# My messages are not getting through

## First: identify the failure mode

- Node visible in list but messages do not arrive: routing or range issue
- Node does not appear in list at all: preset, channel, or range issue (see previous page)

## Hop count too low

If hop count is 1, you can only reach nodes in direct radio range. Increase it (Meshtastic: Radio Config - LoRa - Hop Limit, default 3 is fine for most networks).

## Network congestion

If channel utilization exceeds 25% (visible in [Meshtastic app](https://wiki.meshamerica.com/books/hardware-guide/page/meshtastic-app)), packets are colliding. Reduce your broadcast intervals for position and telemetry.

## ACK failures

Meshtastic uses ACKs to confirm delivery. No ACK means the destination node may be offline or out of range. Check its last-heard timestamp.

## Recently joined node

New nodes may not have propagated throughout the mesh yet. Wait 5-10 minutes after joining before expecting full connectivity.

## MeshCore specific

MeshCore requires successful route discovery before first contact. If intermediate repeaters are offline, the route cannot be established. Check that all repeaters in the expected path are online.