How to Fix iMessage Not Activating on iPhone

Quick Tip: If you just bought an iPhone or switched from an old one to a new one and facing iMessage not activating issue, we’re here to help. Additionally, give the app a reset if you are stuck on iMessage activation and wondering why iMessage is not working. Also, ensure you are running the latest iOS and iMessage apps.

When you create a new Apple account, you also get free access to the iMessage app. And the good part is no active mobile (calling) plan is needed to use it. You just need internet access to activate it. Most of the time, it’ll start as soon as you’re done configuring your iPhone.

Read Also: A Beginner’s Guide To Set Up iMessage On Mac, iCloud For macOS & iOS.

In rare cases, the app can get stuck with a “Waiting for activation” prompt. So, if your iMessage app is not activating and is stuck, here are a few simple measures to fix your iMessage app.

Read Also: How To Send And Receive iMessage On Android.

Why is iMessage not Activated on Your iPhone?

Apart from the reasons mentioned above, iMessage can stop working due to the following reasons too:

• You have changed your mobile number or service provider.
• The iMessage server may be down.
• iPhone Date & Settings are incorrect.
• Unstable internet connection or no connectivity at all.
• iOS is outdated.

Now that you are familiar with your problem’s nature and possible causes let’s get started with the fixes.

Read Also: How to Use iMessage With Siri.

How to Fix iMessage not Activating on iPhone

Fix 1: Check For iMessage’s Server Status.

The Cupertino giant maintains a webpage that keeps track of all of its servers and records any outages. If there is a red or yellow dot adjacent to the iMessage tab instead of a green dot, the server of iMessage is not functioning properly. In that situation, wait patiently for Apple to fix the servers.

Fix 2: Check for Internet Connection

Unlike regular text messaging and phone conversations, iMessage uses internet connectivity rather than cellular connections. Therefore, it will only function if you have a data plan or are connected to a Wi-Fi network.

As a result, ensure you are using Wi-Fi or a mobile network while the iMessage activation procedure is in progress.

Read Also: How To Get iMessage On Windows 10 PC And Send Message.

Fix 3: Verify the Date & Time Settings

Apple’s servers may also be hampered by incorrect date and time, restricting a successful iMessage activation. Here’s how to change the date and time on your iPhone.

• Open Settings, scroll down and tap on the General
• Now click on the Date & Time
  
  
• Here on this page, turn on the Set Automatically toggle button by tapping on it.
  

Fix 4: Verify your Mobile number in iMessage

Have you ever been frustrated that an electric gadget wouldn’t turn on and then discovered that you had forgotten to toggle the switch? I Message follows the same reasoning. Users frequently become irate when their attempts to activate iMessage fail. To connect your mobile number to the iMessage service, follow these steps:

• Open Settings, scroll down, and tap on the Messages
• Below the iMessage toggle, tap on Send & Receive.
  
  
• Ensure that the phone number you want to use to receive and send messages has a tick adjacent to it.
  

Read Also: How to Fix iMessage not Working on Mac

Fix 5: Update your iPhone

When it’s feasible, keep your device updated. Your apps can cease functioning if you don’t keep up with the updates. The iMessage not activating issue may be resolved by updating your phone to the most recent version of iOS. To update your iPhone follow the steps below:

• Open Settings, scroll down, and tap on the General
• Now click on the Software Update
  
• If any update is available on the Software Update page, tap on the Download and Install or Install
  
  

Fix 6: Reset Network Settings

The last thing you should do before contacting Apple or your mobile service provider for more assistance is reset the network settings. All network settings will be reset for data plans, Bluetooth devices, and saved Wi-Fi networks. Therefore, you will need to configure them again manually.

While it might seem like a great deal of effort, it can assist in resolving the iMessage problem on your iPhone.

• Open Settings, scroll down, and tap on the General
• Now click on the Transfer or Reset iPhone
  
  
• On the following page, tap on Reset
  
• Now select Reset Network Settings option from the list.
  
• Reconnect to your Wi-Fi or mobile network and attempt to activate iMessage once more.

Read Also: Quick Steps on How to Add Google Search to iMessage and Safari

Fix 7: Contact Apple Support or Your Mobile Service Provider

Have you tried all of our fixes, and your iMessage is still not activating? Trying to reach your network provider should be your last option. Contact Apple Support even if this does not work.

Read Also: How to Send iMessage with Various Screen Effects.

To Wrap This Up

So, this is how you can get rid of iMessage not activating on your iPhone issue. Try these methods in the order mentioned above and tell us which approach was effective. Please also mention any different methods you’ve used in the past to resolve this problem. And for more such troubleshooting guides and tips & tricks related to Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.