Smartphones have become integral to our lives, allowing us to send text messages conveniently. When you message someone, you’ll usually get a notification when the message is successfully delivered. But when the recipient’s phone is dead, will you still get this notification?
Keep reading to discover whether messages deliver when the phone is dead. We will also delve into what causes message delivery issues and possible alternatives. Let’s get started!
Do Messages Deliver When the Recipient’s Phone Is Dead?
No, messages won’t be delivered when a phone is dead. A message can’t travel between devices when a recipient’s number or phone is offline. The reason is that the dead phone cannot detect network coverage, preventing it from receiving messages until it turns back on.
You’ll get a delivery notification once the recipient’s phone is back online. However, the servers delete the text if 30 days lapse while the phone is off.
4 Other Reasons Why an iMessage Is Not Delivered
Apart from a dead phone, below are some of the other reasons why an iMessage may not get delivered:
-
Lack of Internet Connection.
iMessage requires a stable internet to work and send messages. That said, the lack of an internet connection can cause iPhone messages not to deliver when the phone is dead. -
Possible Change of Devices.
People can’t receive iMessages if they switch from an Apple device to an Android. However, you can still send them an iMessage if they did not delete their number on the messaging app. As a result, your message will not deliver. -
“Do Not Disturb” Mode.
“Do Not Disturb” prevents iPhones from receiving any notifications. So, if you message someone whose phone is on DND mode, they will not see the message; thus, the “delivered” notification will not show up on your end. -
You’re Blocked.
If the “delivered” tag disappears immediately after popping up, this could mean you’re blocked. To confirm this, try calling the recipient. If the call disconnects or goes straight to voicemail, that is a confirmation that you’ve been blocked.You can also check if you’re blocked on iPhone without calling
Learn more about the Difference Between iMessage and SMS/MMS.
Reasons Why Text Messages Don’t Deliver on Android
Here are the reasons your text messages don’t deliver on Android:
-
An Invalid Number.
It is common for numbers to be flagged due to formatting errors. Take a moment to verify the phone number to ensure it’s correct. -
Signal Issues.
If the recipient’s phone doesn’t have a signal, then they can’t receive a text. This could be due to poor connectivity or downtime on their carrier. -
A Message Is Marked as Spam.
A text suspected of phishing or malware can be flagged as spam. Your SMS will be moved to the spam folder if it violates the recipient’s cellular or carrier rules. -
You’re Blocked.
Like on iPhones, a message can’t deliver when your number is blocked. Try calling the receiver using a different number to see if it connects. -
Technical Issues.
Sometimes a phone carrier can experience technical issues like network errors. If this is the case, you’ll get notified about the situation, so you’ll know why your message did not deliver. -
SMS Contains Illegal Content.
A carrier can block an SMS or MMS containing explicit or illicit content, such as drugs and firearms. Therefore avoid sending messages with profanity or suggesting illegal activities.
-
Reported Message.
People can report spam or inappropriate messages to their carriers. If an SMS is too similar to those reported, the carrier might mistakenly block it. -
Entering a Landline Number.
Landlines don’t accept SMS. They only receive or make calls. Therefore all texts sent will automatically not be delivered. -
Sending a Mass Text Without Verification.
Some carriers require verification to send an SMS to hundreds of people. Contact your carrier to switch from P2P (Person-to-Person) to A2P (Application-to-Person) to send mass messages. -
Using Images on Your Text Message
iPhones might experience issues when trying to send a text message containing a picture to an Android device. If the picture was taken with an iPhone, the message might not get delivered. Read more on how to send pictures through text on iPhone to Android
Note: Android phones require an active cellular or carrier network to send a text, leading to charges.
How to Know If a Green Text Message Was Delivered on iPhone?
To know if a text message was delivered on an iPhone, look for a “delivered” or “sent notification. You can also drag a text to the left of your screen to see the exact time it was delivered.
Here is a detailed explanation of why iPhone text messages may not get delivered:
-
Check for a “Not Delivered” Notification.
Look at the status appearing below each message. If it is marked “not delivered,” your message didn’t reach the recipient. -
Check for the “Sent” Notification.
