IMessage has a long history of throwing unexpected errors, such as the infamous “iMessage waiting for activation,” without diminishing how user-friendly it is. Another annoying problem is the iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message error, which persists even after you’ve set up the messaging app flawlessly. When you have this problem, you start to question what might possibly be wrong or be the reason why the app is acting up. The iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message issue on the iPhone can be fixed using any one of these ten techniques, so there’s no need to panic.
10 Things to Try if iMessage Isn t Working on iPhone (2022)
1. Force Quit Messages App and Try Again
If iMessage isn’t allowing you send any messages, try forcing the app to close first.
- On iPhone and iPad without the home button: Swipe up from the home bar and hold along the middle of the screen. Then, swipe up on the Messages app card to kill the app.
- On iPhone and iPad with the home button: Double-press the home button to bring up the app switcher. After that, swipe up on the app card to force kill the Messages app.
2. Turn On/Off Airplane Mode
iMessage might not function as intended if your internet connection is sluggish. It’s really simple to restart the radios because of aircraft mode.
- On iPhone and iPad without the home button: Swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen to bring up the control center and then hit the airplane mode icon to turn it on. After waiting for a few seconds, hit the airplane mode icon to turn it off.
- On iPhone and iPad with the home button: Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to access the control center and then tap the airplane icon to activate it. Now, wait for a few seconds and then hit the airplane icon to turn it off.
3. Disable/Enable iMessage
Turning iMessage on and off is the one fix I always try when it’s not functioning properly. It frequently assists me in resolving iMessage problems. Therefore, I’m going to rely on this straightforward hack to also fix this issue.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app and choose Messages. After that, turn off the toggle for iMessage.
- Now, restart your device. After your device has rebooted, go back to the iMessage setting and then turn it back on.
4. Send As SMS When iMessage is Unavailable
When iMessage isn’t available, iOS lets you send a message as an SMS. Enable this option to make sure your messaging doesn’t stop, even though it’s not a solution per per.
- Navigate to the Settings app and choose Messages.
- Now, turn on the toggle for Send As SMS.
5. Force Restart
The error message still appears, right? Do not be alarmed; we are not finished yet. We will now force the device to restart. It should fix the issue because it is well-known for curing typical iPhone/iPad issues.
- On iPhone/iPad without the home button: Press and quickly release the volume up button. Then, press and quickly release the volume down button. Now, hold down the power button until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
- On iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Hold down the power button and the volume down button at once until the Apple logo shows up on the screen.
- On iPhone 6s and iPad with the home button: Press and hold the home button and the power button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
6. Check iMessage Server Status
Verify that the iMessage server is not experiencing an outage. Check to see if the tiny circle to the left of iMessage is green by opening a browser on your device, visiting Apple’s system status page (visit), and then clicking. iMessage is not available if the circle is orange. Wait till Apple fixes the problem in this case.
7. Software Update
For better or worse, software updates now appear to be the solution to the majority of iOS and iPadOS problems. Update the software on your device if the error notice keeps up when you try to send an iMessage.
- Head over to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and choose General.
- Now, select Software Update and then download and install the latest version of iOS/iPadOS on your device.
8. Reset Network Settings
Resetting the network settings might be able to address the problem if your internet connection appears to be too weak or is not functioning as it should.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and choose General.
- Now, scroll down to the bottom and choose Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad.
- Next, tap Reset and choose Reset Network Settings.
- After that, enter your device and Screen Time passcode, and then hit Reset Network Settings to confirm.
9. Sign Out of Apple ID and Sign Back In
A new sign-in has the ability to resolve several iOS problems. So it would make sense to give it a shot as well.
- To sign out of Apple ID and sign back in, open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and tap your profile.
- Now, scroll down and hit Sign Out. After that, make sure to keep a copy of all the important data before signing out of your account.
- Next, tap Sign in to your iPhone/iPad in the Settings menu, and then use your Apple ID and password to log in to your account.
10. Reset All Settings
Your device needs a factory reset
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and choose General.
- Now, scroll down to the bottom and select Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad.
- Next, tap Reset and choose Reset All Settings.
- If prompted, enter your device and Screen Time Passcode (if prompted) and confirm the action by tapping Reset All Settings in the popup.
iMessage Needs to Be Enabled to Send This Message Error Resolved!
if iMessage still doesn’t function. For those who are unfamiliar, a factory reset retains all of your media and data intact while erasing all of the current settings, including Wi-Fi passwords.
