HT201422: If you get an error when trying to activate iMessage or FaceTime

Learn about If you get an error when trying to activate iMessage or FaceTime
Czet

Q: iMessages authentication

I am getting an error message in iMessages:

    "An error occurred during authentication". 

I am already signed in on my iCloud account, but iMessages wants me to sign in again when that error message is delivered. 

How do I fix this?

Posted on Aug 27, 2016 10:06 AM

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Q: iMessages authentication

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  • Helpful answers

  • by JayB.,

    JayB. JayB. Aug 28, 2016 12:35 PM in response to Czet
    Community Specialists
    Aug 28, 2016 12:35 PM in response to Czet

    Hi Czet,

    If you are getting an error about authenticating your Apple ID, you can try signing out of the iMessage app completely then signing back in. If you still have issues after signing out and back in, try using this link for further assistance. 

     

    If you get an error when trying to activate iMessage or FaceTime

     

    To sign out of the iMessage App:

    Tap Settings > Messages > Send & Receive > tap your Apple ID > Sign out

     

    These steps should have your iMessage app working as expected. Thanks for using Apple Support Communities to post your question. 

    Have a great day. 

  • by Czet,

    Czet Czet Aug 28, 2016 3:20 PM in response to JayB.
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 28, 2016 3:20 PM in response to JayB.

    JayB, Thanks for your reply.

     

    I’ve had no trouble iMessaging from my devices.  Its my old MacPro (mid-2010) that used to work but has quit doing so.  It requires me to activate my icloud account (which is already activitated since I use iCould, itself) but the error message keeps coming up and it won’t let me log in.

     

    Czet

  • by irina_w,

    irina_w irina_w Aug 31, 2016 7:32 AM in response to Czet
    Community Specialists
    Aug 31, 2016 7:32 AM in response to Czet

    No problem Czet, glad I can provide some assistance for you. Since your iOS devices are not the issue here, please use this link to sign out of Messages on your Mac then set it back up. Messages (El Capitan): Set up Messages 

     

    Once you sign out then set it back up you should be good to go.

     

    Take care.