Tech Reference

'Why is my iPhone not sending messages?': How to troubleshoot iPhone messaging issues

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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.

How to troubleshoot your iPhone if it isn’t sending messages

Why is my iPhone not sending messages
There are three easy ways to troubleshoot your iPhone if your messages aren't sending. Steven John/Business Insider

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."

Check your network settings

Why is my iPhone not sending messages
If "Send as SMS" is turned off in your settings, you may not be able to text with non-iPhone users. Steven John/Business Insider

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).

Check the phone number

Why is my iPhone not sending messages
Often a message that fails to send one moment will go through fine a few seconds later when you click "Try Again." Steven John/Business Insider

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

iphone power buttons
On most iPhone models you can restart your phone by holding down the power button on the right side until it shuts off. On the iPhone 11, hold down the power button on the right side and the volume up button on the left side. Shutterstock

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.

Reset your network settings

Why is my iPhone not sending messages
Resetting network settings means re-entering passwords. Steven John/Business Insider

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."

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Steven John has been a freelance writer for more than a dozen years and has been a regular contributor to Business Insider since 2017. His work includes a focus on the tech world, covering companies including Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Google, and others. He also reviews restaurants, shares how-to cooking articles, and writes general interest pieces.Steven also writes for publications including Architectural Digest, The Daily Beast, Forbes, and more. In the past, he also wrote for New York Magazine, Mashed, U.S. News & World Report and other outlets. He runs his own outdoor lifestyle site, Dad Gear Review, and co-hosts the Fact Trekkers podcast with his son. He has had two novels published, Three A.M. and Outrider. He graduated from Emerson College with a degree in communications focused on filmmaking.He is an avid outdoorsman and can be frequently found in a kayak or on a mountain trail, often with his family along for the adventure.Expertise:Tech industryTech hardwareOutdoorsCookingRestaurantsDIYPopular articles:Microsoft: A history of the software giant co-founded by Bill Gates, its products and services, jobs, layoffs, and moreYouTube is a major entertainment force. Here's the platform's history, plus how to create a channel and upload videos.Inside the life and career of Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, billionaire, and philanthropistTim Cook net worth: How the Apple leader earns and spends his moneyBecoming an Amazon seller is a simple process. Here's what's involved, plus how you make money and get paid.