IPHONE and Android users have been reporting problems with sending and receiving text messages.
On Thursday, dozens of reports came flooding in claiming that Verizon users cannot properly use SMS.
Downdectector first reported the problems at around 11am on Wednesday.
It seems the issues began to resolve last night but then started up again this morning.
Sixty-four percent of reports noted issues surrounding Verizon's mobile phone service.
Another 22 percent flagged 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 specify their concerns.
"Cannot text anyone. Also been having lots of issues with data," one person wrote.
"Rhode Island can text other carriers, however, cannot text Verizon to Verizon. Very strange," a second person remarked.
"NYS Update – so SMS is NOT working, but if you do a "group" text that runs thru MMS, and that IS working… Not ideal," a third person said.
"So when texting someone, add yourself which creates a group that runs over MMS (at least in Samsung Messaging App)," the person added.
Some smartphone users also headed to Twitter to share their thoughts on the issues.
"Verizon is having an issue with people receiving/sending texts this morning," one user wrote on Twitter.
"A good reminder to NOT count on texts for 2FA codes. Plenty of good authentication apps out there," they added.
Most smartphone users rely on two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, for securing their online accounts.
2FA protects your accounts by requiring an extra level of verification before logging in – such as a text confirmation.
However, as the Twitter user noted, in times when SMS is down, using 2FA 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 of 2021.
Apple, on their website, described iPhone's 2FA as "an extra layer of security" that is designed to "ensure that you're the only person who can access your account, even if someone knows your password."
The feature is helpful in keeping apps that contain sensitive information (such as banking or investment details) secure, and can also help protect you from identity and phishing scams.
To turn on Apple's built-in authenticator, first, head into Settings on your iPhone and then select Passwords.
Use Face or Touch ID to access your passwords and then tap on the account you want to set up 2FA for.
It's important to note that this method of 2FA will not work with every website or app.
Next, click on Set Up Verification Code. You will see a menu of two options: Enter the Setup Key and Scan QR Code.
If you choose Setup Key, go into the app or website's page, and copy their Setup key.
Simply paste the code into your iPhone's Settings Setup Key field and then tap OK.
Should you choose the QR code option, you will have to look in that service/website's settings and then scan it.

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