# SMS Error Codes

When SMS messages fail to send through WhatSnap, you may receive error codes that indicate why the delivery failed. This comprehensive guide explains each error code and provides solutions.

{% hint style="info" %}
**How to Use This Guide**: Find your specific error code below to understand what went wrong and how to fix it. Most errors are carrier-related or device-related.
{% endhint %}

## Common Causes of Message Failures

Before diving into specific error codes, these are the most common reasons for message failures:

### 1. Sending Speed Too Fast

**Problem**: Sending messages too quickly triggers carrier spam filters or device limits.

**Solution**:

* Use drip mode in your workflows
* Limit to 1 message per minute maximum
* Follow proper [SIM warm-up process](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/troubleshooting/broken-reference)

### 2. Improperly Formatted Phone Numbers

**Problem**: Phone number format doesn't match recipient country requirements.

**Common Issues**:

* Missing country code
* Extra spaces or dashes
* Invalid format for country

**Solution**:

* **US Format**: +1XXXXXXXXXX or just XXXXXXXXXX (10 digits)
* **International**: Always include country code (e.g., +44, +61, +64)
* Remove spaces, dashes, parentheses
* Verify format in GoHighLevel contact record

### 3. SIM Card Restrictions

**Problem**: Carrier has banned or rate-limited your SIM card.

**Solution**:

* Reduce sending volume immediately
* Wait 24-48 hours before resuming
* Contact carrier to remove blocks
* Follow [avoiding carrier blocks guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/troubleshooting/broken-reference)
* Try different SIM card or carrier

### 4. Network Operator Processing

**Problem**: Different carriers process messages differently.

**Solution**:

* A "Failed" response usually means operator couldn't reach recipient
* Try different SIM card or device
* Verify recipient's number is active
* Check recipient carrier isn't blocking messages

***

## Error Code Reference

### NO\_SERVICE

**What it means**: Your device has no cell reception.

**Common Causes**:

* Device is in area with no coverage (basement, rural area, etc.)
* Underground or inside building with thick walls
* Away from any cell tower
* Receiving a call while sending messages (interrupts SMS)

**Solutions**:

1. Move device to location with better signal
2. Check signal bars (should have 2-4 bars minimum)
3. Restart device to reconnect to network
4. Wait for call to finish if receiving one
5. Switch from WiFi-only to mobile data

***

### RADIO\_OFF

**What it means**: Device is in airplane mode or radios are disabled.

**Common Causes**:

* Airplane mode is enabled
* All radios turned off (cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth)

**Solutions**:

1. Disable airplane mode:
   * Settings → Network → Airplane mode → OFF
2. Verify cellular radio is enabled
3. Check mobile data or cellular is turned on

***

### LIMIT\_EXCEEDED

**What it means**: Phone reached the sending queue limit.

**Common Causes**:

* Too many messages queued to send
* Device or carrier limit exceeded
* Sending too quickly

**Solutions**:

1. Reduce sending speed (increase delay between messages)
2. Clear queued messages in WhatSnap dashboard
3. Wait for current queue to process
4. Implement drip mode (1 msg per minute)
5. See [Failed Messages Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/troubleshooting/failed-messages) for queue management

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE

**What it means**: Something went wrong, but the system can't specify what.

**Common Causes**:

* Various carrier-specific issues (see numbered codes below)
* Network problems
* SIM card issues
* Invalid recipient number

**Solutions**:

1. Check if error has a number in brackets (e.g., GENERIC\_FAILURE \[8])
2. Look up the specific numbered error below
3. If no number:
   * Restart device
   * Check SIM card is inserted properly
   * Verify recipient number is valid
   * Try sending to different number to isolate issue

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[1]

**What it means**: Destination number is in valid format but not currently assigned.

**Explanation**: The phone number exists as a valid format but is not allocated to any subscriber.

**Solutions**:

* Verify the recipient's phone number
* Contact recipient to confirm their number is active
* Number may have been disconnected or changed
* Remove invalid numbers from your contact list

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[8]

**What it means**: Your carrier has forbidden mobile originating short messages.

**Explanation**: Your network operator or service provider has blocked outgoing SMS from your account.

**Solutions**:

1. **Contact your carrier immediately**
   * Explain: Legitimate business use
   * Request removal of restriction
2. Check account status with carrier
3. Verify SMS feature is enabled on your plan
4. May need to upgrade to business plan
5. Consider switching carriers if restriction persists

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[10]

