There are a number of reasons why an iPhone message may not be getting delivered, so if you start to see this message there is no need to panic and assume your number has been blocked on the recipient’s phone. Sometimes you may end up feeling alone and cut off from those closest to you, or perhaps may find yourself wondering if your device is broken. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the possible reasons as to why an iPhone message may fail to deliver, and how you can fix it.
The first thing to realize is that an iPhone sends its messages, unlike any other device. This is because it sends them through iMessage to other Apple devices. Because of this, there are different fixes for different types, but the following fixes apply to all versions of iOS.
How to Fix ‘Message Not Delivered” Issue
As stated in the introduction, there are many reasons that your messages might not be getting delivered. Some of these are relatively simple to fix, and others are a little more complicated. Let’s take a look at the first of these now.
Fix 1. Connect to a Network
The first and simplest fix is to connect to a network. You may think this is obvious, but you’d be surprised by the number of people that may not realize they’re not currently connected to a network. This can be either cellular, or through Wifi, but without it, you won’t be able to get your text messages to deliver. To fix this, simply move to an area where you are able to get cellular reception or connect to a WiFi network.
Fix 2. Airplane Mode
Another super simple fix is to turn Airplane mode on and off again. Doing this can force your iPhone to find any nearby connections by ‘refreshing’ it. This will happen automatically, without you having to do anything other than turn it on and off again. To turn Airplane mode off, simply drag down from the top of your screen and click on the little icon that looks like an airplane. Wait a few seconds, then click it again to turn it back off.
Fix 3. Confirm the Correct Number and Email
Yet again, this is an easy one. If you’re still having trouble getting your messages to deliver, the next thing you should do is to confirm the number and/or email you’re trying to contact. More often than not it’s an issue with an incorrect number input than anything else. If you’re sure the number is correct, then there is a chance your number might have been blocked by the recipient. A little awkward, we know, but something you can check for yourself by asking them. If it’s delivering but they aren’t responding, it could be that they’re experiencing problems at their end, or they simply don’t know how to reply.
Fix 4. Quit and Restart the Messaging App
Similar to Airplane Mode, simply quitting and restarting the messaging app can be enough to solve the message not delivered issue. This is because it needs to refresh its cache and start again with a clear memory. Make sure you quit the app properly by swiping up and to the side from the bottom corner of your screen, then sliding up on every window you see open to properly close them.
Fix 5. Restart the iPhone
Once again, restarting means fresh memory. To restart your iPhone, hold down the power button for several seconds until it either turns off or you see an on-screen prompt asking if you wish to turn your device off. Select yes. After a few seconds, turn your iPhone back on again and try to send the message again.
Fix 6. Check the iMessage System Status (And iMessage)
There is a chance that it’s not an issue with something you’re doing wrong at all, rather an issue on Apple’s end. By checking the iMessage system status online, you can rule out any issues at their end. If it does turn out to be an issue with Apple, you will have to wait until they have sorted it out.
The second part of this fix is to ensure iMessage is enabled. To do this, go to your Settings, then Messages, and make sure the little toggle next to iMessage is “on”.
Fix 7. Turn on Group Messaging
If you turn on Group Messaging, you can try and send the text/image to a number of people at once. This way, you can see if it will deliver to any of the recipients, or if it’s just an issue with the one person you were trying to send it to originally.
Fix 8. Consult your iPhone’s Date and Time Settings
Believe it or not, if your iPhone’s date and time are not set correctly, your messaging app will not work as it’s meant to (as well as other network-based services). To make sure your date and time are set correctly, go to your settings, then General, then Date and Time. From here you should see a little on/off switch called “Set Automatically.” Make sure this is on. If it is already on and you’re having these issues, turn it off, then back on again.
Fix 9. Network and Carrier Settings
Reset your Network Settings by going to your Settings. Network Settings are responsible for how your phone interacts with the cellular networks in general, so could possibly be the root of your issues.
Similar to Network Settings, Carrier Settings can drastically affect the way your iPhone behaves when interacting with the network in general. You can update your Carrier Settings in your iPhone Settings to make sure you’ve got the latest installed.
Fix 10. Update iOS
The final fix on this list for you to try is to update your iOS. If you’re having trouble getting messages to deliver, or issues with your iPhone in general, there is a good chance that you need to update your iOS. Check for an update in your settings, then update as applicable.
Overview
So there we have it! Ten fixes to solve the message not delivered issue and potentially other little issues you didn’t even know you had along the way! Check out our other articles for more fixes and tips to get your iPhone running the best it can.
