How to Fix Microsoft Teams Messages Failing to Send or Showing a 'Sending' Error

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Fix Microsoft Teams Messages Failing to Send or Showing a 'Sending' Error. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Microsoft Teams messages that remain stuck on "Sending" or fail to deliver are typically caused by network instability, an outdated application version, or temporary cache corruption. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you restore normal messaging functionality quickly.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Check your internet connection by opening a website in your web browser.
2. Restart the Microsoft Teams application.
3. Sign out of Teams and sign back in.
4. Check for updates in the Microsoft Teams app.

Detailed Instructions

Restart Microsoft Teams

1. Close Microsoft Teams completely. Ensure it is not running in the system tray.
2. Right-click the Teams icon in the taskbar or system tray and select Quit.
3. Reopen Microsoft Teams from your Start menu or desktop shortcut.
4. Attempt to send your message again.

Sign Out and Sign Back In

1. Click your profile picture in the top-right corner of Teams.
2. Select Sign out.
3. Relaunch the application and enter your credentials to sign back in.
4. Verify that messages are now sending successfully.

Check for Application Updates

1. Click the Settings and more (three dots) icon next to your profile picture.
2. Select Check for updates.
3. If an update is available, allow Teams to download and install it.
4. Restart the application once the update is complete.

Clear the Teams Cache

1. Close Microsoft Teams completely.
2. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
3. Type %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams and press Enter.
4. Delete the following folders if they exist: Cache, Code Cache, databases, GPUCache, IndexedDB, Local Storage, and tmp.
5. Restart Microsoft Teams.

Note: Clearing the cache removes temporary files but will not delete your chat history or files stored in Teams.

Troubleshooting

Network Issues

If messages fail to send across multiple devices, your internet connection may be the cause. Try switching from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection or restart your router. You can also check the Email not sending or receiving guide for general connectivity troubleshooting steps.

Check Service Health

Verify there are no known Microsoft Teams service outages by checking the Microsoft 365 Service Health dashboard or your organisation’s admin portal.

Use the Web Version

If the desktop application continues to fail, access Teams via your web browser at teams.microsoft.com. This helps determine if the issue is isolated to the desktop app.

Warning: Avoid deleting your entire Teams installation unless advised by a technician, as this may require a full reconfiguration of your account settings.

If you have completed these steps and messages are still failing to send, Open a Ticket with our support team for further assistance.

Still Having Issues?