**What it means**: Outgoing call barred service applies to SMS for this destination.

**Explanation**: Outgoing SMS to this specific destination is blocked (possibly international).

**Solutions**:

* Check if recipient is international number
* Verify your plan includes international SMS (if applicable)
* Contact carrier to enable international SMS
* May need to add international SMS add-on to plan

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[17]

**What it means**: PLMN (carrier network) failures - network cannot service request.

**Explanation**: Problems in the carrier's MAP (Mobile Application Part) system.

**Solutions**:

* This is a carrier/network issue, not your fault
* Wait 30-60 minutes and retry
* Contact carrier support if persists
* Try sending to different recipient to confirm issue
* May be temporary network maintenance

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[21]

**What it means**: Recipient equipment doesn't want to accept the message.

**Explanation**: Recipient's device or carrier is rejecting the message (not busy or incompatible).

**Solutions**:

* Recipient may have blocked your number
* Recipient's device or carrier blocking messages
* Try calling recipient to discuss
* Message content may be flagged as spam
* Ask recipient to check blocked numbers list

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[27]

**What it means**: Interface to destination is not functioning correctly.

**Explanation**: Unable to deliver message to recipient due to technical issues at recipient's end.

**Common Causes**:

* Recipient's phone is off or offline
* Recipient's device has technical problems
* Physical layer or data link layer failure at recipient
* Recipient's phone is out of service

**Solutions**:

* Wait and retry later (recipient's phone may be off)
* Try different contact method (call recipient)
* Verify recipient number is correct and active

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[28]

**What it means**: Subscriber is not registered in the PLMN (carrier network).

**Explanation**: IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) is not known by the network.

**Solutions**:

* Recipient's SIM card may not be registered
* Recipient may need to contact their carrier
* Number may be newly activated (wait 24 hours)
* Verify number is correct

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[29]

**What it means**: Requested facility is not supported by the carrier network.

**Explanation**: The PLMN doesn't support the SMS facility you're requesting.

**Solutions**:

* May be trying to send to carrier that doesn't support SMS
* Check if sending to international number with incompatible carrier
* Verify recipient carrier supports SMS
* Try different messaging method (WhatsApp)

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[30]

**What it means**: Subscriber is not registered in the HLR (Home Location Register).

**Explanation**: IMSI or directory number is not allocated to a subscriber.

**Solutions**:

* Number doesn't exist or isn't active
* Verify recipient's phone number
* Number may have been disconnected
* Ask recipient to confirm their number

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[38]

**What it means**: Network not functioning correctly - long-term problem.

**Explanation**: Network malfunction likely to last a long time; retrying immediately won't help.

**Solutions**:

* Wait several hours before retrying
* This is a carrier network issue
* Contact carrier support to report network problems
* Use alternative messaging method in meantime
* Check carrier's service status page

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[41]

**What it means**: Network not functioning correctly - temporary problem.

**Explanation**: Network malfunction that won't last long; retry soon.

**Solutions**:

* Wait 5-15 minutes and retry
* Temporary network congestion or maintenance
* Usually resolves on its own quickly

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[42]

**What it means**: High traffic - SMS service cannot be provided.

**Explanation**: Network congestion due to high message volume.

**Solutions**:

* Wait 15-30 minutes and retry
* Common during peak hours or emergencies
* Try sending during off-peak hours
* This is carrier overload, not your fault

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[47]

**What it means**: Resources unavailable.

**Explanation**: Network resources temporarily unavailable.

**Solutions**:

* Wait and retry in a few minutes
* Network may be under heavy load
* Try again during off-peak hours

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[50]

**What it means**: User hasn't completed necessary administrative arrangements.

**Explanation**: Your account or the recipient's account needs administrative setup.

**Solutions**:

* Check your account is fully activated with carrier
* Verify SMS is enabled on your plan
* May need to contact carrier to enable SMS features
* Recipient may need to activate their SMS service

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[69]

**What it means**: Network unable to provide requested SMS service.

**Explanation**: Network can't provide the specific SMS service requested.

**Solutions**:

* Carrier doesn't support this type of SMS
* Try plain text (no special characters)
* Reduce message length
* Verify carrier supports SMS to this destination

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[81]

**What it means**: Message reference not currently in use.

**Explanation**: The message reference number is invalid on the network interface.

**Solutions**:

* This is usually a temporary error
* Retry sending the message
* Restart WhatSnap Gateway app
* May resolve itself automatically

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[95]

