---
title: What does FAILED mean?
description: "**FAILED** means your SMS **did not get delivered**. The operator or network returned a failure—for example invalid or switched-off number, gateway error, message expired, or operator rejection. These messages are counted as **Failed** in your reports. **Where you see it** - In your **Delivery Report**,…"
url: "https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/what-does-failed-mean/"
updated: "2026-04-22"
category: "Bulk SMS / Errors & Error Codes"
---

# What does FAILED mean?

**FAILED** means your SMS **did not get delivered**. The operator or network returned a failure—for example invalid or switched-off number, gateway error, message expired, or operator rejection. These messages are counted as **Failed** in your reports.

**Where you see it**

- In your **Delivery Report**, failed messages show the failure reason or error code.
- In **reports and summaries**, the “Failed” count includes these messages.
- In **A/B Test Comparator**, failure rate is based on messages that ended in a failed state.

**Why it matters**

- Failed messages are usually not charged (depending on your plan).
- Checking the error reason in the Delivery Report helps you fix issues (e.g. wrong number format, invalid numbers, or operator-specific limits).

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