed problems with their internet connection.
Hundreds of Verizon users took to Downdetector to express their frustration and concerns.
“Can’t text anyone. I’m also having a lot of issues with data,” one person wrote.
“Rhode Island can text other carriers but can’t text Verizon to Verizon. Very strange,” a second person commented.
“NYS Update – so SMS does NOT work, but if you do a “group” SMS that goes through MMS, and it does work… Not ideal…” said a third person.
“So if you’re texting someone, add yourself, creating a group that runs through MMS (at least on the Samsung Messaging app),” they added.
Some smartphone users also took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the issues.
“Verizon is having a problem with people receiving/sending text messages this morning,” one user continued Twitter.
“A good reminder NOT to count on texts for 2FA codes. There are plenty of good authentication apps out there,” they added.
Most smartphone users rely on two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, to secure their online accounts.
2FA protects your accounts by requiring an extra level of verification before you log in, such as an SMS confirmation.
However, as the Twitter user pointed out, using 2FA during times when SMS isn’t available can be a problem and keep you logged out of important services.
For this and other reasons, experts sometimes recommend that iPhone users use Apple’s built-in authenticator.
The tool was released with Apple’s iOS 15 update in September 2021.
Apple described iPhone’s 2FA on their website as “an extra layer of security” designed to “ensure that you’re the only person who can access your account, even if someone knows your password.”
The feature is useful for keeping apps that contain sensitive information (such as banking or investment data) safe, and can also help protect you from identity and phishing scams.
How to enable Apple’s authenticator
To enable Apple’s built-in authenticator, first go to Settings on your iPhone, then select Passwords.
Use Face or Touch ID to access your passwords, then tap the account you want to set up 2FA for.
It is important to note that this method of 2FA does not work with every website or app.
Then click Set Verification Code. You will see a menu with two options: Enter the installation key and scan the QR code.
If you choose Setup Key, go to the app or website page and copy the Setup Key.
Simply paste the code into your iPhone’s Settings Settings Key field, then tap OK.
If you choose the QR code option, you’ll need to look into that service/website’s settings and then scan it.
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