**What it means**: Invalid message event (general).

**Explanation**: Message format or content is invalid.

**Solutions**:

* Check message doesn't contain unsupported characters
* Reduce message length (keep under 160 characters)
* Remove emojis or special symbols
* Use plain text only

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[96]

**What it means**: Mandatory information element is missing or has content error.

**Explanation**: Required message data is missing or incorrect.

**Solutions**:

* Verify phone number format is correct
* Check message content is valid
* Restart WhatSnap Gateway app
* Re-send message with simpler content

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[97]

**What it means**: Message type not recognized.

**Explanation**: Equipment doesn't recognize this message type or it's not implemented.

**Solutions**:

* Try sending plain text instead of MMS
* Remove attachments and send text only
* Ensure not trying to send unsupported message type

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[98]

**What it means**: Message not compatible with short message protocol state.

**Solutions**:

* Restart WhatSnap Gateway app
* Wait a few minutes and retry
* May be temporary protocol sync issue

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[99]

**What it means**: Information elements not recognized in message.

**Explanation**: Message contains unrecognized elements (not required for processing, but present).

**Solutions**:

* Simplify message content
* Remove special formatting
* Use plain text only

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[111]

**What it means**: Protocol error (general).

**Explanation**: Network protocol error occurred.

**Solutions**:

* Wait and retry
* Restart device
* Restart WhatSnap Gateway app
* Contact support if persists

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[127]

**What it means**: Interworking with network that doesn't provide causes.

**Explanation**: Connected to network that doesn't give error details.

**Solutions**:

* Can't determine exact cause
* Try general troubleshooting:
  * Verify number is correct
  * Check network connection
  * Restart device
  * Retry later

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[128-145]

**Message Type and Coding Errors**:

| Code | Meaning                              | Solution                   |
| ---- | ------------------------------------ | -------------------------- |
| 128  | Telematic interworking not supported | Use standard SMS only      |
| 129  | Short message type 0 not supported   | Don't use type 0 messages  |
| 130  | Cannot replace short message         | Send new message instead   |
| 143  | Unspecified TP-PID error             | Simplify message           |
| 144  | Data coding scheme not supported     | Use standard text encoding |
| 145  | Message class not supported          | Use default message class  |
| 159  | Unspecified TP-DCS error             | Use plain text             |

**General Solutions**:

* Send plain text messages
* Remove special formatting
* Don't use advanced SMS features
* Keep messages simple

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[160-161]

**Command Errors**:

| Code | Meaning                    |
| ---- | -------------------------- |
| 160  | Command cannot be actioned |
| 161  | Command unsupported        |

**Solutions**:

* Don't use SMS commands
* Send regular text messages only

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[176-199]

**Service Center and Message Errors**:

| Code | Meaning                    | Solution                              |
| ---- | -------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| 192  | SC (Service Center) busy   | Wait and retry                        |
| 193  | No SC subscription         | Contact carrier to enable SMS         |
| 194  | SC system failure          | Wait for carrier to fix               |
| 195  | Invalid SME address        | Check recipient number format         |
| 196  | Destination SME barred     | Recipient blocked messages            |
| 197  | Duplicate message rejected | Don't send same message twice quickly |

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[208-213]

**SIM Card Storage Errors**:

| Code | Meaning                          | Solution                          |
| ---- | -------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| 208  | SIM SMS storage full             | Delete messages from SIM          |
| 209  | No SMS storage capability in SIM | Use device storage, not SIM       |
| 210  | Error in MS (Mobile Station)     | Restart device                    |
| 211  | Memory capacity exceeded         | Clear message storage             |
| 212  | SIM application toolkit busy     | Wait and retry                    |
| 213  | SIM data download error          | Restart device or contact carrier |

**Solutions**:

1. Clear old messages from phone and SIM
2. Settings → Apps → Messages → Storage → Clear cache
3. Delete unnecessary message threads
4. Restart device

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[300-322]

**Device and SIM Errors**:

| Code | Meaning                       | Solution                      |
| ---- | ----------------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| 300  | ME (Mobile Equipment) failure | Restart device                |
| 301  | SMS service reserved          | Wait and retry                |
| 302  | Operation not allowed         | Check permissions             |
| 303  | Operation not supported       | Don't use this feature        |
| 310  | SIM not inserted              | Insert SIM card               |
| 311  | SIM PIN required              | Enter SIM PIN                 |
| 313  | SIM failure                   | Restart device or replace SIM |
| 314  | SIM busy                      | Wait and retry                |
| 315  | SIM wrong                     | Use correct SIM               |
| 316  | SIM PUK required              | Contact carrier for PUK code  |
| 321  | Invalid memory index          | Clear message storage         |
| 322  | Memory full                   | Delete old messages           |

