The ability to receive text messages is contingent upon a mobile device’s active connection to a cellular network and sufficient power to maintain that connection. When a phone is powered off due to a depleted battery, it loses its network connectivity. Consequently, messages sent to that device are not immediately delivered. Instead, these messages are typically held by the sender’s mobile carrier for a specific period.
The temporary storage of undelivered messages ensures that they are not lost entirely. This feature is important because it allows individuals to remain reachable even when their devices are temporarily unavailable. This functionality has become a standard expectation for mobile communication, providing a buffer against temporary disruptions in device functionality.