Quick answer
Look at the small status mark next to your message. If it’s stuck sending or shows a red alert / “Couldn’t send”, the problem is usually on your side: check your connection, turn off Data Saver or Low Data Mode for Messenger, update the app, and tap the message to retry. If it says sent but not delivered, your message left your phone but hasn’t reached the other person yet — they may be offline, have an older app, or you may not be able to reach them (for example, they’ve restricted messages). If Messenger shows a notice that you can’t send messages, it’s an account limit — see account restrictions.
Is it a different messaging problem?
Does this match what you see?
- Your message shows as sending and never finishes.
- You see a red exclamation mark or “Couldn’t send” / “Failed to send” next to a message.
- Your message shows as sent but never delivered or read.
- Text sends, but photos, videos or voice messages don’t.
- Messenger shows a notice that you can’t send messages right now.
- Messages work on Wi-Fi but not on mobile data (or the other way round).
iPhone & iPadAndroidComputer (browser)
Status icons and wording can change between Messenger versions and differ slightly on iPhone, Android and desktop. Use the descriptions below as a guide rather than an exact picture.
Why this happens: the possible causes
Start with the status mark beside your message. It tells you where the message got stuck. Icons can differ by app version; Meta’s Messenger help (linked below) explains the current ones.
| What you see next to the message | What it usually means | Where to go |
|---|---|---|
| A sending mark (often an empty or spinning circle) | The message hasn’t left your device yet | Fix your connection |
| A sent mark (often a circle with a tick) | Sent from your device, not yet delivered | Sent but not delivered |
| A delivered mark (often a filled circle with a tick) | Delivered to the other person, not yet read | Nothing is wrong — they haven’t read it |
| The other person’s profile photo (small) | They’ve read it (if read receipts are shown) | Nothing is wrong |
| A red alert or “Couldn’t send” | Sending failed | Retry and fix the cause |
| A notice that you can’t send messages | A limit or restriction on your account | Account limits |
- Weak or blocked internet connectionCheck this first
Messages need a working connection. Weak signal, captive Wi-Fi (hotels, cafés), or a VPN can stop them leaving your phone.
- Data Saver, Low Data Mode or background data limitsCheck this first
On Android, Data Saver can limit apps to Wi-Fi in the background. On iPhone, Low Data Mode and Background App Refresh settings can affect how apps sync. Messages may only send while Messenger is open.
- An out-of-date or glitching Messenger appCheck this first
Old versions and damaged temporary files can stop messages, photos or voice notes sending.
- The other person can’t receive your messagePossible
“Sent but not delivered” can happen when the other person is offline, hasn’t opened Messenger, uses an older app, has deactivated their account, or has limited who can message them. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve been blocked.
- Not enough storage on your phonePossible
Photos, videos and voice messages need space to prepare. Google notes Android phones can start having issues when less than 10% of storage is free.
- A limit on your accountPossible
Meta has a help page about limits on sending messages. Sending many messages quickly, especially to people you don’t know, may trigger one for a while.
- A wider Messenger outageLess likely
Occasionally Messenger has problems for many people at once. If friends report the same issue at the same time, wait and try again.
Try these 60-second checks first
- Open a website or another app to confirm your internet works. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Turn Airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off.
- Tap the failed message and choose Try again (or similar), if offered.
- Close Messenger fully and reopen it.
How to fix it, step by step
Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and only move to steps that sign you out or remove data later.
Fix 1: Fix the connection (most stuck messages)
A message stuck on “sending” hasn’t left your device. Most of the time it’s the connection — even when other apps seem fine.
iPhone & iPad
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data in Control Centre.
- Open Settings > Mobile Data (or Cellular) and make sure Messenger is allowed to use mobile data.
- Turn off any VPN and try again.
- If you’re on public Wi-Fi, open Safari to see if there’s a sign-in page to accept.
Android
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data in Quick Settings.
- Turn off any VPN.
- On public Wi-Fi, open your browser to check for a sign-in page.
Computer (browser)
- Reload the page, or open Messenger on facebook.com (or messenger.com, if it opens for you) in another browser.
- Turn off VPNs and browser extensions that block content, then try again.
Did it work? The stuck message changes from sending to sent or delivered.
Fix 2: Turn off Data Saver / Low Data Mode for Messenger
Data-saving settings can stop Messenger working in the background, so messages only send while the app is open or on Wi-Fi.
iPhone & iPad
- Open Settings > General > Background App Refresh and make sure it’s on, and on for Messenger.
- If you use Low Data Mode (in your Wi-Fi or mobile data options), try turning it off while you test.
- Make sure Low Power Mode isn’t on, as it can reduce background activity.
Android
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Data Saver (Pixel wording; names vary by phone).
- Turn Data Saver off, or open Unrestricted data and turn it on for Messenger.
