7 Easy Ways to Fix iMessage Not Delivered on iPhone or iPad

PDF download Download Article
Quick ways to successfully send your iMessages when it doesn't say "delivered"
PDF download Download Article

Are your iMessages not delivering? Don't worry—this doesn't mean you're blocked. You may be having connection issues with your Wi-Fi or cellular data, or you could need a software update for your device. This wikiHow will show you how to troubleshoot your iPhone or iPad when iMessage doesn't say delivered after sending a text.

Things You Should Know

  • Open "Settings" → "Messages" → toggle off "iMessage". Restart your device, then toggle iMessage on again.
  • Go to "Settings" → "Messages" → toggle on "Send as SMS".
  • Check your carrier to ensure you have available cellular connection and data.
1

Turn iMessage on and off.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Disabling and re-enabling iMessage on your iPhone or iPad will often fix stuck messages.
    • Open the Settings app.
    • Tap Messages .
    • Toggle off "iMessage."
    • Restart your iPhone or iPad .
    • After your device is on again, return to Messages in Settings and toggle on iMessage .
    2. Advertisement
2

Update your iPhone or iPad.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Software updates include important bug fixes. Be sure to update the iOS on your iPhone or iPad, and then try to send your message again.
    • Open Settings → General → Software Update . If there's an available update, tap Install .
3

Check your Wi-Fi connection.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If your message is stuck without a status, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network.
    2. Advertisement
4

Turn on Send as SMS.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This feature allows your device to send messages as an SMS text when iMessage is unavailable. Carrier rates may apply, so be sure your plan allows this. [1]
    • Open Settings → Messages → toggle on Send as SMS .
    • Try to send your message again.
5

Force restart your iPhone or iPad.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you leave your device on without the occasional restart, this could cause your device to run slower.
    • On iPhones without a home button, press and hold either volume button and the power button. Swipe the slider to shut off your device. Wait at least 30 seconds, and then hold the power button to turn it on again.
    • On iPhones with a home button, press and hold the power button. Swipe the slider to shut off your device. Wait at least 30 seconds, and then hold the power button to turn it on again.
    • On iPads, press and hold either volume button and the power button at the same time. Swipe the slider to shut off your device. Wait at least 30 seconds, and then hold the power button to turn it on again.
    2. Advertisement
6

Check your cellular data.

PDF download Download Article
  1. To do this, open the Settings app and tap Cellular . Toggle on Cellular Data if it isn't on already.
    • You should also check with your carrier to make sure you have available data to use.
7

Send your message at another time.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If the message isn't sending, your recipient's device may be lacking a proper signal or connection. Wait an hour or two, and then check the status of your message. You can also try to send a new one.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Get Past the Activation Lock on an iPhone or iPad without the Seller
      How to
      Automatically Forward Text Messages to Another Phone
      How to
      Hard Reset an iPhone
      How to
      Bypass Your Screen Time Passcode: Reset, Remove, or Hack Screen Time
      4 Ways to Find Your Lost iPhone When It’s Offline or Dead
      How to
      Fix "Notifications Silenced" on iPhone Messages
      Apple ID Sign Out Unavailable? Here's How to Fix It
      10 Simple Ways to Fix an iPhone or Android That Won’t Send Pictures
      How to
      Use the iPhone Hidden Album to Hide Private Photos
      Malware on iPhone: Signs of Infection & How to Get Rid of It
      How to
      Fix the “iPhone Unavailable” Message: Explanation and Fixes
      Turn Off Location Sharing on an iPhone Without Anyone Knowing
      How to
      Turn On MMS Text Messages on an iPhone
      2 Ways to Factory Reset iPhone Without Apple ID Password
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207006

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 32,408 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement