How To Fix the iMessage Is Signed Out Error

If you come across an error saying “iMessage is signed out,” you’ll likely be forced to use SMS or MMS instead, which can drain your package deal quickly. The root of the problem typically lies in device settings, software glitches, or network problems.

The good news is that it can be fixed.

Below, we’ll list the troubleshooting tips that can help you fix this error on your iOS or Mac and continue chatting without going into the red with your service provider.

Restart Your Device

The first tip would be to try and restart your device.

Rebooting or power cycling devices can reset network connections and app settings to their last-known values, which can fix spontaneous glitches.

Even if the issue is not resolved once you’ve restarted your device, this gives you a fresh start to try again with other ways.

Check Your iMessage Server and Settings

There’s a possibility that the problem is on Apple’s end.

To check, you can go to their System Status webpage and check if everything is okay. A green dot next to “iMessage” means that the service works well and there are no reported issues, so you should try other options.

However, if the dot is yellow or red, you will have to wait for the server to recover before trying again. You can usually select the problematic service and look at more details, including workaround steps or expected update times.

Alternatively, you may have accidentally checked iMessage off when tinkering with other settings. Here’s how you can check:

1. Go to Settings.
   
2. Select “Messages.”
   
3. Check if the “iMessage” setting is on (green).
   
4. Make sure your phone number matches the iMessage number in the “Send & Receive” section.
   

Check Your Apple ID

You should also check the Apple ID that’s used for iMessages.

Here’s how to proceed:

1. Go to “Settings.”
   
2. Scroll down and click on “Messages.”
   
3. Go to “Send & Receive.”
   
4. Check if your Apple ID is added. If it’s not, add it.
   
5. To reset your Apple ID, click on it, and select “Sign Out.”
   
6. Restart your Apple device and log in again.

If you’re unable to sign in after this, try changing your location.

Reset Your iMessage Region

You could try resetting the iMessage region on your device.

Follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings.
   
2. Choose “Messages.”
   
3. Tap on “Send & Receive.”
   
4. Choose “Apple ID.”
   
5. Change your location and tap on “Region.”
   
6. Select the region and click on “Save.”
   

Check Your iPhone’s Date and Time

It might not be the location that’s causing the problem. The date and time on your device might be incorrect. To check this, you’ll need to:

1. Go to Settings, then select “General.”
   
2. Enter the “Date & Time” section and check if all settings are correct.
   
3. Swipe and activate “Set Automatically.”
   

Update Your iPhone or Mac

It could be that your device just needs to be updated to the latest version (either for the iOS itself or the Messages app).

Follow these steps:

1. Go to “Settings.”
   
2. Enter “General.”
   
3. Choose “Software updates.”
   
4. Download the update.

Bear in mind that this might take a while.

Reset Your iPhone’s Network Settings

Before you try out this step, you should know that resetting your iPhone’s network settings will delete all your Wi-Fi passwords, connected Bluetooth devices, and any other network settings.

Here are the steps:

1. Go to “Settings” and tap on “General.”
   
2. Go to “Transfer or Reset iPhone” and tap on “Reset.”
   
3. Hit “Reset Network Settings.”
   
4. Type in the device password and confirm.
   
5. Sign into your iMessages again.

Delete Your Old Messages

If none of the previous tips work, don’t lose hope, you can still try to delete your old messages.

Sometimes, when messages are piled up, it can create a bug. Delete all the messages before you noticed this problem.

More commonly, a hanging message may have been corrupted or is trying to siphon your iMessage connection. Go through the last few messages sent or received on the device. Check if any are still trying to send or download attachments. Deleting those might solve your issue.

FAQs

Why can’t my Apple ID sign into iMessage?

If your Apple ID can’t sign into iMessage, you should check third-party software installed on the device. Some firewalls or VPNs might be blocking the network ports used by iMessage.

Is the iMessage and Apple ID the same account?

Yes. Each Apple service that you use (iMessage, iCloud, FaceTime, etc.) is connected to the Apple ID you use to sign in.

Why won’t my phone number connect to iMessage?

There might be a problem with your device settings. Check if you’re connected to your cellular data or Wi-Fi.

Ring Down the Curtain

The “iMessage is signed out” error can be caused by many different reasons. We’ve shown you a couple of troubleshooting tips you can take to fix this error.

Your iMessage profile and Apple ID use the same account. Most problems are connected to your network or device, so make sure to check your connection and third-party software.

Did you come across this error before? How did you solve it? Let us know in the comments.