Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIf an iPhone shows a red exclamation point and “Not Delivered,” check your connection, tap the alert, and choose Try Again. If that fails, tap the alert again and choose Send as Text Message—messaging rates may apply. Then check the recipient details and, if needed, work through the steps below.
Retry the message and check your connection
- Make sure the iPhone is online. iMessage, RCS, and MMS need Wi-Fi or cellular data. SMS needs cellular service, though Wi-Fi Calling can allow SMS over Wi-Fi. If the connection is available, try sending again. Apple Support lists checking the connection as the first step.
- Try sending the failed message again. Tap the red exclamation point beside the message, then tap Try Again.
- Switch to text messaging if retrying fails. Tap the red exclamation point and choose Send as Text Message. Apple cautions that messaging rates may apply. If the option is missing or the text also fails, check with your carrier about support and your plan.
Check the recipient’s contact details
Make sure the conversation is addressed to the recipient’s current phone number or email address. A message sent to the wrong or outdated address will not reach the intended recipient. Apple includes checking the recipient information among its troubleshooting steps.
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Restart the iPhone
Restart the iPhone, then try sending the message again. Apple lists restarting as an additional step for message-sending problems.
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If the problem began after setting up a new iPhone
Check that the device is using the intended phone line and iMessage identity. This is especially relevant if you use multiple SIMs.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Install an available iOS update if needed.
- Open Settings > Cellular and confirm the intended line is switched on.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Messages, switch iMessage off, then switch it back on.
- Open Send & Receive and select the phone number you want to use for iMessage.
These are Apple’s suggested checks for message problems after setting up a new device.
Understand what “Send as Text Message” changes
The fallback changes the delivery route; it does not fix the underlying connection or account issue. Apple describes iMessage as messages, photos, or videos sent to Apple devices over Wi-Fi or cellular data; iMessages appear in blue bubbles. RCS, SMS, and MMS appear in green bubbles and require a text-messaging plan. SMS needs cellular service unless Wi-Fi Calling is enabled for SMS over Wi-Fi.
Rank #2
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1320x2868px at 460ppi, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 4685mAh Battery
- 1TB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 Pro (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz), Apple GPU 6-core, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.3
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.8 (periscope telephoto) 5x optical zoom + 48MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth), Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9 (wide)
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Because the fallback uses text messaging rather than iMessage, your carrier’s plan and support matter, and charges may apply. Apple’s troubleshooting page, published June 18, 2026, does not give a universal cause or say how often this error occurs.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. ProMotion technology. Always-On display. Titanium with textured matte glass back. Action button
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU
- Pro camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide| Telephoto. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. Up to 10x optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 29 hours video playback. USB-C, Supports USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers. Face ID
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Contact the right support team if it still fails
- For persistent iMessage sending or receiving problems, contact Apple Support.
- For SMS, MMS, or RCS problems—or to confirm your plan supports the message type—contact your carrier.
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