Message not delivered/sent as SMS for one contact only

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Level 1

8 points

Message not delivered/sent as SMS for one contact only

Hi, I am having an issue with a specific contact (he’s on T Mobile, I’m Verizon) where “Delivered” does not show underneath each iMessage. They are getting my messages, and then maybe 5-10 minutes later it’s saying they hadn’t been delivered. Sometimes, they actually won’t deliver and it’ll send as an SMS. The same thing is happening to them on their end as well.

We text a lot for work, and it has even infiltrated our staff group message. Not sure what else to do, it’s extremely frustrating because we never know what came through on time or out of order. If we send a photo, forget about it, nukes the whole thread. We both deleted each others contact and that made no difference, either. Keep in mind, this happened randomly with no discernible cause.

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Aug 11, 2025 10:11 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 13, 2025 07:40 AM in response to Marconis

In order for a message to be sent as an iMessage, and for pictures to be sent at all, both parties need to have an active data connection, either WiFi or cellular. The symptoms you're describing would seem to indicate that the particular person with whom you're having the issue doesn't always have a data connection or that it is weak or intermittent. Your iPhone will (if you have the setting enabled) resend a message that it can't properly send as an iMessage as an SMS.

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Answer 2

Marconis Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 13, 2025 07:52 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Thank you. Both of us have active WiFi and cellular enabled at all times. In fact, we tested this out sitting next to each other on the same WiFi. Also, to be clear, 95% of the messages are actually received, regardless of whether or not it says “Delivered” (it never does) or “Not Delivered”

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Answer 3

Aug 13, 2025 09:04 AM in response to Marconis

So, when you are sitting next to each other, on the same WiFi, you're still seeing this? Does this person have any other Apple devices logged into the same Apple Account?

Also, to be clear, 95% of the messages are actually received, regardless of whether or not it says “Delivered” (it never does) or “Not Delivered”

That can be an issue with internet connection. It's one of the reasons I originally made the suggestion I did.

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Answer 4

Marconis Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 13, 2025 09:35 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Yes, that’s why it’s so strange. We are having this issue on the same WiFi. It started randomly happening several weeks ago. It happens when we are on cell data together too but I understand they will be connected to different towers since they are different carriers

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Answer 5

Aug 13, 2025 09:39 AM in response to Marconis

Yes, very strange.

Has the other person tried resetting their network settings?

Settings>General>Transfer or Reset iPhone>Reset>Reset Network Settings.

The only data you lose is saved WiFi passwords.

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