Reviews Tech
Written by Steven John
Updated
- If youriPhoneis not sending messages, first make sure your phone has service, as the issue may be with theWi-Fior cellular network, not your device itself.
- Check in youriPhone's Settings app that various messaging options are turned on so that your phone can dispatch texts ifiMessagefails.
- Turning youriPhoneoff and back on again can usually refresh the software and restore better signal connections, enabling your messages to send once again.
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There are few sadder phrases than those two little red words your iPhone displays when a message fails to send: "Not Delivered." Those words, along with that exclamation point in a circle, mean your charming photo or witty comment didn't go through.
Fortunately, as in life, with the iPhone: the simplest answer is usually the correct one. If your iPhone is not sending messages, first make sure you have a connection to either a Wi-Fi or cellular network, and make sure your phone is not set to Airplane Mode.
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How to troubleshoot your iPhone if it isn’t sending messages
If these quick fixes below don't do the trick, the solution will be a bit more involved, but you can usually get messages sending again without support from Apple.
Try these fixes to get your iPhone messages sending smoothly again.
But, first, of course, try just tapping that exclamation point beside your failed message and then tap "Try Again."
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Check your network settings
1. Check your network connection. If you don't have good cell coverage or Wi-Fi service (assuming you use Wi-Fi calling) you won't be able to send messages, even if your phone is working fine.
2. Make sure you're not in Airplane Mode by swiping up from your iPhone and making sure the airplane icon in the upper-left corner is not enabled (highlighted orange).
3. Then, check your iPhone's Messages settings. In the Settings app, scroll to and tap Messages, then make sure the switches next to iMessage and Send as SMS are toggled on (to green).
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Check the phone number
Confirm that you are texting the right number. If you entered the number wrong or the intended recipient now has a new number, you may be prevented from sending the text.
Restart your phone
Restart your iPhone by holding down the power button then swiping to power down. When you turn it back on, it may well be able to send messages again.
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Reset your network settings
1. Resetting your network settings is a last-ditch attempt before seeking help from Apple, but it might be your last chance for getting those messages out.
2. Navigate through the Settings app to the "General" tab, then click "Reset", then click "Reset Network Settings."
Related coverage fromTech Reference:
How to turn off text message previews on your iPhone, to help keep your private conversations private
How to mute messages on a Mac computer using its Do Not Disturb feature
How to make a new, additional Memoji on your iPhone, and send a variety of customized, moving emojis
How to send a voice message on your iPhone to anyone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac
Freelance Writer
Steven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www.stevenjohnbooks.com.
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