While Apple’s iMessage service is very reliable, it can sometimes stop working. You can find below the steps to fix the problem of iMessage not working on iPhone.
iMessage Not Working on iPhone
As mentioned above, Apple’s iMessage service has a reputation of being reliable. However, like any other messaging service, it can also go through problems and prevent users from sending and receiving messages.
Hence, we are providing below a number of steps to fix the problem of iPhone not sending or receiving iMessages and other issues due to iMessage not working properly or iMessage not at all working on an iPhone.
Before going ahead with the troubleshooting steps, make sure that your device is connected to mobile/Wi-Fi network and the network strength is good enough.
1. Enable/Disable Airplane Mode
Enabling and Disabling Airplane Mode is a quick way to reset both cellular and Wi-Fi reception on your device.
1. Go to Settings > Enable Airplane Mode by moving the Slider to ON position.
2. Wait for 30 seconds > Disable Airplane Mode by moving the Slider to OFF position.
2. Enable/Disable iMessage
The next step would be to rule out the possibility of the iMessage service on your device being stuck or going through a glitch.
1. Go to Settings > Messages > disable iMessage on your iPhone.
2. Wait for 30 seconds and enable iMessage by moving the slider next to iMessage to ON position.
3. Check iMessage Server Status
The problem could be due to Apple’s iMessage servers going through problems and being temporarily unavailable.
You can confirm this be going to Apple’s System Status page and taking a look at iMessage entry.
If there is a problem, you will see an error message next to iMessage entry and the dot next to iMessage will be Red.
4. Check iMessage Settings
The iMessage problem on your device could be due to incorrect iMessage settings.
1. Go to Settings > Messages > make sure iMessage is enabled and tap on Send & Receive .
2. On the next screen, make sure your phone number Phone Number is listed with a check mark.
If there is no check mark, tap on your Phone Number to activate iMessage for your Phone Number. If Apple ID is not listed, tap on Use your Apple ID for iMessage and sign-in to your Apple ID.
5. Disable Wi-Fi Calling
The Wi-Fi Calling feature on iPhone can sometimes lead to connectivity issues and prevent iMessages being sent and received on your device.
1. Go to Settings > Cellular > tap on Wi-Fi Calling.
2. On the next screen, disable Wi-Fi Calling.
After disabling Wi-Fi calling, see if you are able to send and receive iMessages on your device.
6. Sign Out of Apple ID and Sign Back In
Sometimes, the problem is due to your Apple ID not being recognized by iCloud.
1. Open Settings and tap on your Apple ID Name.
2. On the next screen, scroll all the way down and tap on the Sign-out option.
3. Wait for 30 seconds and sign-in back into Apple ID by tapping on Sign in to your iPhone option.
7. Install Updates
Sometimes, the problem is due to a software update waiting to be installed on your device.
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Allow iPhone to check for updates > Follow the prompts to download & install updates (if available).
8. Delete Old Messages
Users have reporting fixing iMessage problems on iPhone by simply deleting the last iMessage that was received prior to start of this problem.
Hence, delete an unwanted or old Message from your iPhone and see if this helps in fixing the problem.
9. Reset Network Settings
If above steps did not help, you can try to Reset Network Settings on your device and see if this helps in fixing the problem.
1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
2. On the pop-up, select Reset Network Settings option.
3. On the confirmation pop-up, select Reset Network Settings to confirm.
After iPhone restarts, join your Wi-Fi Network and see if iMessages are now working on your iPhone.