If your iPhone keeps showing “Not Delivered” or the “Delivered” status is missing, don’t worry—this is a common issue. It usually happens due to network problems, iMessage activation glitches, or recipient-side issues.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through easy to advanced solutions, based on real-world troubleshooting experience.
Complete guide- How to activate iMessage on iPhone
Why iPhone Messages Show “Not Delivered”
Before jumping into fixes, here are the most common causes:
- Weak or no internet connection
- iMessage not activated properly
- Incorrect Message settings
- Software bugs or outdated iOS
- Issue with the recipient’s device
1. Check Your Internet Connection (Fix Rate: 85%)
iMessage only works with Wi-Fi or mobile data.
👉 Open Safari and try loading any website
👉 If it doesn’t load, your internet is the problem
Pro Tip: Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to test
2. Toggle Airplane Mode (Fix Rate: 75%)
This quickly refreshes your network.
👉 Swipe down from top-right → Control Center
👉 Turn ON Airplane Mode
👉 Wait 10 seconds
👉 Turn it OFF
This simple trick fixes most temporary connection issues.
3. Resend the Message (Fix Rate: 60%)
Sometimes messages fail due to temporary glitches.
👉 Tap the red (!) icon next to the message
👉 Tap Try Again
4. Send as SMS Instead (Fix Rate: 90% workaround)
If iMessage fails, you can still send the message.
👉 Tap the red (!)
👉 Select Send as Text Message
⚠️ Note: Carrier charges may apply.
5. Enable “Send as SMS” (Fix Rate: 80%)
This ensures messages still go through even if iMessage fails.
👉 Go to Settings > Apps > Messages
👉 Turn ON Send as SMS
6. Restart iMessage (Fix Rate: 85%)
This resolves activation-related issues.
👉 Go to Settings > Apps > Messages
👉 Turn OFF iMessage
👉 Wait a few seconds
👉 Turn it ON again
7. Check Send & Receive Settings (Fix Rate: 70%)
Incorrect settings can block message delivery.
👉 Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Send & Receive
👉 Ensure:
- Your phone number is selected
- Your Apple ID email is checked
8. Update iOS Software (Fix Rate: 65%)
Outdated software can cause bugs.
👉 Go to Settings > General > Software Update
👉 Install latest iOS version if available
9. Check Recipient Issues (Fix Rate: 50%)
Sometimes the problem isn’t your iPhone.
Possible reasons:
- Recipient’s phone is OFF
- No network on their side
- Switched to Android (without deregistering iMessage)
- You might be blocked
10. Force Restart iPhone (Fix Rate: 75%)
Fixes system-level glitches.
👉 Press Volume Up
👉 Press Volume Down
👉 Hold Side Button until Apple logo appears
11. Reset Network Settings (Fix Rate: 90%)
This is a powerful fix for persistent issues.
👉 Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
👉 Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings
⚠️ This will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords
12. Check Apple System Status (Fix Rate: 100% confirmation)
Sometimes Apple servers are down.
👉 Visit Apple System Status page
👉 Check if iMessage is working
Final Thoughts
Start with basic fixes like internet check and Airplane mode, then move toward settings adjustments and resets if needed.
In most cases, the issue is resolved within the first 3–5 steps.
Pro Tip
If you frequently face this issue, keep “Send as SMS” enabled so your messages always get delivered.
If you still face issues, feel free to ask—there’s always a solution.
