# Message is not sent

> What to do when the empty circle stays or the time of a message turns red.

Source: https://doc.rasum.chat/en/probleme/nachricht-nicht-gesendet/

A message is stuck or was not sent? Here you learn how to recognise this and what you can do.

## The empty circle stays
The empty circle [Icon: empty circle] below your message means: the message is still on its way. If it stays for a long time, Rasum cannot reach the server right now. In the chat list you then see a small clock [Icon: clock] in front of the last message.

What to do:

1. Leave the message and do not delete it.
2. Look at the top of the screen for **"Offline"** or **"Server unreachable"**.
3. Check your internet connection. For example, switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi.
4. Keep Rasum open. As soon as the connection is back, Rasum sends the message by itself.

If that does not help, read [Connection problems](https://doc.rasum.chat/en/probleme/verbindung/).

## The time is red: sending failed
A red time with a red exclamation mark [Icon: red exclamation mark in a circle] means: sending failed. The message has not reached the recipient.

1. Tap the red time.
2. The **"Sending failed"** window opens.
3. Tap **"Retry"**.

Other buttons in the window:

- **"Remove message"** – discards the unsent message immediately, without asking again.
- **"Cancel"** – closes the window. The message stays red.

In the chat list, such a chat shows a red exclamation mark in front of the last message.
**Android:** The chat list also shows the red text **"Message failed to send"**.

## What do the error texts in the "Sending failed" window mean?
The "Sending failed" window gives a reason below the heading.

**iPhone:** The reason comes from the system, for example a note about a missing internet connection.
**Android:** Possible texts are **"Missing media content"**, **"Sending from unverified device"**, **"Error details: …"** and **"Unknown error"**.

For **"Sending from unverified device"**, you first have to confirm this device. See [Confirm your device](https://doc.rasum.chat/en/sicherheit/geraet-bestaetigen/).

## Message not sent because devices are not verified
Rasum holds back a message if something has changed for a confirmed (verified) person. This protects you from writing to a stranger's device.

**iPhone:** After tapping the red time, a separate screen opens, for example:
- "Your message was not sent because … has not verified all devices" – buttons **"Send message anyway"** or **"Cancel for now"**.
- "Your message was not sent because …’s verified digital identity was reset" – buttons **"Withdraw verification and send"** or **"Cancel for now"**.
- "Your message was not sent because you have not verified one or more of your devices".

**Android:** Press and hold the message. At the top of the menu there is a red entry, for example:
- "Message not sent because … has not verified all devices."
- "Message not sent because …’s verified digital identity was reset."
- "Message not sent because you have not verified one or more of your devices."

Tap the entry. Then choose **"Send message anyway"** or **"Withdraw verification and send"**.

Only send anyway if you are sure that everything is fine. If in doubt, ask the person through another channel. More under [Confirm your device](https://doc.rasum.chat/en/sicherheit/geraet-bestaetigen/).

## Photos, videos or files are not sent
When sending media, Rasum can show these errors:

- **"Failed uploading media, please try again."** – usually a weak connection. Try again on Wi-Fi.
- **"The file is too large to upload"** – the file is larger than allowed. The maximum size is shown below.
- **"Failed processing media to upload, please try again."** – try again or choose a different file.

Large videos get smaller if **"Optimise media quality"** is turned on (**"Settings"** → **"Advanced settings"**). More under [Photos, videos and files](https://doc.rasum.chat/en/medien/fotos-videos-dateien/).

## Voice message is not sent
If **"Failed to upload your voice message."** appears, Rasum could not upload the recording. Check the connection and record the voice message again. More under [Voice messages](https://doc.rasum.chat/en/medien/sprachnachrichten/).

## I am not allowed to write in this chat
In some groups only certain people may write. The group's admins decide this.

**iPhone:** The chat then shows **"You do not have permission to post to this room"**.

## My older messages have no icon at all
Older messages of yours without an icon are normal and not an error. The circle with a check mark [Icon: circle with check mark] only appears on your newest message. The page [Message status](https://doc.rasum.chat/en/nachrichten/status/) explains all the signs.