Text messaging is certainly one of the most dependable ways to communicate. However, sometimes, SMS messages fail to be sent. It can be frustrating, particularly if you are trying to call someone urgently.
In this blog, we’ll look at the potential reasons for your question—why aren’t my text messages going through? Plus, the solutions provided in this blog can help you solve the issue effectively.
To improve SMS delivery rates, keep clearing the cache and update apps regularly. Corrupt message data can often prevent messages from being sent or received properly.
9 Common Reasons Why Text Messages Are Not Sending
Text messages can fail for various reasons, from phone settings to network issues. A deep insight into these issues will help you identify and fix them quickly.
Below are nine common reasons for text messages not sending and the solutions to resolve them.
1. Poor Network Connection
An unstable connection is by far one of the most common reasons text messages fail to send. If your phone does not connect to a mobile network, you may not be able to send messages to the recipient.
This often happens in areas with low network coverage, such as basements, crowded areas, or remote locations.
To solve this problem, check your signal bars, which are located at the top corner of your mobile phone. If the signal is weak, try moving to a different location where you can find a better signal. Turning your phone’s airplane mode on and off can also help to refresh these network issues. If you are using Wi-Fi calling, your Wi-Fi connection should be robust and stable.
One more effective approach is to reboot your device. Sometimes, a simple restart can properly reconnect your phone to the mobile carrier. If this issue is still present, contact your service provider to see if there is a network outage in your area.
2. Incorrect Phone Number or Formatting Issues
This mistake is the most common, which could make you wonder: Why do my text messages keep failing? It is simply because you have entered the wrong phone number. It happens a lot when you copy-paste a number. An incorrect format or omitting a number will not send a message.
To prevent it, simply double-check the recipient’s phone number before clicking on send.
Include the correct country code and area codes before the phone number, especially when you send messages internationally. Also, do not add any unnecessary space, symbols, or special characters that may interfere with proper formatting.
If you frequently encounter this problem with a specific contact, consider deleting the phone number from your phone book. Then, try adding it again. Also, verify if the recipient has changed their number or has issues receiving messages from others as well.
3. Carrier Restrictions & Blocking
Wireless carriers have specific rules when it comes to the delivery of text messages.
Sometimes, mobile networks may also block text messages. This can be due to excessive sending, suspicious activity, or restrictions put by the recipient’s carrier.
If you see any carrier restrictions, then check with your mobile service provider. Some carriers put a limit on the number of messages you can send in a short period. This is done to prevent too many text messages from being sent at once. You may need to wait before sending more messages. You can also request to increase your limit.
In addition, some networks block international SMS messages by default. When you send an SMS message abroad, confirm with your carrier that international messaging is included in your plan. Also, clear all the outstanding dues on your account.
4. SMS Center Number Misconfiguration
The SMS Center Number, also called SMSC, is responsible for routing messages to the recipient. If it is misconfigured or missing, the receiver won’t receive messages.
To overcome this problem, first check your SMSC settings in the messaging app or phone settings. The correct number varies from carrier to carrier. As a result, you may need to look it up on your provider’s website. In many cases, if you reset your network settings, it will go back to the default SMSC.
If you are not very sure, then contact the customer support service of your mobile carrier. They can guide you and help you in updating your SMSC settings manually if required.
- To improve SMS delivery rates, keep clearing the cache and update apps regularly. Corrupt message data can often prevent messages from being sent or received properly.
5. Full Storage or Messaging App Issues
Once your phone storage is full, it will prevent your device from receiving or sending sms messages. When storage is at its capacity, apps such as your messaging app may malfunction.
You can avoid this by freeing up space. To do this, delete unnecessary files, images, or old messages from your device. By clearing this messaging cache of your messaging app, small glitches or issues can be resolved.
If your messaging app is still misbehaving, there is one more solution. Try to use an alternative app or update your current one. In extreme cases, uninstalling or reinstalling the app might also help to fix the technical issues.
6. The Recipient’s Phone Is Off or Unreachable
You might wonder, “Why aren’t my texts going through?”. The recipient’s phone may be switched off. This can also happen in an area with no network coverage. In such cases, the message remains undelivered until they reconnect.
In these cases, you should wait and check later to see if the text message eventually goes through. Some messaging apps will notify you when a message is successfully delivered.
If the issue persists and other contacts can receive your messages, the receiver may have a specific issue on their end. It can be due to a network problem, mobile network outage, or when the phone is in Do Not Disturb mode.
7. Message Format or File Size Issue (For MMS)
MMS messages, which include images, videos, or attachments, have file size restrictions. If the file is too large, it may not be sent successfully.
This problem can be avoided by resizing or compressing images before sending them. Generally, most messaging apps automatically reduce file sizes. In case your file size is not reduced, try using an external app.
Additionally, check that your cellular data is enabled. MMS messages typically require cellular data rather than Wi-Fi for sending. If you are experiencing problems, toggling your internet connection off and on can help.
- Keep in mind that group messages might not be sent if the recipient has any restrictions. Plus, some devices that don’t support MMS can also cause delivery issues.
: How To Send Texts To Multiple Contacts Without Group Message?8. Software Bugs or Outdated OS
Software bugs or outdated operating systems can interfere with message delivery.
If your phone’s software is not up to date, you might face problems with the SMS service. As a result, the person you’re trying to contact might not receive messages at all.
Keep your phone updated. It is the best way to avoid these issues. To check this, go to your settings menu and check for software updates. Install if there are any pending updates, and then restart your device.
If the problem still occurs, reset your network settings. This will clear any misconfigurations that might be causing the issue. But before doing a factory or data reset, back up data that is important. This will keep your storage safe.
9. The Recipient Has Blocked Your Number
If a specific contact does not receive messages, they might have blocked your number. When this happens, your messages may appear as sent but will never be delivered.
If this is the case, try calling the phone number. If your call goes directly to voicemail or does not connect, you may been blocked. To confirm this, you can send a text message from another number.
You obviously can’t bypass a block. However, you can try to contact them by different methods like email or social media. If the block was unintentional, the recipient can unblock your number from their phone settings.
If you frequently see this issue where your text messages are sent but not delivered, confirm this with your carrier. This might help identify if there are any restrictions on your account.
Manage Your SMS Campaigns with ControlHippo
Many businesses today depend on SMS campaigns for communication. A failed message can mean a missed opportunity. ControlHippo offers a robust SMS management platform that enables you to send SMS messages effortlessly. With ControlHippo’s SMS shared inbox, teams can collaborate and manage SMS communications better.
By using ControlHippo, you can:
- Monitor text delivery rates and troubleshoot issues like message caches in real-time.
- Automate bulk SMS campaigns with accurate targeting.
- Improve customer engagement with SMS marketing automation.
If you’re struggling with message delivery issues and wondering, “Why is my message not delivering?” It’s time to take control with ControlHippo. Sign up today to ensure your text messages always reach their intended recipients!
Updated : March 16, 2025
Supriya is a proficient content developer with significant expertise in the domain of omnichannel communication solutions. She has a proven track record of delivering insights that empower organizations to optimize customer engagement. Passionate about the evolving landscape of business communication technology, Supriya stays at the forefront of trends in the field.
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