Google Public DNS Settings fixes iMessage “Not Delivered”
Nothing is more annoying when you get “not delivered” in red below your iMessage. It makes you realize just how reliant we all are on messaging and iMessage in particular. There are two possible solutions to the Not Delivered issue. The error could have to do with your DNS settings or it could just be a short-term glitch with iMessage.
Solution 1 – Turn iMessage off then on again
How to Fix iMessage Not Delivered – To get iMessage working again, go to
- Settings [v_icon color=”#444444″ size=”12px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-arrow-right-6″]
- Messages [v_icon color=”#444444″ size=”12px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-arrow-right-6″]
- Turn iMessage Off for 3 seconds
- Turn On Again and wait for it to “reactivate”.
- This resetting of iMessage fixes the issue 99% of the time.
Solution 2 – Switch to Google Public DNS Settings
Another fix which can often “fix it for good” is to switch to Google Public DNS settings for the Wifi network that isn’t working. It also makes your data safer and more secure from phishing. Double win! Follow these steps and pictures to get it working again:
- Open Settings App [v_icon color=”#444444″ size=”12px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-arrow-right-6″]
- Tap on Wi-Fi [v_icon color=”#444444″ size=”12px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-arrow-right-6″]
- Hit “i” button to Right of your selected network [v_icon color=”#444444″ size=”12px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-arrow-right-6″]
4. Tap anywhere on the “DNS” line and then delete all the numbers and periods in there so it’s blank.
5. Now add the following just like in the image below. 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
That’s it. Now you are done. Go back to iMessage and re-send your message. It should work now and forever more and you also get the benefit of going through Google’s safer and more secure Public DNS.
Let us know which of these fixed the issue for you in the comments below and help spread the word.
I live in the Philippines. I followed your tip and texted a relative in the US and message was undelivered. What should I do?
Hmm. It may only work in US.
It didn’t work. How do I fix it?!
Jayla – Go into Settings App and turn off iMessage then turn on again. See page (I updated it) for step-by-step directions.
Eh for some of my contacts it’s not letting me iMessage them I have An iPod touch 5 th gen and it comes up in red writing “not delivered ” and the same thing happens to the person who I’m trying to send the message to and I have Tried all of the above but the thing is i have been able to text them in the past and they have not either blocked me or turned off their iMessage what shall I do ?
Sometimes iMessage simply doesn’t work. Turning iMessage off then on again should fix the issue.
Hi,
A friend had issues and I suggested the DNS fix here and it worked beautifully. Any idea what the issue is that changing DNS fixes it? I ask because I use the same DNS my friend did, and mine works fine. She also contacted Apple Support at one point who had her reset to factory defaults, swap routers, try on other devices.. nothing seemed to work. Changing DNS did.. but like I said, I use the same DNS she did and mine works just fine.
Switching to Google Public DNS works for me. Can you explain how it help fix this issue? I’m kind of curious 😀
Damn.. it did work! Thank you very much.
Thanks a lot!! Got my iMessage working once again.
iMessage is still not working, on the latest version right now!
I managed to use your advice. thank you