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TickTalk Messages Not Sending or Loading

Updated

Common Questions

  • Why are my TickTalk messages not sending?
  • Why do I see a red exclamation mark next to a message?
  • Why are messages stuck loading?
  • Why are voice messages not sending?
  • Why can't my child receive messages?

If TickTalk messages are not sending, loading, or syncing properly, follow the troubleshooting steps below.

Important: TickTalk Messages Do Not Use SMS

Messages sent through the TickTalk App use TickTalk's secure messaging system, not your phone's regular text messaging app.

TickTalk messages will appear inside the TickTalk App, not in:

  • iMessage
  • Android Messages
  • Your phone's SMS inbox

This is normal.

Problem: Red Exclamation Mark Next to a Message

A red exclamation mark usually means the message failed to send.

Step 1: Make Sure the Watch Is Online

Confirm the watch:

  • Is powered on
  • Has cellular service or Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Is not showing Offline, No Service, or Not Activated

For connection troubleshooting, see: TickTalk 6 Connection Issues: Offline, No Service, Not Activated, or Disconnecting

Step 2: Check Battery Level

Charge the watch if the battery is low.

Very low battery levels may affect message delivery.

Step 3: Restart the TickTalk App

  1. Sign out of the TickTalk App.
  2. Sign back in.
  3. Try sending the message again.

Step 4: Restart the Watch

  1. Power off the watch.
  2. Wait a few seconds.
  3. Turn the watch back on.
  4. Test messaging again.

Problem: Voice Messages Not Sending

Step 1: Confirm the Watch Is Online

Make sure the watch has a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection.

Step 2: Restart the Watch

Restart the watch and test voice messaging again.

Step 3: Sign Out and Back Into the TickTalk App

  1. Sign out of the TickTalk App.
  2. Sign back in.
  3. Try sending the voice message again.

Step 4: Reset the Watch

If voice messages still do not send:

Watch Settings > Reset

After setup is complete, test voice messaging again.

Problem: SMS Text Messages Not Received or Displaying Incorrectly

This section covers standard SMS text messages sent to the watch's phone number (separate from in-app messaging).

Watch not receiving SMS from a specific number:

  • Check your TickTalk App settings — if Block Unknown Numbers is enabled, only approved contacts can send supported messages to the watch.
  • Confirm the sender's message was successfully sent. Large attachments, such as videos, may fail or be delayed.

MMS attachments or special message formats not displaying:

TickTalk SMS supports many photos, smaller videos, and common emojis. Some unsupported file types, large attachments, or special animated content may not display correctly. Contact TickTalk Support if you encounter a reproducible compatibility issue.

Still Having Messaging Issues?

If messages continue to fail after completing the steps above, contact TickTalk Support.

Please include:

  • Your order number
  • The watch IMEI number (Settings > About Me)
  • A screenshot of the error, if available
  • Whether the issue affects text messages, voice messages, or both

Email: support@myticktalk.com Phone: 1-844-260-4051

Support Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM PST

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