If you are getting Error 96 Encoding error when trying to send a message / SMS and trying to fix it, then you’ve come to the right place. We will provide you with a couple of potential solutions to tackle this annoying problem. Here’s how to fix error 96 on Android.
Fix error 96 on Android
This error is commonly called messaging error as it leads to failure to send any text message or SMS through some SMS apps (mainly the in-built ones). You can however still be able to receive text message; you just can’t send one.
So, before we dive into the solutions, let’s talk about how you usually get this error.
- Problem with network operator or service provider.
- Wrong APN (Access Point Name) settings.
- Problem with SMS app.
Let’s look at all the possible solution to fix error 96 on Android.
Check out: How to Fix Error 97 when sending SMS
Solution 1: Update SMSC
Step 1: Open dialer on your Android.
Step 2: Enter *#*#4636#*#* and then hit the call button.
Step 3: You are now in service mode. Find and select Phone Information option.
Step 4: Now, Find the SMSC setting.
Step 5: Hit the refresh button and see the number change.
Step 6: From Settings > Apps, find your SMS app and clear the data and cache.
This should help you get rid of this problem.
Solution 2: Change the SMS app
If the above solution didn’t work, you can try changing the SMS app. you can use any popular 3rd party SMS app such as Go SMS.
Install the preferred SMS app, set it as default (you’ll get the option to do so when you first open the app), and check if you can send a text message.
Summary
Error 96 encoding error is usually caused by a faulty network operator or glitchy SMS app. You can fix it by either updating the SMSC number through service mode on your Android or change the default SMS app.
