If your iPhone shows a ‘Not delivered’ message when you send a text, even though the recipient receives it, your iPhone might not have the correct mobile number saved.
This is a common issue that can happen after switching your number, as some settings can take a little longer to update.
Don't worry, it's usually a simple fix. We’ll walk you through the steps to get everything sorted:
Please note: Before you start, please make sure you have received your 'Switch Complete’ confirmation email and text. These steps will only work after your number has switched to iD Mobile. Don’t forget, your switch can happen as late as 10pm on the day you selected.
Step 1 - Make sure your iPhone software is up to date.
Updating to the latest version of iOS software provides the latest features, security updates and bug fixes:
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘General’.
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Tap ‘Software Update’.
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If you have an iOS update available, tap ‘Install Now’. If you see ‘Download and Install’ instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap ‘Install Now’.
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If you see ‘iOS is up to date’ - you’re good to go!
Step 2 - Check Date & Time.
Errors can occur if the Date & Time is set incorrectly on your iPhone. Here’s how to double check:
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘General’.
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Tap ‘Date & Time’.
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Ensure the ‘Set Automatically’ toggle is switched ON.
Step 3 - Check ‘My Number’.
Sometimes, your iPhone may not have the correct mobile number saved. Follow the steps below to check and update it if needed:
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘Apps’.
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Tap ‘Phone’.
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Tap ‘My Number’.
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Enter your mobile number, using +44 instead of the first 0.
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Tap ‘Save’.
Please note: If you can’t enter the correct number, go to: Settings > Apple ID > Sign-In & Security > Email & Phone Numbers. Tap 'Add email or phone number' and enter the correct number.
Step 4 - Force restart your iPhone.
If you’re using a physical SIM card, remove your iD Mobile SIM, but pop your SIM tray back into your iPhone.
If you’re using an eSIM, open ‘Settings’ > Tap ‘Mobile Service’, select your iD Mobile eSIM, and switch the 'Turn On This Line' toggle to OFF.
Then restart your iPhone. For iPhone 8 and newer, here’s how:
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Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
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Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
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Press and hold the Side Button until the Apple logo appears, then release.
Once your iPhone restarts, connect to a stable Wi-Fi network and wait 30 minutes. After this time, re-insert your iD Mobile SIM or toggle your eSIM back ON.
The above steps should update the number on your Apple ID. You can check by going into ‘Settings’, selecting your Apple ID at the top of the screen, and tapping ‘Sign-In & Security’. The correct number should appear under ‘Email & Phone Numbers’.
Still not working?
As a last resort, perform a Network Settings Reset on your iPhone. Here’s how:
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘General’.
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Tap ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’.
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Tap ‘Reset’.
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Tap ‘Reset Network Settings’.
Please note: Resetting network settings will erase saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN settings. After the reset, you will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and configure any other network settings as needed. This will NOT delete any of your personal data like contacts, photos, or apps.
If you've followed all the steps above and are still getting a 'Not delivered' error when you text someone from your iPhone, please contact us and our team will be happy to help.
