How to Fix iMessage Doesn't Say Delivered in 9 Workable Ways

"What am I supposed to do if it send but won't say delivered? and make the sending noise. It only do it with certain people and I'm not blocked."

- from Apple Community

iMessage is a popular messaging tool among Apple users, and its "Delivered" status allows us to confirm whether a message has successfully reached the recipient's device. However, sometimes, iMessage does not show "Delivered", which may lead to questions like: "Why doesn't my iMessage say delivered?", "What does it mean when iMessage doesn't say delivered?", or "If iMessage doesn't say delivered, what should I do?". This article will analyze the possible reasons for this issue in detail and provide targeted solutions to help you easily resolve the problem of iMessage not saying delivered.

Part 1. Why Does My iMessage Not Say Delivered?

When iMessage does not show "Delivered", it usually means the message has not been successfully delivered to the recipient's device. There are several possible reasons for this:

• The recipient's device is not connected to the network: If the recipient's device is not connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, the iMessage will not be delivered in a timely manner. The message will wait in the background until the recipient reconnects to the network.
• The recipient has disabled iMessage: If the recipient has not enabled iMessage and is instead using traditional SMS, even though you sent an iMessage, the system cannot show "Delivered".
• iMessage service issues: Sometimes, Apple's iMessage service experiences outages or delays, which may also prevent the message from showing as "Delivered".
• Network or device settings issues: If your own device is not connected to the internet (e.g. if Airplane Mode is on), the message will not be delivered. You can check your network connection to ensure it's working properly.
• User has blocked you: If you've been added to the recipient's block list, your messages will not be delivered, and "Delivered" will not appear.

Part 2. How to Fix iMessage Doesn't Say Delivered

Now that we know the reasons why iMessage may not show "Delivered", here are some specific solutions to fix the issue of iMessage not saying delivered.

Fix 1. Check Network Connection

The proper functioning of iMessage relies on a stable network connection. If the device is not connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data, it may prevent the message from being delivered. So, check your iPhone's internet connection by following these steps:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Wi-Fi" and make sure you're connected to an available network.

Step 2. If you're using cellular data, ensure it is enabled by going to "Settings" > "Cellular".

Step 3. Test your network connection by trying to open a webpage or using other apps.

Step 4. If the connection is unstable, try restarting your router or switching to a different network.

Fix 2. Reset Network Settings

If there are no issues with the network or cellular data, try this tip: reset your iPhone's network settings, as it can resolve many problems. To reset your network settings, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Transfer or Reset iPhone" > "Reset Network Settings".

Step 2. Enter your device password and confirm.

Step 3. Wait for the device to restart, reconnect to Wi-Fi, and try sending the iMessage again.

Fix 3. Toggle iMessage

In some cases, turning iMessage off and then back on can refresh its status and resolve the issue of iMessage not saying delivered.

Here are the steps:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Messages".

Step 2. Turn off the "iMessage" toggle, wait for 5 seconds, then turn it back on.

Step 3. Send a new message and check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 4. Update iOS

An outdated iOS version can cause system instability, leading to issues like iMessage doesn't say delivered but they respond. It's important to keep your device's system up to date.

Here are the steps:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update". (iPhone software update failed?)

Step 2. If an update is available, tap "Download and Install".

Step 3. Once the update is complete, restart your device and test iMessage functionality.

Fix 5. Restart/Force Restart iPhone

You can also try force restarting or restarting your iPhone to fix the "iMessage not saying delivered" issue. This method can help resolve a wide range of iPhone problems, such as the App Store not working, touch screen glitches, and more.

To Restart the iPhone:

For iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, or later:

• Press and hold both the "Volume" button and the Side button until the power-off slider appears.
• Drag the slider to turn off your device, then wait about 30 seconds for it to power down.
• To turn your device back on, press and hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 6, 7, 8, or SE (2nd or 3rd generation):

• Press and hold the "Side" button until the power-off slider appears.
• Drag the slider to turn off your device, then wait about 30 seconds for it to shut down.
• To power your device back on, press and hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone SE (1st generation), 5, or earlier:

• Press and hold the "Top" button until the power-off slider appears.
• Drag the slider to turn off your device, then wait about 30 seconds for it to shut down.
• To turn your device back on, press and hold the "Top" button until the Apple logo appears.

To Force Restart the iPhone:

• For iPhone X and later models: Press and quickly release the "Volume Up" button, then press and quickly release the "Volume Down" button, and finally, press and hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the "Volume Down" button and the "Side" button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 6 and earlier models: Press and hold the "Power" button and the "Home" button at the same time until the device restarts.

Fix 6. Enable Send as SMS

If iMessage is not sending properly, enabling the "Send as SMS" option can serve as a backup to prevent messages from not being delivered.

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Messages".

Step 2. Find the "Send as SMS" toggle and turn it on.

Fix 7. Sign Out and Sign In to Apple ID

If my iMessage doesn't say delivered consistently, you can try signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in. Here's how:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Messages" > "Send & Receive".

Step 2. Find your Apple ID and tap on it.

Step 3. Select "Sign Out" from the pop-up window. (Can't sign out of your Apple ID?)

Step 4. After a short wait, sign back in using the same Apple ID.

Fix 8. Check Apple Server Status

Although rare, iMessage servers may go down for maintenance, making the service unavailable to everyone. To check if this is the issue, visit Apple's System Status page, which lists recent updates and outages. Services in good condition are marked with a green dot, while any problems are flagged with a yellow dot.

Fix 9. Use iOS System Recovery

If none of the methods work, there may be a deeper system issue. iOS System Recovery is a professional iOS system repair tool that can fix various system errors, including the issue of iMessage doesn't say delivered, without causing any data loss.

Highlights of iOS System Recovery:

• Fix iMessage not saying delivered with ease in just a few clicks.
• Resolve other iOS system issues, such as iPhone being stuck in recovery mode, Apple logo, boot loop, headphone mode, hello screen, or unable to restore, and more.
• Easily upgrade or downgrade iOS versions for free.
• 100% success rate & no data loss.
• Support the latest iPhone 16 and iOS 18.

Here is how to use iOS System Recovery to fix iMessage doesn't say delivered but they respond:

01Download and install the tool on your computer. After the download is complete, launch the program and select "iOS System Recovery".

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

02Connect your iPhone to your computer and trust the connection. Then, click "Start" and follow the on-screen instructions to enter recovery mode.

03Choose "Standard Mode" and click "Confirm" to proceed. The tool will begin downloading the necessary iOS firmware.

04Once the firmware is downloaded, click "Repair" to start the repair process. The tool will fix your device and resolve issues like the iMessage doesn't say delivered.

The Bottom Line

When you encounter the issue iMessage doesn't say delivered, you can try the solutions mentioned above. In most cases, checking the network, updating the system, or adjusting settings will resolve the problem. If the issue persists, it's recommended to use iOS System Recovery, a professional tool that helps quickly restore your device's functionality and ensures iMessage works properly.

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