How to fix the iMessage activation error?

iMessage activation error is a common issue that can occur on Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs, when attempting to activate iMessage. iMessage is an instant messaging service developed by Apple that allows users to send text messages, photos, and videos to other Apple devices over Wi-Fi or cellular data.

The activation error typically appears as a message saying “iMessage Activation An Error Occurred During Activation. Try Again.” This error can occur for a variety of reasons, including network issues, problems with the Apple ID or iCloud account, and software glitches.

You’re unable to use iMessage on your iPhone for unknown reasons. Your iPhone will not send iMessages no matter what you do. In this article, I’ll explain why your iPhone is displaying an iMessage activation error and how to resolve the issue permanently!

Why do I see this Error?

There are a number of possible causes for the iMessage activation error on your iPhone. Your iPhone must be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data to use iMessage. It must also be able to receive SMS text messages, which are the typical text messages displayed in green bubbles.

Almost every mobile plan includes SMS texting; double-check your account if you have a prepaid plan. Before you may receive SMS texts, you may need to fund your account.

How to fix the iMessage activation error?

All of this means that we can’t determine whether the iMessage activation error is caused by an issue in your iPhone or the cell phone plan. To analyse and fix the real reason why you’re getting an error when trying to enable iMessage.

Fix 1) WiFi or Cellular Data might not be working

If your iPhone is linked to a Wi-Fi network or cellular data, iMessage will work. It’s always a good idea to double-check that your iPhone is linked to Wi-Fi or cellular data. To check if your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, go to Settings and tap Wi-Fi.

Make sure the Wi-Fi switch is turned on and the name of your network has a blue checkmark next to it. If Wi-Fi is turned on, try turning it off and on again.

After that, go to Settings, hit Cellular, and turn on the switch next to Cellular Data. To fix a minor software malfunction, you may wish to try toggling the switch off and on once more.

Fix 2) Check if Time and Date are working Correctly

If your iPhone’s Date & Time settings or time zone are incorrect, iMessage activation may fail. Your iPhone may believe it’s in the past or the future!

To begin, go to Settings and select General -> Date & Time. To ensure your iPhone is set to the right date and time, turn on the switch next to Set Automatically.

Then select Settings -> Privacy -> Location Services -> System Services from the drop-down menu. Make sure the switch next to Setting Time Zone is turned on. If that’s the case, your iPhone’s clock will automatically adjust to your time zone.

If Setting Time Zone is turned off, tap it to turn it on until your iPhone’s clock refreshes to match your time zone.

Fix 3) Check if Airplane Mode is Turned OFF

Your iPhone will not connect to Wi-Fi or cellular networks while in Airplane mode, so you won’t be able to use iMessage. Make sure the switch adjacent to Airplane Mode is turned off in Settings.

Toggle Airplane Mode on and off again if it’s turned off. Minor Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity difficulties can occasionally be resolved this way.

Fix 4) Check for Carrier Settings

Apple and your wireless carrier make carrier settings updates on a regular basis to improve your iPhone’s ability to connect to your carrier’s network. To check if a carrier settings update is available, open Settings and go to General -> About.

If an update is available, a pop-up will show on the screen within a few seconds. If a pop-up window displays, select Update. A carrier settings update is unlikely to be available if the pop-up does not appear after roughly 15 seconds.

Fix 5) Update your iPhone with New Version

Apple releases new iOS upgrades to repair minor faults and provide new features to your iPhone. Open Settings and select General -> Software Update from the drop-down menu. Tap Download and Install if a new iOS update is available.

Fix 6) Try Login Again with your Apple ID

Minor account troubles can sometimes be resolved by logging out and back into your Apple ID. Because iMessage is tied to your Apple ID, an activation problem might be caused by a tiny malfunction or error with your account.

At the top of the screen, press Your Name to open Settings. Tap Sign Out at the bottom of the page once you’ve scrolled all the way down. Before you are logged out, you will be asked to enter your Apple ID password.

Tap the Sign In button now that you’ve signed out of your Apple ID. To log in again, use your Apple ID and password.

Fix 7) Try iPhone Reset or Network Reset

All of your iPhone’s Wi-Fi, Cellular, Bluetooth, and VPN settings will be wiped and returned to factory defaults when you reset their network settings. Once the reset is complete, you’ll need to reenter your Wi-Fi passwords and reconnect your Bluetooth devices to your iPhone.

Tap General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone -> Reset -> Reset Network Settings in Settings. You may confirm the reset by entering your iPhone passcode by tapping Reset Network Settings. When the reset is finished, your iPhone will shut down, reset, and turn back on.

Fix 8) Contact Apple Care or Network Helpline

It’s time to contact Apple or your wireless carrier if you’re still getting an iMessage activation issue on your iPhone. Because iMessage is a feature exclusive to iPhones, I recommend starting at the Apple Store. To schedule a phone call, live chat, or in-person appointment at an Apple Store near you, go to Apple’s support website.

If your iPhone is unable to receive an SMS text message, you should first contact your wireless provider. The customer service numbers for the three main cellphone providers are shown below. If your carrier isn’t mentioned here, search for “customer service” and your carrier’s name.

How to fix “Waiting for activation” iMessage error?

When iMessage and FaceTime “activate,” they’re really contacting Apple’s servers to verify that you’re using a valid Apple ID. As a result, if Apple’s servers are down, your applications will not be able to activate.

Apple has a webpage that keeps track of all of its servers and notifies them if any of them fall. Check for a green dot next to the FaceTime and iMessage tabs; if the dots are yellow or red, the servers are having problems. If that’s the case, you must now wait for Apple to fix the servers.