- Also check Settings > Apps > Messenger > Mobile data and allow background data.
Did it work? Messages send on mobile data and arrive even when Messenger was closed.
Fix 3: Retry the failed message (red alert or “Couldn’t send”)
A failed message won’t usually send itself again. Retrying after fixing the connection is often all it needs.
- Tap (or click) the failed message or the red alert.
- Choose Try again or Resend if offered.
- If there’s no retry option, copy the text, delete the failed message (if allowed) and send it again.
- If it fails again, continue with the next fixes.
Did it work? The red alert disappears and the message shows as sent.
Fix 4: Update Messenger and restart your phone
Updates fix sending bugs, and a restart clears temporary problems with the network and the app.
iPhone & iPad
- Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and update Messenger under App Updates.
- Restart your iPhone (press and hold a volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears on recent models).
- Open Messenger and try again.
Android
- Open Google Play > profile icon > Manage apps & device > Updates available, and update Messenger.
- Restart your phone (hold the power button, or press Power and Volume up on some phones).
- Try again.
Did it work? New messages send straight away.
Fix 5: Clear Messenger’s cache (Android) or offload it (iPhone)
Damaged temporary files can stop messages or media sending. Your account isn’t affected. Most content is stored online, but end-to-end encrypted chat history may need your Messenger PIN or backup to restore after offloading or reinstalling — check this before you remove the app.
iPhone & iPad
- Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Messenger.
- Tap Offload App (this keeps documents and data), then Reinstall App.
- Open Messenger and sign in if asked.
Android
- Open Settings > Apps > See all apps > Messenger (names vary).
- Tap Storage & cache > Clear cache.
- Avoid Clear storage unless you’re ready to sign in again.
- Reopen Messenger.
If you use end-to-end encrypted chats, Messenger may ask you to restore chat history (for example with a PIN or backup) after reinstalling or on a new device. Check Meta’s Messenger help before removing the app if your chat history matters to you.
Did it work? Messages and attachments send normally.
Fix 6: Free up storage (photos, videos and voice messages)
If text sends but media doesn’t, low storage is a common cause.
iPhone & iPad
- Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see what’s using space.
- Delete or offload apps you don’t use, and remove large videos you don’t need.
- Try sending the photo or voice message again.
Android
- Open Settings > Storage to see what’s using space.
- Remove unused apps and large files.
- Try again.
Did it work? Photos, videos and voice messages send and play for the other person.
Fix 7: Sent but not delivered? Check whether the other person can receive it
Your message has left your phone, so fixing your device won’t help. The delay is on the receiving side.
- Wait — the person may simply be offline or not have opened Messenger yet.
- If you’re not connected on Facebook, your message may have gone to their message requests, which they may not check often.
- Check whether you can still see their profile. If not, their account may be deactivated or unavailable to you.
- Try contacting them another way if it’s urgent.
“Not delivered” on its own doesn’t prove you’ve been blocked. Avoid sending lots of repeat messages — that can look like spam.
Did it work? The status changes to delivered or read once they’re online.
Fix 8: Seeing “You can’t send messages”? Check for an account limit
Meta documents limits on sending messages. If your account is limited, no app fix will help until the limit ends or a review succeeds.
- Read the full notice for a reason and an end date.
- Check Account Status in Facebook if you can (search for it in settings).
- Stop sending messages to people you don’t know until the limit ends.
- If you think it’s a mistake, look for a review option on the notice. For bigger account problems see Facebook account disabled or suspended.
Did it work? After the limit ends, messages send without a notice.
Messages arrive, but no Messenger notifications?
If messages do send and arrive but you don’t hear about them, the problem is notifications rather than sending. Check three places:
- Your phone: notifications must be allowed for Messenger (iPhone: Settings > Notifications > Messenger; Android: Settings > Notifications > App notifications > Messenger — names vary).
- Focus, Do Not Disturb or battery saving: these can silence or delay alerts.
- Inside Messenger: check its own notification settings, and whether that particular chat has been muted.
For a fuller checklist that also applies to Messenger, see Facebook notifications not working.
Messenger on a computer (messenger.com and facebook.com)
If messages won’t send in a browser:
- Reload the page and check you’re still logged in.
- Try a private/incognito window — if it works there, a browser extension or stored data is likely the cause.
- Clear the browser’s cache and cookies for Facebook and Messenger (this signs you out).
- Update your browser, and try a different one (Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari).
- If the browser works but the phone app doesn’t (or vice versa), the problem is with that device, not your account.
When text works but photos, videos or voice messages don’t
- Permissions: make sure Messenger can use your Photos, Camera and Microphone (iPhone: Settings > Messenger; Android: Settings > Apps > Messenger > Permissions).
- Size and connection: large videos need a stronger connection — try Wi-Fi.
- Storage: see Free up storage.
- Format: if one file fails but others send, the file itself may be the problem; try a different photo or a shorter video.
Messages you might see (reported wording)
These are the messages as people report seeing them. The exact wording on your screen can differ by app version, language and region, so match the meaning, not every word.
Couldn’t send- What it usually means
- The message failed to leave your device — usually a connection or app issue.
- What to do
- Check your connection, then tap the message to retry (Fix 3).
Failed to send / Message could not be sent- What it usually means
- Similar to “Couldn’t send”; sometimes caused by a limit on the conversation or your account.
- What to do
- Retry after fixing your connection; if it continues, check for an account limit.
Sent (but not delivered)- What it usually means
- Your message left your phone but hasn’t reached the other person yet.
- What to do
- Wait, or check if they can receive messages (Fix 7).
You can’t send messages right now / You’re temporarily blocked- What it usually means
- A limit on your account, often after sending many messages quickly.
- What to do
- Wait for the limit to end and check any notice Facebook shows you (Fix 8).
This person isn’t receiving messages right now- What it usually means
- Reported wording; may mean the person has limited who can message them, has restricted or blocked you, or their account is unavailable.
- What to do
- You can’t override this. If it’s important, reach them another way (Fix 7).
This person is unavailable on Messenger- What it usually means
- Reported wording; may mean the account has been deactivated or deleted, or you can no longer message it.
- What to do
- Check whether their profile still exists; there’s no fix on your side.
Waiting for network / Connecting…- What it usually means
- Messenger can’t reach the internet.
- What to do
- Fix your connection (Fix 1).
How to know it worked
- New messages change from sending to sent and then delivered.
- You can send a photo and a short voice message to a friend who confirms they received them.
- Messages send on both Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- No “can’t send” notice appears.
Still not working? Your next steps
- Try Messenger on another device or in a browser (on facebook.com). If it works there, the problem is your phone’s app or settings.
- Reinstall Messenger as a last resort (check you know your password and how your encrypted chat history is backed up first).
- Report the problem from within Messenger — see Meta’s page on troubleshooting the Messenger app (external site, opens in a new tab).
- If Facebook and Messenger both fail for everyone around you, see Is Facebook down?.
Official help routes
For limits or problems tied to your account, only Meta can help. These links go to Meta’s official Messenger help pages.
- Unable to send messages on MessengerFacebook Help Center (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Limits to sending messages on MessengerFacebook Help Center (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Troubleshoot your Messenger appFacebook Help Center (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Can’t send messages on Facebook MarketplaceFacebook Help Center (external site, opens in a new tab)
Frequently asked questions
Why does Messenger say “Couldn’t send”?
Usually because your connection dropped or the app couldn’t reach Messenger’s servers. Fix the connection, then tap the message to retry.
Does “sent but not delivered” mean I’m blocked?
Not necessarily. It can simply mean the other person is offline, hasn’t opened Messenger, or your message is in their message requests.
Why do my messages only send when Messenger is open?
Battery- or data-saving settings may be limiting Messenger in the background. Turn off Data Saver or Low Data Mode for Messenger and allow background refresh.
Why can’t I send photos on Messenger?
Check that Messenger has permission to access your photos, that you have enough free storage, and that your connection is strong enough for the file.
Can I still message on Messenger if Facebook is down?
Sometimes Messenger is affected too. If both fail for many people at once, it’s likely a wider outage — wait and try again later.
How do I fix Messenger not sending messages on a computer?
Reload, try a private window, update or switch browsers, and clear cache and cookies for Facebook and Messenger.
Did this solve your problem?
Your answer stays in your browser — nothing is sent or stored. The “tell us” link opens your own email app.
Out of date or didn’t work? Email us — never include passwords or codes.
Sources and how we checked this guide
We base steps on the platforms’ own help pages and the phone makers’ official guides. Menu names change often and can differ by device, app version and region. Where a platform page could not be independently read, we link it so you can check the current wording yourself.
- Unable to send messages on Messenger (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Limits to sending messages on Messenger (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Troubleshoot your Messenger app (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Can’t send messages on Facebook Marketplace (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Switch apps on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch (external site, opens in a new tab)
- How to manually update apps from the App Store (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Restart your iPhone (external site, opens in a new tab)
- How to check the storage on your iPhone and iPad (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Use less mobile data with Data Saver (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Turn on background data (external site, opens in a new tab)
- How to update apps on Android (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Fix an installed app that isn’t working on a Pixel phone (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Fix an Android device that freezes or won’t respond (external site, opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed 20 October 2026 by the SocialAppFix editorial team against the sources above. Next scheduled review: 18 April 2027. How we write and review guides.
What changed
- 20 October 2026: First published.
- 20 October 2026: Editorial audit corrections applied.
SocialAppFix is an independent guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Meta or Messenger. We never ask for passwords, login codes or payment to fix an account.