How to Fix Signal Message Not Delivered

If you’re seeing that dreaded “Message Not Delivered” notice on Signal, you’re not alone. As someone who relies on Signal daily for secure chats, I’ve run into this issue more than once. The good news? Fixing it is usually straightforward once you know what to check. In this guide, I’ll walk you through practical steps to get your Signal messages back on track, share some insider tips, and point you to reliable info straight from signal.org.

Why Does Signal Show “Message Not Delivered”?

Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand the common reasons Signal might fail to send a message. Usually, it boils down to:

Connectivity Issues: Signal needs a stable internet connection, either Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Recipient’s Device Offline: If the person you’re messaging is offline or has Signal closed, delivery can be delayed or fail.
Outdated App Versions: Sometimes bugs in older versions cause sending errors.
Signal’s Security Mechanisms: Since Signal uses end-to-end encryption, any interruption in the handshake between devices can prevent delivery.

Okay, now that we know why this happens, let’s fix it!

Step-by-Step Fixes for Signal Message Not Delivered

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Seems obvious, but I can’t stress this enough. Even if your browser loads fine, Signal can be pickier about connection quality.

Toggle your phone’s Airplane Mode on and off to reset your connection.
Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if one works better.
Restart your router if you’re on Wi-Fi—it’s a classic but effective step.

For me, sometimes a weak Wi-Fi signal causes messages not to send, even though other apps seem fine.

2. Update Signal to the Latest Version

Signal regularly pushes updates to fix bugs and improve reliability. Running an outdated version can cause glitches that show up as undelivered messages.

Open Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Search for “Signal” and hit “Update” if available.
Restart the app after updating.

Pro tip: Enable automatic updates for Signal to avoid this hassle in the future.

3. Verify the Recipient’s Signal Status

If the other person has uninstalled Signal, switched to a different number, or just isn’t connected, your message won’t go through.

Try sending a message to another contact you know is active.
If that goes through, ask the original recipient to check their Signal app and network.
Remember, if the recipient is offline for extended periods, messages will queue but might eventually expire.

Signal’s delivery status indicators can help here: a single checkmark means sent, a double checkmark means delivered, and a filled double checkmark means read.

4. Clear Signal’s Cache (Android Only)

Sometimes, leftover app data causes sending errors. Clearing the cache can refresh Signal without deleting your messages.

Open your phone’s Settings.
Go to “Apps” or “Application Manager” and find Signal.
Tap “Storage” then “Clear Cache.”
Restart Signal and try sending your message again.

Note: Be careful not to hit “Clear Data” unless you have your registration lock PIN and backup ready, as that wipes your entire Signal data.

5. Toggle Signal’s Network Permissions

This one’s a bit of a hidden gem. If Signal loses permission to use network services, it can’t send anything.

Open your phone’s Settings.
Navigate to “Apps” → Signal → “Permissions.”
Make sure “Network Access” or “Data Usage” permissions are enabled.
If they already are, try toggling them off and then on again.

This trick helped me once after a system update messed with app permissions.

Extra Tips That Might Help

Restart Your Phone: Sometimes Signal just needs a fresh start.
Check Signal’s Server Status: Though rare, Signal's servers may experience downtime. Visit status.signal.org to check.
Disable Battery Optimization for Signal: On Android, battery savers can restrict background data. Whitelist Signal to keep it running smoothly.
Re-register Signal: If nothing else works, uninstall and reinstall Signal. Just remember to back up your messages beforehand through Signal’s built-in backup feature (Android only).
Use Registration Lock PIN: This prevents someone else from registering your number on another device and helps keep your account safe.

When to Reach Out to Signal Support

If you’ve tried all the above and still face the “Message Not Delivered” issue, it might be time to get help from the experts. Signal’s support page at support.signal.org offers detailed guides and a way to contact their team. Be ready to provide info about your device, OS version, and a screenshot of the error.

Wrapping Up

Seeing “Message Not Delivered” on Signal can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable with a few quick checks. From ensuring a solid internet connection to verifying app permissions and updates, these steps cover what worked for me and many others in the Signal community.

Remember, Signal’s design prioritizes security and privacy—sometimes this means delivery hiccups happen if the end-to-end handshake isn’t perfect. Patience and a bit of troubleshooting go a long way.

If you want to learn more or keep up with future updates, bookmarking signal.org is a good idea. Hopefully, your

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