Why it matters
A “Message Rejected by Recipient Carrier” error means the message could not be delivered due to an issue on the recipient’s carrier side. Knowing the common causes helps you troubleshoot quickly and ensure successful SMS delivery.
Key Concepts
Recipient carrier: The mobile network operator responsible for delivering your message to the end user.
Carrier rejection: When a message is blocked before it reaches the recipient’s device.
Recipient-side issue: A condition such as blocking, network outage, or suspended service that prevents message delivery.
Why Messages Are Rejected by the Recipient Carrier
Recipient carrier has blocked the sender:
The carrier may block messages from your number due to previous spam reports or compliance concerns.
Recipient has blocked the sender:
If the recipient blocks your number, the carrier rejects all incoming messages.
Network issues or congestion:
Busy networks or temporary carrier outages can result in message rejection.
Recipient device unavailable:
A carrier may reject messages when the recipient’s phone is turned off, out of battery, or out of service. Some carriers will queue the message, while others reject it.
Inbox full:
Less common but possible, especially in regions using older phone models.
Recipient’s mobile service suspended:
If the recipient has not paid their bill, their carrier may suspend messaging services until payment is made.
Step-by-Step: Resolve a Carrier Rejection
Confirm the recipient’s phone number is correct and formatted properly.
Ask the recipient to verify that your number is not blocked in their device settings.
Confirm the recipient’s device is powered on and connected to a mobile network.
Ask the recipient to check whether their SMS inbox is full.
If their service is suspended, they must resolve billing issues with their carrier.
If the issue persists, contact Whippy Support to determine whether a carrier-side block is affecting your number.
Tips and Best Practices
Double-check contact numbers before sending bulk or automated messages.
If you suspect spam reports, review message content for compliance.
Encourage contacts to reply START if they previously blocked messages.
Wait and retry later if the recipient may be out of service temporarily.
Troubleshooting
Issue | Possible Cause | Fix |
Message rejected immediately | Carrier has blocked your number | Contact support for carrier review |
Recipient not receiving messages | Recipient has blocked your number | Ask recipient to remove the block |
Delivery inconsistent | Network congestion | Retry the message later |
Messages rejected intermittently | Device offline or out of coverage | Ask recipient to reconnect to their network |
Message rejected unexpectedly | Recipient service suspended | Recipient must resolve billing with their carrier |