If “sent” appears, the text was successfully delivered but as an SMS. Therefore, carrier charges may apply.
How to Delete an Undelivered Message on iPhone
Important Note: Unsending iMessages only works on iPhones with iOS16 and later. In addition, you can only undo messages within 2 minutes after sending them.
These are the steps to delete an undelivered message on an iPhone:
Step 1: Go to “iMessage”
Step 2: Find the Message You Want to Delete
Step 3: Tap & Hold the Message Bubble
This step will prompt the message options that you can apply to the undelivered message.
Step 4: Tap “More”
After tapping “More,” your iPhone will mark that message and will ask you to mark the other messages that you want to delete along with the undelivered one.
Step 5: Hit the “Delete” Icon
The “Delete” icon is the small trashcan that you will see at the bottom left of your screen.
Step 6: Choose “Delete Message” to Confirm
How to Tell If Someone’s iPhone Is Turned Off?
To tell if someone’s iPhone is turned off, place a call, send an iMessage, or a regular SMS. Your best bet is to call from another phone to ensure you aren’t blocked. If the phone rings even once before getting their voicemail, chances are the iPhone is on. You can also check if they were recently active on their frequented social media platform.
Below is a more detailed explanation to tell if someone’s iPhone is turned off:
-
Place a Call.
Try calling the person. If the phone fails to ring and redirects to voicemail, the iPhone is possibly off. -
Send a Regular SMS.
If the receiver doesn’t reply to an SMS or takes longer than usual to send the text, their phone service is off. Green messages on iPhones don’t deliver when the phone is dead. -
Check Their Social Media Handles.
You can look at social media platforms to check when someone was last online. If they were recently active, message them to see if you’ll get a response.
5 Alternative Messaging Apps for iOS and Android
The popular iMessage alternatives include Whatsapp, Telegram, WeChat, Viber, and Facebook Messenger. Like iMessage, you require WIFI or cellular data to send texts, videos, and voice notes. These apps support other functions like group audio and video calls but don’t deliver messages when the phone is dead.
Below are some free-to-use alternatives to iMessage delivery:
1. Whatsapp
Price: Free
Whatsapp has over 1.5 billion users with multiple messaging functionalities. Apart from calls and texts, you can share your active location, allowing the people you are meeting to know where you are.
Find out how to know when someone stops sharing location on iPhone.
There is also a Whatsapp Business app for people who want to use the messaging platform for business purposes. The Business app gives you access to various marketing tools.
2. Telegram
Price: Free
Telegram is a freemium (free+premium) app that is accessible around the globe. It is an encrypted, cloud-based app, so you can talk privately with people without worrying that someone might access your account. Apart from chats, Telegram also offers video calling and file sharing.
One of the best features of Telegram is the group chat feature, where you can add up to 200,000 members. Also, users can join public platforms and view the entire group’s history.
3. Facebook Messenger
Price: Free
Facebook Messenger is among the most used messaging app today. Like any other messaging platform, it allows you to send chats, voice and video calls, files, and media. The app is free to download, but you need the internet to access its features.
To use the app, create a Facebook account. Afterward, you can deactivate the account and log in using your Facebook information. This way, your picture, and details are only accessible on Messenger.
4. Viber
Price: Free
This is quite similar to Whatsapp. You can send instant end-to-end encrypted messages on the platform. Users can add contacts or invite friends and family to start communicating.
One of the best features of Viber is its free video and voice calls over the Internet. You can contact anyone you want, wherever they are, as long as you have a stable connection.
5. WeChat
Price: Free
This messaging app is primarily popular in China. But there are over 1 billion WeChat users worldwide. Using WeChat, you can share videos with your friends through the Time Capsule.
With the Time Capsule feature, you no longer have to worry about manually deleting media, as they automatically disappear after 24 hours.
Text Messages Don’t Deliver When the Phone Is Dead
Messages don’t get delivered when a phone is dead. This happens whether you are using an iPhone or an Android smartphone. It is essential to understand that a text-only reaches a recipient if they have an active connection, whether in WIFI, cellular data, or carrier services.
Remember, iMessages only turn blue when communicating with someone using an Apple device. However, you can also use iMessage alternatives to send texts from iPhone to Android.
