How to Fix “Cannot Send Audio Messages At This Time” Error on iPhone?

The ‘Cannot send audio messages at this time’ error message can occur for various reasons, including an incorrect iMessage phone number, the use of the sound recognition feature, and more.

You can only send audio messages through the Messages app on your iPhone to other users registered on iMessage. If you’re texting someone who doesn’t own an iPhone or whose number isn’t registered with iMessage, the message won’t be delivered.

However, if you encounter the error while messaging an iMessage user, the following methods may help resolve the issue.

1. Check iMessage Network Status

Begin by checking iMessage’s network status. The error message may appear if the iMessage network is experiencing issues, preventing audio messages from being sent.

Visit Apple’s official System Status webpage to check the status of its services. Distinguishable by color, a non-green iMessage status suggests that there are ongoing issues.

If iMessage is indeed down, you’ll need to wait until Apple’s team resolves the outage before you can successfully use audio messages again.

2. Check iMessage Phone Number

An incorrect phone number associated with iMessage can also prompt the error message, particularly if you’ve changed your number and iMessage is still configured to use the old one.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down to and select the Messages option.

   

3. In the Messages settings, tap on Send & Receive.

   

4. Make sure the correct phone number is checked.
5. If this was the issue, your audio messages should now be able to send successfully.

3. Disable Sound Recognition

Sound recognition can interfere with the functionality of sending or recording voice messages as it actively listens for certain sounds, hindering other audio processes.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Proceed to Accessibility.

   

3. Under the Hearing section, select Sound Recognition.

   

4. Switch off the Sound Recognition feature.

4. Restart iMessage

If iMessage is not functioning correctly, restarting the service can sometimes resolve this issue by establishing a new connection.

1. Enter the Settings app on your phone.
2. Go to the Messages setting.

   

3. Select the iMessage toggle to turn it off.

   

4. Reactivate iMessage afterward.
5. Check if the problem is resolved.

5. Update iOS

Outdated iOS versions can occasionally cause disruptions in the functionality of iMessage, resulting in error messages such as Cannot send audio message at this time.

1. Navigate to the Settings app.
2. Select General > Software Update.

   

3. Allow your phone to check for updates.
4. If an update is available, press Update Now.

   

5. Following the update installation, verify if the issue still persists.

6. Reset iPhone

If none of the above solutions work, resetting your iPhone to factory settings may resolve the issue by eliminating any underlying software problems.

Remember to back up your important data before resetting, as it will erase all content on your device. Follow our guide on how to back up your iPhone for assistance.

1. Access the Settings app.
2. Tap on General.

   

3. Scroll to the bottom and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.

   

4. For a soft reset, select Reset followed by Reset All Settings.

   

5. For a factory reset, choose Erase All Content and Settings.
6. Allow the process to complete.

Should you continue facing the issue with iMessage, it’s recommended that you contact the official Apple support team for further assistance.