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[330-332]

**Network Service Errors**:

| Code | Meaning              | Solution                           |
| ---- | -------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| 330  | SMSC address unknown | Contact carrier to configure       |
| 331  | No network service   | Check signal/move to coverage area |
| 332  | Network timeout      | Wait and retry                     |

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[500-522]

**Application-Level Errors**:

| Code | Meaning                           | Solution                  |
| ---- | --------------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| 500  | Unknown error                     | Restart app and retry     |
| 512  | User abort                        | Message was cancelled     |
| 513  | Unable to store                   | Clear device storage      |
| 514  | Invalid status                    | Restart app               |
| 515  | Device busy or invalid character  | Wait or simplify message  |
| 516  | Invalid length                    | Shorten message           |
| 517  | Invalid character in PDU          | Remove special characters |
| 518  | Invalid parameter                 | Check message format      |
| 521  | Timer expired                     | Retry sending             |
| 522  | Operation temporarily not allowed | Wait and retry            |

***

### GENERIC\_FAILURE \[532-538]

**SIM and Protocol Errors**:

| Code | Meaning              | Solution                |
| ---- | -------------------- | ----------------------- |
| 532  | SIM not ready        | Wait 1-2 minutes, retry |
| 534  | Cell broadcast error | Ignore if not using CB  |
| 535  | Protocol stack busy  | Wait and retry          |
| 538  | Invalid parameter    | Check number format     |

***

### UNKNOWN\_ERROR \[\*]

**What it means**: Something went wrong with no details available.

**Solutions**:

1. Restart WhatSnap Gateway app
2. Restart Android device
3. Check internet connection
4. Verify SIM card is working (test native SMS)
5. Check for device updates
6. Contact support if persists

***

### Error Code 503

**What it means**: Error from GoHighLevel - Custom provider not selected.

**Explanation**: User hasn't selected WhatSnap as the custom SMS provider in GoHighLevel.

**Solutions**:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Access GoHighLevel Settings

1. Log into **GoHighLevel** sub-account
2. Go to **Settings** → **Phone Numbers** (or **Business Profile**)
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Set Custom Provider

1. Scroll to **Additional Settings** or **Custom Provider**
2. Change from "LeadConnector" or "Twilio"
3. Select **"WhatSnap SMS Gateway"** (or similar WhatSnap option)
4. Click **"Save"**
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Verify and Test

1. Refresh GoHighLevel page
2. Send test message
3. Should now route through WhatSnap
   {% endstep %}
   {% endstepper %}

***

## Interpreting Error Patterns

### High Failure Rate Across Multiple Contacts

**If many messages fail:**

* Problem is likely with your device or carrier
* Check your SIM card status
* Verify you're not blocked by carrier
* Reduce sending speed significantly
* Follow [SIM warm-up process](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/troubleshooting/broken-reference)

### Failures to Specific Numbers Only

**If only certain numbers fail:**

* Problem is likely with recipient
* Verify phone numbers are correct format
* Check recipients' phones are active
* Numbers may be disconnected
* Recipients may have blocked you

### Intermittent Failures

**If failures are random:**

* Check network signal strength
* Verify device isn't entering sleep mode
* Check battery optimization settings
* May be carrier congestion (retry during off-peak)

### All Messages Failing Suddenly

**If everything stops working:**

1. Check WhatSnap Gateway app is running
2. Verify device has internet connection
3. Check SIM card hasn't been blocked
4. Test sending SMS directly from phone
5. Reconnect WhatSnap integration

***

## Getting Help with Errors

**When contacting support about errors:**

Include this information:

* [ ] Exact error code (including number in brackets)
* [ ] Screenshot of error message
* [ ] Recipient phone number (verify format)
* [ ] Your carrier/SIM plan
* [ ] Device model and Android version
* [ ] How often error occurs (always, sometimes, specific contacts)
* [ ] When error started occurring

**Contact**: <support@whatsnap.ai>

***

## Related Resources

* [Main Troubleshooting Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/troubleshooting)
* [Failed Messages - Queue Management](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/troubleshooting/failed-messages)
* [Database Reactivations - Avoiding Blocks](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/troubleshooting/broken-reference)
* [SMS Installation Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/sms-installation-setup)

***

*Error codes based on GSM standards and carrier implementations. Specific meanings may vary slightly by carrier and device.*