Message Failed to Send on iPhone? Try These 12 Easy Fixes!

It can be annoying when you try to send a message on your iPhone that won’t go through. Staying in touch and sharing things easily is important. That’s why we’re here – to make things easier for you. If you’re stuck with a message on your iPhone that won’t send, don’t stress.

We have a straightforward guide to sort this out quickly. You’ll find out why your iPhone messages aren’t sending, learn simple steps to fix this problem, and get useful tips to prevent it from happening again. This guide is all about making your messaging experience hassle-free. Let’s get started and get your messages flowing smoothly again.

Why you get “message failed to send” on iPhone

There are several reasons why your iPhone might show a “message failed to send” error. Here’s a list of possible causes and how to fix them:

• Airplane mode: If your phone is on airplane mode, it won’t send messages. Make sure to turn off airplane mode.
• Wrong phone number: Double-check that you’re sending the message to the right number. Messages won’t go through to incorrect or non-existent numbers.
• Phone settings: Sometimes, settings on your phone can mess up message sending. Look through your settings and fix anything that seems off.
• Network or carrier problems: Your network service or carrier might have issues. Check for any network outages or contact your carrier for help.
• Software glitch: Your iPhone’s software might have a small bug or need an update. These glitches can stop messages from being sent.

SEE ALSO: How to Fix iPhone Not Sending or Receiving Pictures in iMessage ➜

How to fix the “message failed to send iPhone” issue

To fix your iPhone’s failure to send text messages, follow the methods listed below. These instructions are designed to quickly troubleshoot and resolve the issue, ensuring your messages are sent without any problems.

1. Turn Airplane mode on and off

Sometimes, you might mistakenly turn Airplane Mode on and not notice it. Airplane mode doesn’t allow you to send messages or make calls. Make sure it is turned off.

Switching Airplane mode on and then off is like giving your iPhone a quick refresh. When you do this, your phone looks for a new network connection. This simple step can start your texting again. It’s like restarting the phone’s ability to connect, which often fixes any minor glitches stopping your messages from being sent.

2. Reboot your iPhone

When your iPhone gets stuck and messages won’t send, a good solution is to restart it. Restarting your phone gives it a fresh start. It clears out the RAM and resets the current power cycle.

You can restart it by holding the power (home on older models) and a volume button together. This will depend upon the iPhone model you are using. This is a soft reset, and it won’t delete any of your data. It’s a safe and often recommended way to fix issues like message-sending failures on your iPhone.

SEE ALSO: 7 Ways to Turn Off Your iPhone or Android (Even if its Stuck) ➜

3. Check your phone’s date and time settings

If you’re still having trouble sending text messages on your iPhone, checking your phone’s date and time are set correctly is a good option. Incorrect date and time settings can cause problems with texting. Here’s how to make sure they’re right:

1. Start by opening the “Settings” app and then go to the “General” section.
   

   

2. Next, find and tap on “Date & Time” settings.
   

   

3. Here, you’ll see an option to “Set Automatically.” Make sure this is turned on. In most cases, it is turned on by default.
   

   

4. Reset your network settings

Another thing you can try is to reset the network settings on your iPhone. These settings control how your phone connects to different cellular networks. If there’s a problem with these settings, it might stop your text messages from being sent. Here’s how to reset them:

1. First, open your iPhone’s “Settings” app and go to the “General” section.
   

   

2. Here, you’ll find an option called “Transfer or Reset iPhone.” Tap on that.
   

   

3. Then, choose “Reset” from the options.
   

   

4. From the list, select “Reset Network Settings.” This will reset all network-related settings on your phone.
   

   

5. You’ll be asked to enter your passcode to confirm this action.
   

   

5. Check the phone number

It’s important to make sure you’re sending your text to the correct phone number. A simple mistake in typing the number or not having the updated number of the person you’re trying to reach can stop your text from being sent. Always double-check the number before sending a message.

6. Check Apple system status

Sometimes, the issue with messages or other Apple services isn’t something you can fix. It could be that Apple’s own systems are having problems.

If you suspect this is why your messages aren’t sending, visit the Apple System Status webpage to see if there’s a known issue. If there’s a problem on their end, the best thing to do is wait for Apple to sort it out.

7. Try again

When you get a “message failed to send” error on your iPhone, simply tap the exclamation point next to the failed message and choose “Try Again.”

This can often fix issues caused by a poor network connection, successfully sending your message on the second try.

READ MORE: How to Hide or Change Your Caller ID on iPhone in 3 Steps ➜

8. Make sure your device has a strong network signal

A good network signal is essential for your iPhone to send and receive messages. Your phone might not get good coverage in places like basements, parking lots, or elevators. This is also true if you’re far from a city or in remote areas.

You can check your signal’s strength by looking at the signal bars on the top of your phone’s screen or in the settings. If the signal is weak, try moving to a spot where the signal is stronger. A location with a good network signal is key for your messages to go through successfully.

9. Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version

Sometimes, an iPhone’s “message failed to send” issue is due to an outdated or faulty software version. If your iPhone hasn’t been updated for a while, or if it’s on a beta version of iOS, you might see message-sending errors. To update your device, just follow these easy steps:

1. Go to your iPhone’s Settings and tap on “General.”
   

   

2. Then, choose “Software Update.”
   

   

3. In this section, you’ll find your device’s latest stable iOS version. If there’s an update available, you’ll see a “Download and Install” button. Tap it and wait for your device to update successfully.
   

   

10. Check iMessage Activation

Though normal text messages are different from iMessages, they might not go through if iMessages are not activated. You can check if iMessage is activated on your iPhone. For this:

1. Scroll down to Messages section in the Settings.
   

   

2. Here make sure the toggle next to iMessage is turned on (green).
   

   

Sometimes, when iMessage isn’t activated, it can lead to issues with sending messages. Restarting the Messages app can also help. This is a simple yet effective way to refresh the app and potentially resolve any minor glitches that might be causing problems with your messaging.

11. Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried everything suggested above but still see the “message failed to send” error, it might be time to get help from Apple Support. They’re the experts in solving tricky issues with iOS devices.

Go to the Apple Support website for personalized help. They can offer specific advice and solutions tailored to your iPhone’s issue, ensuring your messaging function is restored.

READ MORE: How to Contact Snapchat Support [4 Different Ways] ➜

Additional tips for preventing future message sending issues

If you’re having a hard time with messages not sending on your iPhone, here are some simple yet effective ways to keep things running smoothly:

• Always update your messaging app. This helps it work better and more reliably.
• Clean up your inbox by deleting old messages and media files you don’t need. This makes the app run smoother.
• If you send large photos or videos, try to make them smaller first. This can help them send without issues.
• Update your phone with the latest software from your network provider. This can improve your phone’s connection to the network.
• Watch how much data you’re using, especially if the signal is weak. In places with poor signal, using Wi-Fi can be more reliable.
• Set up your notifications to keep you informed without too many alerts. This helps you stay connected without being overwhelmed.

READ MORE: How to Fix Blurry Pictures on iPhone in 5 Different Ways ➜

Final Thoughts

Dealing with the “message failed to send” error on iPhone can be a bit of a hassle, but with the right steps, it’s manageable. We’ve covered a range of fixes, from checking your network connection to updating your iOS version. Simple actions like rebooting your iPhone or resetting network settings can make a big difference.

Following these tips can minimize future issues and keep your communication smooth. Whether it’s a quick check of your iMessage activation or a careful look at your phone number entry, each step ensures your messages always find their way.