What Happens If Messages Fail?

Understand and manage pending and queued messages in WhatSnap SMS. Learn what causes messages to get stuck and how to clear or resend them.

Sometimes SMS messages get stuck in Pending or Queued status instead of being delivered. This guide explains what these statuses mean, why messages get stuck, and how to clear or resend them.

Quick Summary: Pending messages are waiting on WhatSnap's server, while Queued messages are already on your Android device waiting to send. Both can be managed from the WhatSnap dashboard.

Understanding Message States

Message Flow

Message Status Definitions

⏳ PENDING

What it means: Message has been received by WhatSnap's server but hasn't been sent to your Android device yet.

Where it is: On WhatSnap's cloud server (not on your phone)

Normal duration: Seconds to a few minutes

When to worry: If stuck for more than 5-10 minutes

Visible in:

  • ✅ WhatSnap dashboard → Pending Messages

  • ⚠️ GoHighLevel (shows as "Pending" but might actually be Queued)

Note: GoHighLevel doesn't have a "Queued" status display, so messages that are actually queued on your device may still show as "Pending" in GHL.

⏳ QUEUED

What it means: Message has been successfully delivered from WhatSnap server to your Android phone, but hasn't been sent out to the recipient yet.

Where it is: On your Android device, in the WhatSnap Gateway app queue

Normal duration: Seconds to minutes (depends on queue length)

When to worry: If stuck for more than 10-15 minutes with good connection

Why messages queue:

  • Other messages are ahead in line (app sends sequentially, one at a time)

  • Device is processing previous messages

  • Waiting for carrier to accept next message

Visible in:

  • ✅ WhatSnap dashboard → Queued Messages

  • ✅ WhatSnap Gateway app on Android (if it shows queue)

  • ⚠️ GoHighLevel (shows as "Pending" - can't distinguish from actual pending)

Queued is Normal: If you're sending multiple messages, newer messages will queue while older messages send. The app works sequentially to avoid overwhelming carriers.

❌ FAILED

What it means: Message couldn't be delivered and has stopped trying.

Where it is: Failed messages log in WhatSnap dashboard

Why it failed: See Error Codes Guide for specific reasons

What to do: Investigate error code, fix issue, resend or delete message

🚫 MAX REACHED - DELETE ONLY

What it means: WhatSnap system has tried to send your message multiple times and was unsuccessful. No more automatic retry attempts will be made.

Where it is: WhatSnap dashboard, Pending Messages section

Why this happens:

  • Message failed repeatedly (e.g., 5+ attempts)

  • Same error occurred each time

  • System has exhausted retry logic

What to do:

  • ❌ Cannot resend from this state

  • ✅ Delete the failed message

  • ✅ Fix the underlying issue (check Error Codes)

  • ✅ Send new message if still needed

Why Messages Get Stuck

Common Causes for PENDING Messages

Cause
Explanation
Solution

Gateway App Offline

Android device not connected to internet

Check device connection, restart app

Device Offline

Phone powered off or no network

Power on device, connect to WiFi/data

WhatSnap Server Issues

Temporary server delay (rare)

Wait 5-10 minutes, contact support if persists

Integration Disconnected

GoHighLevel token expired

Reconnect WhatSnap integration

Device Not Assigned

SIM not assigned to sub-account

Assign device in WhatSnap dashboard

Common Causes for QUEUED Messages

Cause
Explanation
Solution

High Sending Rate

Sending too quickly, messages piling up

Slow down sending, use drip mode

Sequential Processing

App sends one message at a time

Wait - this is normal, queue will clear

Device Manufacturer Limits

Phone restricts SMS frequency (30/30min)

See SMS Limit Bypass

SIM Card Blocks

Carrier has restricted or blocked your SIM

Reduce volume, contact carrier, see Error Codes

MMS Configuration

Sending MMS without being default app

Set WhatSnap as default messaging app

Insufficient Balance

Prepaid plan out of credit

Add funds to carrier account

Connection Failures

App can't report back to server

Check internet, restart app

Old Device Issues

Older phones require manual approval per SMS

Use newer device (see Specifications)

