+CMS ERROR Codes Explained

This page explains basic terms for radio module enthusiasts and a short list of error codes encountered in modem communication.

What is CMS Error?

+CMS ERROR: <err> indicates an error related to mobile equipment or network.

CMS error codes may occur while sending or receiving SMS messages through a cellular modem. If sending/receiving error happens, the modem will notify with a “+CMS ERROR” along with a numeric code indicating the cause of the error. The CMS error codes are defined in the ETSI GSM specifications (GSM 07.05, GSM 03.40 and GSM 04.11). Below you will find a list of possible CMS errors.

CMS ERROR Code List

Below you will find a list containing definition of CMS error codes supported by GSM modems.

Error Code	Meaning
300	ME failure
301	SMS ME reserved
302	Operation not allowed
303	Operation not supported
304	Invalid PDU mode
305	Invalid text mode
310	SIM not inserted
311	SIM pin necessary
312	PH SIM pin necessary
313	SIM failure
314	SIM busy
315	SIM wrong
316	SIM PUK required
317	SIM PIN2 required
318	SIM PUK2 required
320	Memory failure
321	Invalid memory index
322	Memory full
330	SMSC address unknown
331	No network
332	Network timeout
500	Unknown
512	SIM not ready
513	Message length exceeds
514	Invalid request parameters
515	ME storage failure
517	Invalid service mode
528	More message to send state error
529	MO SMS is not allow
530	GPRS is suspended
531	ME storage full

What is CME Error?

+CME ERROR: <err> indicates an error related to mobile equipment.

CME ERROR Code List

Below you will find a list containing definition of CME error codes supported by GSM modems.

Error	Description
0	Phone failure
1	No connection to phone
2	Phone adapter link reserved
3	Operation not allowed
4	Operation not supported
5	PH_SIM PIN required
6	PH_FSIM PIN required
7	PH_FSIM PUK required
10	SIM not inserted
11	SIM PIN required
12	SIM PUK required
13	SIM failure
14	SIM busy
15	SIM wrong
16	Incorrect password
17	SIM PIN2 required
18	SIM PUK2 required
20	Memory full
21	Invalid index
22	Not found
23	Memory failure
24	Text string too long
25	Invalid characters in text string
26	Dial string too long
27	Invalid characters in dial string
30	No network service
31	Network timeout
32	Network not allowed, emergency calls only
40	Network personalization PIN required
41	Network personalization PUK required
42	Network subset personalization PIN required
43	Network subset personalization PUK required
44	Service provider personalization PIN required
45	Service provider personalization PUK required
46	Corporate personalization PIN required
47	Corporate personalization PUK required
48	PH-SIM PUK required
100	Unknown error
103	Illegal MS
106	Illegal ME
107	GPRS services not allowed
111	PLMN not allowed
112	Location area not allowed
113	Roaming not allowed in this location area
126	Operation temporary not allowed
132	Service operation not supported
133	Requested service option not subscribed
134	Service option temporary out of order
148	Unspecified GPRS error
149	PDP authentication failure
150	Invalid mobile class
256	Operation temporarily not allowed
257	Call barred
258	Phone is busy
259	User abort
260	Invalid dial string
261	SS not executed
262	SIM Blocked
263	Invalid block
772	SIM powered down

Typical questions regarding CMS Errors:

What is CMS error 350?

CMS Error 350 means that the message was rejected by a cellular operator. Possible reasons:

destination phone number is invalid
no credits on prepaid SIM card
cellular operator has blocked a SIM card

What is CMS error 500?

This error is often caused by the SIM card. Please make sure that it is: activated and have SMS service enabled.

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