I can't change Lora parameters

[deltadesigntech]

Hello, I have tried changing Lora parameters by LoRa.setSpreadingFactor(12), but my spreading factor does not change.
I suspected this when my rssi didnot change after increasing sf so I purposely mismatched the setting between my tx and rx units. Radios still worked. I then used Serial.println(LoRa.getSpreadingFactor()); (after making public) and my sf was still 7 like it always was. This esp32 was previously a "paxcounter" so I also did a reset of the esp32 using pytool. I am puzzlled (and I'm not proficient at C++ or libraires).