Why Are My Text Messages Not Sending? Common Causes and Fixes

It is frustrating to type a significant update, hit send, and then see those dreaded words: “Message Not Delivered.” You recheck your phone. The signal bars look fine, and even the internet is working perfectly. Yet, your message was not delivered.

We are all aware that texting is the foundation of modern business communication. These days, businesses use text messaging to send order updates, deliver important customer service alerts, and more. However, when messages are not delivered, it can disturb operations, affect business efficiency, and damage customer relationships. It is a common issue across iPhone, Android, and carrier networks. Sometimes it is because of a minor glitch, or other times it is due to carrier issues, device settings, or even something as simple as a full inbox.

The Global Consumer Survey 2023 shows that in the U.S., 93% of customers are interested in receiving text messages from businesses. It highlights the importance of text messages for immediate consumer communication.

However, when messages are not delivered, it can lead to significant losses in consumer trust. In short, when text messages fail to send, it means lost revenue, missed opportunities, and unhappy customers.

If you have ever wondered, “Why are my messages not sending?”, this guide will help you understand why it occurs and how to resolve the issue. Read this guide thoroughly to understand the most common reasons why text messages are not sending and to find step-by-step fixes. When you read this guide thoroughly, at the end, you will know what to do the next time you see “text messages not sending” or “messages not delivered.”

What is the Difference Between “Message Not Delivered” and “Not Sending”?

Before we deep dive into fixes, you must understand the difference between a text that is not sending and one that shows “message not delivered.”

What is Message Not Sending?

A message not sending means the text message never leaves your phone. It usually happens when your phone is offline, airplane mode is on, or the SMS/MMS feature is disabled. In this case, your device is not even trying to reach the recipient.

What is Message Not Delivered?

In this case, the text message leaves your phone, but it does not reach the person you’re texting. It can happen if their phone number is wrong, their phone is off, or their carrier blocks the message. It could also be a temporary network issue.

Now, one question will undoubtedly pop into your mind – Why is it important to understand this difference? Well, the reason behind understanding this is that it helps you find out where the problem lies.

If the message is not sending, the issue is most likely on your phone or network. If it shows “not delivered”, the issue could be on your recipient’s side or because of carrier restrictions.

Text Messages Are Not Sending? Here Are the Common Reasons and Fixes

If you’re wondering, “Why aren’t my texts sending?” there are a few usual suspects. Let’s understand them in brief.

Network and Connectivity Issues

When there is a weak or no cellular signal, it prevents messages from being sent. Another reason could be that mobile data or Wi-Fi is turned off. You’ve enabled airplane mode unknowingly.

How to Fix?

• Check the signal strength and move to an open area if required.
• Toggle airplane mode off.
• Restart your phone as it will refresh the network connection.

Carrier-Related Problems

Sometimes the issue is with your service provider. A temporary carrier outage can stop messages from being sent. If your prepaid balance or plan has expired. Some carriers even block international texts unless you’ve explicitly enabled them. You’re trying to send a message to restricted numbers. In these cases, you can try the following fixes.

How to Fix?

• You need to contact your carrier to confirm there is no carrier outage.
• If your plan has expired, recharge it immediately.
• Enable international messaging if required.

Device Settings Misconfigurations

Most of the time, your phone settings might be the culprit. You might not have enabled iMessage or RCS properly, SMS/MMS turned off in messaging settings, and you have outdated APN or carrier settings. Here are some simple steps that you can take to fix these issues.

How to Fix?

• You should turn off and re-enable iMessage on iPhone or RCS on Android.
• Ensure you’ve enabled SMS/MMS in messaging settings.
• You must update your carrier settings when prompted.

Software and App Issues

Sometimes minor software glitches can block texts, such as you’re using outdated iOS or Android versions. Besides, your messaging app has some bugs, too much stored cache, or corrected app data. In these cases, you must try the following fixes to resolve the “message not sending” issue.

How to Fix?

• You should update your phone’s operating system.
• Update your messaging app to the latest version.
• You should clear the cache/data, and then reinstall the app.

Recipient-Related Causes

Sometimes the issue is not at all with your phone, but it is recipient-related, such as you have typed recipient’s number incorrectly or recipients’ might have blocked your number. Moreover, sometimes the recipients may have turned off their phone or their phone may be out of coverage, or their inbox may be full. You need to follow the fixes to resolve the issue.

How to Fix?

• You must double-check the phone number you’re texting to ensure it is correct.
• If you’ve doubts that you’ve been blocked, you must try reaching out through another method, like calling, email, or a messaging app.
• You should wait and try again later if their phone is off or out of service area.
• Ask them to clear old messages if their inbox is full.

Hardware and SIM Card Problems

Many times, physical issues can cause message failures. If you’ve inserted a faulty SIM card or inserted it incorrectly, phone storage is running out, or there are hardware problems with the antenna, your messages might not be sending. Here is the quick fixes that you can try.

How to Fix?

• Remove and insert your SIM card properly.
• Try using your SIM card in another phone to check if the issue is with the card or the device.
• Delete old files, unused apps, and clear unnecessary data to free up your phone storage.
• If you have a doubt that there is a hardware fault, such as antenna damage, you must visit an authorized service centre for repair.

Besides these, here are some other causes that can be the reason for your text messages are not sending.

