Secret Codes guide
iPhone Texts Will Not Send: How to Fix It
By Muhammad Shahid ยท ยท 4 min read
Quick answer
Red exclamation marks on outgoing messages. A red exclamation mark with Not Delivered means the message left the app and failed. Apple's sequence is to check the network connection, tap the exclamation mark and tap Try Again, and if that still fails, tap it again and choose Send as Text Message. That last option is the important diagnostic.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test ยท Free on the App StoreDownload free โ| What it does | Red exclamation marks on outgoing messages. |
|---|---|
| Published for | any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular |
| Type | iOS setting |
Red exclamation marks on outgoing messages. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.
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Why does this happen and how do I fix it?
A red exclamation mark with Not Delivered means the message left the app and failed. Apple's sequence is to check the network connection, tap the exclamation mark and tap Try Again, and if that still fails, tap it again and choose Send as Text Message.
That last option is the important diagnostic. If an iMessage will not go but the same message succeeds as an SMS, iMessage or your data connection is the problem. If the SMS also fails, the failure is on the carrier's messaging path and the phone cannot fix it.
Turning on Send as Text Message under Settings, Apps, Messages makes iOS fall back automatically in future instead of leaving messages stranded.
What should I try, in order?
- Tap the red exclamation mark and tap Try Again. Check you have signal or Wi-Fi first.
- If it fails again, tap the exclamation mark and choose Send as Text Message. Success here means iMessage, not your line, was the problem.
- Turn on Settings, Apps, Messages, Send as Text Message so future messages fall back automatically.
- Toggle Airplane Mode for 15 seconds, then check Settings, General, About for a carrier settings update.
- Verify the SMS centre number with *#5005*7672# if you are on AT&T or T-Mobile. A blank or wrong value stops outgoing SMS on GSM networks.
- If plain SMS still fails to every recipient, contact your carrier โ messaging is provisioned on their side, not yours.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular |
|---|---|
| Type | iOS setting |
| Good to know | SMS and MMS require a text-messaging plan on your line. If the carrier has not provisioned messaging, no iOS setting will send a text. |
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How Secret Codes helps
Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do about Texts Will Not Send?
Red exclamation marks on outgoing messages. A red exclamation mark with Not Delivered means the message left the app and failed.
What else should I know about Texts Will Not Send?
Apple's sequence is to check the network connection, tap the exclamation mark and tap Try Again, and if that still fails, tap it again and choose Send as Text Message. That last option is the important diagnostic.
What are the steps for Texts Will Not Send?
1. Tap the red exclamation mark and tap Try Again. Check you have signal or Wi-Fi first. 2. If it fails again, tap the exclamation mark and choose Send as Text Message. Success here means iMessage, not your line, was the problem. 3. Turn on Settings, Apps, Messages, Send as Text Message so future messages fall back automatically. 4. Toggle Airplane Mode for 15 seconds, then check Settings, General, About for a carrier settings update. 5. Verify the SMS centre number with *#5005*7672# if you are on AT&T or T-Mobile. A blank or wrong value stops outgoing SMS on GSM networks. 6. If plain SMS still fails to every recipient, contact your carrier โ messaging is provisioned on their side, not yours.
Where do I find Texts Will Not Send?
Mostly in the Settings app, following the steps on this page in order.
Is there a dial code for Texts Will Not Send?
No keypad code is listed for it. The way to do it is: Fix.
Which carriers does Texts Will Not Send work on?
It is published for any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular. SMS and MMS require a text-messaging plan on your line. If the carrier has not provisioned messaging, no iOS setting will send a text.
Does Texts Will Not Send work on Android phones too?
These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.
Will Texts Will Not Send work outside the US?
The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.
What if Texts Will Not Send does not work on my iPhone?
Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier.
What is related to Texts Will Not Send?
You Cannot Hear The Caller. Separate a blocked earpiece from a bad connection.
What else is in this category?
Blue Bubbles Turned Green. Messages that used to be iMessages now send as text.
Can I find Texts Will Not Send in an app?
Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details.
Sources
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