How to Change SMSC Number on Your Mobile? Step-by-Step Guide

In an era where we have apps for just anything and everything, SMS still holds that special meaning. There are instances in your daily life where communication occurs only via text messages, such as notifications for banking transactions. But what if suddenly your mobile device stops sending or receiving SMS messages despite having network coverage and an active SIM? A wrong or misconfigured SMSC number could be the reason, and it’s important to learn how to change the SMSC number on your mobile device. 

In this post, we will explain what an SMSC number is and how you can change it on your Android and iOS phones. Let’s get started! 

What is an SMSC Number? 

SMSC stands for Short Message Service Center, which is responsible for handling SMS messages and ensuring they reach their right destination. An SMSC number is an identifier for an SMSC on a network. Often, an SMSC number is also termed an SMSC Address, SMS Center Number, or Message Center Number. 

An SMSC number looks like a regular phone number, for example: +1234567980. However, this number cannot be used directly for calling or texting. To put it simply, it is neither your phone number nor the number of the person you are texting. It identifies the SMS service center that handles your messages.  SMSC numbers are typically provided by your mobile network operators, depending on your location and carrier. 

Example of SMSC Number

Here’s an example to understand the format of an SMSC number:

Imagine your friend’s carrier is “Carrier A” in India. Their SMSC number might look like +919876543210, where +91 is the India country code, 987 is the Carrier A identifier, and the rest is a unique identifier for their SMSC.

Why Would You Need to Change Your SMSC Number? 

Typically, a mobile user doesn’t need to know or change the SMSC number. However, at times, it becomes essential to change your mobile device’s SMSC number. Some of the most common reasons are:

Not Able to Send/Receive SMS

You type in the text and hit the send button, but the message remains undelivered. Similarly, you are unable to receive messages from other mobile phone users. Probably, you recently switched your phone or SIM cards, which is why you can’t send or receive texts. In such situations, changing the SMSC number could resolve the issue. 

Optimize Message Delivery

You are a frequent traveler switching between different regions and network operators and experience delays in receiving and sending messages. Altering the SMSC number to a more geographically relevant one might help in optimizing the speed and reliability of SMS message delivery in some instances. 

Switching Carriers

Often mobile phone users change their carriers to avail new plans, offers, and features. However, when a user shifts to a different carrier but the mobile device still uses the old SMSC number, then they might need to update it to ensure smooth delivery of SMS messages. This is because, during the transition, the SIM card changes but the mobile device still holds the old SMSC number. The mismatch in the SMSC number disrupts the routing and delivery of SMS messages. 

International Travel

International roaming charges are often high and can add an unexpected burden to your pocket. Besides calling, SMS messaging is one area that international travelers use for communicating with their friends and family. When you are roaming, your mobile device might be connected to a local SMSC, resulting in higher charges for SMS messages. In such situations, you can update it to your home carrier’s SMSC number to prevent higher charges. 

Troubleshooting SMS Issues

For any other types of SMS-related issues, MNOs or device manufacturers may recommend changing the SMSC number. 

How to Check Your Current SMSC Number?

There are different ways to check your current SMSC number, and that depends on your phone, operating system, SIM Card, and mobile operator.

Where to Check SMSC Number on Android?

• Inside the SMSC or SMS settings 
• Check your SIM and mobile network 
• Service or testing menus 

If automatically set by the carrier, then you may not see the number at all.

Where to Check SMSC Number on iPhone?

Compared to Android, iPhone provides users with limited options for viewing the SMSC number directly. In most cases, the carrier manages the SMSC configuration automatically.

Contact Your Mobile Operator 

If the SMSC number is not visible on your phone, then it is best to contact your mobile operator, as they can provide you with the correct SMSC details.

How to Change SMSC Number on Android?

Before we begin, first understand that there isn’t one method that works on every Android phone. This means that steps can differ between different Android phones, such as Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola, Google Pixel, and other devices.

Method 1: Change SMSC Number Through Messaging Settings 

On many Android phones, you may find the SMSC setting in the messaging app:

Messaging → Settings → SMS settings → SMSC / Message Center

If you see this option, enter the SMSC number provided by your mobile operator and save the changes.

Remember that the exact menu names may be different depending on your phone and messaging app.

Method 2: Use Your Phone’s Service Menu 

• Open the “Phone” app.
• Dial ##4636## to access the testing menu.
• Tap on “Phone Information” or “Device Information.”
• Find the “SMSC” field and tap to edit.
• Enter the new SMSC number provided by your operator.
• Tap “Update” or “Set” and restart your device.

Remember, codes can vary by phone, Android version, and mobile operator, and a code that works on one device may not work on another. 

Method 3: Ask Your Mobile Operator to Reset It

Can’t find the SMSC setting? Or aren’t sure which number to enter?

This one is your last resort.

Contact your mobile operator and ask them to check or reset the SMSC configuration for your SIM. This is usually the safest option because the operator can confirm the correct SMSC number for your network.

Now that you have updated the SMSC number on your mobile device, it is important to test the changes. You can do this by sending a test SMS and verifying the successful delivery of the SMS message. Through this testing, you will be able to ensure that the new SMSC configuration is working fine as intended. 

How to Change SMSC Number on iPhone

Unlike Android, there ain’t much scope for SMSC editing on iPhones because mostly, the mobile operator manages the SMSC settings automatically.

