By Gina Barrow, Last updated: December 28, 2019

Excited to use your iMessage but failed to activate it? Fret no more, check out how to fix iMessage activation error below!

Toggle the iMessage option to turn it off then back on. It's simple and works most of the time. If it doesn't then let's try something else. Fix 2: On the same settings page, you can check to see if iMessage is set up properly on your iPad. Restart your iPhone by pressing the side button (or the button on top of the iPhone if you have an 4.7in iPhone). Now go back to Settings Messages and turn on iMessage. And go to Settings. After turning off iMessages on both your iPhone and Mac computer. Waif for several minutes and turn the iMessage back on again, then check if the iMessages sync properly across your devices. If not, you can move to the next solution. The first thing that is worth trying if for you to turn off iMessage on your tablet. Then you can reboot, and finally, you can turn iMessage back on. Go to Settings, then Messages. Toggle the switch next to iMessage to the off position.

Part 1. How to use iMessage？

Apple’s iMessage is an intimate way of communicating with friends and loved ones over an internet connection. iMessage is better than the regular SMS or MMS because it does a whole lot more. It lets you send photos, videos, files, locations, and other data. It works over Wi-Fi and does not count on your monthly plan.

Because iMessage sends and receives files over Apple’s servers, the transfer is faster compared to your phone carriers. The only thing that matters here is that, it works only between iOS devices such as iPhone, iPods, iPad, and even Mac. In case you are in a group chat with one friend using android then it will be taken as a regular SMS or MMS on his/her part.

Head to Settings - Messages and tap the button next to iMessage to turn iMessage off on your iPhone or iPad. Next, hold the power button down until you see ‘Slide to Power Off’ and slide your finger across the bar to turn off your iPhone or iPad. Turn your device back on, head back to Settings - Messages, and turn iMessage back on.

Many find iMessage more convenient than SMS/MMS due to privacy protection, useful features, and an awesome app exclusivity. However, not all Apple users find it easy to use, there are reported incidents of iMessage activation not working.

Find out how tofix iMessage activation failed in the next parts of this article.

Part 2. How to Fix 'iMessage Waiting for Activation” Error?

When your iMessage waiting for activation on any of the iOS devices, you might encounter several errors such as:

• Waiting for activation
• Activation unsuccessful
• An error occurred during activation
• Could not sign in, please check your network connection

What you need is to verify the following device settings:

1. Upon activating iMessage, you need an SMS messaging service to activate the phone number. You will also need this upon activating FaceTime.
2. Check the date and time settings on the device. Make sure you have the correct time zone by going to Settings>General>Date & Time.
3. Make sure you have the latest iOS update on the iPhone
4. Verify that you have SMS plan
5. Call your network carrier if the support iMessage. Some carriers may block services such as iMessage

Restart iMessage on iPhone to activate iMessage

1. Open Settings on the iPhone
2. Toggle off iMessage
3. Restart your phone
4. Go back to Settings
5. Toggle on iMessage

Wait for 24 hours. It usually takes a maximum of 24 hours for the complete activation period. If the issue still persists, contact Apple support.

Do you think it has only these methods? No, Keep Reading!

Part 3. How to Fix 'iMessage Activation Error'?

Although you can follow the steps provided by Apple support, there are some methods that activate imessages by doing these recommended options. These are the compiled steps that helped other users fix the given error without putting too much stress on you. You can practically fix this error anytime.

Top 5 Ways to Fix iMessage Activation Failed

1. Method 1. Waiting is Wise.
   
2. Method 2. Setup “My Info”.
   
3. Method 3. Sign in and out of Apple ID.
   
4. Method 4. Use Airplane Mode activation.
   
5. Method 5. Erase all Contents and Settings.

Method 1. Waiting is Wise

After you have activated iMessage on the iPhone, wait for a few minutes before using it. It usually takes a few minutes to 2 hours for the full application activation. This is because due to the following scenarios:

• Weak wireless network signal
• Apple servers are busy
• Mobile Data limit is throttled

If you think it has lapsed the given estimated time, continue to the next steps below.

Method 2. Setup “My Info”

As you know, it takes a valid mobile number for the iMessage to activate. Before turning it on, make sure you have filled in the required details under ‘My Info’. Go to Settings, find and tap Contacts, and then tap My Info and enter the correct number and from the list.

Method 3. Sign in and out of Apple ID

If the above steps didn’t resolve the iMessage activation failed, consider signing out of your Apple ID and then sign back in. Here’s how to do it:

• Open Settings
• Go to Messages
• Tap Send & Receive
• Find your Apple ID and tap Sign Out
• Turn off iMessage
• After a few minutes, enter your Apple ID
• Turn on iMessage

This should now how to activate iMessage on the iPhone. If the issue still persists, continue to the next given step below.

Method 4. Use Airplane Mode activation

Another way to fix iMessage won't activate is by using airplane mode. A lot of users find it effective so why not go ahead and try!

• Turn off iMessage from Settings
• Turn on Airplane mode (this will automatically turn off the Wi-Fi)
• Turn on iMessage
• Enter your Apple ID in the popup
• Turn off Airplane mode
• Tap OK when you see “Your carrier may charge for SMS”
• Wait for a few minutes and the iMessage will be activated shortly

After a while, you will see your number checked alongside your Apple ID.

Method 5. Erase all Contents and Settings

If the above steps all failed, then you might need to erase the entire files on the iPhone and reset. This may be an application glitch which can be fixed by restoring the device. However, we do not highly recommend doing the restore unless you have made a full backup of your iPhone data.

You have two options to backup, iTunes and iCloud to ensure that all your files are intact and safe from any data loss.

Once you have fully backed up the iPhone, go to Settings, tap General, find and tap Reset, and finally tap on “Erase All Contents and Settings”.

After resetting the iPhone, you can now finally set up the device like the first time and turn on iMessage and you finally fixed the iMessage activation failed!

Part 4. Conclusions

We have given you the entire methods on how to fix iMessage activation error and hopefully, this has helped you resolve such issues. In case you are hesitant to perform a reset, we strongly advise that you use a free program called FoneDog Toolkit- iOS Data Backup & Restore.

FoneDog Toolkit- iOS Data Backup & Restore is a one-click program that essentially backs up the entire iOS devices like iPhone, iPad, iPod to the computer. It simply lets you connect your iPhone to the computer and backup all data for future references. It also can restore your data from backup files.

Free Download to have a try!!!

You may also perform data restore by using the same procedure. How easy it is to use FoneDog Toolkit- iOS Data Backup & Restore why not use this software instead of tiring yourself in doing things manually? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Imessage Not Working On Mac