Oppo/Realme Confirmation

These phones prompt for each message

Disable confirmation or use different brand

How to Clear Pending Messages

Accessing Pending Messages

1

Open WhatSnap Dashboard

  1. Log in to GoHighLevel

  2. Navigate to WhatSnap plugin

  3. Click on "Pending Messages" or "Messages" section

  4. You'll see list of messages with "Pending" status

2

Review Each Message

For each pending message, you can see:

  • Recipient phone number

  • Message content

  • How long it's been pending

  • Status/error information

3

Choose Action

You have two options for each pending message:

Option 1: Process (Resend)

  • Attempts to push the message through again

  • Useful if issue was temporary (device was offline, server hiccup)

  • Click "Process" or "Retry"

Option 2: Delete

  • Permanently removes message from queue

  • Use if message is no longer needed or irrelevant

  • Use if error is unfixable (invalid number, blocked contact)

  • Click "Delete" or trash icon

Bulk Actions

If you have many pending messages:

  1. Check if there's a "Select All" option

  2. Choose bulk action:

    • Process All: Attempts to resend all pending messages

    • Delete All: Clears all pending messages

  3. Confirm action

Caution with Bulk Delete: Ensure you actually want to discard all pending messages before using bulk delete. This action may not be reversible.

How to Clear Queued Messages

Accessing Queued Messages

1

Open WhatSnap Dashboard

  1. Log in to GoHighLevel → WhatSnap plugin

  2. Navigate to "Queued Messages" section

  3. See messages that are on your Android device waiting to send

2

Understand Queue Status

Messages are Queued because:

  • ✅ They're on your phone, ready to send

  • ✅ App is actively working to send them

  • ✅ Each message sends sequentially (one at a time)

  • ✅ New messages wait for older ones to finish

This is normal operation - the queue will clear automatically as messages send.

3

Choose Your Approach

Option 1: Wait (Recommended)

  • Let the app continue sending

  • Queue will clear on its own

  • Typical speed: 1 message per minute (or faster if drip mode not active)

  • Monitor progress in dashboard

Option 2: Delete Queued Messages

  • Permanently removes messages from sending pipeline

  • Use only if you don't want these messages sent

  • Click "Delete" for specific messages

  • Or use bulk delete if available

Warning: Deleting queued messages means they will NOT be sent. Only delete if you're certain you want to cancel these messages.

Preventing Messages from Getting Stuck

Best Practices

1. Use Drip Mode

Problem: Sending too fast causes queuing and potential carrier blocks.

Solution:

  • Configure workflows to send 1 message per minute maximum

  • Add "Wait" actions between messages

  • Use GHL workflow delays and time restrictions

See: Database Reactivations - Drip Configuration

2. Monitor Queue Length

Problem: Queue grows too large, causing delays.

Solution:

  • Check WhatSnap dashboard regularly

  • If queue exceeds 50-100 messages, slow down sending

  • Consider adding more devices to distribute load

See: Multiple SMS Accounts

3. Ensure Device Reliability

Problem: Device goes offline, stops processing queue.

Solution:

  • Keep device plugged in 24/7

  • Maintain stable internet connection

  • Disable battery optimization for WhatSnap Gateway

  • Check device daily

See: SMS Installation - Device Configuration

4. Warm Up New SIMs

Problem: New SIM gets blocked, all messages fail.

Solution:

  • Follow proper 2-week warm-up schedule

  • Start with 10-20 messages/day only

  • Gradually increase volume

  • Monitor for carrier warnings

See: SIM Warm-Up Process

5. Monitor for Errors

Problem: Same error repeats, messages keep failing.

Solution:

  • Check error codes immediately

  • Fix underlying issue before sending more

  • Don't ignore "GENERIC_FAILURE" errors

See: Error Codes Guide

Handling Specific Scenarios

Large Queue After Campaign Launch

Situation: Launched campaign, now have 500 messages queued.

What's happening:

  • All messages reached your device at once

  • App is sending them one by one

  • This will take time (500 msgs @ 1/min = 8+ hours)

Options:

Option 1: Wait it Out

  • Let messages send naturally

  • Monitor for delivery issues

  • Ensure device stays online

Option 2: Delete Some Messages

  • Keep first 100-200 messages

  • Delete the rest

  • Re-send later at slower pace

Option 3: Distribute to Multiple Devices

  • If you have multiple SIM cards

  • Pause campaign

  • Distribute contacts across devices

  • Resume campaign

Messages Stuck for Hours

Situation: Messages have been pending/queued for 4+ hours with no movement.

