Search results
Sep 16, 2024 · When activating iMessage or FaceTime, you might see one of these messages: Unable to contact the iMessage server. Try again. Make sure that you’re connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network. Make sure that your device has the latest version of iOS. Make sure that your time zone is set correctly. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time.
- Overview
- Check your internet connection
- Check for a service outage
- Check for software updates
- Check for the correct date, time, and time zone
- Check your Apple ID and password
- Check for VPN and security software
- If you still need help
When you turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime, your device might say that it couldn't sign in or couldn't contact the iMessage or FaceTime server.
Make sure that your device is connected to Wi-Fi or your wireless carrier's cellular data network, and that you can access the internet.
•Connect to Wi-Fi on iPad
Check our System Status page to learn whether iMessage or FaceTime is experiencing a service outage.
•Update the software on your iPad
•Update the software on your Mac
•On your iPad, check in Settings > General > Date & Time.
•On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences), then check Date & Time settings.
1.Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in with same Apple ID and password that you're using on your device. If you forgot your Apple ID or forgot your Apple ID password, resolve that before continuing.
2.If the issue is with iMessage:
•On your iPad, go to Settings > Messages. If iMessage is turned on, turn it off.
•On your Mac, open the Messages app. From the menu bar, choose Messages > Settings, then click iMessage. If you're signed in to iMessage, click Sign Out.
3.If the issue is with FaceTime:
•On your iPad, go to Settings > FaceTime. If FaceTime is turned on, turn it off.
Check for VPN and security software. If you installed such software, it could be blocking network ports used by iMessage and FaceTime. If you're not sure, it might help to try again while connected to a different network.
If you get a message that your email address isn't verified, sign in at appleid.apple.com and verify the email address. Learn what to do if you can't verify because you aren't receiving your verification email.
If you still need help, the issue might be unrelated to activation or sign in. Other solutions:
•If you can't send or receive messages on iPhone or iPad
•If you can’t send or receive messages on Mac
•If FaceTime isn't working on Mac
Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.
- Check the iMessage Service Status. The iMessage issue could be simply from Apple’s side. There’s nothing you can do if the iMessage server or service is nonfunctional.
- Don’t Use Shared Apple IDs. When you face the “iMessage not working” issue, you must remove all shared Apple IDs from your iPhone or iPad. It’s because another device might already be using your Apple ID for iMessage, hence the iMessage server denying your services.
- Check Cellular Network Plan Validity. If you’re unable to use iMessage for texting using the cellular network, the subscription might have expired. Open your cell service provider’s app and check your subscription status.
- Disable and Re-enable iMessage. When you’re stuck on iMessage errors like Waiting for activation, Activation unsuccessful, An error occurred during activation, or outgoing messages not working, here’s what you should do
- Karen Haslam
- Check if iMessage is down. The first possibility is that the server that iMessage is run from is down – which could mean that iMessage isn’t working for anyone.
- Make sure you’ve got a connection (and enough data) iMessage needs a data connection to work, so you need to make sure you’ve got 3G or 4G (or 5G) available, or a good WiFi signal.
- Make sure iMessage is on and set up correctly. Check you’re set to send and receive iMessages by going to Settings > Messages and checking that iMessage is turned on.
- Turn it off and on again and restart Messages. As in all good troubleshooting articles one essential piece of advice is to turn it off and on again. You could start off by double-pressing the Home button and swiping up on the Messages app, before relaunching it.
- Tech Writer
- Idownloadblog
- Check if iMessage is enabled or not. The first thing is to ensure iMessage is switched on and is set correctly. Open iPhone Settings and tap Messages. Make sure the iMessage switch is green.
- Force Quit the Messages app. If you are using an iPhone with Face ID, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold. If your iPhone has a Home button, quickly double press it.
- Enable and disable Airplane mode. In iPhone Settings, tap the switch for Airplane Mode. After 30 seconds, tap the same toggle to turn it off. You may also do this from the iOS Control Center.
- Ensure good internet connectivity. In many cases, when you see the irritating red exclamation mark error while sending an iMessage, or the thin bar on the top is stuck for a long time, it may be due to poor internet.
If your Message App or iMessage isn't working on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, check out our top tips to help get it back today!
People also ask
How do I fix iMessage not working on my iPhone?
How do I Turn Off iMessage on my iPad?
What if I see an error message when activating iMessage?
How do I Reset my iPhone iMessage?
What happens if iMessage is misconfigured?
Why can't I contact iMessage?
Oct 29, 2024 · When you can't send & receive messages from your iPhone, it can be frustrating. Not to worry. This article can help you troubleshoot and get iMessage back up and running in no time. Here are 10 reasons iMessage isn't working and how to fix it.
