iMessage says Not Delivered? How to fix it
A red Not Delivered message is a problem on your side. A message that never shows Delivered is usually a problem on theirs.
Two different problems
If that did not work
Red “Not Delivered” with an exclamation mark
Your iPhone could not send the message. The fixes below solve this.
Sent, but never says “Delivered”
The message left your phone but the other person’s device has not received it yet. Their phone may be off or offline. Wait, or send it as a text message.
The fix
8 fixes for Not Delivered
- 1
Resend the message.
Tap the red exclamation mark, then Try Again.
- 2
Send it as a text message.
In the same menu choose Send as Text Message. To do this automatically, turn on Send as Text Message in Messages settings.
- 3
Check your connection.
Open a website in Safari. iMessage needs Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- 4
Toggle Airplane Mode.
Turn it on, wait 10 seconds and turn it off.
- 5
Turn iMessage off and on.
Go to Settings › Apps › Messages, turn off iMessage, wait 30 seconds and turn it on. This also fixes the iOS 26 issue after adding an eSIM.
- 6
Check Send & Receive.
In Messages settings, tap Send & Receive and make sure your phone number is ticked.
- 7
Check the contact’s details.
Make sure you are texting their current number or iMessage email, not an old one.
- 8
Update iOS and reset network settings.
Install updates, then if needed go to Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset › Reset Network Settings.
If it only fails with one person, delete that conversation and start a new one. If it fails with everyone, see our full guide to iMessage not working.
Frequently asked questions
Does “Not Delivered” mean I am blocked?
Not usually. When someone blocks you, your iMessages often still appear to send normally but never show Delivered. A red Not Delivered error is almost always a connection or setting problem on your iPhone.
Why does my iMessage not say Delivered?
The other person’s phone may be off, out of signal, in airplane mode, or no longer using iMessage. It shows Delivered once their device receives it.
What to try next
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