If you are unable to use iMessage on iPhone due to “iMessage Waiting for Activation” error, you can find below the steps to fix this error and activate iMessage on your iPhone.
Reason for iMessage Activation Error on iPhone
In general, error message reading “iMessage Waiting for Activation” usually occurs while trying to activate iMessage for the first time on iPhone.
However, this error message is also known to occur after changing phone number, switching to a new mobile service provider and while being outside the range of service providers network.
There could be various reasons for “iMessage Waiting for Activation” error on your iPhone, ranging from network connectivity issues to your Apple ID not being recognized or blocked by iCloud.
1. Enable/Disable Airplane Mode
Enabling and disabling Airplane Mode helps in refreshing cellular network and resets the wireless antennas on iPhone.
Go to Settings > enable Airplane Mode by moving the toggle to ON position.
Wait for 30 seconds and disable Airplane Mode by moving the toggle to OFF position. After this, go to Settings > Messages and see if ‘Waiting for Activation’ message is now gone.
2. Check iMessage Server Status
The problem could be due to Apple’s iMessage service being down or going through problems. To confirm, visit Apple’s System Status page and take 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.
3. Check iMessage Settings
Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive > On the next screen, make sure your 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.
4. Use Apple ID for iMessage
Since, you are having problems activating iMessage with Phone Number, see if you can do it using your Apple ID Email Address.
Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive > On the next screen, tap on Use Your Apple ID for iMessage.
Follow the steps to add your Apple ID to iMessage.
5. Install Updates
The problem could be due to an iOS update waiting to be installed on your iPhone.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
On the next screen, tap on Download and Install (If an Update is available).
6. Sign Out of Apple ID and Sign Back In
As mentioned above, the problem could be due to your Apple ID not being recognized by iCloud.
Go to Settings > tap on your Apple ID Name > scroll all the way down and tap on the Sign-out option.
Wait for 30 seconds and sign-in back into Apple ID by tapping on Sign in to your iPhone option.
7. Refresh iMessage and FaceTime
Users have reported fixing this issue by disabling and then enabling Apple’s iMessage service.
Go to Settings > Messages and switch OFF iMessage.
Similarly, go to Settings > FaceTime and switch OFF FaceTime. After this, go to Settings > General > scroll down and tap on Shut Down.
Wait for 30 seconds and restart iPhone by pressing the Power button. After iPhone restarts, go to Settings > Messages and enable iMessage and FaceTime on your iPhone.
8. Check Date and Time
Having incorrect Time & Date Settings can have an impact on iMessage and other Apple Services on iPhone.
Go to Settings > General > Date & Time > disable Set Automatically option and make sure iPhone is displaying the correct Date, Time and Time Zone City.
If required, correct the Date, Time or Time Zone as required by tapping on Date, Time and Time Zone entries.
Note: The recommended option is to switch or Enable Set Automatically option and allow iPhone to get the correct Date and Time.
9. Add Credit to Your Phone Plan
The problem could be due to Apple using your Carriers Network to activate iMessage service on your device.
If you are on limited plan, make sure that you are still within the limits of your Plan and your account still has the balance to send and receive SMS Messages.
10. Reset Network Settings
Note down the Password for your WiFi Network and follow the steps below to Reset Network Settings on your device to Factory Default Settings.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > On the pop-up, select Reset Network Settings option.
After iPhone starts, go back to Settings > WiFi > select your WiFi network. When prompted, enter your WiFi Network Password.
After iPhone connects to WiFi network, see if you are able to activate iMessage.
11. Wait for 24 Hours
According to Apple it can take up to 24 hours to activate iMessage and FaceTime. If the issue continues beyond 24 hours, Apple recommends the following steps.
- Make sure the latest version of iOS is installed on your iPhone (See above).
- Contact your carrier (if you are not receiving SMS messages).
- Contact Apple Support.
