How To Fix iMessage Not Delivered Error

Long-time iPhone users have most likely encountered numerous iOS glitches over the years. One of the most infuriating ones has to be related to the messaging app. iMessages have a reputation for not working from time to time. There could be several reasons your messages give a “Not Delivered” status.

This article will address the top ways to fix your iPhone’s “iMessage not delivered” issue.

Check the Internet Connection

Checking the internet connection may be a no-brainer, but signals drop from time to time – sometimes without users noticing. You can verify your connection in a couple of ways.

Via Wi-Fi

If you’re connecting to the internet using a Wi-Fi network, follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to Settings.
   
2. Go to “Wi-Fi.”
   
3. Ensure that the toggle is switched “on.”
   

Once the Wi-Fi on your phone is on, you can choose between “a network” or “other.” Picking the network option is what most users will do. It’s a standard Wi-Fi network that typically requires a password to access.

On the other hand, the “other” option is a hidden network. These don’t appear on Wi-Fi lists, so users must enter the correct network name, type, and password.

When you successfully connect to a network, the Wi-Fi signal icon appears at the top of the iPhone screen.

Via Cellular Data

Cellphones default to cellular data (when available) if they can’t find a viable Wi-Fi connection. If you have trouble with an internet connection using cellular data, ensure the data option is switched on.

1. Go to Settings on the phone.
   
2. Select “Cellular.”
   
3. Check that the toggle is “on.”
   

For phones with dual-SIM capabilities, only one line can be activated for cellular data. Tap “Cellular Data” and ensure that the correct line is selected.

Do You Have Internet Access?

Suppose you checked your preferred access method and ensured everything was selected appropriately. The next step is to check if you have internet access.

One of the most obvious ways to check your internet access is to open the Safari browser. If that loads correctly, you can also try opening another app. Occasionally, users encounter a problem wherein the iPhone shows an internet connection, but some apps display a “No Internet Connection” error message.

There are a few ways to bypass this message if you encounter it.

• Disconnect or delete your VPN.
• Toggle Airplane Mode on and then off.
• Ensure that the Date and Time feature updates automatically.
• Reset the Network Settings.
• Reset all settings.

Sometimes you can resolve internet connection issues by simply toggling a few settings on and off. However, if that doesn’t work, you can move to the setting resets.

Please note that network and all settings resets don’t result in losing personal files. However, you will have to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords, cellular data details, and customization information in case of an all settings reset.

Restart Your Device

There are several ways to restart your phone. Your options might be limited due to your OS version, so check first. If your iPhone runs iOS 16 or later, the easiest way to restart your device is with Siri.

Tell Siri to “Restart my iPhone” and tap “Yes” when prompted. You can also summon Siri by pressing and holding the Side or Home buttons on models with a physical home button below the screen.

Here are some additional methods of restarting different iPhone models.

iPhones With Face ID

If you’re an iPhone user with Face ID capabilities, this is how to restart:

1. Press and hold the Side button and any of the volume buttons together.
   
2. After your device vibrates, it will show the “Slide to Power Off’ slider.
   
3. Swipe the slider to the right until the screen turns off.
   
4. It might take your phone up to 30 seconds to fully power off.
5. Press and hold the Side button to turn it back on until you see the white Apple logo.
   
6. After the boot-up sequence, your iPhone is ready for use.

iPhones With the Home Button

Apple still sells models with a physical home button beneath the screen. Depending on the model, there might be a side button or even a button on top of the device. To properly restart these, here is what you need to do.

1. Press and hold the Side button (or the top button, depending on your device).
   
2. Swipe the “Slide to Power Off” slider to the right.
   
3. After your phone fully powers down, press and hold the Side (or top) button.
   
4. Wait until the white Apple logo disappears.

Restart Device Using Settings

You can always use Settings to restart your iPhone. Here’s how to get started:

1. Go to Settings.
   
2. Tap “General.”
   
3. Scroll down to the bottom and tap on “Shut Down.”
   
4. Drag the slider when prompted to power off the device.
   
5. Wait 10 seconds and turn the iPhone back on.

Am I Blocked on iPhone, or Is It Do Not Disturb?

One of the reasons why your iMessages are not being delivered is that the other person might have blocked you. However, figuring this out isn’t that easy of a task. Outside of the other person telling you outright, there isn’t a definitive way to know you’ve been blocked. However, there are some things you can do to be sure.

Do Not Disturb

It’s easy to know whether someone has their phone set to Do Not Disturb (DND). You still get a delivery notification when sending an iMessage to a person with DND or any other Focus mode enabled. If you don’t receive one, there is a good chance you are blocked.

Blocked users do not receive ‘Delivered’ or ‘Read’ notifications. However, it’s important to note that this method only works if the other person also owns an iPhone.

A Phone Call

The easiest, if not the socially most awkward, way to find out if you are blocked is to call the other person. If it goes directly to voicemail or rings once and then goes to voicemail, that is further evidence that you might be blocked.

Try a Different Number or Device

You can use a different number or phone to check whether you will get the same results. If you are still unable to reach the other person, there might be a technical issue on the other end

FAQs

How do you know if you are blocked on iMessage?

There isn’t a clear indicator that someone has blocked you on iMessage. You can try to call the other person, message them from a different number, or simply wait it out.

Does not delivered mean blocked?

If your iMessage is not delivered, it does not automatically mean you are blocked. You might need to check your internet connectivity or restart the phone. Alternatively, the recipient might also experience some technical issues.

Am I blocked if my iMessage doesn’t say delivered?

There are several reasons why your iMessage was not delivered. While being blocked might be one of them, it can be as simple as network connection issues. Trying to contact the other person through other means of communication might uncover the root of the problem.

Getting the Message Through

There are several reasons why your iMessage may get marked as “not delivered.” Sometimes the issue is on your end, and a simple internet check or phone restart can solve the problem. Or the recipient may be experiencing technical issues.

However, if you suspect you’ve been blocked, contact the recipient for confirmation using another device or call them directly. It’s the only way to know for sure.

Have you experienced issues with iMessages not getting delivered? Which solutions worked for you? Let us know about them in the comments section below.