Diagnosis Steps:

  1. Check Device

    • Is phone online?

    • Is WhatSnap Gateway app running?

    • Is app showing "Connected"?

  2. Check SIM

    • Can you send SMS directly from phone?

    • Is SIM active and has signal?

    • Has carrier blocked your SIM?

  3. Check Integration

    • Is WhatSnap connected in GHL?

    • Try reconnecting integration

    • Check device is assigned to sub-account

  4. Check for Errors

    • Any error messages in dashboard?

    • Look up error codes

    • Address specific errors

Resolution:

  • If device issue → Restart app/device

  • If SIM issue → Contact carrier or replace SIM

  • If integration issue → Reconnect WhatSnap

  • If persistent → Delete stuck messages and resend

MMS Not Sending

Situation: Picture messages stuck in queue.

Common Cause: WhatSnap Gateway not set as default messaging app.

Solution:

  1. On Android device:

    • Settings → Apps → Default apps → SMS app

    • Select WhatSnap Gateway as default

  2. Restart WhatSnap Gateway app

  3. MMS should now send

Additional checks:

  • Ensure image is under 800 KB

  • Check device signal strength (MMS needs stronger signal than SMS)

  • Try connecting to WiFi and enable WiFi calling

Queue Management Tools

WhatSnap Dashboard Features

Available Actions:

  • ✅ View pending message count

  • ✅ View queued message count

  • ✅ Process individual messages

  • ✅ Delete individual messages

  • ✅ Bulk process (if available)

  • ✅ Bulk delete (if available)

  • ✅ View error details

  • ✅ Filter by status

  • ✅ Filter by device

Monitoring Queue Health

Healthy Queue:

  • ⬇️ Messages move from Pending → Queued → Delivered within minutes

  • ✅ Queue length stays manageable (under 50 messages)

  • ✅ No error messages

  • ✅ Delivery rate above 95%

Unhealthy Queue:

  • ⚠️ Messages stuck for 30+ minutes

  • ⚠️ Queue length growing (more incoming than sending)

  • ⚠️ Multiple error messages

  • ⚠️ Delivery rate below 90%

Action for Unhealthy Queue:

  1. Stop sending new messages immediately

  2. Diagnose root cause

  3. Fix underlying issue

  4. Clear stuck messages

  5. Resume sending slowly

Advanced Queue Management

For High-Volume Operations

If running large campaigns (1,000+ messages/day):

Strategy 1: Stagger Sending

Campaign 1: Send 100 msgs
Wait: 2 hours (let queue clear)
Campaign 2: Send 100 msgs
Wait: 2 hours
Repeat...

Strategy 2: Multi-Device Load Balancing

  • Distribute contacts across 3-5 devices

  • Each device processes independently

  • Total throughput multiplied by device count

Strategy 3: Queue Length Triggers

  • Monitor queue length via API (if available)

  • Pause sending if queue exceeds threshold (e.g., 50)

  • Resume when queue drops below threshold (e.g., 20)

See: Multiple SMS Accounts - Load Balancing

Troubleshooting Persistent Queue Issues

Issue: Queue Never Clears

Checklist:

If all checked and queue still stuck:

  1. Restart WhatSnap Gateway app

  2. Restart Android device completely

  3. Delete queued messages and resend in smaller batches

  4. Contact support: support@whatsnap.ai

Issue: New Messages Immediately Queue

Cause: Messages are queuing faster than they can be sent.

Solutions:

  1. Slow down sending:

    • Increase workflow delays

    • Use drip mode (1 msg per minute)

    • Pause campaigns temporarily

  2. Add capacity:

    • Connect additional devices/SIM cards

    • Distribute contacts across devices

    • Scale horizontally

  3. Switch carriers:

    • If current carrier is rate-limiting

    • Try carrier with higher limits

    • Consider Twilio for ultra-high volume

Related Resources

Questions about pending or queued messages? Contact WhatSnap support at support@whatsnap.ai with details about stuck messages and error codes.

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