When you send an SMS, especially for something important, knowing whether it has been received can ease your mind. Maybe your friend isn’t answering calls, or you need to ensure crucial information is delivered. In such situations, ensuring the message has been received is crucial. Fortunately, modern tools and techniques make it easy to verify if an SMS was delivered successfully. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to confirm SMS delivery across various platforms.
What is an SMS Delivery Receipt?
Before we dive into the methods, let’s first understand what an SMS delivery receipt is. When you send a text message, most mobile networks offer a service called SMS Delivery Report or Notification of Delivery. This service informs the sender whether the message has been successfully delivered, is pending, or has failed. The recipient has no idea that a delivery report was requested, and this report arrives in the form of a separate SMS.
However, this feature is not always free. The cost can vary depending on your mobile carrier and plan. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check your carrier’s policies or contact their customer service for details on fees related to SMS delivery notifications.
How to Check SMS Delivery on Android
1. Activating SMS Delivery Report in Android
If you’re using an Android device, enabling SMS delivery reports is a straightforward process. Here’s how to activate the feature:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Go to Advanced Settings.
- Toggle the switch for Get SMS Delivery Reports to ON.
Once activated, you will receive a notification for every SMS you send, confirming whether it has been delivered or not.
2. SMS Delivery for Specific Messages
If you want to receive a delivery report only for specific messages, Android allows you to do that too. You can add the code *N# before your message. For example, if you want to send the message “Hey, how are you?”, simply type *N#Hey, how are you? into the text field. The recipient will see only the message text, but you will receive a report for that specific SMS.
How to Check SMS Delivery on iPhone
1. iMessage vs Regular SMS on iPhone
On iPhone, things work slightly differently. If you’re sending messages through iMessage (Apple’s own messaging service), the system automatically notifies you when the message is delivered and read—no extra setup is needed. You’ll see “Delivered” under the message when it reaches the recipient and “Read” when they open it (if they have read receipts turned on).
However, for regular SMS (messages sent to non-iPhone users), iPhones do not have an integrated setting to enable delivery reports for all SMS messages.
2. Using a Code for SMS Delivery Reports on iPhone
For standard SMS, you can still get delivery reports by using the special code *N#. For example, if you want to send the message “See you tomorrow,” you should type *N#See you tomorrow. This will trigger a delivery report when the message is received by the recipient.
Using Messaging Apps to Check Message Delivery
If you’ve moved away from traditional SMS and use apps like WhatsApp or Messenger, you can easily see when your messages are delivered and even when they’re read.
1. WhatsApp Message Delivery
On WhatsApp, it’s simple to track message status. A single gray check means your message was sent, a double gray check means it was delivered, and double blue checks indicate that the recipient has read the message. However, if the recipient has turned off read receipts in their privacy settings, you won’t get the blue checks, only the gray ones.
2. Messenger Message Delivery
In Messenger, delivered messages are marked by a filled blue circle with a checkmark. Once the recipient has read the message, their profile picture will replace the checkmark next to your message.
Cost of SMS Delivery Reports
While it’s useful to enable SMS delivery reports, it’s important to note that this service may not always be free. Here are the costs associated with delivery reports from different major carriers:
| Carrier |
SMS Delivery Report Cost |
| TIM |
May vary based on plan |
| Vodafone |
May charge per SMS report |
| Wind |
Free with certain plans |
| Iliad |
Free for most users |
Always check with your mobile carrier before enabling this service to avoid unexpected charges.
Common Issues with SMS Delivery Reports
Sometimes, SMS delivery reports may not work as expected. Here are common issues and how to address them:
1. Poor Network Coverage
If your recipient is in an area with poor network coverage or their phone is turned off, you may not receive a delivery report immediately. Wait for a while, and the report should come through once their phone regains signal.
2. Unsupported Carriers
Not all carriers support SMS delivery reports. If the recipient’s carrier doesn’t offer this service, you won’t receive any notifications, even if the message is delivered successfully.
How to Use SMS Delivery in Business Communications
For businesses, confirming the delivery of SMS notifications is crucial. Whether you’re sending appointment reminders, marketing messages, or critical alerts, knowing your messages reached their destination is vital.
Most bulk SMS providers offer delivery report features, which let you track the status of each message sent to your customers. These reports provide data that can be used to optimize future messaging strategies.
Conclusion
Ensuring that your SMS messages are delivered is essential for both personal and professional communications. Whether you’re using an Android device, iPhone, or messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger, there are several methods to verify message delivery. By using the tools and techniques mentioned in this guide, you can stay informed about the status of your messages and improve your communication efficiency.
FAQs
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Is there a charge for receiving SMS delivery reports?
Yes, some mobile carriers may charge for SMS delivery reports. Check with your provider for specific details.
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Can I receive a delivery report on WhatsApp?
Yes, WhatsApp provides delivery reports in the form of checkmarks. A double blue checkmark indicates the message has been read.
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What does it mean if I don’t get a delivery report?
If you don’t receive a report, the message may still be delivered. The recipient might have disabled delivery reports, or their network may not support them.
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Can I get delivery reports on iMessage?
iMessage automatically shows “Delivered” and “Read” for messages sent to other iPhone users.
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Do delivery reports work when sending SMS internationally?
Delivery reports may not always work for international SMS, depending on the recipient’s carrier and country.
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How can I get delivery reports on a specific SMS?
On Android and iPhone, use the code *N# before your message to request a delivery report for that specific message.
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Why don’t iPhones have delivery reports for all SMS?
iPhones only support delivery reports for iMessages, not for standard SMS sent to non-iPhone users.
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How can I track message delivery in bulk SMS services?
Most bulk SMS providers offer delivery tracking features as part of their services, helping businesses ensure important messages are delivered.