• You’re Using an Unverified Number

  If you don’t want your message to be perceived as spam, it is important that you verify your number. So, if you have not registered your 10DLC number with The Campaign Registry or have not verified your toll-free number with wireless carriers, your messages are not being sent. Therefore, verify your number for mass texting.

• You’re Using the Wrong Messaging Type

  Businesses must use A2P (Application-to-person) messages for marketing purposes. If you’re trying to use A2P-style messaging from your personal phone number, your mass messages could be flagged as spam and not delivered.

• Your Text Messages Contain Illegal Content

  Are you trying to send text messages that include adult content, drug references, or any criminal activity? If yes, your messages will be blocked by the recipient’s carrier. The reason behind it is that TCPA, CTIA, etc., regulatory body prohibits messages that contain SHAFT (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco) content. It means if you’re in the alcohol-selling business, you can send SMS campaigns to promote events such as happy hours if you have an age verification method in place.

• You are Sending Too Many Text Messages

  You must follow the SMS compliance guidelines. If you’re sending too many text messages, chances are that your carrier will filter your messages as spam. So, do not bombard your customers with too many messages. Instead, send a reasonable number of messages that perfectly align with your industry and business type.

• The SMS Marketing Platform That You’re Using is Prohibited

  Local regulations may restrict the sending of text messages to prevent spam, depending on the country from which you’re receiving or sending text messages. For example, in some countries, sending marketing messages is only allowed during workdays and in a specific time window. If you do not follow, your messages will not be delivered. So, do proper research if you use A2P service and schedule messages to bypass these restrictions.

• Your Contact List Contains Invalid Phone Numbers

  It might happen that your contact list has invalid or deactivated numbers, so it signals carriers that you don’t have permission or that recipients are no longer interested in receiving text from you. You can use phone number validator tools like Landline Remover to remove invalid phone numbers from your contact list.

• A Specific Contact Does Not Want to Receive Your Text

  Sometimes people change their minds even after subscribing to the texting list. They might block your phone number, unsubscribe, or report the number as spam to their carrier. In any of these cases, your message will not be delivered. Therefore, you must respect every opt-out request you receive as per the SMS compliance guidelines.

• The Contact Has The Billing Issue or Has Not Paid Their Bill

  Sometimes a receiver forgets to pay the bill and goes over their plan. In such a situation, the provider or carrier may turn off that specific number’s capability to send and receive text messages. So, it encourages the user to pay what they owe.

If you’ve tried everything but the issue still persists, you should try performing a factory reset after backing up your data. Also, visit the service centre if hardware issues are suspected. If you follow these steps, it will resolve “why are my messages not sending” problems without needing professional help.

How Can You Fix “Message Not Delivered” Problems?

When the message is important but you see “message not delivered” after sending, it can be frustrating. This error means your phone tried to send the text message, but it never reached the recipient. However, don’t panic! Here are some simple fixes that you can try to fix this issue.

• Keep Software Updated

  If your messaging app or operating system is outdated, it often causes glitches. You can fix this problem by regularly updating your iOS or Android. It will ensure that you have the latest bug fixes and better network compatibility.

• Clear Cache and Messaging Data

  Your messaging app usually stores temporary data. So, too much cache can interfere with message delivery. When you clear the cache, it gives your app a fresh start and improves performance.

• Monitor Carrier Service and Balance

  Sometimes the issue is with your carrier. If your prepaid balance has expired, international texting is disabled, or your carrier has temporary network issues, your text message won’t be delivered. So, always check your plan and reach out to your provider if required.

• Double-Check Recipient Details

  When you make a small typing mistake in the phone number, it can prevent delivery. So, ensure your phone number is correct, active, and capable of receiving texts.

• Use Backup Messaging Apps

  If traditional SMS or iMessage fails, you can try alternatives like Telegram, WhatsApp, or Signal. These apps use the internet and can be reliable during network outages.

When you try these fixes, you can reduce the chance of doubting, “Why aren’t my messages delivering?” Regular updates, small setting checks, and backup ensure that your messages reach the right people without unnecessary delays.

Ensure Your SMS Campaigns’ Delivery With Textdrip

Text messaging can be the most reliable communication channel when it works properly. However, if your messages are not delivered, it can be frustrating. Therefore, if you are aware of the common reasons and how to address them, it can save you valuable time and protect your brand reputation. Most of the time, this is due to network issues, carrier restrictions, or misconfigurations in device settings.

If you carefully follow the fixes discussed in this guide, like checking connectivity, updating settings, and ensuring your phone software is up-to-date, you will be able to solve most problems on your own. If nothing works, it is best to reach out to your carrier or your device manufacturer’s support team.

Moreover, if you’re looking for a robust automated SMS marketing platform that ensures your text messages are delivered all the time, try Textdrip. It enables you to send SMS messages effortlessly.

Using Textdrip, you can automate bulk SMS campaigns with hyper-personalised text messages, improve customer engagement with SMS automation and drip SMS campaigns, and more.

If you’re facing message delivery issues and thinking, “Why are my messages not delivering?” read this guide thoroughly, fix some basic issues, follow SMS compliance, and choose the right SMS marketing platform tool like Textdrip that gives you guaranteed results. Book a Textdrip demo and ensure your text messages always reach their target audiences at the right time, and avoid future “text messages not sending” issues.