A message wasn't delivered

A red alert icon on a message means WhatsApp did not accept it. Select the icon to see Not delivered and the reason. Find your reason below.

Check these first

"This number can't receive WhatsApp messages."

Who can fix it: you. The number may be wrong, or the person may not use WhatsApp. Open the contact, check the number and correct it. See Contact panel.

"WhatsApp rejected the app's access. An admin needs to check the Meta settings."

Who can fix it: an admin.

1. Go to Settings, then Integrations, and open WhatsApp.
2. Select Test connection.
3. If it fails, see When to call the developer.

"WhatsApp didn't respond after several tries." or "It couldn't be delivered."

Who can fix it: you. This is usually temporary. Wait a few minutes, then select Try again under the message.

"WhatsApp rejected this message."

Who can fix it: you. Change the wording and send a new message. Very long text or unusual content can be refused.

"The attachment couldn't be sent."

Who can fix it: you. Try a smaller file, or a common type such as a JPG photo or a PDF. See Send photos, files and events.

"The 24-hour reply window had closed, so WhatsApp would not accept it."

Who can fix it: you. WhatsApp only allows replies within 24 hours of the person's last message. See I can't reply: the window has closed.

Sending again

Select Try again under the failed message. You may see:

• "Only messages that failed to send can be sent again." The message already went through, or is still sending.
• "The 24-hour reply window has closed, so this can't be sent again."

Tip: If many messages fail at once, ask an admin to check WhatsApp access before retrying them one by one.

Still stuck?

Select Help at the bottom right to ask the help assistant. It can check your setup and send a support request to your admins.