Google Voice doesn’t show “Delivered” or “Read” receipts. Under each text you send, you’ll see Sending while it goes out, then just the time once Google Voice has handed it to the recipient’s carrier. If a text doesn’t go through, you’ll see a red error such as Message not delivered instead. So if your message shows a time and no error, it was sent successfully, but the only way to know the other person actually got it is a reply.
That’s because Google Voice still uses basic SMS and MMS texting. It doesn’t support RCS, the newer standard that adds delivery and read receipts in apps like Google Messages.
What each Google Voice message status means
| What you see | What it means |
|---|---|
| Sending | Google Voice is still sending the text. If it stays this way, check your internet connection. |
| A time, like 2:14 PM | The text left Google Voice without an error. It’s almost always delivered. |
| A red error, like Message not delivered | The text failed. Read the error for the reason, then try again. |
| No “Delivered” or “Read” | Normal. Google Voice doesn’t offer delivery or read receipts. |
How to check whether a Google Voice text went through
- Open the Google Voice app or go to voice.google.com.
- Tap or click Messages, then open the conversation.
- Look under your last message. A time with no warning means it was sent. A red error means it wasn’t.
- If you see an error, tap or click the message to see the reason and try sending it again.
A text can show as sent and still not reach the person. Their phone might be off, out of service, or set to block unknown numbers. Their carrier’s spam filter might also catch it. If it’s important and you don’t hear back, call or use another app.
Why a Google Voice text wasn’t delivered
- You sent too many messages. Google limits how many texts you can send to stop spam. If you see “Message not delivered. You’ve sent too many messages,” wait 24 hours and try again.
- The number can’t receive texts. Landlines and some business numbers can’t get SMS.
- It’s a short code. Google Voice can’t text 5- or 6-digit short codes, like the ones used for bank alerts or voting.
- The recipient blocked you or their carrier filtered the message as spam. Links and repeated identical texts are more likely to get filtered.
- International numbers. Google Voice can only text US and Canadian numbers. Texts to other countries won’t go through.
- No internet connection. Google Voice sends texts over data or Wi-Fi, not your carrier’s SMS service. Messages stay on Sending until you’re back online.
- Video files or large attachments. Google Voice can send photos and GIFs, but not video files, and it compresses large images. To share a video, send a link instead. See how to send videos on Google Voice.
How to fix Google Voice texts that won’t send
- Check your connection. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, then resend.
- Update the app. Install the latest Google Voice update from the App Store or Google Play.
- Confirm the number. Include the area code, and make sure it’s a mobile number.
- Remove links and try a shorter message. This helps if a carrier’s spam filter is blocking you.
- Wait 24 hours if you got the “too many messages” error.
- Make sure your number is still active. Google can reclaim a Google Voice number that isn’t used for a long time. If that happened, see how to reclaim a Google Voice number.
Done with the service? See cancelling a Google Voice number.
Related: finding your Google Voice number.
Saved contacts make your Voice texts easier to track. See how to add contacts to Google Voice on a computer.
Related: How to Port a Number to Google Voice.
Frequently asked questions
Does Google Voice have read receipts?
No. Google Voice can’t tell you whether someone opened or read your text, even if they use an iPhone or Google Messages.
Can I tell if someone blocked my Google Voice number?
Not for sure. Texts to someone who blocked you often still show as sent. If calls go straight to voicemail and texts never get replies, you might be blocked.
Why do my texts to iPhones show as green or look odd?
Google Voice texts are plain SMS, so they appear as green bubbles on an iPhone. Reactions from iPhone users may show up as separate messages, like “Liked ‘See you soon’.”
How many people can I include in a Google Voice group text?
Up to 8 people, including you.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.