Surface Duo not working on Verizon? Here's the fix.

Surface Duo 2020
Surface Duo 2020 (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • The Surface Duo is having issues with SMS messaging on Verizon.
  • Several people have experienced issues with SMS messaging, even though voice and data work well.
  • The solution is to ask Verizon to turn on CDMA-less for your account.

Microsoft's Surface Duo launched this week, and people trying to use the device on Verizon's network are running into issues with SMS messaging. According to several people in a thread on the Surface Duo subreddit, the Surface Duo fails to register a phone number for RCS messaging and cannot receive SMS messages. Luckily, there is a simple solution to this issue, switching to CDMA-less for your Surface Duo.

To switch your account to CDMA-less, you need to contact Verizon support. According to people in the thread, you can do this by either calling Verizon or using the company's online chat tool. Once switched, the fix works immediately. Multiple people within the thread said that they were up and running within minutes.

Verizon has a handy page with three ways to contact the company. You can chat with someone online, call Verizon, or schedule a callback from the company.

It's unfortunate that people on Verizon need to do anything extra to get the Surface Duo to work with their carrier, but at least there's a simple fix for the issue.

As the Surface Duo moves further from its launch day, more accessories for it become available. Make sure to check out the best Surface Duo cases to keep your device protected.

Microsoft Surface Duo

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.