iMessage Not Working [Mac, iPhone, iPad] – Suggested Fixes

Although Apple’s messaging service usually works without problems, you might notice that sometimes your message doesn’t get delivered or that you’re not receiving messages.

Multiple factors can affect your iMessage. Fortunately, the solutions are usually simple. Take a look at the possible causes and solutions in this article.

iMessage Not Working on Mac

If you think iMessage isn’t working on your Mac, here are the possible causes and fixes:

Check Your Internet Connection

Let’s start with the basics. Unlike regular text messages, iMessage’s require an internet connection. Check if you’re connected to the internet and ensure it’s working by visiting a website.

Restart Your Mac

Restarting your Mac refreshed all the apps installed, including iMessage. Press the Apple logo at the top-left corner and then select “Restart.” Once restarted, try opening iMessage and sending a text.

Check Your Apple ID or iCloud

iMessage won’t function without your Apple ID or iCloud. If you’ve entered the wrong one or logged out, iMessage won’t work. Here’s how to check:

1. Press the Apple logo.
   
2. Select “System Preferences.”
   
3. Open “iCloud Settings.”
   

In settings, ensure that you’re logged in with an ID that matches what you’re using on other devices. If not, iMessage won’t sync and you might experience problems with your messages.

Re-Enable iMessage

You can try disabling and enabling iMessage. The app may experience temporary glitches that can be resolved this way:

1. Open the app and go to the menu.
   
2. Select “Preferences.”
   
3. In the iMessage tab, uncheck the box next to “Enable Messages in iCloud” and close the app.
   
4. Open the app and return to the same settings to enable it again.

Sign Out From the App

You can also try signing out and back in. Follow these steps:

1. Open the messaging app and go to the menu.
2. Press “Preferences” and go to the iMessage tab.
   
3. Press “Sign out” and close the app.
   
4. Open the app and sign in again with your Apple ID.
   

Clear Cache

Another possible solution is clearing the app cache. Keep in mind that this might delete your texts. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Finder.
2. Press “Command + Shift + G.”
3. Enter the following: “~/Library/Messages/”
4. Remove files that contain “chat.db”.
5. Empty the trash folder.

Check Other Apple Devices

Chances are you’re also using an iPhone or an iPad. Check if the app is working on those devices. If it’s not, the problem may not be on your side. Apple servers might be down or there might be a different technical issue. You could report the problem and wait until it’s fixed.

iMessage Not Working on iPhone

Several things can cause iMessage to malfunction on your iPhone. Try the following list of actions.

Check Your Internet Connection

As you know, iMessage requires an internet connection. Whether it’s Wi-Fi or data, ensure the connection is stable by visiting a website or opening an app that also uses the internet. If you’re using data, check if you have used it up.

Disable Airplane Mode

You might’ve accidentally enabled Airplane mode. This would disable the internet, which causes iMessage to stop working. Here’s how to get out of it:

1. Open Control Center.
   
2. Tap the airplane icon at the top-left corner.
   

Check Your iMessage Settings

When you text someone who isn’t using an iPhone, you’re actually sending a regular SMS message. If SMS is disabled, your message won’t go through. Here’s how to check whether you’ve enabled this:

1. Open Settings and go to Messages.
   
2. Switch the toggle button next to “Send as SMS.”
   

Restart Your iPhone

As simple as it may sound, turning your iPhone off and on might resolve this. Hold the power button and volume up until your device turns off, then turn it back on. This could fix any temporary glitches and restore iMessage.

Check the Number or the Email You’ve Entered

If your iMessage didn’t go through, you might have entered the wrong number or email address. Double-check to ensure everything’s correct and resend your message.

Sign Out From the App

You could sign out and back into the app:

1. Go to Settings and open Messages.
   
2. Tap “Send and Receive.”
   
3. Tap “Apple ID” and press “Sign Out.”
   

Go to the same settings to sign back in.

Update Your iPhone

Apple frequently issues iOS updates. If you’re unsure whether your device is running the latest version, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
   
2. Tap “General.”
   
3. Tap “Software Update.”
   

If none of the above solutions work, the issue may be on Apple’s side. The servers may be down temporarily. In that case, you can only wait until the problem is resolved.

iMessage Not Working on iPad

You’ll be happy to know that you can fix this on your own in most cases. Check out the potential solutions below.

Check Your Internet Connection

iMessage requires a stable internet connection to work. If you’re connected to Wi-Fi, ensure the connection is active. If you’re using your data, check and see if you’re at the limit. If you’re out of data, iMessage won’t work unless you connect to Wi-Fi.

Disable Airplane Mode

iMessage won’t work airplane mode because you’re not connected to the internet. Check if it’s disabled by following these steps:

1. Open Control Center.
2. Select the airplane icon at the top-left corner and ensure it’s disabled.

Check Settings

You can only send iMessage’s to Apple users. Whenever you want to text a non-Apple user, the message will be sent as a regular SMS if you’ve enabled that option. If it’s disabled, the text won’t go through. Double-check this by following these steps:

1. Open Settings and go to Messages.
2. Check the toggle button next to “Send as SMS.”

Restart Your iPad

Turning your iPad off and on may get iMessage to work.

If your iPad doesn’t have a home button, hold the top and the volume button and drag the power off slider. If it does, hold the top button and drag the slider.

Wait a few minutes before turning your iPad back on.

Check the Recipient’s Information

You may have entered the wrong number or email address. Double-check the information and try resending the message.

Sign Out From the App

You can try resolving the problem by signing out and back into the app. Here are the steps:

1. Open Settings and press Messages.
2. Press “Send and Receive.”
3. Tap “Apple ID” and select “Sign Out.”

Sign back in by repeating the steps.

Update Your iPad

Malfunctions are possible if your device isn’t running the latest OS. You can check for updates as follows:

1. Open Settings.
2. Press “General.”
3. Select “Software Update.”

If available, press “Download and Install.”

iMessage Not Working for One Contact

If your iMessage issues affect only one person, here are the possible solutions:

1. When messaging someone for the first time, check if the number is correct. It’s been reported that re-entering the same number could resolve this.
2. Delete the previous message threads.
3. Check your internet connection.
4. Add the email address to Contacts.
5. Ensure both devices are set up correctly.
6. Restart your device.

iMessage Not Working With Phone Number

Numerous users have reported getting the notification “Phone number is not registered with iMessage.” Here’s what you can do to fix this:

1. Re-enable iMessage by opening your Settings.
2. If you’ve recently changed your phone number, your device may be stuck on the old one. Check and see if your current number is selected by going to Settings.
3. If you’re using multiple Apple devices, you should be using the same Apple ID for all.
4. Restart your device.
5. Update your device.

Fix iMessage in the Blink of an Eye

iMessage is one of the biggest perks of owning Apple devices. Despite this, the app can experience occasional bugs. But the good news is that they’re usually easy to fix.

Have you ever had problems with iMessage? Did you use any of the methods suggested above? Tell us in the comments section below.