iMessage is an Apple messaging app that allows you to send texts to other Apple users via the internet. It’s a great way to get your messages across without using your plan’s regular SMS/MMS allowance. Before you can start sending messages through iMessage, you need to activate it. This is usually a quick and easy process unless you run into an error on the way.
If your iMessage activation was unsuccessful, there are many troubleshooting solutions that can fix the issue. Below are 10 fixes you can try before you contact customer support.
How to Activate iMessage
First, make sure you try activating your iMessage the right way. You need to turn it on in your app settings to start using this service.
- Go to your Settings.
- Find “Messages” on the list.
- Activate iMessage by toggling the switch next to it, so it is green.
If you get an error message at this stage, there is a problem in the process.
iMessage Activation Unsuccessful Error
You may see several error messages when an error with iMessage activation occurs. The “Activation Unsuccessful” popup is just one of them. Your phone may also say “Waiting for activation,” “An error occurred,” etc. Regardless of what error message you are seeing, try the following steps:
Check Your Internet Connection
iMessage requires an internet connection to activate. First, check that your Wi-Fi or cellular data is on and haven’t accidentally switched Airplane mode “on.” A poor Wi-Fi connection can also cause issues, so you may want to turn it off and change to data instead if yours isn’t ideal. If you don’t have data, you can simply go someplace where you can get decent Wi-Fi and try activating your iMessage app again.
Try Airplane Mode
While iMessage won’t activate in Airplane mode, this setting may still help with your issue. You can eliminate some network issues by giving your connections a “restart.”
- Go to your Settings app.
- Turn on Airplane mode at the top of the screen.
- Wait a few seconds, and then turn it back off.
Try activating iMessage again to see if this fixed the problem.
Wait 24 Hours
iMessage may take as long as 24 hours to activate, so you may need a little patience before taking any drastic steps. If your phone says, “Waiting for activation,” all you might need to do is wait. If your iMessage has still not activated after a day, it’s time to move on to the next possible fix.
Check Apple’s System Status
An activation failure doesn’t necessarily mean an issue on your end. So, next, check if the issue may be on Apple’s end:
- Head to Apple’s System Status page.
- Find iMessage on the list.
If the circle next to it is red, Apple is having issues with iMessage, and that’s why you couldn’t activate your app. There’s nothing you can do but wait until Apple corrects the problem. If the circle is green, on the other hand, you need to continue looking for a solution.
Look for an Update
Another reason why your iMessage may not be activating is outdated software. Is your iPhone running on the latest version of iOS? Check whether an update is available in the following way:
- Open your Settings app.
- Tap “General” on the list.
- Go to the second option, “Software Update.”
Any available update for your device will appear here. You can download and install it with a tap. Wait until your phone reboots and try activating iMessage again. If the cause of your issue was a system bug, this should have fixed it.
If you have no update available, move on to the next possible fix.
Restart Your Device
The following method is straightforward, and it can eliminate some temporary errors that may have prevented your iMessage from activating. This fix involves deactivating iMessage and restarting your device:
- Open your Settings app.
- Scroll down to find “Messages” in your app list.
- Toggle the switch next to “iMessage” to disable it.
- Turn off your device and then turn it back on.
- Go back to your Settings and then Messages.
- Tap the switch next to “iMessage.”
Wait for a few minutes to see if the fix was successful.
Correct the Date and Time
Your date and time zone settings can also mess with your iMessage activation attempt. You have to make sure they are correct to ensure proper activation. Reset your date and time on your iPhone this way:
- Open Settings and tap “General.”
- Find “Date & Time” and tap it.
- Make sure you have “Set automatically” on. If it’s already on, turn it off and turn it back on.
Check if iMessage works now.
Sign Out and In Again
The next fix involves your Apple ID. Since iMessage is connected to your Apple ID, signing out of your account and signing back in again can eliminate some temporary issues with your account:
- Open your Settings.
- Tap your profile right at the top of the screen.
- You will find the “Sign Out” button at the bottom.
- Sign back into your Apple ID account.
Once you’ve returned to your account, try activating iMessage again.
Fix Your Network Settings
We already mentioned that you need an internet connection for iMessage activation. Sometimes, resetting your network settings get iMessage to work. Follow these steps to reset your network settings:
- Go to Settings and then “General.”
- Find the “Transfer or Reset iPhone” the tap “Reset” option near the bottom of the screen.
- Choose “Reset Network Settings” on the next screen.
- Enter your passcode, and your phone will restart.
After your phone has rebooted, recheck iMessage.
Check With Your Carrier
Finally, your carrier might have to do with your activation issue. Before you contact them to inquire, check if you have a carrier update available. You may have accidentally skipped an update when it popped up on your screen, leading to connectivity issues.
- Open your iPhone’s Settings and hit “General.”
- Tap “About.”
- Stay on this screen for a few seconds.
If you have a carrier settings update available, it will appear automatically. Update your settings and try iMessage again. If nothing happens after about 15-30 seconds, there is no new update, and this wasn’t the cause of your issue.
Start Texting With iMessage
iMessage is a core Apple feature, so you can’t get full use of your device until you solve this issue. Luckily, one of the above fixes usually does the job, and you’ll be able to activate your iMessage app. If not, Apple support is your next stop.
Which of the above solutions did the trick for you? Share your experience with us in the comments.
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.
