Hi ​@Bec3112,

Sorry to hear you’re having trouble with this.

From what you’ve described (messages failing when sending to a new contact but working in existing threads), this is often linked to messaging settings rather than your plan or bill cap, as standard SMS texts are included and wouldn’t be chargeable.

Here are a few things worth trying:

Check the number format

Make sure the number you’re texting is saved correctly. Try:

• Including the +44 instead of the leading 0 (e.g. +447…)
• Or removing +44 and using the 0 format instead
• Sometimes new messages can fail if the format isn’t recognised properly.

Turn off Chat features (RCS)

• Open your Messages app
• Go to Settings → Chat features
• Toggle this OFF, then try sending a text again
• RCS can sometimes cause issues when starting new conversations.

Clear Messages app cache

• Go to Settings → Apps → Messages
• Tap Storage → Clear cache (not data)

Reset network settings

• Go to Settings → System → Reset options
• Tap Reset WiFi, mobile & Bluetooth
• Restart your phone

Check Message Centre Number

This is important for sending SMS:

• In your Messages settings, make sure the Message Centre number is set correctly.

If the issue still continues after this, it may need an account-side check just to make sure everything is set up correctly on the network.

As this is a public platform, we can’t access your account here, but you can contact our Live Chat team who’ll be happy to take a closer look: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/live-chat

Regards,

Gemma M

The iD Mobile Social Media Team