Red exclamation mark on message icon

Hello Bobmacd1,

It sounds like there was an issue with a message in your Messages app. If you see a red exclamation mark on the app, it is notifying you there is an issue to address.

We'd recommend opening the Messages app and looking through your conversations. There may be a message that failed to send.

Learn more here about troubleshooting incoming and outgoing messages: If you can't send or receive messages on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If you see a red exclamation point

If you try to send a message and you see  with an alert that says Not Delivered, follow these steps:

1. Check your network connection.

2. Tap , then tap Try Again.

3. If you still can’t send the message, tap , then tap Send as Text Message. Messaging rates may apply. Contact your carrier for more information.

You can set up Messages so that it automatically tries to send messages as an SMS when iMessage isn't available. Go to Settings > Messages, and turn on Send as SMS.

Let us know if that helps out or not, take care.