However, if you find difficulty in sending messages, you may try these steps first:

• Open your network settings and ensure that your iPhone is connected to your mobile network and has a working SIM or eSIM.

• Fix network or SMS-related issues by checking for configuration updates sent by your operator.

• You can also try refreshing the network connection by simply restarting your iPhone.

Change SMSC Number on Old iOS Devices (iPhone)

• Open the “Phone” app.
• Dial #50057672# and tap the call button.
• View the current SMSC number.
• Dial **50057672NEWNUMBER# to change it, replacing NEWNUMBER with the new SMSC number.
• Restart your iPhone.

Can You Manually Change the SMSC Number on iPhone? 

Unfortunately, there’s no direct way to change the SMSC number on iOS devices without jailbreaking. If you suspect an issue, contact your carrier for troubleshooting or consider using a third-party SMS app that allows manual SMSC configuration, but make sure to use caution and research reputable options only. 

Key Points to Consider when Changing SMS Center Number

• Changing the SMSC number incorrectly can disrupt your SMS services. 
• It is recommended not to change your SMSC number unless you are sure. 
• In most cases, the automatic SMSC number configuration done by your carrier should work seamlessly. 

If in case you are considering any third-party apps offering SMSC management, you must practice cautiousness to stay safe from spoofing and interception. Go with the reputable options only. 

What Happens If Your SMSC Number is Wrong? 

If you enter a wrong SMSC number on your device, then you may experience problems with sending SMS. Some of the most common ones are:

• SMS won’t get delivered even when you have network coverage. 
• Your messages stay stuck on “Sending”
• When you tap the send button, the message fails instantly. 
• Inconsistent SMS delivery, i.e., some messages going through and others failing. 

It is important to note that while all or any of the above happens, your incoming SMS may still work normally. This is because incoming and outgoing SMS don’t always depend on the same process. So, if you are receiving SMS, that doesn’t mean your SMSC configuration is correct.

How is an SMSC Number Different from a Phone Number?

If you’ve ever checked your phone’s messaging settings and noticed that the SMSC number is different from your own mobile number, you may wonder if something is wrong. Let’s answer this common confusion among mobile phone users. 

One Reddit user had the same question after finding a different number in their messaging settings:

“Why is the sms center number different from my number?”

– Reddit user, r/techsupport 

The answer is simple: that’s normal.

An SMSC number isn’t your personal phone number. It belongs to the SMS service center used by your mobile operator to handle text messages.

When you send a text message, your phone sends it through the mobile network to the SMSC. The SMSC then handles the message and routes it toward the recipient’s network.

So, seeing a different number in your SMS settings doesn’t mean your phone has been hacked or that someone else is using your number. It simply identifies the service center that handles SMS for your network.

Let’s understand this in more detail with the help of some unique aspects of SMSC numbers and Phone numbers. 

Usage

An SMSC number is used by mobile networks and telecom providers for SMS delivery. On the other hand, a phone number is used by individual phone users for communication. 

Configuration

SMSC numbers are pre-configured by the mobile carriers and can be changed manually if required. Whereas phone numbers are assigned by network providers or SIM card providers and cannot be changed manually (one needs to switch numbers or providers). 

Association

SMSC numbers are a part of the telecom infrastructure and do not belong to an individual. Whereas a mobile phone number is unique to a user.  

Structure

The structure of an SMSC number is usually in international format, such as +12063130004, a US-based SMSC number. On the other hand, the structure of a phone number also follows an international or local format. For example, +1-555-123-4567 (US phone number). 

Functionality

Let’s assume that user A with phone number +1-555-111-2222 sends an SMS message to user B with phone number +1-555-333-4444. The SMS first arrives on User A’s carrier’s SMSC with the number +12063130004. The SMSC stores and forwards the SMS message to User B’s network.

If User B’s phone is switched off, the SMSC holds the message until he is reachable. Once User B is available, the SMSC delivers the SMS to his phone number

Common SMSC Problems and How to Fix Them 

How to Contact Your Mobile Service Provider For Support?

In case you are not sure about your SMSC number and have trouble with your SMS service, it is best to get in touch with your Mobile Service Provider. Typically, mobile service providers are available through various support channels including phone, chat, email, etc. You can look for a direct support number, social media account, live chat facility on the website, support forums, troubleshooting guides, etc. 

Last Words

If there were no SMSCs, then messaging would be a chaotic mess. Just imagine billions and millions of text messages flooding the main phone network, causing nothing but congestion. SMSCs ensure smooth and efficient SMS delivery. 

Although in general the SMSC number is configured as the default on your device by your carrier, there are some situations in which you might need to change the SMSC number. By following the instructions provided in this post, you can easily view, edit, or update SMSC numbers on various platforms, including Android. If further issues persist, we recommend you contact your mobile operator to get the best solution possible.

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Kanika Sharma

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Kanika is a content writer with a B.Tech background and 13+ years of experience turning complex tech into content people actually enjoy reading. She currently works in the telecom space — vast, layered, and not for the faint-hearted, and that deep exposure has given her a sharp eye for technology and how it works. Her thing is making complicated stuff simple, whether it's a deep-dive blog post or a punchy social caption. Outside of work, she recharges by traveling, painting, and meditating.