my messages are failing

Hello there donna,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities!

I would suggest taking a look at this article named iOS: Troubleshooting Messages found here http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2755

If you still can't send or receive SMS or MMS messages

1. See the iPhone Troubleshooting Assistant.
2. Verify that every phone number in your contacts list includes an area code.
3. When sending to existing contacts, ensure that your contacts include the full phone number, and not just the information needed to dial locally.
4. If you have recently ported your number from another carrier, please contact your current carrier to verify that the porting process has completed successfully.

If you still can't send or receive MMS messages

1. To send and receive MMS messages on your iPhone, verify that your wireless carrier supports MMS².
2. Ensure that MMS Messaging is turned on in Settings > Messages.
3. Verify that your phone is able to access cellular data.
   • Some carriers allow you to edit your APN (Access Point Name), which may prevent MMS from working.
   • If you are roaming outside your calling area, make sure you have Data Roaming turned on in Settings > General > Cellular to send or receive MMS content.
   • While on a phone call, you will be unable to send or receive MMS messages when using an EDGE, GPRS, or any CDMA cellular data network. After the phone call ends, you will receive any incoming messages. If you tried to send an MMS message, you may need to send it again.
4. If the issue persists and your wireless carrier has confirmed that your wireless account is provisioned² for MMS, restore the iPhone.

If you still can't send or receive iMessages

1. Ensure that iMessage is turned on in Settings > Messages.
2. To send and receive iMessages, your device must have a valid cellular or Wi-Fi data connection.
   • iPhone: Troubleshooting Cellular data
   • iOS: Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections
3. iMessage registration validates your Apple ID for use with iMessage. If you are unable to activate iMessage, follow this article.
4. If an iMessage cannot be sent, it will be resent using SMS or MMS, depending on the content. You can turn this behavior on or off in Settings > Messages > Send As SMS. Carrier messaging rates may apply.
5. Verify that the Apple ID or phone number is listed in Settings > Messages > Send & Receive.

Note: To receive iMessages sent to your phone number on your iPad, iPod touch, or Mac, you must meet the following requirements:

• iPad or iPod touch using iOS 6 or a Mac using OS X 10.8.2.
• Verify that you are signed in to your Apple ID account on Settings > Messages > Send & Receive.

Regards,

Sterling